Surplus Real Property Available for Public Use

Federal real estate properties that are no longer needed by the federal government may be made available for public uses to state and local governments, regional agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Public uses for properties are those that are accessible to and can be shared by all members of a community, and include community centers, schools and colleges, parks, municipal buildings and many more.

GSA's Office of Property Disposal notifies state and local agencies of the availability of any surplus federal real property that they may be eligible to acquire under certain laws. These laws allow property to be transferred to public agencies and institutions at discounts up to 100 percent of fair market value for:

• Public health or educational uses
• Public Parks and Public Recreational Areas
• Historic monuments
• Homeless assistance
• Correctional institutions
• Port facilities
• Highways
• Wildlife Conservation
• Self-help housing
• Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Response (PDC)
• Negotiated Sales to Public Agencies

Surplus property also may be leased to local public agencies to assist the homeless, and sales to public agencies may be negotiated at fair market value without restrictions on use.

Notification Procedure

Based on the property's location, the appropriate regional office writes to the Governor of the State or territory, clerk of the county, Mayor of the city or town, and any regional and metropolitan comprehensive planning agencies that may be concerned with the property's ultimate use.

Announcements are also placed in Post Offices and other prominent places like the State Capitol building, county building, courthouse, town hall, or city hall.

A public agency or institution has 20 days from the date on the notice to advise the Office of Property Disposal's regional office of interest in the property. The response should cite the applicable legislation and indicate how much time is needed to prepare and submit a formal application.

The Office of Property Disposal reviews the formal application with other federal agencies with an interest in the property's disposition. If the application is approved, the conveyance is completed.

For a list of available surplus real properties as well as more information, visit the Office of Property Disposal's Resource Center >.

RELATED GSA TOPICS

• Fed Agcy Personal Property Disposal Solutions