USE IT Act Data Released on Federal Workspace Utilization
Summary
The U.S. General Services Administration released the first government-wide data on federal workspace utilization as required by the USE IT Act provision in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The data reveals significant underutilization of federal space against the 60% occupancy threshold across 24 CFO Act agencies. GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst announced plans to eliminate underutilized buildings, co-locate agencies, and reduce excess space.
What changed
The USE IT Act provision requires 24 Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act agencies to measure and publicly release information on workspace utilization, with a minimum acceptable threshold of 60% occupancy. This release represents the first government-wide snapshot of space utilization data, establishing baseline measurement methodology for ongoing federal accountability.
Federal agencies should expect continued refinement of utilization measurement and potential implications for space allocation decisions. GSA will focus on disposing of empty buildings, co-locating agencies with similar missions, and eliminating maintenance-heavy underutilized facilities. Compliance teams should monitor for updated guidance as GSA refines its methodology for measuring space utilization.
Source document (simplified)
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March 31, 2026
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GSA Releases USE IT Act Data
Findings show significant underutilization of federal workspace
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) publicly released data required by the USE IT Act. This provision is found in the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, requiring the 24 Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act agencies to measure and publicly release information on how their space is actually used. The minimum acceptable threshold is 60 percent occupancy.
These findings provide the first government-wide snapshot of space utilization. While this initial data remains imperfect, it is a necessary step that will allow us to continue to refine the methodology and consistently measure the space while bringing transparency and federal accountability to the forefront.
“Today’s data shines a light on the usage of federal buildings and gives GSA a clear path to smarter space allocation. With the problem defined, we can act: increase transparency, cut waste, and concentrate on a stronger core,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. “Eliminating underutilized, delinquent maintenance-heavy buildings is a top priority.”
Following these findings, GSA will continue to root out inefficiencies and reduce excess space and dispose of empty buildings. We will focus on co-locating agencies with similar missions in shared facilities to reduce duplication, foster collaboration, and maximize the value of every square foot.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. We manage a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversee more than $116 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and deliver technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
Last updated: Mar 31, 2026
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