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Certification systems for high-performance green buildings (as defined at 42 U.S.C. 17061) assess occupant health, economic, and/or environmental aspects of buildings as a whole. They may include, but are broader than, consideration of specific products, materials, and ecolabels. Certification systems rate or reward relative levels of compliance or performance with specific goals and requirements. Certification systems require an integrated design approach to create projects that improve health and environmental performance, cost effectiveness, and energy efficiency throughout a building’s life-cycle. Some certification systems are single-attribute, focusing solely on one aspect of a building such as occupant health, while others are multi-attribute, addressing aspects such as toxicity, reliability, and overall performance in addition to cost-saving measures such as water and energy efficiency. While the philosophy and method vary across systems, they all award or certify projects designed to improve human health and the environment and reduce operational costs.
A 2018 GSA study [PDF - 3 MB] found that GSA’s certified high-performance buildings cost less to operate, have more satisfied occupants, save energy and water, and produce less waste compared with typical buildings. Compared to legacy stock buildings, GSA’s high-performance buildings have:
The study identified large savings opportunities from continuing to invest in high-performance buildings. If the 100 legacy stock buildings in the study met the average performance rates of the high-performance buildings, they could save over $44 million per year.
Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 6834) requires agencies to apply sustainable design principles to the siting, design, and construction of federal buildings. While agencies are not required to use certification systems, the use of third-party building rating systems has been shown to assist project teams in achieving and quantifying the benefits of incorporating sustainable design principles in the design and operation of federal buildings. Also, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 encourages agencies to use technical standards developed by voluntary consensus standards like third party certification systems, rather than developing agency- or government-specific standards. The use of standards that are widely accepted and developed through consensus-based public-private partnerships enhances innovation and efficiency in government operations and procurement.
Should a federal agency use a third-party building certification system„ the certification system must meet certain criteria established by a federal regulation managed by the Department of Energy. This rule applies to new Federal buildings or a Federal building undergoing a major renovation that requires Congressional approval or for which the estimated design and construction costs are at least $2,500,000 (in 2007 dollars, adjusted for inflation), and design for construction began after Oct. 14, 2015.
Should a federal agency desire to use a certification system, the rule requires agencies to use certification systems that:
Section 436(h) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17092) requires GSA to evaluate available third-party high-performance green building certification systems and provide the findings to the Secretary of Energy who, in consultation with the Department of Defense and GSA, formally identifies the system(s) to be used across the federal government (via a rule — referenced above). Four reviews have been completed: 2006, 2012, 2019, and 2024.
The White House Council on Environmental Quality separately maintains the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings, which consolidate statutory requirements for the design and operational performance of Federal buildings. GSA has developed two crosswalks showing how third-party certification systems help agencies meet the Guiding Principles:
High-performance green building certification systems are routinely updated and revised to include new requirements and methodologies. GSA continuously reviews the certification system market and makes revisions to the crosswalks, where warranted.
In addition to multi-attribute high-performance green building certification systems, there are several that are single attribute systems focusing on one particular issue such as energy or health. ENERGY STAR is one of the most well-known single-attribute building certification systems focused on energy consumption in buildings.
Use this crosswalk [XLSX - 104 KB] to identify specific credits or points within selected commercial building certification systems and standards that federal agencies should focus on in order to meet the Guiding Principles.
Meet Federal requirements and establish operational health and wellness goals by exploring how the Federal Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings relate to health and wellness standards, guidelines, and building rating systems using this crosswalk [XLSX - 72 KB].
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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.
Rates are available between 10/1/2023 and 09/30/2026.
The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.
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.
An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet eligibility requirements.
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:
It provides best-value IT solutions to federal agencies, while strengthening chances in federal contracting for small businesses through subcontracting.
A contract identified through a collaborative interagency process by acquisition category experts within the government as offering the best pricing and terms and conditions within the federal marketplace and reflecting the strongest contract management practices. A BIC contract is designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a preferred governmentwide solution that:
Get more info.
A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing "charge accounts" with qualified sources of supply (see subpart 16.7 for additional coverage of agreements). See 13.303-1 at acquisition.gov for more info.
Types of funds to use on specific expenses.
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:
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.”
Any item of supply (including construction material) that is sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace, offered to the government in the same form in which it is sold in the commercial marketplace, and does not include bulk cargo, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 40102(4), such as agricultural products and petroleum products. See FAR 2.101 at Acquisition.gov for more.
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. See GSAM Subpart 517.7 for more.
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the eligibility requirements.
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 governmentwide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.
A GSA business line that provides safe, reliable, low-cost vehicle solutions for federal agency customers and eligible entities. Offerings include:
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.
A task or delivery order contract for IT. Our GWACs are specifically for IT services-based solutions including systems design, software engineering, information assurance, and enterprise architecture solutions. A GWAC is:
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:
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 eligibility requirements.
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 our cost of operating the program. The fee is currently 0.75% of reported sales under MAS contracts unless otherwise stated in the solicitation. Contractors under the Transactional Data Reporting program have the option to pay the IFF on a monthly basis, but all contractors are required to pay the IFF 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 millions of 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:
A daily allowance for lodging and meals and incidental expenses, or M&IE, which federal agencies use to reimburse their employees on official travel.
An identification card that allows credentialed government personnel 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:
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.
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.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the eligibility requirements.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the eligibility requirements.
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:
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the eligibility requirements.
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 IT 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 business that meet the eligibility requirements.
A governmentwide acquisition contract exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to sell IT services. Get more information about VETS 2.
An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by women that meet eligibility requirements.
U.S. General Services Administration