[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 131 (Monday, July 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 35736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-17208]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
[GSA Bulletin FPMR D-238]
Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties in Our
Nation's Central Cities
1. Purpose. This bulletin announces the policy concerning the
location of Federal facilities on historic properties in our central
cities.
2. Expiration date. This bulletin contains information of a
continuing nature and will remain in effect until canceled.
3. Background. a. On May 21, 1996, President Clinton signed
Executive Order 13006, entitled ``Locating Federal Facilities on
Historic Properties in Our Nation's Central Cities,'' to encourage
``leasing, acquiring, locating, maintaining, or managing'' Federal
facilities on historic properties in our nation's central cities. So
that federal agencies may benefit from GSA's real property management
expertise, government-wide policy guidance is being provided concerning
the acquisition and use of historic properties to be utilized by
federal agencies where operationally appropriate and economically
prudent.
b. The Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 (40 U.S.C.
601a) directs the Administrator of General Services to ``acquire and
utilize space in suitable buildings of historic, architectural, or
cultural significance, unless use of such space would not prove
feasible and prudent compared with available alternatives.'' In the
past, some Federal agencies have successfully promoted the acquisition
and use of space in ``buildings of historic, architectural, and
cultural significance'' by extending a 10 percent cost preference for
these properties.
4. Action. In accordance with Executive Order 13006, and subject to
the requirements of section 601 of title VI of the Rural Development
Act of 1972, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 3122), and Executive Order 12072,
when locating Federal facilities, Federal agencies shall give first
consideration to historic properties within historic districts. If no
such property is suitable, then Federal agencies shall consider other
developed or undeveloped sites within historic districts. Federal
agencies shall then consider historic properties outside of historic
districts, if no suitable site within a district exists.
All Federal agencies must use procedures which implement the policy
to extend first consideration to locations as prescribed in the
Executive order. These implementation procedures should be consistent
with the existing policy set forth in Executive Order 12072 (Federal
Space Management), which extends first consideration to central
business areas (CBAs), and should consider applicable requirements
relating to full and open competition under the Competition in
Contracting Act, 41 U.S.C. 253 et seq.
Federal agencies are encouraged to consider the Government's
previous approach extending preference to historic properties. Where
operationally appropriate and economically prudent, Federal agencies
may extend first consideration to historic properties using various
methods, including but not limited to extending a cost preference
(similar to GSAR 570.701-4, Historic Preference); limiting competition
to historic districts and/or historic properties; conducting market
surveys and market analyses to identify historic properties or
districts to be included in the area of consideration; providing notice
of a requirement and an opportunity to respond to local, state or
regional historic preservation officials; or a combination of the
foregoing.
Dated: June 28, 1996.
G. Martin Wagner,
Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 96-17208 Filed 7-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-23-M
