Restoring Common Sense to Federal Office Space Management

4/15/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Reframe federal office space management to support cost-effective facility choices that serve Americans in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Revocation of Previous Orders:
- Revokes Executive Order 12072 (Federal Space Management, 1978) that prioritized central business districts.
- Revokes Executive Order 13006 (Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties, 1996) which encouraged facility placement in historic central city areas.
Policy Adjustments:
- Empowers agencies to select more cost-effective office spaces aligned with their mission.
- Directs the General Services Administration to amend related federal regulations (41 CFR parts 102-79 and 102-83).
Applicability and Limitations:
- Agencies utilizing space under other authorities must comply with this order to the extent allowed by law.
- Maintains that the order does not affect the discretionary authorities of departments or the functions of the Office of Management and Budget.
Implementation: The order is subject to applicable law, budgetary appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights or benefits.

Risks & Considerations

The revocation of Executive Orders 12072 and 13006 may lead to a shift in the location of federal facilities, potentially impacting local economies and urban development plans. This could affect Vanderbilt University if federal offices in Nashville or surrounding areas are relocated.
There is a risk that the focus on cost-effective facilities might lead to federal offices moving away from central business districts, which could impact local businesses and services that rely on the presence of these offices.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how changes in federal office locations could affect its partnerships with federal agencies, particularly those related to research and development.
The emphasis on cost-effectiveness could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially impacting grants and contracts that Vanderbilt University relies on for research and other initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations may need to monitor changes in federal office locations and adjust strategies for engaging with federal agencies accordingly.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might see changes in collaboration opportunities with federal agencies if office relocations affect existing partnerships.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers could be impacted by shifts in federal funding priorities, necessitating adjustments in research focus and funding strategies.

Financial Impact

The relocation of federal offices could lead to changes in local economic conditions, potentially affecting Vanderbilt University’s community engagement and economic development initiatives.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in funding opportunities if federal agencies prioritize cost-effective locations over central business districts, impacting grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research and development related to federal office space management and urban planning, particularly through collaborations with the General Services Administration and other federal agencies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or potential changes in federal partnerships and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Real Estate should evaluate the potential impacts of the revocation of Executive Orders 12072 and 13006 on its current and future real estate strategies. This includes assessing opportunities for cost savings by considering relocations to more cost-effective facilities outside central business districts.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal office space management policies to identify any potential impacts on federal funding or partnerships that may arise from these changes. Engaging with federal agencies to understand their new location strategies could provide insights into future collaboration opportunities.
Vanderbilt’s Facilities Management should explore partnerships with federal agencies that may be seeking new locations for their offices. By offering Vanderbilt’s facilities as potential sites, the university could enhance its collaboration with federal entities and potentially benefit from shared resources or programs.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Urban Planning and Development Programs to conduct research on the impacts of federal office relocations on urban and suburban development. This research could provide valuable insights into how these changes affect local economies and community dynamics.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased flexibility in federal office space management by proposing joint initiatives with federal agencies that align with the university’s strategic goals. This could include collaborative research projects, educational programs, or community engagement efforts.
The order’s emphasis on cost-effective facility management aligns with Vanderbilt’s sustainability goals. The university can explore opportunities to partner with federal agencies in developing sustainable building practices and technologies, enhancing its reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in federal office space management policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadline or time-bound directive is provided within the order; agencies and the General Services Administration are instructed to take action as afforded by applicable law and appropriations, with no explicit timeline mentioned.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

General Services Administration (GSA): The Administrator of General Services is instructed to amend regulations and take steps to align Federal office space management with a more cost-effective approach.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): While not directly tasked with implementing the order, the OMB’s functions relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals are acknowledged as remaining intact, ensuring that changes in office space management comply with broader fiscal and administrative policies.
Executive Departments and Agencies: This order broadly affects all executive departments and agencies by revoking previous directives on federal facility siting, thereby granting them greater latitude in selecting cost-effective and mission-aligned office spaces.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies broadly to the entire executive branch and multiple federal agencies, reflecting its cross-government impact.)

Responsible Officials

Administrator of General Services – Tasked with initiating the process to amend regulations at title 41, parts 102-79 and 102-83, to ensure Federal office space management policy conforms with the new order.

Relevance Score: 4 (Affects an agency head responsible for significant regulatory amendments.)