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  6. Lighting

Lighting

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Lighting accounts for more than 30% of the total electricity consumption of commercial buildings in the United States.1 Effective lighting systems involve the integration of lighting technologies with the building as a whole — across the lifecycle of a building. Green technologies and design strategies are more conducive to energy and financial savings, human health, productivity, and satisfaction.

Lighting choices in offices affect:

  • Comfort and mood of workers and visitors
  • Ambiance and visual appeal of the space
  • Up-front costs of lighting equipment
  • Utility and maintenance costs
  • Associated greenhouse gas emissions
  • Space usability and worker productivity
  • Safety and security

Read our guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available [PDF - 9 MB].

Components

Facility-wide

Digitial rendering showing a cutaway of a facility highlighting lighting systems, including exterior, interior, and shading control.
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Exterior lighting typically serves one or more of the following purposes: aesthetics, security, or utility. Facade, parking, and walkway lighting present a tremendous opportunity for savings, as these lights are on for nearly half the year. Exterior lighting may also be known as outdoor lighting. Though the terms may be used interchangeably, exterior lighting may refer specifically to light fixtures that are mounted on the exterior of a building or integrated into a building’s architecture, while outdoor lighting may be used more broadly to describe any light fixtures located in outdoor spaces, such as streets, parks, and parking lots. Exterior lighting should be downward facing to limit light pollution and designed to reduce light trespass. Reflectors, deflectors, and covers can be used to maximize the efficiency of the light source. Exterior lighting systems, coupled with lighting controls such as motion detectors and photosensors, ensure an energy efficient and safe area beyond the building facade. LED lighting lasts longer and uses less energy than other lamp types, such as incandescent, fluorescent, or HID. Learn more about lighting by exploring guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems [PDF - 9 MB] and for large-scale community projects, see DOE Better Building’s outdoor lighting accelerator toolkit.

The building characteristic that has the most significant impact on workplace lighting is fenestration, the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of the building. This should be considered in the lighting ecosystem when developing a strategy to optimize daylighting. This includes horizontal and vertical orientation of windows, as well as their placement, size, spacing, and quantity. Fenestration must be designed in such a way as to avoid direct sunlight on task surfaces or into occupants’ eyes.

Design considerations include:

  • Vertically oriented fenestration may allow greater daylight penetration and quality views to the outdoors.
  • High daylight illumination levels may correlate to incidence of glare.
  • Daylight penetration influences heating and cooling loads.
  • Limited daylight penetration may correspond to a greater reliance on electric lighting solutions and higher energy consumption, as well as limiting the psychological benefits of daylight.
  • Degree of transparency to the outdoors should be aligned to organizational mission and security requirements.

For more information on daylighting, explore the Whole Building Design Guide daylighting page.

Glare, or excessive brightness within the field of view, is an aspect of daylighting that can cause discomfort and eye strain to occupants. It is important to reduce glare and avoid direct sunlight on task surfaces. Incorporate shading devices and window glazing technologies to keep work environments healthy and productive. Strategies include:

  • Roof overhangs — permanent shading that can help eliminate harsh high-angle summer sunlight
  • Exterior shading — permanent shading designed to reduce direct summer sunlight and glare
  • Exterior scrim — a shading device that can soften harsh direct sunlight
  • Interior window blinds or shades — a variety of blind or shade options either incorporated between window glass layers or attached to interior window frames to provide occupants with glare control. These options can be manual or automated.
  • Window coatings — selective coatings that reduce summer heat gain and glare but allow maximum sunlight penetration in winter are most effective when coupled with interior window blinds or shades

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Manual or automated window blinds or shades manage light entering the space and can help keep spaces cool in the summer, reducing the load on cooling systems.
  • Roof overhangs and exterior shading can be positioned such that light is blocked in the summer, when the sun is overhead, and admit light and heat in the winter, when the sun is lower on the horizon, to reduce cooling loads and to provide free supplemental heating.

IEQ

  • Manual window blinds or shades give occupants control over how much daylight enters their spaces.
  • Window coatings, blinds, and shading help prevent uncomfortable glare within the space.
  • Automated blinds or shading systems should be properly maintained to prevent them from drifting out of spec and causing over-shading.

Emergency lighting is critical to any building design and can be designed for minimal energy use. Emergency light fixtures are battery powered and automatically turn on if there is a loss of power to the space, illuminating pathways toward exits. Lighted exit signs have a battery backup or are connected to emergency systems that supply power during an outage. Self-luminous exit signs emit a constant glow without requiring electricity or batteries. Retrofit kits convert lighted exit signs from incandescent-type lamps to LED. For guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available, see our LED lighting and controls guidance [PDF - 9 MB].

System relationships:

HVAC

  • LED exit signs give off less heat than older incandescent-lit signs, which can reduce the load on cooling systems in warm climates and save energy.

Interior

Digital rendering of a modern open office showcasing lighting strategies, including daylighting, task lighting, and lighting controls.
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The lighting system plays a significant role in the overall indoor environmental quality of the office space.2,3 General lighting is designed to provide a substantially uniform level of illuminance throughout an area, exclusive of any provision for special local requirements.4 General lighting selection should be driven by efficiency, lamp life, color quality of the light, and its intended use with a combination of direct and indirect light sources. The ceiling layout impacts the effectiveness of a general lighting scheme. Use a non-uniform lighting layout to give more visual stimulation and appeal, supplemented as appropriate with daylighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

  • Optimizing daylighting and providing views to the outdoors has been demonstrated to increase occupant performance and reduce absenteeism.5 Integration of shading and glare control strategies avoids eye strain while individual lighting controls and task lighting gives occupants the ability to control their lighting conditions.
  • Task lighting is directed to a specific surface or area, providing illumination for visual tasks.4 In the office environment, providing task lighting at individual workstations and desks allows occupants control of their visual space and could reduce the need for general lighting.
  • Accent lighting is directional lighting to emphasize a particular object or surface feature, or to draw attention to a part of the field of view.4 Selective illumination, often located in entrance and lobby areas, can improve wayfinding, add brightness, create dramatic effects, and highlight points of visual interest.

Lighting system components are lamps; fixtures—reflectors, diffusers, and lenses; ballasts — for some types of lamps, and controls. Light emitting diode or LED lamps have become common in most workplace environments, but fluorescent and high-intensity discharge or HID lamps may be preferred for certain applications. Consider the lamp, fixture, and appropriate controls, as well as ceiling, floor, and wall surface reflectance values, to maximize light levels while minimizing energy consumption.

For guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available, see our LED lighting and controls guidance [PDF - 9 MB].

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Choosing the most efficient lamp and appropriate control minimizes the amount of waste heat generated, allowing the cooling system to run more efficiently.
  • LED lamps use less energy than other types of lamps. If replacing an older cooling system, you may be able to purchase a smaller, less expensive chiller and air distribution system.

IEQ

  • Lower general lighting levels, combined with task lighting, can adequately illuminate writing and reading tasks while limiting excessive brightness on computer screens.
  • General lighting fixtures can be selected to reduce glare and diffuse light, limiting direct brightness on work surfaces and computer screens.
  • Provide accent lighting on walls to avoid shadows that can make a space appear dreary or enclosed.
  • Unevenly distributed light on work surfaces can create too much contrast for work tasks and cause eye strain.

Daylighting uses light originating from the sun as a substitute for electrical lighting. The best proven lighting strategy is to employ layers of light — using daylight for basic ambient light levels while providing occupants with additional lighting options to meet their needs.

An effective daylighting strategy appropriately illuminates the building space, through side-lighting and top-lighting apertures such as windows and skylights, without subjecting occupants to glare or major variations in lighting levels. Daylight can be reflected into the interior of the space using light shelves at the building’s perimeter or light tubes from the roof. Daylighting can reduce energy consumption from lighting and provide a visually stimulating and productive environment for occupants.

Daylighting analysis:

A critical first step to optimizing the benefits of daylight, including to occupants’ circadian rhythms, is understanding daylighting conditions. A daylighting analysis is a simulation of daylight levels within a space at various times of the day and year and can inform the placement and size of windows and skylights in new construction projects, as well as the treatment of windows, use of space, design of electric lighting systems, placement of furniture and selection of colors and finishes in any project. A daylighting analysis using lighting simulation software can simulate daylight illuminance levels and patterns, model how to integrate electric lighting based on available daylight, identify when and where glare may need to be controlled, and estimate energy savings. Daylighting analyses are best conducted by a professional lighting consultant as early as possible in the design process.

Integrating daylighting with electric lighting and controls:

Daylight-responsive lighting controls are an essential component of any daylighting strategy. Photosensor controls that adjust the level of electric lighting according to the amount of daylight available will yield the greatest benefit. Switching controls turn some or all of the electric lighting off when there is sufficient daylight. Dimming controls modulate the electric lighting depending on the available level of daylight.

Operation and maintenance:

Key to the success of an effective daylighting strategy is the education and engagement of occupants and operations and maintenance personnel. Commissioning is important to ensure that the daylighting controls and electric lighting are properly installed and configured. Occupants should be educated about acceptable levels and benefits of daylight and the features of the daylighting strategy. This not only contributes to occupant comfort but empowers occupants to be advocates for the proper operation of the lighting system and controls. Operations and maintenance personnel must be educated about all aspects and components of the daylighting strategy and how to continually evaluate the system’s performance, as well as trained on the functionality and maintenance requirements of the electric lighting and controls.

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Minimize heating and cooling loads by considering climate conditions, glazing selection, and the placement of windows and skylights. Poorly implemented daylighting techniques can lead to overheating of a space and an increase in cooling loads.
  • Reflective coatings on windows can reduce heat gain in the summer.
  • Glass has a lower insulation value than other building components, allowing a higher rate of heat transfer to the outdoors. Be sure to specify windows with higher insulation values, which may include those with double- or triple-paned glass.
  • Windows and skylights with integral blinds or shades offer some maintenance benefits but can cost more and may have a lower insulation value.

IEQ

  • Optimized daylighting and access to quality views to the outdoors can contribute to occupant satisfaction and psychological comfort which may enhance occupant performance and reduce absenteeism in some circumstances. Allowing daylight into the space while simultaneously providing individualization and acoustical privacy can be accomplished with partially translucent interior walls.
  • Provide occupants seated near windows glare control integrated into the daylighting strategy.

Surface reflectance, or light reflectance value, is a measurement of how much visible light, on a scale from 0% to 100%, is reflected off of a surface when that surface is illuminated by a light source. Walls, ceilings, and furniture surfaces should be of light color, high surface reflectance, and low glare. Maximizing surface reflectance avoids high contrast for visual tasks and reduces the output required of the lighting system, making the space more visually comfortable, economical, and energy efficient.

System relationships:

IEQ

  • A brighter interior environment can contribute to occupant satisfaction and psychological comfort, which may enhance occupant performance and reduce absenteeism in some circumstances.

Lighting controls can be used to manually or automatically turn lights on and off or control lighting levels according to daylight conditions. Lighting controls are critical for minimizing energy use and maximizing space functionality and occupant satisfaction. Common types of lighting controls include manual controls like switches and dimmers and automated controls such as vacancy sensors, occupancy sensors, photosensors, dimmers, and timers. In addition to controlling general lighting, sensors are useful for task lighting, such as under-shelf workstation lighting, and exterior lighting applications.

  • Vacancy sensors — Vacancy sensors detect activity within a space and turn lights off automatically when the space is unoccupied. Occupants are required to manually turn on lights. Vacancy sensors are effective at improving the lighting system’s energy efficiency.
  • Occupancy sensors — Like vacancy sensors, occupancy sensors detect activity within a space. However, occupancy sensors both turn lights on automatically when the space is occupied and turn lights off when the space is unoccupied. There are two types of occupancy sensors:
    • Ultrasonic sensors detect occupancy through changes in sound waves that are distributed by motion. This is most effective in applications where there is limited line of sight to the sensor and less concern about reading outside the space, e.g. restrooms and rooms with obstructions.
    • Infrared sensors detect occupancy through changes in heat distribution within the space based on motion, e.g. offices and most general activity spaces. This technology can also be directed to specific areas of a space to help eliminate false readings.
  • Photosensors — Photosensors detect daylight and adjust electric light accordingly. Vital for outdoor applications, photosensors ensure that the exterior lighting system is functioning at night when needed, but turned off during daylight hours. Photosensors within the interior of the building can be used to turn off or dim electric lighting in response to sufficient levels of daylight.
  • Dimmers — Dimmers provide variable levels of light, which can save energy by reducing wattage.
    • Fluorescent lamps may require special dimming ballasts, but dimming can be effective at reducing energy use.
    • LED lamps can be used with dimmers but must be designed for dimming.
  • Timers — Timers can be programmed to turn on and off both indoor and exterior lights at specified times. Timers, paired with other lighting control technologies, can be effective in ensuring that lighting is not on when it is not needed.

For guidance on streamlining your lighting control design, see GSA LED lighting and controls guidance [PDF - 9 MB].

For more information, see DOE Energy Saver lighting controls.

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Motion sensors and timers can help reduce waste heat generated from lighting, reducing the load on the cooling system.

IEQ

  • Occupancy sensors with manual overrides give occupants control over lighting in their spaces.
  • Where manual or automated dimmers are used to improve the quality of the lighted space, be sure to choose lamps designed to work with dimmers and dimmers that are compatible with the specified technology.

Furniture placement, dimensions and orientation have a significant impact on the effectiveness of general lighting. A daylight-optimized interior design considers furniture design, placement, and finishes to enhance lighting performance. For example, position work surfaces at a distance from windows that reduces the need for shading and may permit greater penetration of daylight but maximizes views to the outdoors. Choose finishes that reflect light diffusely (low gloss) to avoid causing glare. Locating private offices away from windows, toward the center of the building, and using transparent or translucent panels can optimize views and daylight for all occupants.

For example, by positioning work surfaces at a distance from the south facade, solar control is easier with smaller solar shading devices than if a desk or office is placed directly against the south facade. This concept is illustrated in the following figure and shows how a relatively small overhang provides full direct seasonal solar protection to the workspace. The area immediately adjacent to the south facade is circulation space.

Solar protection workspace diagramRead image text description

Source: Whole Building Design Guide

System relationships:

IEQ

  • Furniture and furnishings directly affect the ergonomics of the workspace. Adjustable furniture and furnishings, including work surfaces, seating and lighting, accommodate user preferences and maximize comfort.
  • To reduce occupant discomfort, avoid high-gloss, high-contrast finishes on furniture.

Task lighting is directed to a specific surface or area, providing illumination for visual tasks.6 In the office environment, providing task lighting at individual workstations and desks allows occupants control of their visual environment and could reduce the need for general lighting. Case studies have measured occupant comfort improvements between 10% and 16% with adjustable task lighting.7 Task lighting can come hard-wired in furniture or be as simple as a desk lamp. LED lamps and fixtures with articulated arms maximize energy savings and positive ergonomics. Consider controlling task lighting with occupancy sensors to avoid lights being left on when space is unoccupied.

For guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available, see our LED lighting and controls guidance [PDF - 9 MB].

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Task lighting is often closer to the work surface, allowing for reduced-power (and reduced heat) general lighting.

IEQ

  • Allowing occupant control over the immediate lighting in the workspace offers beneficial human impacts such as increased comfort and performance.

Lobby

Digital rendering of an office lobby showing both general and accent lighting
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Accent lighting is directional lighting to emphasize a particular object or surface feature, or to draw attention to a part of the field of view.8 Selective illumination, often located in entrance and lobby areas, can improve wayfinding, add brightness, create dramatic effects, and highlight points of visual interest. To manage energy use, utilize accent lighting to the minimal extent possible while still achieving desired aesthetic effects. For high-ceiling applications where bulb replacement is particularly challenging, consider long-life LED lighting strategies to minimize maintenance cost.

For guidance on selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available, see our LED lighting and controls guidance [PDF - 9 MB].

System relationships:

HVAC

  • Place thermostats away from accent lighting to avoid artificially high readings.

Resources

  • Whole Building Design Guide | Energy Efficient Lighting
  • Whole Building Design Guide | Building Upgrade Manual [PDF]
  • Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
  • ASHRAE.org | Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings: Achieving 30% Energy Savings toward a Net Zero Energy Building
  • DOE | 50% Energy Savings for Small Office Buildings [PDF]
  • DOE | Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide - Improving the Energy Efficiency of Commercial Buildings
  • DOE | Sustainable Design Guide — Ch 5. Lighting, HVAC, and Plumbing [PDF]
  • DOE | Sustainable Design Guide — Ch 2. Whole-Building Design [PDF]

Case studies

  • DOE | Building Performance Database
  • DOE | Better Buildings’ Interior Lighting Campaign Case Studies
  • DOE | Better Buildings’ UC Berkeley Case Study: Tying Energy Costs to Building Occupants

1 Whole Building Design Guide | Energy Efficient Lighting

2 Committee to Review and Assess the Health and Productivity Benefits of Green Schools (2006). Review and Assessment of the Health and Productivity Benefits of Green Schools: An Interim Report. National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences.

3 Heschong-Mahone Group (2003). Windows and classrooms: A Study of Student Performance and the Indoor Environment. Sacramento, CA: California Energy Commission.

4 Illuminating Engineering Society | General Lighting

5 Milton, D.K., P.M. Glencross, and M.D. Walters (2000). Risk of Sick Leave Associated with Outdoor Air Supply Rate, Humidification, and Occupant Complaints. Indoor Air, 10(4): p. 212-21.

6 Illuminating Engineering Society | Task Lighting

8 Illuminating Engineering Society | Accent Lighting

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Last updated: Jul 16, 2025
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PER DIEM LOOK-UP

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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Department of Defense.

Rates for foreign countries are set by the Department of State.

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Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

 
 
Additional terms and conditions

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Glossary

  • An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • Not already have participated in the 8(a) program
    • Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged
    • Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $750,000 or less.
    • Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $350,000 or less
    • Be owned by someone with $6 million or less in assets
    • Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
    • Have all its principals demonstrate good character
    • Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts

    See Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • A multiple-award IDIQ governmentwide acquisition contract offering complete and flexible IT solutions worldwide. A best-in-class GWAC and preferred governmentwide solution, Alliant 2 offers:

    • Artificial intelligence
    • Distributed ledger technology
    • Robotic process automation
    • Other types of emerging technologies

    It provides best-value IT solutions to federal agencies, while strengthening chances in federal contracting for small businesses through subcontracting.

  • An agreement established by a government buyer with a Multiple Award Schedule contractor to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services.

  • Types of funds to use on specific expenses.

    • BA51 is for new construction
    • BA53 is for rental of space
    • BA54 is for repairs and alterations below the prospectus level
    • BA55 is for repairs and alterations above the prospectus level
    • BA61 is for operations, except salaries, cleaning, utilities, etc.
  • The work done to make a structure or system ready for use or to bring a construction or development project to a completed state.

  • A GSA SmartPay card that is a centrally billed account. The agency is invoiced for purchases and the federal government pays contractor banks directly. Examples include purchase, fleet, and some travel cards or accounts. See more on how to recognize card types.

  • Negotiated firm-fixed pricing on airline seats for official government travel. The locked-in ticket prices for the fiscal year save federal agencies time and money. Federal employees enjoy flexibility to change their plans without incurring penalties or additional costs. All negotiated rates have:

    • Flexibility to book one-way, multi-leg, and round-trip tickets
    • Lenient refund policies
    • Ability to adjust or cancel flights at no additional cost
    • Unrestricted time limits on ticketing
    • No advance purchase requirements
    • No blackout periods

    Use the CPP search tool to find current fares.

  • A space where individuals work independently or co-work collaboratively in a shared office. The work environment is similar to a typical office, usually inclusive of office equipment and amenities. Typical features of co-working facilities include work spaces, wireless internet, communal printer/copier/fax, shared kitchens, restrooms and open seating areas. May also be referred to as a “shared office.”

  • A system that is bought from a commercial vendor to solve a particular problem, as opposed to one that a vendor custom builds.

  • From 5 USC 5701(6), "continental United States" means the several states and the District of Columbia, but does not include Alaska or Hawaii.

  • An employee who negotiates and awards contracts with vendors and who has the sole authority to change, alter or modify a contract.

  • An employee whose duties are to develop proper requirements and ensure contractors meet the commitments during contract administration, including the timeliness and delivery of quality goods and services as required by the contract.

  • A request of GSA where a federal agency retains and manages all aspects of the procurement process and is able to work with the selected vendor after award.

  • An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Meet all the requirements of the WOSB Federal Contract program
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $850,000
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $450,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6.5 million or less in personal assets

    See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • The primary regulation for federal agencies to use when buying supplies and services with funds from Congress.

    Use acquisition.gov to browse FAR parts or subparts or download the full FAR in various formats.

  • The travel and relocation policy for all federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at government expense.

  • A program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment.

  • A GSA business line that provides safe, reliable, low-cost vehicle solutions for federal agency customers and eligible entities. Offerings include:

    • Vehicle purchasing, leasing and short-term rentals
    • Vehicle disposal
    • Maintenance control and accident management
    • Loss prevention and fuel services
    • A fleet management system with detailed, accurate data
  • A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for fuel and maintenance of GSA Fleet vehicles. Find out where the Fleet card is accepted, how to use it and more.

  • A Department of Homeland Security program that allows members to use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when crossing international borders by air, land and sea.

  • A charge card for certain U.S. Government employees to use when buying mission-related supplies or services using simplified acquisition procedures, when applicable, and when the total cost does not exceed micro-purchase thresholds.

  • A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for reimbursable expenses while on official travel. Visit smartpay.gsa.gov for more.

  • A vehicle used to perform an agency’s mission(s), as authorized by the agency.

  • Pre-competed, multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts that agencies can use to buy total IT solutions more efficiently and economically.

  • A ceremony marking the official start of a new construction project, typically involving driving shovels into ground at the site.

  • An online shopping and ordering system at gsaadvantage.gov that provides access for federal government employees and in some cases, state and local entities, to purchase from thousands of contractors offering millions of supplies and services.

  • An online auction site at gsaauctions.gov that allows the general public to bid on and buy excess federal personal property assets such as:

    • Office equipment
    • Furniture
    • Scientific equipment
    • Heavy machinery
    • Airplanes
    • Vessels
    • Vehicles
  • Real property for which GSA is responsible. It can be either federally owned or leased from a public or private property owner.

  • An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
    • Have its principal office located in a HUBZone
    • Have at least 35 percent of its employees live in a HUBZone

    See Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • A GSA SmartPay card that is an individually billed account. The cardholder is invoiced for purchases and the cardholder is responsible for payment and then the agency reimburses them. It is the most common for travel cards. See more on how to recognize card types.

  • A type of contract when the quantity of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, the government will require is not known. IDIQs help streamline the contract process and speed service delivery.

  • A fee paid by businesses who are awarded contracts under Multiple Award Schedule to cover GSA’s cost of operating the program. The fee is a fixed percentage of reported sales under MAS contracts that contractors pay within 30 calendar days following the completion of each quarter.

  • An investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges.

  • A written agreement entered into between two federal agencies, or major organizational units within an agency, which specifies the goods to be furnished or tasks to be accomplished by one agency (the servicing agency) in support of the other (the requesting agency).

  • A facility, also known as a border station, that provides controlled entry into or departure from the United States for persons or materials. It houses the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies responsible for the enforcement of federal laws related to entering into or departing from the U.S.

  • An employee who is responsible for preparing, negotiating, awarding and monitoring compliance of lease agreements.

  • Criteria used to select the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. Solicitations must specify that award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors.

  • The rate of reimbursement for driving a privately owned vehicle when your agency authorizes it. Current rates are at gsa.gov/mileage.

  • Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. Also called Schedules or Federal Supply Schedules.

  • The standard federal agencies use to classify business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

  • A family of six separate governmentwide multiple award, IDIQ contracts for management and advisory, facilities, technical and engineering, logistics, intelligence services, research and development, environmental, and enterprise solutions.

  • A formal, signed agreement between GSA’s Public Buildings Service and a federal agency for a specific space assignment.

  • Services performed under a contract with a federal agency that include:

    • Cemetery maintenance
    • Electrical systems and energy management control systems
    • Elevator inspection and maintenance
    • Energy management and audit services
    • Fire alarm and fire suppression system maintenance
    • Janitorial
    • Landscaping and snow removal
    • Marine vessel maintenance and repair services
    • Painting
    • Pest control
    • Plumbing or pipe fitting
    • Refrigeration or heating, cooling, and air conditioning
    • Smart buildings
  • The per day rates for the lower 48 continental United States, which federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. Per diem includes three allowances:

    • A rate for lodging
    • A rate for meals
    • A rate for incidental expenses
  • An identification card that allows credentialed government personal to access facilities, computers, or information systems. May also be referred to as HSPD-12 card, LincPass, Smart Card, or CAC.

  • Furniture and equipment such as appliances, wall hangings, technological devices, and the relocation expenses for such property.

  • Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either alone or when combined with other information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Get our agency's privacy policies and practices as they apply to our employees, contractors, and clients.

  • You should only drive a privately owned vehicle for official travel after your agency evaluates the use of:

    • A common carrier
    • A government-furnished vehicle
    • A rental car

    When your agency has determined a POV to be the most advantageous method of transportation, you are authorized reimbursement for mileage and some additional allowances (parking, bridge, road and tunnel fees, etc.).

  • Approvals from GSA’s congressional authorizing committees, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for proposed capital and leasing projects that require funding over an annually established threshold.

  • Region 1 (New England): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

    Region 2 (Northeast and Caribbean): Northern New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

    Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic): Delaware, parts of Maryland, Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, parts of Virginia, West Virginia

    Region 4 (Southeast Sunbelt): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

    Region 5 (Great Lakes): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

    Region 6 (Heartland): Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

    Region 7 (Greater Southwest): Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

    Region 8 (Rocky Mountain): Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

    Region 9 (Pacific Rim): Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada

    Region 10 (Northwest Arctic): Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

    Region 11 (National Capital): Washington, D.C., area including parts of Maryland and Virginia

  • Formal agreements between GSA and a federal agency customer where GSA agrees to provide goods, services, or both, and the federal agency agrees to reimburse GSA’s direct and indirect costs. The customer portal for RWA information is called eRETA at extportal.pbs.gsa.gov.

  • A document used in negotiated procurements to communicate government requirements to prospective contractors (firms holding Multiple Award Schedule contracts) and to solicit proposals (offers) from them.

  • A document used to communicate government requirements, but which do not solicit binding offers. Quotations submitted in response are not offers. The Multiple Award Schedule order is the offer, and then the contractor can do something to show acceptance, like ordering supplies or contacting subcontractors.

  • An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
    • Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
    • Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability
    • Permanently and totally disabled veterans who are unable to manage the daily business operations of their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management

    See Title 13 Part 128 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business.

    See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • To improve and stimulate small business utilization, we award contracts to businesses that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. We have contracting assistance for:

    • 8(a) Business Development contractors
    • Historically underutilized business zone
    • Service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses
    • Small businesses
    • Small disadvantaged businesses
    • Veteran-owned small businesses
    • Women-owned small businesses
  • A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • The firm must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons
    • The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged

    See Title 13 Section 124.1001 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • The basis for the lease negotiation process, which becomes part of the lease. SFOs include the information necessary to enable prospective offerors to prepare proposals. See SFO minimum requirements.

  • Specific supply and service subcategories within our Multiple Award Schedule. For the Information Technology Category, a SIN might be new equipment or cloud services.

  • An online system at sam.gov, which the U.S. Government uses to consolidate acquisition and award systems for use by contractors wishing to do business with the federal government. Formerly known as FBO.gov, all contracting opportunities valued over $25,000 are posted at sam.gov.

  • When you use a government purchase card, such as the "GSA SmartPay" travel card for business travel, your lodging and rental car costs may be exempt from state sales tax. Individually billed account travel cards are not tax exempt in all states. Search for exemption status, forms and important information.

  • The finishes and fixtures federal agency tenants select that take a space from a shell condition to a finished, usable condition and compliant with all applicable building codes and standards.

  • A statute that applies to all Multiple Award Schedule contracts, unless otherwise stated in the solicitation or contract, which requires contractors to sell to the U.S. Government only products that are manufactured or “substantially transformed” in the U.S. or a TAA-designated country.

  • Vendors report transactional data — information generated when the government purchases goods or services from a vendor — to help us make federal government buying more effective.

    See our TDR page for which SINs are eligible and which line-item data to submit.

  • A unique number required to do business with the federal government.

  • An indicator of how efficiently a federal agency is currently using space, it is traditionally calculated by dividing the usable square feet of the space, by the number of personnel who occupy the space.

  • A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business, as defined by the size standard corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile
    • Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans
    • For those veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management

    Get a full list of eligibility requirements.

  • A governmentwide acquisition contract exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to sell IT services such as:

    • Data management
    • Information and communications technology
    • IT operations and maintenance
    • IT security
    • Software development
    • Systems design
    • New and emerging technologies
  • The amount of solid waste, such as trash or garbage, construction and demolition waste, and hazardous waste, that is reused, recycled or composted instead of being put in a landfill or burned.

  • A GSA program designed to promote recycling and reuse of solid waste.

  • A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
    • Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions

    See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.