Language Services Policy

Purpose

This order establishes the U.S. General Services Administration’s (“GSA” or “Agency”) Language Services Policy (LSP) for providing language services for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) or who are limited English proficient (LEP). This LSP formally rescinds and supersedes GSA’s May 3, 2024, Language Access Plan (LAP), which was based on Executive Order (EO) 13166. EO 13166 has been revoked by EO 14224, Designating English as the Official Language of the United States. The LSP reflects GSA’s obligations under EO 14224, guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), and GSA’s continuing legal obligations under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the “Rehabilitation Act”). 

Background

GSA provides language services consistent with EO 14224. EO 14224 establishes English as the official language of the United States and directs agencies to phase out unnecessary multilingual services. GSA will continue to provide services required by law, particularly for individuals who are D/HOH under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, while limiting services for individuals who are LEP to mission-critical circumstances (e.g., signage, public notices, program information, emergency and safety information.) 

Applicability

This order applies to all GSA employees with the following exceptions:

1. The Office of Inspector General, due to its independence under the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 (Title 5 United States Code Sections 401-424).
2. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, due to its independent authorities.

Cancellation

This order cancels and supersedes both GSA Order OCR 2335.1A and GSA’s May 3, 2024 LAP developed under EO 13166. The LAP is rescinded and is no longer in effect.

Summary of Changes

This LSP:

• Rescinds the prior LAP under EO 13166.
• Clarifies that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) does not require GSA  to provide a broad range of language access services in its federally conducted programs for individuals who are LEP. 
• Clarifies that Title VI applies to recipients of federal financial assistance through GSA.
• Confirms obligations to provide services for individuals who are D/HOH under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act remain mandatory.
• Limits language access services for LEP individuals to mission-critical circumstances (e.g., signage [no loitering, emergency exit, no smoking signs] in GSA-controlled facilities, and certain press releases and transactions). 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and administering GSA’s nationwide civil rights programs, including language services.

1. OCR is responsible for:
   1. Leading the development and implementation of the LSP.
   2. Providing guidance to internal stakeholders and recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) through GSA.
   3. Establishing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with EO 14224, DOJ Implementation Guidance and GSA’s operational direction.
2. OCR’s External Programs Branch (EPB) is responsible for ensuring that GSA’s financially assisted programs, services, and activities comply with applicable federal civil rights laws. EPB also leads the implementation of the Agency’s LSP by:
   1. Developing internal resources and training on language services. 
   2. Overseeing contracted language services.
   3. Supporting GSA’s offices in meeting language services needs.
   4. Coordinating with DOJ and other federal agencies on language services matters.
   5. Serving as the Agency’s Language Services Coordinator.

3. All GSA employees and organizations that receive FFA through GSA are required to comply with this order.