This bill mandates that federal agencies conduct a benefit-cost analysis before undertaking significant relocations of employment positions, termed "covered relocations." Agencies must complete this analysis and submit an unredacted report to their Office of Inspector General (OIG) prior to any submission to the Office of Management and Budget. The OIG is then required to review this report and submit its own findings to Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability in these decisions. The required benefit-cost analysis must adhere to economic and social science principles consistent with OMB Circular A-4. The agency's report must comprehensively detail anticipated outcomes, implementation strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and assess the relocation's impact on the agency's mission during and after the move. This report must also be made publicly available, with the exclusion of any proprietary or confidential information. Within 90 days of receiving the agency's report, the OIG must submit a comprehensive report to relevant Congressional committees. This OIG report must include detailed descriptions of the data used, the conclusions of the benefit-cost analysis, and a thorough assessment of the agency's adherence to OMB Circular A-4 guidance. Furthermore, if the relocation involves moving positions from the National Capital Region, the OIG's report must assess the comparison of real estate options. A covered relocation is specifically defined as moving or replacing the positions of more than the lesser of 5 percent or 100 employees outside their current commuting area, or under another agency's jurisdiction. This definition encompasses administrative redelegations of functions, direct agency or component moves, or a combination of related actions. The legislation aims to provide Congress with detailed information to oversee significant federal personnel and resource movements effectively.
This bill mandates that federal agencies conduct a benefit-cost analysis before undertaking significant relocations of employment positions, termed "covered relocations." Agencies must complete this analysis and submit an unredacted report to their Office of Inspector General (OIG) prior to any submission to the Office of Management and Budget. The OIG is then required to review this report and submit its own findings to Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability in these decisions. The required benefit-cost analysis must adhere to economic and social science principles consistent with OMB Circular A-4. The agency's report must comprehensively detail anticipated outcomes, implementation strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and assess the relocation's impact on the agency's mission during and after the move. This report must also be made publicly available, with the exclusion of any proprietary or confidential information. Within 90 days of receiving the agency's report, the OIG must submit a comprehensive report to relevant Congressional committees. This OIG report must include detailed descriptions of the data used, the conclusions of the benefit-cost analysis, and a thorough assessment of the agency's adherence to OMB Circular A-4 guidance. Furthermore, if the relocation involves moving positions from the National Capital Region, the OIG's report must assess the comparison of real estate options. A covered relocation is specifically defined as moving or replacing the positions of more than the lesser of 5 percent or 100 employees outside their current commuting area, or under another agency's jurisdiction. This definition encompasses administrative redelegations of functions, direct agency or component moves, or a combination of related actions. The legislation aims to provide Congress with detailed information to oversee significant federal personnel and resource movements effectively.