§6506 Allocation of Space

Summary

The Architect of the Capitol must offer space in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building first to the judicial branch. That space is rented back to them and follows the building plan from the Judiciary Office Building Development Act. If the Chief Justice says some space is not needed by the courts, the Architect may rent it to other federal agencies (not Congress staff), also on a reimbursable basis. Any leftover space may be subleased to private or other nonfederal tenants under the Commission for the Judiciary Office Building. Rents and reimbursements must cover the base rate set by law plus yearly costs for running and caring for the building (for example, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, security, and structural and mechanical care). The courts’ Director can assign court space, and the Chief Justice has first right to empty space and can require the Architect to provide more space within 90 days of notice (with special timing if General Services is involved). The Architect may, with required approvals, lease up to 75,000 square feet for its own use; lease payments are made on approved vouchers and money can be appropriated to pay for the lease, furniture, and telecom setup. Subleased space must be compatible with the dignity and work of the courts, charged at market-comparable rates (but not below the legal base rate plus the agreed administration costs), and the Architect must collect the rent and deposit it in the special account required by law.