The General Services Administration (GSA) recently published a list of over 400 federal buildings and properties slated for sale, only to remove it shortly after. The list included high-profile sites such as the J. Edgar Hoover Building and Veterans Administration buildings in Washington, D.C., along with the FBI headquarters, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Justice. These properties were identified as "non-core" to government operations, according to the GSA. The agency justified the sales as a means to provide "savings to the American taxpayer," yet their abrupt removal from the website has raised questions.
The GSA defines non-core properties as facilities that do not centralize government operations. By disposing of these assets, they aim to eliminate costly maintenance and reinvest in more efficient work environments. However, the page that once hosted this list now simply reads "coming soon," leaving many to wonder about the agency's motivations and next steps.
“Some have suggested [the list was taken down] due to the negative press,” – A source at GSA
Speculation abounds as the GSA has yet to clarify why it published and subsequently withdrew the list. According to insiders, the agency reportedly plans to cut 63 percent of its workforce, equating to about 3,600 employees. This drastic reduction comes amidst forced resignations and the dismantling of units like 18F, which focused on government efficiency.
The GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS) manages government real estate and has been embroiled in active discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure they maintain necessary facilities for in-person office returns. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also expressed concern over their inclusion in the non-core assets list without prior knowledge.
“CMS was not aware this was happening, and we didn’t submit or approve any of our current office locations being on this list,” – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Confusion within the agency is palpable. Internal documents show mixed messages, with decision-making reportedly occurring in isolation by a small group, including representatives from DOGE. This has led to frustration among staff who feel excluded from strategic discussions.
“The thing you need to realize is the administrator [of the GSA] and PBS commissioner are making these decisions in a vacuum,” – A source
“The regional staff, senior regional leadership, and most GSA national office staff don’t get to talk to the administrator or PBS commissioner. They have a floor locked off at GSA headquarters with elevator access restricted. They’re in there with DOGE reps … I know it sounds like a bad James Bond movie or I’m making it up, but they literally have locked off a floor.” – A source
The Integrated Online Library System (IOLP), a publicly accessible database, continues to offer detailed information on GSA-owned and leased properties across multiple U.S. territories. However, with the agency's fluctuating communications about the property list, stakeholders remain uncertain about its future accessibility or contents.
“Our portfolio [team] haven’t heard anything from our national office on what’s actually going on,” – Another source
“There has been no national strategy on how GSA is supposed to engage customer agencies on their occupancy agreements in these buildings.” – A source at GSA
Despite assurances from the GSA that listing an asset does not equate to an immediate sale, potential buyers are advised that compelling offers will be considered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“To be clear, just because an asset is on the list doesn’t mean it’s immediately for sale,” – GSA
“However, we will consider compelling offers (in accordance with applicable laws and regulations) and do what's best for the needs of the federal government and taxpayer.” – GSA
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