GSA - Real Property FAQs

1. How should agencies acquire parking?

Agencies having a need for parking must use available government-owned or leased facilities. Agencies must inquire with GSA regional offices about the availability of government-controlled space. If no suitable government-controlled facilities are available, an agency may use its own procurement authority to acquire parking by service contract.

Automated External Defibrillators

1. What is an Automated External Defibrillator?

An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patient's heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and then administer the shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process.

2. What is the purpose of the Guidelines for Public Access Defibrillation Programs in federal facilities?

These guidelines provide a general framework for initiating a design process for public access defibrillation (PAD) programs in federal facilities. The guidelines are aimed at outlining key PAD program elements so that facility-specific, detailed plans and programs can be developed in an informed manner.

3. Do the guidelines require that automated external defibrillators be installed in Federal facilities?

No. Neither the guidelines published in the Federal Register nor the law enacted by Congress (Public Law 106-505) require the installation of defibrillators in federal facilities.

4. How would federal agencies go about acquiring the AEDs?

Agencies can acquire AEDs from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Acquisition Center, which administers the Federal Supply Schedule for medical unit items. Agencies can obtain more information concerning the purchase of AEDs from the National Acquisition Center at (708) 786-5247. (GSA delegated authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs over 30 years ago to administer medical unit items on the Federal Supply Schedule).

5. What organizations can provide medical oversight for our PAD program?

AEDs are medical devices that are to be used under the advice and consent of a physician only by individuals with the proper training and certification. Therefore, medical oversight is an essential component of PAD programs. Agencies can obtain more information concerning the development of public access defibrillation programs from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Federal Occupational Health (FOH) at (303) 236-0076, ext. 527.

6. Do people need to be trained to operate an AED?

Yes. While it is difficult to use an AED improperly, AEDs are not without risks if used improperly. AEDs are prescription devices that are intended to be operated only by individuals who have received proper training and within a system that integrates all aspects from first responder care to hospital care.

Cooperative Administrative Support Units (CASU)

1. What is CASU and is it Government?

CASU is a federal interagency support services program that provides a full range of commonly required administrative and operational support services to federal customers on an economical cost reimbursable basis. CASU is an acronym for Cooperative Administrative Support Units and has offices located throughout the country; thus forming the National CASU Network to meet customer agency needs by providing high-quality, low cost services, with quick turnaround.

2. What geographic areas are serviced by CASU?

CASU services are available throughout the United States and some overseas locations. Contracts for services are regional and national in nature, dependent and developed to respond to the customer base.

3. Do I have contract administration/management responsibilities?

No, contract administration and management is by CASU personnel, including processing invoices, modifications to contracts, negotiations with contractors, etc. What we need from the customer is a “performance work statement” or “statement of work", the funding vehicle, and point-of-contact to ensure that work is performed to customer satisfaction and needs.

4. Who performs the services and do you use GSA schedules?

Ninety-five percent of the services are performed by commercial contract vehicles; thus employing private industry to perform the work. Twenty-eight percent of the contract vehicles are GSA BPAs (blanket purchasing agreements) managed by the CASU.

5. How are CASUs funded?

CASUs are self-supporting units that recover their cost via an administrative fee-for-service. However, the fee is very low, due to volume based and well negotiated contract vehicles that have a very low cost for service to the customer. The CASUs do not have federal appropriations. Because the CASUs are self-supporting, they recognize that high-quality customer service is paramount for their survival.

Delegated Leasing Authority

1. Do federal agencies have the ability to lease space independently of GSA?

On September 25, 1996, the Administrator of General Services granted a delegation of authority to heads of Federal agencies to lease general purpose space.

2. How does a federal agency exercise this delegated authority?

A federal agency wishing to exercise the delegated leasing authority must notify, in writing, the appropriate GSA Assistant Regional Administrator for Public Buildings Service of the agency's need for general purpose space and the agency's intent to exercise its authority. The regional office will determine whether there is any vacant government-owned space in its inventory that would meet the needs of the agency. If no suitable government-owned space exists, the federal agency may find space using the delegated authority. Federal agencies must acquire and use the space in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

3. Who is responsible for administering the lease once it is awarded?

The federal agency is responsible for executing the lease, paying the rent to the lessor, and administering the contract.

4. What requirements are there for federal agency's staff exercising the delegation of authority?

Federal agencies must ensure that their lease contracting staff is properly trained to execute a lease contact. The five basic courses required by GSA are:

Federal Real Property Leasing or Basic Lease Contracting
Government Contract Negotiating
Cost and Price Analysis of Leasing Proposals
Real Estate Law or Federal Real Property Lease Law
Real Estate Appraisal Principles

5. What reporting requirements does a federal agency have once it has exercised the delegation of authority?

A federal agency must report to the GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy every six months on its delegated leasing activity. These reports are due on April 30 and October 31 of each year. They should be sent to: Evaluation & Outreach Division Office of Real Property 1800 F Street, NW, Room 6223 Washington, DC 20405. Reports may also be sent electronically to real.property@gsa.gov. The following information is required for each delegated lease exercised by an agency:

Contract Number
Building Address
Whether the building is contained within the central business area of the given city? (Answer Yes or No)
Number of Offers Received
Rentable Square Feet
ANSI (BOMA) Usable Square Feet
Rental Range
Effective Rental Range
Annual Contract Rent
Effective Date of Lease
Expiration Date
Lease Term
Completion Time to Award Lease
Build out Time
Additional Comments

Federal Employees Clean Air Act

1. What is the Federal Employees Clean Air Act?

The Act amends Title 5, United States Code (Public Law 103-172, 103rd Congress, H.R. 3318), to provide for the establishment of programs to encourage federal employees to commute by means other than single-occupancy motor vehicles.

2. What is the purpose of the Act?

The purpose of this Act is to improve air quality and to reduce traffic congestion by providing for the establishment of programs to encourage federal employees to commute by means other than single-occupancy motor vehicles.

3. Who is responsible for the completion of the Federal Employees Clean Air Report?

The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Real Property, was directed by the President as the lead agency to coordinate data collection under the Federal Employees Clean Air Incentives Act (Public Law 103-172). The Act is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. In support of this goal, federal agencies are encouraged to establish employee programs that promote commuting to work by mass transit, and implementing other alternatives to reduce pollution, such as accommodations for bicyclists and flexible work schedules.

4. Who are the reporting agencies?

Department of Agriculture
Department of Defense
Department of the Army
Marine Corps
Defense Intelligence Agency
Joint Service Schools
Central Intelligence Agency
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Farm Credit Administration
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Labor Relations Authority
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Federal Reserve System
Federal Trade Commission
Inter-American Foundation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Capital Planning Commission
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities
National Mediation Board
National Science Foundation
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Government Ethics
Office of Special Counsel
Peace Corps
Postal Rate Commission
Securities and Exchange Commission
Small Business Administration
Tennessee Valley Authority
United States Agency for International Development
United States International Trade Commission
Department of Commerce
Department of the Air Force
Department of the Navy
Defense Logistics Agency
Defense Security Service
African Development Foundation
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Corporation for National and Community Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Election Commission
Federal Housing Finance Board
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
General Services Administration
Merit Systems Protection Board
National Archives and Records Administration
National Credit Union Administration
National Labor Relations Board
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
National Transportation Safety Board
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Office of Personnel Management
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Railroad Retirement Board
Selective Service System
Social Security Administration
Trade and Development Agency
United States Commission on Civil Rights
United States Postal Service

5. Where can I find more information?

For more information, contact Rebekah Pearson, (202) 208-1850, by e-mail: rebekah.pearson@gsa.gov or visit our website: http://www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy/.

Federal Real Property Council

1. What is the Federal Real Property Council?

The Federal Real Property Council (FRPC) is a forum for departments and agencies to review, evaluate, and make governmentwide recommendations about federal real property policies or actions.

2. What are the functions of the FRPC?

The FRPC is involved in many functions, including:

Serving as a focal point to ensure cohesiveness where warranted in agencies' real property and management policies
Providing a forum for agencies to address policies and views and to build consensus on issues of mutual concern
Obtaining executive-level input, advice, and recommendations on a broad range of real property policy and workplace issues of a governmentwide nature
Fostering governmentwide dialogue and sharing of best practices in the federal real estate work environment arena
Providing opportunities for interagency planning and cooperation in the use of the federal real property inventory
Underlining the importance of managing and treating federal real property as a national asset.

3. Who is a member of the FRPC and how often do members meet?

Members of the FRPC are composed of executive-level real property professionals from each of the following departments and agencies:

Department of Agriculture
Department of the Air Force
Department of the Army
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of the Navy
Department of State
Department of the Treasury
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Department of Transportation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Architect of the Capitol
Agency for International Development
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Central Intelligence Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
General Services Administration
National Science Foundation
Office of Personnel Management
Small Agency Council
Small Business Administration
Social Security Administration
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
United States Postal Service
Naval Facilities Engineering Command

FRPC members meet at least twice each fiscal year. In addition, special meetings and forums are held on specific topics of interest (e.g. Security, Succession Planning, Property Act Reform).

4. How can I get more info about the FRPC?

For more information about the Federal Real Property Council, contact Pat Rubino at pat.rubino@gsa.gov.

GSA Achievement Award for Real Property Innovation

1. What is the GSA Achievement Award for Real Property Innovation?

In 1997, GSA's Office of Governmentwide Policy, Office of Real Property, established an annual award called the GSA Achievement Award for Real Property Innovation. The purpose of the award is to recognize and publicize the successes of the federal real property community, to improve communications between real property professionals, and share the best policies and practices implemented by federal agencies to improve management of real property and workplace development. Starting in 2003, the Innovation Award Program will recognize outstanding accomplishments in three categories. In addition to the two original categories: best innovative policy and best innovative practice, the new category, adopted best practice, will be added. Innovations may cover any real property related area, from real property management to acquisition, construction, sustainable development, renovation, disposal, security, planning, integrated workplace, and telework. Winners receive cash prizes totaling up to $30,000 for best innovative policy and practice, and the new category of adopted best practice.

2. Who is eligible to enter?

All federal government employees and members of the armed forces are eligible to enter. Civilian contractors and employees of GSA's Office of Government wide Policy are ineligible.

3. How do I obtain entry information?

To obtain complete entry information and the current downloadable forms go to http://www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy.

4. Who is the authorizing official?

The authorizing official should be in the organizational chain of command above all members of the entry team and should be at least one grade above the highest-ranking member of the team.

5. Who selects the winners?

An independent jury panel of industry experts from private industry, academia, associations and government judge the entries and select the winners.

New Real and Personal Property Management Authorities

1. What is the number of federal agencies that have real property authority? Who are they?

Thirty-three (33) federal agencies have some sort of real property authority. Agencies with authorities are listed below:

Agencies with broad authority to use asset management tools, and retain and use proceeds to optimize real property performance. Total agencies: 3

Department of Defense (including Army, Navy and Air Force)
Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Postal Service

Agencies with independent real property authority, but do not have broad authority to use asset management tools, and retain and use proceeds. Total agencies: 30

Agency for International Development
American Battle Monuments Commission
Appalachian Regional Commission
Broadcasting Board of Governors
Central Intelligence Agency
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Education
Department of Energy (includes Bonneville Power)
Department of Heath and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice (including US Parole Commission)
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation (including Coast Guard)
Department of the Treasury
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Emergency Management Agency
General Services Administration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Archives and Records Administration
National Science Foundation
National Transportation Safety Board
Securities and Exchange Commission
Smithsonian Institution
Tennessee Valley Authority
U.S. Trade Representative

2. Why do federal agencies with real property need new asset management authority?

Many federal buildings are obsolete.
Many buildings suffer from physical deterioration.
The government needs appropriate and up-to-date management tools,practices, and incentives to meet the demands of the 21st Century.
Existing legislative authority is more than 52 years old; authorities are too narrowly focused and rigid.
Buildings unable to support today's technology.
Most structures do not provide sustainable workspace.

3. What enhanced authorities are proposed for federal agencies with real property?

Outleasing to federal and non-federal entities, including PPP's with non-federal entities.
Public-private partnerships with non-federal entities
Exchange/Sales to non-federal entities
Transfers to non-federal entities
Retention of Proceeds from property transactions

4. Is the management of personal property included as part of these real property reforms? What are these authorities?

Yes. Authorities proposed include:

Federal agencies would be allowed to retain proceeds from the sale of surplus property to offset direct and indirect costs of disposal.
In an exchange/sale transaction, federal agencies could acquire related services in addition to similar personal property.
Restrictive and obsolete language in sales authority would be eliminated.
In cases involving the abandonment and destruction of personal property, federal agencies could donate property to both public and non-profit organizations.
Conflicting provisions regarding the donation of surplus personal property would be removed to lessen the administrative recordkeeping on state surplus property agencies.

5. What benefits are expected from the new property reform measures?

More efficient and effective property management.
A reduction in the number of federal assets.
Higher productivity.
Safer facilities.
Ability to leverage equity in federal capital assets.

Performance Measures

1. What governmentwide performance indicators do you measure?

In 1998, an interagency working group identified the following seven key measures of federal real property performance:

Cost per square foot (owned)
Cost per square foot (leased)
Vacancy rate
Cost per person
Customer satisfaction
Employees housed
Total square feet

Each year a core group of federal agency partners submit, on a voluntary basis, a good deal of data about their property holdings. We have benchmarked the seven measures for six consecutive years and are presently working on the seventh year. This provides the stakeholders and other interested parties with the relative performance of federal real property asset management as compared to other commercial owners/users, or government organizations. We are also tracking the number of teleworkers and will have added a sustainable development measure.

2. Are there any models available that are useful in planning for workspace?

The Cost per Person (CPP) Model is extremely useful for Federal agencies to estimate their total cost per person, including other administrative cost components in addition to real estate, as a new approach to measuring the 21st Century workplace.The model estimates the average cost per person in each of the following areas: real estate (space usage), telecommunications, information technology (IT), and alternative work environment.An additional feature is a “what-if” tool that calculates potential cost savings resulting from an alternative work environment, such as hoteling or desk sharing.

GSA is offering an electronic copy of the GSA 2003 Cost per Person Model.

3. Are there any other new governmentwide initiatives we should be aware of?

We recently released a publication, "Strategic Planning: Aligning Workplace Services Creates Value" to raise awareness and assist federal agencies to improve mission delivery through better strategic management of infrastructure and support services. This publication is the result of the cooperation and effort of the public and private sectors as we explored the impact of linking administrative or workplace services during the strategic planning process.

4. Is there a governmentwide standard for office space per person?

No, there is no formal standard. Guidance is available in the Office Space Use Review. Real Property Performance Results 2002 published in December 2002, features a Space Use Update.

5. How can I receive a copy of publications?

Hard copies are available by calling Ray Wynter on (202) 501-3802. Electronic copies are available at: http://www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy

Public-Private Partnerships

1. What is a Public-Private Partnership?

A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a means of using private-sector resources (capital, education, and skills) in a way that blends outsourcing and privatization. The objective is to provide a more efficient and cost effective means of providing either the same or better level of service, at a savings to the public. The agreement under which a PPP operates is closely governed by a contractual relationship between the public and private sectors, with the goal of using the best skills and capabilities of each sector.

2. What federal agencies have the authority to use Public-Private Partnerships?

Department of Defense (Military Housing)
Department of Veterans Affairs
General Services Administration (South East Federal Center project only)
United States Postal Service

3. How many federal projects are Public-Private Partnerships?

Approximately one-hundred-seven (107) are either completed, underway, or planned.

Property Best Practices

1. What is a Real Property Best Practice?

The notion "BEST PRACTICES" refers to methods processes or practices about which one or more of the following pertain: it produces superior results; it leads to exceptional performance; it is recognized by an industry expert; it is deemed so by an organization's customers; and/or it is clearly a new or innovative use of manpower, technology, or resources. Another way to sum up the concept of "BEST PRACTICES" is to say that they are those specific business processes which work for one organization and create ideas, options, and insights for other organizations.

2. Is it okay to use the Real Property Best Practices I find through your program in my Best Practices Program? Are there any restrictions?

All Best Practices are submitted by federal civilian or military organizations. The use of these Best Practices in a federal, state or local government Best Practices Program is encouraged. There are no restrictions on their use or dissemination.

3. I want to adopt a Best Practice from your agency's Real Property Awards Program. Who do I talk to about the details of how a specific practice was developed?

The agency contact for the specific Best Practice is available to provide additional information. The agency contact is listed at the end of the Best Practice write-up together with the contact's telephone number and e-mail address.

4. How does the Office of Real Property recognize and disseminate Best Practices throughout the federal government?

The Office of Real Property recognizes and disseminates Best Practices through the Annual GSA Real Property Innovation Awards Program, the Annual Best Practices Special Edition Real Property Policysite Newsletter, and through the Office of Real Property website at www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy.

5. Where can I find Best Practices for Real Estate and the workplace?

The best governmentwide source for finding Best Practices for Real Estate and the modern federal workplace is the Annual Best Practices Special Edition Real Property Policysite Newsletter.

Real Property Policysite Newsletter

1. What is the Real Property Policysite Newsletter and what info is covered?

The Real Property Policysite Newsletter is a quarterly publication that shares the latest information on public and private sector real estate and workplace initiatives, trends, and best practices.

2. Where do I go if I need more information on the initiatives?

Each initiative in the newsletter has a contact person at the end of the article you can call or e-mail to get the information you need.

3. Where can I find issues and how far back can I go?

Issues of Real Property Policysite can be found on the Office of Real Property's website at www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy. The issues available go back two years from the current issue.

4. How do I get on/off the mailing list and is there a charge?

To get on or off the mailing list, contact Richard Ornburn at Richard.ornburn@gsa.gov. Real Property Policysite Newsletters are available in limited quantities at no charge.

Space Management

1. What are space requirements for each grade level?

Space requirements based on pay grade or maximum area per person are no longer mandated by federal regulations, stipulated by GSA, or recommended by the OGP Office of Real Property. Current standards for space assignment are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 102-79.20) as follows:

Executive agencies must promote the optimum use of space for each assignment at the minimum cost to the government, provide quality workspace that is delivered and occupied in a timely manner, and assign space based on mission requirements.

Further guidance is provided by the GSA Customer Guide to Real Property, which calls for space to be assigned based on "local market conditions, available vacant space, statutes and regulations, principles of professional space management, and your (the agency's) mission."

The GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP) recommends space requirements be based on the tasks required for a particular job and on the organizations needs to accomplish its mission. Other factors affecting space needs may be privacy and acoustic requirements, access to daylight, collaborative needs, space availability, and budget. For government office space planning purposes, OGP has determined that an appropriate benchmark is 200 useable square feet per person, including all individual and shared space such as workstations, circulation, storage, and conference rooms. How space is allotted among the different uses is up to the organization, working with their staff, management, and designers.

For more information on space utilization in the federal government, we recommend:

The GSA Customer Guide to Real Property, published by the GSA Public Buildings Service

and the following publications, which can be found on our website at www.gsa.gov/realpropertypolicy.

Succession Planning

1. What is Succession Planning?

Succession Planning involves assessing the current situation and planning the workforce of the future, including developing a plan to address succession of current workers as they leave the workforce due to retirement, attrition, etc.

2. What is being done throughout the federal government to address this issue?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the lead agency in providing guidance throughout the federal government. OPM developed a Workforce Planning Model, which agencies may find useful in developing their own succession planning efforts. The model, as well as other workforce planning tools can be downloaded from http://www.opm.gov/workforceplanning/.

3. What has been done to address Succession Planning from a real property perspective?

In 2000, the Federal Real Property Council identified Succession Planning as the number one issue for the coming year and a federal interagency working group was formed. The working group's conclusions, which were published as a Succession Planning Guide, can be found at http://www.gsa.gov by entering succession planning in the search bar.

4. What conclusions did the FRPC Succession Planning Working Group reach?

Perhaps one of the most important conclusions reached by the Working Group was that competencies in generic skills, such as communication, analytical skills, computer skills, customer service, etc. were more important in hiring employees than specific skills, which the group concluded could be achieved at a later date through training and experience. Additional conclusions involve recruiting strategies and information on programs offered at various federal agencies. More details are found in the Succession Planning Guide.

5. What resources are available?

OPM Workforce Planning website at http://www.opm.gov/workforceplanning/
The Federal Real Property Council's Succession Planning Guide which contains links to many resources

Telework

1. What Are The Latest Figures On The Numbers Of Federal Teleworkers?

According to "The Status of Telework in the Federal Government (January 2002)" - OPM report to Congress listed 74,487 federal teleworkers, which is 4.2% of the workforce.

2. Who Is Responsible For Approving An Employee's Request To Telework?

Each federal agency is responsible for developing its own approval process within the framework established by Public Law 106-346, Section 359 and OPM's interpretation of the law. Generally, most telework requests are referred to the immediate supervisor for approval/disapproval and may be reviewed through the accepted management channels of the agency. Some agencies, however, have established working committees with review and approval authority regarding employee telework requests.

3. What Role Do Unions Play?

Agencies are strongly encouraged to involve unions and other stakeholders in the development of their programs. Teleworking affects conditions of employment and agencies must consult and negotiate with unions, as appropriate, regarding teleworking programs.

4. Does An Employee Have A Right To TeleWork?

No. Subject to any applicable union agreement, management decides whether an employee can work off-site, depending on the nature of the position and the characteristics of the employee. Also, management has the right to end an employee's use of the teleworking option if, for example, the employee's performance declines or if the arrangement no longer meets the organization's needs.

5. Could An Employee Be Forced To Work At Home?

Generally no, unless telework is a condition of employment or it is required to continue government operations in times of emergency. In these instances, an employee may be required to work at home, a telecenter, or an alternative workplace.

6. Won't The Employee's Work Suffer Without Direct, On-Site Supervision?

The opposite is more often the case, typically because the employee working at home or at an alternative worksite has fewer interruptions and distractions. Another reason the work usually doesn't suffer is because the teleworker has a great incentive to demonstrate the value of working at home or an alternative worksite.

7. How Can The Supervisor Monitor Work Performance When the Employee is Not Physically Present?

Managers should measure a teleworker's performance by examining the work products and results of his/her efforts throughout the rating period. It is also helpful to use project schedules, key milestones, regular status reports, and team reviews.

8. What About The Impact On The Main Office When Some Employees Are Working At An Alternative Worksite?

Agency guidelines must be established to minimize adverse impact on other staff members before employees begin to work at alternative sites. The overall interests of the office must take precedence over working at alternative sites. A supervisor may require an employee to work at the main worksite on a day previously scheduled for an alternative worksite, if the needs of the office so require.

Teleworking should not create an added burden on the staff remaining in the office. An equitable distribution of workload should be maintained, and methods should be instituted to ensure that main office employees are not required to carry out the teleworker's responsibilities.

9. What Equipment Will The Employee Need At The Home Based Worksite And Who Will Provide It?

Provision of the needed equipment and who will provide it will vary by situation. Generally speaking, organizations are not required to provide equipment at home based worksites. Although many of them will provide the necessary equipment, each agency must establish its own policies on this matter.

10. Do All TeleWorkers Work With High-Tech Equipment?

No. While technology can be very helpful to most teleworkers, a simple telephone may suffice for many.

11. Who Is Responsible For Maintaining And Servicing Government Or Privately Owned Equipment Used At The Alternative Worksite?

Generally, each federal agency will be responsible for the service and maintenance of all government-owned equipment. Teleworkers using their privately owned equipment are responsible for service and maintenance.

12. Are Business Telephone Calls Made From The Home Reimbursable?

Yes, a federal employee may be reimbursed for business-related long distance telephone calls made on the employee's personal telephone. GSA regulations (41 CFR 101.7) provide for reimbursement of telephone calls approved by the supervisor. The employee should submit a Standard Form 1164 through appropriate channels to receive the reimbursement. Agencies may also provide employees with government telephone credit cards.

13. Who Is Liable For Work-Related Injuries And/Or Damages At The Alternative Worksite?

Yes, a federal employee may be reimbursed for business-related long distance telephone calls made on the employee's personal telephone. GSA regulations (41 CFR 101.7) provide for reimbursement of telephone calls approved by the supervisor. The employee should submit a Standard Form 1164 through appropriate channels to receive the reimbursement. Agencies may also provide employees with government telephone credit cards.

Last Modified 9/22/2004

e-TOOLS

Federal Real Property Profile (FRPP-IA)

REFERENCE

Geographic Locator Codes (GLC's)

EXTERNAL LINKS

Advanced Building Systems Integration Consortium American Institute of Architects American Planning Association (APA) APA Federal Planning Division Building Owners and Managers Association International CoreNet Global Department of Interior Acquisition and Property Management Department of Justice Management Division Federal Facilities Council FMLink - Your Facilities Management Resource on the Internet Housing and Urban Development, Housing Information International Facilities Management Association International Telework Advisory Council Mid-Atlantic Telework Advisory Council National Association of State Facilities Administrators National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Property Mgmt Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Facilities Maintenance Veterans Affairs Office of Facility Management The WorldWide Workplace Web