Category: US GSA

Source: United States General Services Administration

June 7, 2023

Memorandum of understanding between GSA and Xcel Energy sparked by President Biden’s executive order reestablishing federal government as a sustainability leader

MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) announced a new memorandum of understanding with Xcel Energy [PDF – 609 KB] to work toward providing federal facilities in Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin with 100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030.

President Biden charged the federal government to lead by example and leverage its scale and procurement power to tackle the climate crisis. The MOU will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious goal of sourcing 100% CFE to power federal facilities by 2030, at least half of which will be locally-supplied clean energy to meet 24/7 demand. This advances President Biden’s Executive Order 14057, which aims to create demand for local clean energy, catalyze utility-scale energy storage, and create a more stable and resilient grid while supporting well paying jobs.

“This nation’s clean energy utilities are stepping up to power the federal government with 100% carbon-free electricity in line with President Biden’s ambitious Federal Sustainability Plan,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of CEQ. “Powering our government with clean energy is good for jobs, our economy, and our environment.”

Under the new MOU, GSA and Xcel Energy will develop a roadmap for meeting the federal government’s 100% CFE targets in Xcel Energy’s Upper Midwest operating region. The MOU aims to encourage the development of additional CFE sources and provide federal agencies as well as other electricity customers a more reliable, resilient, and cleaner power grid into the future.

“This MOU is another example of how GSA is leading by example in tackling climate change, using our buying power and real estate footprint to move markets, create demand, and catalyze clean energy innovation,” said GSA Administrator Carnahan. “Through smart partnerships with Xcel Energy and other energy service providers, we can help advance sustainability, create jobs, and ensure a healthier planet for our kids.”

“Xcel Energy was the first major U.S. power company to present the vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity across the grid,” said Bob Frenzel, Chairman, President and CEO of Xcel Energy. “As we forge ahead in the clean energy transition, our collaboration with GSA demonstrates how we can provide innovative solutions to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals.”

GSA is a primary agency that procures electricity for the federal government. The MOU marks the federal government’s third MOU with a utility for 100% CFE, following a similar MOU between Xcel Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy covering Xcel Energy’s Colorado operating region and another signed by GSA and Entergy Arkansas LLC.

For more information on GSA’s leadership in tackling the climate crisis and investing in a more sustainable future, please see GSA’s Climate Action and Sustainability webpage.

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, follow us at @USGSA.

About Xcel Energy: Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com.

Source: United States General Services Administration

June 6, 2023

BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a contract for architectural and engineering services for the Land Port of Entry at Houlton, Maine.

Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, GSA awarded the $672,181 contract to Marvel, which will provide pre-design, concept, design development, construction documentation and construction procurement services.

The overall $20-30 million project aims to repair and upgrade the existing building systems and site systems including the building’s roofs, windows, and exterior wall panels. Additional repairs include elevators, mechanical systems, plumbing systems and fire alarm upgrades.

GSA’s goals for the Houlton port include providing a long-lasting and durable port which is sustainable and climate resilient, with low maintenance and operating costs. The modernized port will also be highly functional and technologically efficient.

When completed, the port of entry project will help improve public and officer safety, and provide for the long-term, safe and efficient flow of current and projected traffic volumes.

“We are excited for the opportunity to begin the process to improve this facility, and the economic opportunities this project will bring to the region,” said GSA’s Region 1 Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner Glenn C. Rotondo. “Houlton, as well as the four port projects along the Maine border, will enable our federal inspection agency partners to better serve travelers entering Maine and the region.”

About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

Source: United States General Services Administration

June 5, 2023

BOSTON – In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will host a public meeting in support of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed modernization and expansion project of the Land Port of Entry (LPOE) at Ferry Point in Calais, Maine.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the public meeting on:

WHEN: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET

WHERE: The Maine Indian Education Center
39 Union Street
Calais, ME 04619

The meeting will be conducted in an open house format. GSA will provide project information to the attendees. The public will have an opportunity to hear about the project and learn how they can provide input on the issues that are important to the community. This input is a valuable step in the process and will be used by GSA to determine the scope and content of the Environmental Assessment.

The new facility, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will strengthen supply chains, improve operational capabilities and facility infrastructure, spur economic growth, and bolster the country’s security.

The proposed project will expand the historical port with a multi-story addition while preserving the historical character of the original structure. The expansion is intended to increase the inspection and operational capabilities, as well as modernize the LPOE to meet Federal inspection facility requirements.

The Ferry Point project will incorporate sustainability features that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate environmental impact, and simultaneously increase the mission readiness of the Federal Government by increasing resilience to climate change.

Improving the connection between the two communities of Calais, Maine, and Saint Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada – and the two countries – this project will improve the conditions for economic, cultural and familial connections.

Written comments must be received by July 13, 2023, using one of the following methods:

• In-Person: Submit written comments at the public meeting via comment forms to be distributed at the meeting.
• Email: Send an email to calaisferrypoint.lpoe@gsa.gov and reference “Calais Ferry Point LPOE EA” in the subject line.
• Mail: Send written comments to the following address:
  U.S General Services Administratio
  Attention: Li-hang Wang, Calais Ferry Point Project Manager
  Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr., Federal Building
  10 Causeway Street, 11th Floor
  Boston, MA 02222-1077

Project information is available at: gsa.gov/calaisferrypoint

About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

Source: United States General Services Administration

May 31, 2023

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a Notice of Availability for the Warwick Neck Lighthouse in Warwick, Rhode Island. The historic lighthouse is available at no cost to eligible entities as part of a federal disposal program authorized by the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) of 2000. This is one of a record number of lighthouses being offered in 2023 to government agencies, nonprofits, and the public via auction.

Under the NHLPA, a historic lighthouse that is no longer needed by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is made available at no cost to eligible entities defined as:

● Federal agencies
● State and local agencies
● Nonprofit organizations
● Educational agencies or community development organizations for educational purposes
● Park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes

Each year, GSA, in conjunction with the USCG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Park Service (NPS), issues Notices of Availability for historic light stations as part of the NHLPA. Under the NHLPA, the property may be obtained for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.

The Warwick Neck Lighthouse is 51 feet high, capped with a cast iron lantern room, housing a modern light signal. Along with the lighthouse, the 0.8-acre property is improved with a single-family dwelling, detached garage, and a storage shed.

Warwick Neck Lighthouse was built in 1827, and the dwelling was built in 1932. The lighthouse was automated in 1985 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The lighthouse, an active aid to navigation (ATON) operated by the USCG, is powered by electricity and includes a fog signal horn. The fog signal is radio controlled and when activated by a user, it signals one blast every 15 seconds for 45 minutes and has a range of one-quarter mile.

For complete details on the property, including conditions, range of possible uses, commercial activities, utilities, etc., eligible entities can review the Notice of Availability.

Any eligible entity with an interest in acquiring the property for a use consistent with the purposes stated above should submit a letter of interest to the address below within 60 (sixty) days from the date of this notice.

Letters of interest should include:

● Name of property
● Name of eligible entity
● Point of contact, title, address, phone and email
● Non-profit agencies must provide a copy of their state-certified articles of incorporation before the end of the 60-day Notice period.

Eligible entities that submit a letter of interest will be sent an application from the National Park Service (NPS) and given an opportunity to inspect the property. Building inspectors and/or contractors may accompany the applicant on the inspection. The application is due within 90 days from the date of the site inspection.

NPS will review all applications and may recommend one applicant to receive the property. If a recommendation is made, GSA will complete the conveyance to the selected entity with a Quitclaim Deed. Pursuant to Section 305106 of the NHLPA, the property will be sold if it is not transferred to a public body or non-profit organization.

Letters of interest should be directed to:

U.S. General Services Administration
Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division
10 Causeway Street – 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02222
Attention: Kevin Legare (Kevin.Legare@gsa.gov)

GSA’s New England Region Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division provides realty services to federal agencies throughout the region, as well as in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA

Source: United States General Services Administration

May 31, 2023

BOSTON – Today, GSA has issued a Notice of Availability for the Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The historic lighthouse is available at no cost to eligible entities as part of a federal disposal program enabled by the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) of 2000. This is one of a record number of lighthouses being offered in 2023 to government agencies, nonprofits, and the public via auction.

Under the NHLPA, a property that has been determined to exceed the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard is made available at no cost to eligible entities defined as:

Federal agencies
State and local agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Educational agencies or community development organizations for educational purposes
Park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes

Each year, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Park Service (NPS), issues Notices of Availability for historic light stations as part of the NHLPA. Under the NHLPA, the property may be obtained for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.

The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The 40-foot tall, cylindrical, iron tower was cast in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1876, and transported to Woods Hole in four sections. It was constructed on site and painted reddish-brown, but is now white. The lighthouse is capped with a standard cast iron lantern that houses a fourth order Fresnel lens.

In addition to the lighthouse, the four-acre property includes the original keeper’s quarters and a brick oil house, and paint lockers, all constructed in 1876. The second keeper’s quarters which is connected to the original was added in 1900. The garage was built in 1931 and the radio building beacon was built in 1937. The keeper’s quarters are Victorian wood frame buildings with gabled roofs.

The property is accessible from Nobska Road east of the harbor entrance. It is an active aid to navigation operated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Under the NHLPA, the property may be obtained for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes. For complete details on the property, including conditions, range of possible uses, commercial activities, utilities, etc. eligible entities can review the Notice of Availability.

Any eligible entity with an interest in acquiring the property for a use consistent with the purposes stated above should submit a letter of interest to the address below within 60 (sixty) days from the date of this notice.

Letters of interest should include:

Name of property
Name of eligible entity
Point of contact, title, address, phone and email
Non-profit agencies must provide a copy of their state-certified articles of incorporation before the end of the 60-day Notice period.

Eligible entities that submit a letter of interest will be sent an application from the National Park Service (NPS), and given an opportunity to inspect the property. Building inspectors and/or contractors may accompany the applicant on the inspection. The application is due within 90 days from the date of the site inspection.

The NPS will review all applications submitted and may recommend a steward to receive the property. If a recommendation is made, the General Services Administration (GSA) will complete the conveyance to the selected steward with a Quitclaim Deed. Pursuant to Section 305106 of the NHLPA, the property will be sold if it is not transferred to a public body or non-profit organization.

Letters of interest should be directed to:

U.S. General Services Administration
Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division
10 Causeway Street – 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02222
Attention: Sonia Allon-Singh (sonia.allon-singh@gsa.gov)

GSA’s New England Region Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division provides realty services to federal agencies throughout the region, as well as in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA