U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE LEASE DEAL TO SAVE TAXPAYERS $3.8 MILLION

FROM:  GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
GSA Announces New Lease for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Deal saves $3.8 million dollars in lease payments annually
Contact: Chris Tollefson (USFWS) (703) 358-2222 chris_tollefson@fws.gov

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a new lease agreement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) headquarters in Virginia, which will consolidate three expiring leases in the region and save taxpayers more than $3.8 million dollars annually for the next fifteen years. The building provides nearly 183,000 square feet of office space for the Service to deliver on its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The new lease offers the Service a much lower rental rate from their current leases and includes three years of free rent. The annual rental rate will decrease by $6 a square foot, which is a 17 percent reduction. Additionally, the new lease reduces the agency’s footprint by 72,233 square feet.

The lease award is the result of an open and competitive procurement. The selected offer met all the minimum requirements of the Request for Lease Proposals and was the lowest priced offer providing the best overall value to the taxpayers.

The agency's headquarters will move from their current location in Ballston to 5275 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, Virginia in summer of 2014.

The new facility, owned by Vornado-Charles E. Smith, will utilize efficient space planning allowing the Service to minimize its physical footprint. The new facility will also use less energy and water than typical office buildings.

###

About the U.S. General Services Administration The mission of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.