GSA manages Federal buildings by permitting occupancy by commercial tenants. The law also encourages renovation and conversion to Federal use of older buildings of historic or cultural value. The Public Buildings Service is responsible for the advantageous utilization and disposal of most of the Government's excess and surplus real property. Functions and Activities DESIGN The design of a public building is a complex and difficult task. In administering the design program, the Public Buildings Service has established two basic criteria: Federal buildings must meet the highest standards of excellence, energy conservation, and economy of operation and, equally important, the design-construction process must be carried out efficiently and quickly. To meet this high standard of design excellence, PBS utilizes regional advisory panels to assure an architectural program of variety, vigor, and adaptability, and to ensure that buildings constructed are compatible with the character and cultural heritage of a particular locale. CONSTRUCTION Since the inception of GSA's direct construction program under the Public Buildings Act of 1959, PBS has constructed more than $2 billion worth of facilities and supervised the construction of more than 300 facilities with a value exceeding $800 million for other agencies. In the management of these multimillion dollar construction programs, PBS has introduced innovative techniques throughout the entire life cycle of the planning, construction, and operation of Federal buildings. These techniques include the use of program managers and project managers with life cycle management responsibility over entire programs or major projects; the use of construction managers with responsibility for phasing design and construction to shorten building time and reduce costs; and the introduction of buildings systems techniques to Federal construction, allowing entire mechanical, electrical, and other systems to be designed and produced separate from actual building construction and included at the proper point in the phased construction of the buildings. In addition to these specific innovations, the inclusion of value engineer. ing clauses in all construction contracts provides contractors, architect-engineers, and construction managers with incentives to find new ways to cut costs while maintaining quality. BUILDINGS MANAGEMENT The management of more than 10,000 federally owned and leased buildings. involves activities such as the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the structures, as well as the safety, accident and fire prevention, and civil defense programs, all of which relate to persons working in these buildings. From maintaining the offices of the President in the East and West Wings of the White House to sustaining the work environment of the local Social Security offices, the PBS objective is to provide an attractive setting. well-maintained and safe, in which Federal employees will feel stimulated and proud to work. SPACE MANAGEMENT PBS plans, directs, and coordinates the acquisition, assignment, and utilization of Government owned and leased space used to accommodate Federal agencies. This program's objective is to conduct the GSA space inventory activities so that the management of Government activities and services are improved in accordance with the programs and policies of the Federa Government. PBS is responsible for locating agencies in areas convenient to the citizens they service and for giving consideration to the need for selecting sites which will improve socioeconomic conditions in the area. When sites are selected for GSA building projects, PBS is responsible for providing relocation assistance and payments for those families and businesses displaced. PLANNING PBS planning is directly involved in many areas of public service. To the greatest extent possible, new construction, alteration, and property disposal plans are coordinated with State and local governments to promote intergovernmental cooperation and to encourage sound planning, zoning, historic preservation, and land-use practices. PBS is vitally concerned with the socioeconomic and cultural factors of a community and makes every effort to have a positive impact through its construction and leasing activities. Planning precautions are taken and environmental impact determinations are made to ensure that major PBS actions have a constructive effect on the quality of the human environment. PROTECTION The protection of federally owned or leased buildings, their occupants, and their patrons is a major mission of PBS. Protection is provided through the use of intrusion alarm systems, electronic monitoring, entry control devices, physical barriers, and/or the employment of uniformed personnel. Uniformed personnel operate at fixed posts, on roving patrols, or are assigned to mobile response units and special tactical forces. In addition to preventing or deterring traditional property crimes, such as theft and vandalism, PBS must provide protection from offenses directed against persons, and incidents disruptive of the normal conduct of Government business. These include real or threatened bombings, unruly demonstrations, depredation of property, and terrorist acts against Government officials. REAL PROPERTY DISPOSAL PROGRAM PBS maintains an extensive program to provide for the proper utilization and disposal of Government property. The goal of this program is to provide for the efficient and economical utilization of Federal real property and the disposal of any real property surplus to Federal requirements. In furtherance of these goals, PBS directs a continuing survey of all Federal real properties to determine if they are not utilized, are underutilized, or are not being put to their optimum use. Property no longer needed by a Federal agency is reported excess to GSA for disposal. The property may then be transferred to another Federal agency for its use. If not so transferred, it is made available for acquisition by a local public body such as a State, county, or local government, or a tax supported or nonprofit medical or educational institution. During fiscal year 1976, 71 properties originally costing approximately $87.5 million were transferred from one Federal agency to another for further use within the Government in lieu of acquiring additional facilities to satisfy the requirements of the transferee agencies involved. Local bodies and nonprofit institutions may acquire surplus properties at a discount from fair market value for such public uses as park and recreation, historic monument, airport, health and education, or wildlife conservation. During fiscal year 1976, 204 properties with an acquisition cost of approximately $128.5 million were acquired by local public bodies and nonprofit institutions for such purposes. Of these properties, 82 parks were announced for inclusion in the Legacy of Parks Program in fiscal year 1976. Since the Legacy of Parks Program began in 1971, 646 properties consisting of 82,591 acres with a total value of $242.7 million have been announced for park use. Local public bodies may also acquire surplus real property at fair market value for general public purposes. Property not needed for Federal purposes and not transferred to a local government or a nonprofit institution is generally offered for sale by competitive bids. During fiscal year 1976, PBS obtained $39.5 million in proceeds from sales of 175 properties. Net proceeds from sales of surplus real property are deposited in the land and water conservation fund of the Treasury of the United States. SPECIAL PROGRAMS The Federal building of tomorrow must encompass the best fire safety methods, be highly energy efficient and suit the environment both natural and man-made. These three important factors have been highlighted at PBSsponsored conferences which have received national and international attention. The far-reaching concepts developed at these conferences are being tested, proven, and put to use by PBS, both in existing buildings and those in the design phase. Through its attention to these areas of concern, PBS is ensuring that Federal buildings today and in the future will benefit those who work in them, those served by them, and the geographic areas in which they are located. National Archives and Records Service The National Archives and Records Service (NARS) performs a variety of functions relating to the preservation, use, and disposition of the records of the United States Government. In the National Archives Building and regional branches, NARS preserves and makes available for further Government use and for private research the Nation's records of enduring value, both textual and audiovisual. Among its other activities are the administration of a regional network of storagetype facilities for non-archival records, operation of the Presidential library system and a Government records management program, custody and control of the Nixon Presidential historical materials, and publication of legislative, regulatory, and other widely used documents. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as well as other exhibits depicting the history of the Nation, are on display for visitors to the National Archives Building. Functions and Activities ARCHIVAL PROGRAM NARS appraises records that Government agencies propose for transfer, and accessions those that have suffi cient value to warrant preservation. Records which have been acquired are systematically arranged, and guides to these records are published. Important research material is made available by a microfilm publication program. Certain historic documents are reproduced in facsimile. In addition to furnishing information about the nature and extent of the records in the custody of the Archivist and the conditions under which they may be used, NARS also supplies data from the records themselves. Persons who come to the National Archives Building and the Archives branches in the regional records centers to use the records are assisted in every way possible. Insofar as personnel are available, guides, inventories, lists, and indexes are prepared and they are made available. A trained reference staff is ready to aid researchers in finding and using the material desired. NARS is equipped to provide photographs, photostats, or microfilm copies of doruments to investigators. RECORDS MANAGEMENT NARS maintains liaison with Federal agencies to improve the management and the quality of records created by the Government; to facilitate prompt and orderly disposition of inactive records; and to improve the usefulness of those that may be offered to the Archivist for preservation. Upon request, advice and technical assistance is given on organizing records management programs and establishing schedules and procedures for the retirement of records no longer needed currently. Evaluations of the record creation, maintenance, and disposition practices of Federal agencies are made and agencies may request guidance and assistance in their paperwork problems. FEDERAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS Federal Archives and Records Centers are maintained to store and service noncurrent records of Federal agencies and historically valuable regional records of the National Archives of the United States. These centers also provide reimbursable microfilming service for Federal agencies. PUBLISHING LAWS AND PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Federal legislation consists of both the acts of Congress and "regulations" which Government agencies have issued under authority delegated by the Congress. Acts of Congress are published immediately upon issuance in slip law form and are cumulated and Sources of Information Inquiries for information on the following subjects should be directed to the specified office, General Services. Administration, Washington, D.C. 20405. CONTRACTS Individuals seeking to do business with the General Services Administration may obtain detailed information from the Business Service Centers listed on page 553. Those persons interested in contracts involving strategic or critical materials should direct inquiries to the Assistant Director for Stockpile Disposal. Phone, 202-566-1894. published for each session of Congress in the United States Statutes at Large. All current Presidential proclamations and Executive orders and regulations of Government agencies having general applicability and legal effect are published in the Federal Register which appears five times a week. At least annually, all regulations in force. are published in codified form in the Code of Federal Regulations. Presidential speeches, news conferences, messages, and other materials made public by the White House are published currently in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents and annually in the Public Papers of the Presidents. Further information on Federal agencies is provided in the annual United States Government Manual. PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES (Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson libraries). The libraries preserve, describe, and render reference service on Presidential papers and collections, prepare documentary and descriptive publications, and exhibit historic documents and museum items. EMPLOYMENT Inquiries and applications should be directed to the Central Office Operations Division, Office of Personnel, Room 1105. Schools interested in the GSA recruitment program should contact the Training and Development Division, Office of Personnel, Room 6221. SMALL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Inquiries concerning programs to assist small business should be directed to the Director, Socio-Economic Policy Staff, Federal Supply Service; Com missioner, Public Buildings Service; or the nearest Business Service Center. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY Information on GSA Environmental and Historic Preservation policy, paper recycling, solid waste management, the Legacy of Parks program, energy conservation, and other environmental activities may be obtained from the Director, Special Studies and Programs Office. Phone, 202-566-1137. SPEAKERS Inquiries and requests for speakers should be directed to the Director of Public Affairs. Phone, 202-566-1222; or contact the nearest GSA regional office. READING ROOMS Facilities for inspecting and copying documents are available at the Business Service Centers listed on page 553. Archives and other historical material for research purposes are available at the National Archives Building, Eighth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, D.C.; at the Presidential Libraries; and the national and regional Federal Records Centers. Requests for additional information should be directed to the Central Reference Division (NNC), Mailing address: General Services Administration (NNC), Washington, D.C. 20408. Phone, 202-523-3218. FILMS The National Audiovisual Center has motion pictures, film strips, slide sets, and video and audio tapes available to schools, educational, civic, and community groups on a sale, rental, or free distribution basis, depending on the Those who would like a brief index of GSA or office of origin should write to: Chief of Publications Information Division (AVI) General Services Administration Washington, D.C. 20405 particular film. The subject matter in- L cludes vocational training, educational, documentary, and military films, made for and by Government agencies. Requests for additional information should be directed to the National Audiovisual Center, Washington, D.C. 20409. Phone, 301-763-1896. PUBLICATIONS Many GSA publications are available at moderate prices through the bookstores of the Government Printing Office or from GSA self-service stores. Others may be obtained free or at production cost from a Business Service Center or a Federal Information Center. The telephone numbers and addresses of the centers and of the Government Printing Office bookstores are listed in local telephone directories. If a publication is not distributed by any of the stores or centers, inquiries should be directed to the originating GSA service or office. The addresses for inquiries are: Publications Sales Branch (NEPS) Public Buildings Service (P) Federal Supply Service (FB) Federal Preparedness Agency (EE) Office of Finance (BC) General Services Administration Automated Data and Telecommunications General Services Administration publications or are not certain of the service |