Space Measurement Standard Update in GSA RLPs/Leases

Description This Request for Information announcement is to gather industry and stakeholder feedback for lease acquisitions as the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Leasing is assessing updating the GSA lease standards for space measurement used in RLP and Lease templates. These templates utilize the American National Standards Institute/Building Owners and Managers Association (ANSI/BOMA) definition of ANSI/BOMA Office Area (ABOA) to be consistent with policy to follow industry standards. Presently the standard used is from 1996, ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-1996. An update will align lease acquisitions to current industry recognized space measurement standards for office space and align with other internal business policies. BOMA has set floor measurement standards that are considered commercial real estate industry practice for measuring commercial buildings and rental space. The BOMA 2017 Office Standard (ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-2017) was written with simplified language to include helpful hints and additional illustrations to align with current building space designations and usage types. This standard has Methods A & B. GSA’s Office of Leasing is considering updating the GSA RLP and Lease templates to the BOMA 2017 Office Standard (ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-2017). GSA would utilize Method A, since this method is more consistent with the BOMA 1996 standard in its approach. A notable change between the 1996 and 2017 versions would be space definitions, with the former using ‘Office Area’ and the latter using ‘Occupant Area’. Requested Information GSA is requesting feedback from the commercial real estate sector and other stakeholders on this future update of space measurement to the BOMA 2017 Office Standard in the GSA RLP and Lease templates, as follows: Current building measurement standard used for rental of office space. Status of building owner or commercial real estate sector implementing the BOMA 2017 Office Standard (ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-2017). Indicate Method A or B. Impact this update would have, if any, on the ease of leasing space to GSA or other federal agencies. Other general comments or feedback on this update. Responses Responses to this RFI shall be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Responses to Special Notice OL-SN-FY22-01”. Attachments of Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat formats are acceptable. Telephone responses will not be accepted. All responses to this RFI will be used for space measurement update planning purposes only. Responses must be received no later than February 2, 2022 by 4:00 P.M. EST.