Personal Property Policy for Departing Executives and New Appointees

GSA serves as a liaison with departments and agencies on policy, regulatory, and statutory matters affecting the disposal of Federal personal property.

1.  May I keep the American Flag in my office?
No, not unless presented to the recipient as part of an awards program recognized and administered by the employee’s agency (see 5 CFR § 2635.204(d)-Awards and Honorary Degrees).

2.  When can I keep gifts that were presented to me?

Some gifts presented to you can be kept under the provisions of 5 CFR § 2635, Subpart B.  A departing employee may only keep gifts received from a foreign government when that employee had decided to keep a gift of minimal value or purchased a gift exceeding minimal value that was not placed into official use (see 41 CFR 102-42). The recipient generally may not keep gifts of more than minimal value received from foreign governments and put into official use because such gifts have been accepted on behalf of the United States, and upon acceptance, become the property of the United States. 

3.  When I depart from Government service can I have art and artifacts from my Government office space?

No.  Unless given directly to the executive as a gift that can be retained as such (see question 2 above), the items are considered Government property. 

4.  Can I take my current office furnishings, such as my desk, computer,
     calculator, and stapler? 

No.  You may not take Government property into your personal possession (see 41 CFR §101-25.100 and 5 CFR § 2635.704).

For more information, please call Robert Holcombe at (202) 501-1771, or visit www.gsa.gov/personalpropertypolicy.