Summary: Billions of dollars are needed for repairs and alterations at federal buildings. This situation is not new. Nearly a decade ago, GAO reported that federal buildings had suffered from years of neglect and, as a result, about $4 billion was needed to bring these structures up to standard. (See GAO/GGD-91-57, May 1991.) GAO recommended that the General Services Administration (GSA) adopt a more strategic approach to managing repairs and alternations, improve program data, and explore financing opportunities for repair and alteration needs. GSA has yet to fully implement those suggestions. GSA officials recognize that more needs to be done to effectively respond to growing demands for repairs and alterations. GSA has several initiatives under way that, if fully developed and effectively implemented, could satisfy GAO's earlier recommendations, lead to better program oversight, and promote a more strategic approach to meeting repair and alterations needs. GAO summarized this report in testimony before Congress; see: Federal Buildings: Billions Are Needed for Repairs and Alterations, by Bernard L. Ungar, Director of Government Business Operations Issues, before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials, and Pipeline Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO/T-GGD-00-73, Apr. 11 (11 pages).
