Chapter 7. Excess Real Property Use and Disposal

Topics on this page: 7.1 Adaptive Reuse of HHS Facilities | 7.2 Evaluation of Disposal Properties Offered for HHS Use | 7.3 Disposal and Disposition | 7.4 Decontamination | 7.5 Mothballing/Winterization of Vacant Buildings

Table of Contents

7.1 Adaptive Reuse of HHS Facilities

This chapter specifies procedures and policies HHS and HHS OPDIV's will follow to evaluate real property to be disposed of by other Federal Agencies and to determine if the facility can be adapted to meet mission dependent functions prior to excess or disposal of an HHS facility. If the OPDIV cannot use the facility to meet OPDIV mission dependent functions, then the OPDIV shall afford the opportunity to HHS to determine if another HHS OPDIV can adapt and reuse the facility to meet their mission dependent program(s). HHS will evaluate real property planned for disposal by other Federal Agencies to determine its suitability to meet HHS requirements and for possible transfer and reuse by HHS.

7.1.1 Policy

Prior to excessing or disposing of an HHS facility, OPDIVs shall evaluate whether the facility can be adapted to meet mission dependent functions. If the facility cannot satisfy a requirement, then OPDIVs shall notify HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy of the availability of the facility evaluation for potential departmental use.

7.1.2 Administrative Requirements

The HHS OPDIV should develop a draft program document that addresses the following factors for evaluating possible excess property for adaptive reuse of HHS facilities:

  • Date the facility was designed and constructed;
  • Original use of the facility;
  • Most recent use of the facility, if different from the original intent;
  • Backlog of maintenance and repair;
  • Facility Condition Index (FCI);
  • Ability to meet the requirements in the draft programmatic document;
  • Adequate Space to Meet the Requirements;
  • Configuration of Space to Meet the Requirements (i.e., functional and adjacency requirements. If there is a need for the space to be contiguous, then it should be required in the draft programmatic document. The efficiency of circulation between and within space should be considered);
  • Adequate Structural Capacity (i.e., the structural system of the building must be able to accommodate OPDIV or HHS mission dependent needs with respect to load capacity and column spacing);
  • Adequate Building Systems (i.e., HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, and communications systems must be adequate to meet OPDIV or HHS mission dependent needs);
  • The Ability to Deliver a Turnkey Facility in accordance with the Government's Requirements (i.e., minimum construction needed to meet the OPDIV and HHS requirements, least amount of construction is desirable to allow the new user to occupy the space sooner at a lower cost); and
  • Consideration should be given to the ability to deliver the space as soon as possible in a cost-efficient manner.

Under the direction of HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy, an HHS ad-hoc evaluation team will be formed to evaluate the properties being disposed of by other Federal agencies to determine their potential for HHS use and make recommendations to the Secretary as to whether HHS should pursue a request for transfer of the real property that is excess to another agency's needs. The ad-hoc teams shall perform a detailed checklist evaluation of the disposed Federal real property for HHS use to include an evaluation of the property site, the adequacy and condition of the available utilities serving the property and an evaluation of the condition of the property.

7.1.3 Guidance and Information

7.2 Evaluation of Disposal Properties Offered for HHS Use

7.2.1 Policy

HHS will evaluate real property to be disposed of by other Federal Agencies to determine its suitability to meet HHS requirements and for possible transfer and reuse by HHS.

7.2.2 Administrative Requirements

Under the direction of PSC RPMS, ad-hoc evaluation teams will be formed to evaluate properties being disposed of by other Federal agencies to determine their potential for HHS use and make recommendations to the Secretary as to whether HHS should pursue a request for transfer of the real property that is excess to another agency's needs.

7.2.3 Guidance and Information

Many types of buildings (such as laboratories, warehouse, retail, etc.) can be converted into office space.

  1. Laboratories
    1. Potential Use – Office Space
    2. Limiting Factors - None
  2. Instrument Labs
    1. Potential Use – Warehouse, Education Space, Conference Space, Fitness Centers, and Office Space
    2. Limiting Factors – Structural Loads are critical for warehouses
  3. Hospital/Clinics
    1. Potential Use – Laboratories and Office Space
    2. Limiting Factors – For laboratory reuse must be able to accommodate a lab module of 11 feet by 22 feet.
  4. Warehouse
    1. Potential Use – Laboratories, Libraries, Education Space, Fitness Centers, Conference Space, and Office Space
    2. Limiting Factors – For laboratory reuse must be able to accommodate a lab module of 11 feet by 22 feet.

7.3 Disposal and Disposition

7.3.1 Policy

Real Property or interests therein that are determined to be excess to the needs of HHS are usually disposed of by or through the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal. It is the policy of the Administrator, GSA to provide for the transfer of excess real property among Federal agencies to eliminate the need to acquire new real properties. Improvements of no commercial value, after requisite approvals, may be abandoned, donated to public bodies, or destroyed. Under Public Law 93-638, when IHS transfers administration of healthcare to a tribal entity, it may transfer ownership of the property directly to the tribe or tribal entity upon their request for use in the performance of a self-determination contract. When IHS no longer has a need for property it may be transferred to GSA or to the Department of the Interior to take the property in trust for the benefit of a tribe.

7.3.2 Administrative Requirements

  1. Authority
    1. References

      The Federal Management Regulation, 41 CFR 102-75, provides additional guidance for disposal actions.
    2. Federal Agencies' Historic Preservation Responsibilities when Disposing of Real Property under their Control
      1. HHS OPDIVs are to follow the guidelines in Section 9.30.40 regarding historic property disposals.
    3. Title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
      1. 42 U.S.C. § 550, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convey surplus Federal real properties to eligible applicants for public health and homeless assistance purposes at a discounted or no cost.
      2. In accordance with Title V of the McKinney – Vento Act Section 42 U.SC. § 11411 (f)(3)(A), organizations that provide services to the homeless receive priority consideration in the use of Federal surplus real property.
      3. Eligible organizations include states and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities, tax supported institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The Federal Property Assistance Program is administered by this Department's Program Support Center (PSC). Entities interested in acquiring Federal surplus real property for public health uses may obtain an application instruction packet from the PSC.
  2. Procedures
    1. Real Property may be retained only when one or more of the following factors exist:
      1. There is a firm current or foreseeable authorized requirement for the property;
      2. The value and characteristics of the property represent the most effective, economical, and timely method of meeting program requirements;
      3. The property is needed to protect the Government's investment in an activity by providing for definite and foreseeable expansion requirements.
      4. HHS organizations shall employ the methodology and criteria depicted in the disposition process denoted in Excess Property as an initial tool for identifying property disposal candidates.
    2. The General Services Administration through the Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal is responsible for promoting effective use of federal real property assets, as well as the disposal of real property that is no longer mission-critical to federal agencies. With thousands of properties in the federal portfolio, disposing of underutilized federal property is a considerable task. GSA, working together with partner federal agencies, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations, business groups, and citizens, leaves a lasting positive impact on communities by making valuable government real estate available for numerous public purposes.
      1. THE DISPOSAL PROCESS. When disposing of federal real estate, the following process is mandated by federal law, except in situations governed by other laws and regulations. The major steps in this process are illustrated below and are used when applicable to the property being considered for disposal.
        1. Excess Property

          When a federal agency no longer needs a property to carry out its program responsibilities, it reports this property to GSA as "excess" to its needs.
          1. Completes a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis on the effect of its decision to declare the property excess.
          2. Submits a Report of Excess to GSA that includes information on the following:
            1. Hazardous substances, as defined by CERCLA
            2. Underground Storage Tanks
            3. Asbestos, Lead-Based Paint, Polychlorinated Biphenyls
            4. Floodplains, Wetlands, Coastal Zone Management
            5. Endangered Species
            6. Historic and Cultural Resources
        2. Federal Transfer

          GSA first offers excess property to other federal agencies that may have a program need for it. If another federal agency identifies a need, then the property can be transferred to the other federal agency given the other agency pays for the property.
        3. Surplus Property

          If there is no further need for the property within the federal government, then the property is determined "surplus" and may be made available for other uses through public benefit conveyances (PBC), including homeless use, negotiated sales, or public sales based on GSA's determination of the property's highest and best use.
          1. GSA must complete a NEPA Analysis
            1. Assess for information denoted in Report of Excess report denoted in paragraph Excess Property and disclose any identified issues in the Invitation or conveyance document statements.
        4. Homeless Conveyance. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, if a property is suitable for homeless use, then it must first be considered as a homeless conveyance before any other public benefit conveyance (PBC) can be considered.
        5. Public Benefit Conveyance. As a PBC, the property can be substantially discounted in price (up to 100% reduction in fair market value) if it is used for a specific public use that qualifies for a PBC through a partner federal agency.
        6. Negotiated Sale. GSA can negotiate a sale at appraised fair market value with a state or local government if the property will be used for another public purpose.
        7. Public Sale of Property. If state and local governments or other eligible non-profits do not wish to acquire the property, GSA can dispose of surplus property via a competitive sale to the public.
    3. Identifying and Reporting Excess Real Property
      1. OPDIVs, shall report excess real property to HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy. Federal Real Property Assistance Program screens excess property for possible transfer to meet other Departmental needs after appropriate internal clearances/approvals are received and to report excess, underutilized, and unutilized property during HUD's quarterly Title V canvas. Reports shall be submitted at least 120 calendar days in advance of the date the property will become available for transfer or disposal. This notification requirement is also applicable to OPDIVs with delegated authority to excess property without Departmental approval.
      2. HHS is designated as the disposal agency for leases, permits, licenses, easements, and similar real estate interests held by the HHS agencies in non-Government owned property. This includes Government-owned improvements located on the premises except when it is determined by either HHS or GSA that the Government's best interests would be served for such disposal to be handled by GSA.
    4. Transfers of Excess Property
      1. Transfers of excess property from one agency to another are generally handled with reimbursement equal to the appraised fair market value of the property (deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts). Upon determination by GSA that a transfer of the property requested is in the best interest of the Government and that the requesting agency is the appropriate agency to hold the property, the transfer may be made among Federal agencies.
      2. Approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required if a transfer without reimbursement is proposed or when the transferring agency has requested the net proceeds of the transfer. Transfers without reimbursement are generally processed when the Administrator of General Services, with the approval of the Director, has approved a request for an exception from the 100% reimbursement requirement, or Congress has specifically authorized the transfer without reimbursement. See FMR 41 CFR 102-75 for specifics on transfers without reimbursement and requests for net proceeds from a transfer.
    5. Transfer from IHS

      There are statutory provisions that permit transfer of certain excess real property to Indian tribes without screening of other agencies. They include:
      1. The Indian Health Transfer Act, Public Law 83-568 of August 5, 1954, transferred Indian Health functions from the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to DHHS. Under Section 4 of this Act, the properties of BIA relating primarily to health matters were authorized to be transferred to IHS. In recognition that adjustments would from time to time be called for in the respective real property holdings for the benefit of the Indian tribes, and to simplify transfer procedures, a Memorandum of Understanding was entered into in 1961 by the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Administrator of General Services to cover such transfers as well as retransfers of properties between the two Departments involved. Transfers under that authority, which appears in 41 CFR 102-75.1110, do not require any screening of other agencies.
      2. Public Law 93-599, approved January 2, 1975, provides for the transfer, without compensation, of certain excess real properties to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust status under BIA in favor of the Indian tribe within whose boundaries such excess property is located or, in Oklahoma, within a former Indian reservation or contiguous to real property now held in trust for an Indian tribe, but only if the property itself was once held in trust by the United States for an Indian tribe. Transfers under this authority do not require any screening of other agencies.
      3. The IHS, through §105f of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law 93-638, as amended) [25 U.S.C. §450j (f)] permits the use, acquisition, or donation of real estate to a tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian program pursuit to a self-determination contract or grant agreement. IHS may also acquire excess real property and transfer ownership of property to a tribe.

7.3.3 Guidance and Information

  1. Determining Economic Value
    1. Government-owned improvements located on land for which HHS has control and accountability may be destroyed after it has been determined that the improvement has no commercial value, or that the estimated cost for continued care, protection, and maintenance would exceed the estimated proceeds of its sale. Improvements with no commercial value owned by the Government may also be abandoned on privately-owned property.
    2. No property shall be abandoned or destroyed until the above facts have been determined by a Board of Survey designated by the head of the office or installation having management responsibility for the property. Any official who is directly accountable or responsible for the property shall not serve in any surveying capacity. The survey should determine the original cost of the property (estimated if not known), the estimated cost to the Government for its protection and maintenance, and whether it is dangerous to public health or safety.
    3. The criteria of health, safety, and security shall be interpreted literally. Buildings and structures which either have structural defects or are contaminated to the extent that it is impracticable to make them safe or sterile for further use are examples of buildings not meeting these criteria. The criteria are also applicable to related materials and equipment which have either been contaminated through use in connection with the treatment or research of infectious and contagious diseases or have been subjected to radiation to the extent that it is not practicable to sterilize or neutralize them. The dictates of security policy or regulations require that such property be destroyed when it is no longer of any value or use for the purpose of which it was originally intended.
    4. A Request for Transfer of Excess Real and Related Personal Property, Form SF118 as found on the GSA Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal must be completed in each instance, initiated by the OPDIV, signed by the survey board members, and submitted to the individual delegated with disposal authority for a decision as to whether the property is dangerous to the extent of requiring special safeguards. Based upon the recommendations of the survey board, the individual delegated with disposal authority will then decide whether the property should be retained, destroyed, or abandoned. A copy of the approved Report of Survey will be furnished to the HHS agency.
    5. The completed Survey Report must be forwarded to GSA for concurrence when the property either (a) had an original cost of more than $50,000, (b) is of permanent type construction, or (c) would enhance the value of the underlying land, if retained.
    6. When abandonment or donation has been authorized, the OPDIV shall give public notice in accordance with the instructions in FMR 41 CFR 102-75.
  2. Custody/Accountability for Excess Real Property

    Once the Report of Excess is reviewed and accepted by the GSA, it will provide an acceptance date and a GSA Control number. The HHS agency will be responsible for the expense of physical care, handling, protection, maintenance, and repair of excess and surplus real property, pending its transfer or disposal, for not more than 12 months plus the period to the first day of the succeeding quarter of the fiscal year after the date the property is accepted by GSA for disposition. In the event the property is not transferred to a Federal agency or disposed of during that period, the expense of physical care, handling, protection, maintenance, and repair of such property thereafter will be assumed by GSA. Guidelines for protection and maintenance contained in FMR 41 CFR 102-75 should be followed. This responsibility will include the minimum services necessary to preserve the Government's interest and will continue to be exercised until the actual transfer or disposal of the property.

    Excess real property which has been reported to and accepted by the GSA must remain in the HHS agency's Real Property Inventory system until final disposition has been acknowledged by the GSA.

7.3.4 Reporting

When buildings or other improvements are excessed without the underlying land, an original only of SF 118 and SF 118A, Report of Excess Real Property, prepared in accordance with GSA instructions in FMR 41 CFR 102-75, will be submitted to HHS Program Support Center Real Property Strategy. The report will include a request, inserted in Block 18, that GSA acts as the disposal agency for the property and a statement that "This property has been screened against the known needs of the Department."

The report will be reviewed by HHS Program Support Center Real Property Strategy and screened against departmental requirements delineated in approved long-range facility plans. If a requirement exists, the HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy will authorize transfer between the HHS Agencies. When no departmental need is determined by the HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy screening procedure, the Report of Excess will be directed to the appropriate GSA regional office in the required number of copies (original plus 4 copies). The holding agency will be notified of this action by copy of the report.

Reports of Excess for lands which are under the custody and responsibility of the Department and which have been withdrawn or reserved from the public domain will follow the same procedures outlined in paragraph B. above, insofar as HHS and the agencies are concerned. RPMS will file with the Department of the Interior the required notice of intention to relinquish the property and will forward a copy of the notice to the appropriate GSA regional office. The SF 118 will not be completed and processed unless the Secretary of the Interior, with concurrence of the Administrator of General Services, determines that the land is not suitable for return to the public domain. See Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR) 101-47.202-6.

The following excess real property under the custody and responsibility of the Department is not required to be reported to GSA:

  • Buildings or structures to be dismantled or removed to make way for new construction on the same site, provided the removal is incorporated in the new construction contract.
  • Buildings or other structures for relocation to a new site where the land underlying the dismantled property is not excess. Where Government-owned land is involved, the OPDIV will submit to Program Support Center HHS Program Support Center Federal Real Property Strategy an original of SF118 and schedules A, B, and C, as necessary, including legible copies of documents relating to the Government's title to the land, based on the agency records. Also required is a report which will contain all the information required in FPMR 107-47.202-2, including the legislative jurisdiction, if any, of the United States over the land, together with a citation of the basis of such jurisdiction. The report must also certify that the facilities follow 40 CFR 761, "Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions." This rule severely restricts the use, handling, storage, and disposal of PCBs.

7.4 Decontamination

7.4.1 Policy

In HHS facilities, where hazardous agents have been used, the facility must be decontaminated in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines prior to disposal of the property. Where hazardous materials were used in the construction, remodeling, or rehabilitation of the facility, those hazardous materials must also be disposed of as required by applicable Federal and local laws and regulations.

  1. Hazardous Substances

    The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires the proper classification of hazardous waste prior to disposal.
    1. Mercury

      HHS policy is that mercury surveys and cleanup of contamination be performed prior to disposal of real property. OPDIVs utilizing mercury for various activities should monitor and prevent depositing this compound under casework, temporary floors, and other low-lying areas due to the unique properties of mercury. Left unaddressed this material would end up in local landfills and incinerators.
    2. Clean Up Sites

      The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, 42 USC 9601 et seq.) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP, 40 CFR 300) establish the requirements and procedures for the cleanup of sites that have been contaminated by releases of hazardous substances. Furthermore, CERCLA requires that a deed for federally owned property being transferred outside the government must contain a covenant that all remedial action necessary to protect human health and the environment has been taken, and that the United States shall conduct any additional remedial action "found to be necessary" after transfer. Within the established restoration process, it is the OPDIV's responsibility, in conjunction with regulatory agencies, to select cleanup levels and remedies that are protective of human health and the environment. The environmental restoration process also calls for public participation, so that decisions can be made with the benefit of community input.
  2. Asbestos Containing Material

    HHS policy is to manage asbestos-containing material (ACM) to protect the health of individuals and the environment in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing ACM hazards. Unless it is determined by competent authority that the ACM in a property is a health threat at the time of transfer, all property containing ACM will be conveyed, leased, or otherwise disposed of "as is" through the transfer process. Prior to property disposal, all available information on the existence, extent, and condition of ACM shall be incorporated into the Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) report or other appropriate document to be provided to the transferee.
  3. Lead-Based Paint

    HHS policy is to manage lead-based paint (LBP) to protect the health of individuals and the environment in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing LBP hazards. The provisions of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of P.L. 102-550) concerning the transfer of Federal property for residential use are applicable. The Act also made Federal agencies subject to all federal, state, interstate, and local laws substantive and procedural requirements respecting LBP and LBP hazards (see 15 U.S.C. 2688). Therefore, there may be more stringent local requirements applicable to Federal property transfers.
  4. Polychlorinated Biphenyls

    HHS policy is that polychlorinated biphenyl surveys and cleanup of contamination be performed prior to disposal of real property. 40 CFR 761, "Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions" severely restricts the use, handling, storage, and disposal of PCBs.
  5. Radon

    In response to concerns with the potential health effects associated with radon exposure, and in accordance with the Indoor Radon Abatement provisions of Subchapter III of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Title 15 U.S.C. 2661 to 2671, it is HHS policy to ensure that any available and relevant radon assessment data pertaining to property being transferred shall be included in property transfer documents. However, it is not policy to perform radon assessment and mitigation prior to transfer of property unless otherwise required by applicable law.

7.4.2 Administrative Requirements

  1. Procedures

    OPDIVs must identify all hazardous agents used in its facilities as well as all hazardous materials used in subsequent facility construction, remodeling, or rehabilitation efforts. OPDIVs must decontaminate the facility in accordance with all Federal and local government laws and regulations and industry standards for the neutralization, destruction, removal, or disposal of hazardous agents and hazardous materials prior to disposal of the facility. (In some cases, the law may allow transfer of a property without removal of certain hazardous materials. For example, it is normally not required to remove asbestos that is in good condition (intact) and non-friable. However, at a minimum there are probably legal requirements to identify that asbestos is present).

7.4.3 Guidance and Information

  1. Hazardous Agents

    Major Agent Categories as defined by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) include: Biological Agents, Metals, Mineral Dusts, Nitrogen Compounds, Other Chemicals, Pesticides, Plastics & Rubber, Solvents, and Toxic Gases & Vapors. A recommended source of excellent specific information is the NLM internet link at (http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/). The following list includes some of the types of hazardous agents that may be found in HHS facilities.
    • Blood borne Pathogens.
    • Indigenous moderate risk agents (e.g., Hepatitis B Virus, Salmonellae, Toxoplasma spp.).
    • Indigenous or exotic agents with a potential for respiratory transmission which may cause serious and potentially lethal infection (e.g., Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, St. Louis Encephalitis Virus).
    • Dangerous and exotic agents which pose a high individual risk of life-threatening disease which may be transmitted via the aerosol rate, and for which there is no available vaccine or therapy.
    • Recombinant DNA.
    • Chemicals including carcinogens, compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammables, irritants, lachrymators, mutagens, oxidizers, and stench, toxins.
    • Radioactive Materials.
    • Building Materials, such as asbestos and lead.
  2. Biohazards and Principles of Biosafety

    The term "containment" is used in describing safe methods for managing infectious materials in the laboratory environment with the intent to reduce or eliminate exposure of laboratory workers, other persons, and the outside environment to potentially hazardous agents.
    • Primary containment - the protection of personnel and the immediate laboratory environment from exposure to infectious agents, is provided by both good microbiological technique and the use of appropriate safety equipment.
    • Secondary containment, the protection of the environment external to the laboratory from exposure to infectious materials, is provided by a combination of facility design and operational practices.
    • The three elements of containment include laboratory practice and technique, safety equipment, and facility design. The risk assessment of the work to be done with a specific agent will determine the appropriate combination of these elements. Facility Design and Construction (Secondary Barriers) commensurate with the laboratory's function and the recommended biosafety level (BSL) for the agents being manipulated, contributes to the laboratory workers' protection, provides a barrier to protect persons outside the laboratory, and protects persons or animals in the community from infectious agents which may be accidentally released from the laboratory.
    • Biosafety Level 1 represents a basic level of containment that relies on standard microbiological practices with no special primary or secondary barriers recommended, other than a sink for hand washing.
    • Biosafety Level 2 practices, equipment, and facility design and construction are applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, and other laboratories in which work is done with the broad spectrum of indigenous moderate-risk agents that are present in the community and associated with human disease of varying severity.
    • Biosafety Level 3 practices, safety equipment, and facility design and construction are applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities in which work is done with indigenous or exotic agents with a potential for respiratory transmission, and which may cause serious and potentially lethal infection.
    • Biosafety Level 4 practices, safety equipment, and facility design and construction are applicable for work with dangerous and exotic agents that pose a high individual risk of life-threatening disease, which may be transmitted via the aerosol route and for which there is no available vaccine or therapy.

Personnel requiring authoritative information, guidance, and procedures for controlling the risks associated with biohazards should refer to the latest edition of CDC/NIH "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories."

  1. Hazardous Substances

    See Hazardous Substances and Asbestos Containing Material.
  2. Asbestos

    See Asbestos Containing Material.
  3. Lead Based Paint

    See Lead-Based Paint.

7.5 Mothballing/Winterization of Vacant Buildings

7.5.1 Policy

Vacant HHS property and buildings shall be protected and secured from the weather, unauthorized use, and vandalism. OPDIVs must identify vacant facilities as inactive in the Automated Real Property Inventory System (ARIS).

7.5.2 Administrative Requirements

  1. Winterization

    All water should be drained from plumbing and hydronic systems and equipment.
    1. All plumbing traps should be filled with antifreeze.
    2. All openings subject to air and water infiltration should be covered.
    3. All hydronic systems shut down for more than 30 days shall be laid up to prevent severe corrosion damage
  2. Protection

    All openings to vacant HHS buildings should be locked and secured. The area around vacant buildings should be fenced and secured. Periodic inspections of vacant HHS facilities should be conducted.

7.5.3 Guidance and Information

When vacating leased HHS Facilities, the OPDIV or GSA should remove all Government property and improvements. The Existing Condition Survey will be the basis for determining the Government's responsibility at the termination of the lease. See 4.1.1 Policy for references to GSA Leasing Desk Guide that has Chapter on Lease Administration, which provides guidance on Lease expiration.

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