Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, known as the "Congressional Oversight to Secure Transparency of Relocations Act" or the "COST of Relocations Act," mandates that Federal agencies perform a benefit-cost analysis for specific employment position relocations. Before any submission to the Office of Management and Budget, the agency must conduct this analysis and provide an unredacted report to its Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is then responsible for reviewing this report and submitting its own findings to Congress, ensuring oversight of these significant agency actions. A "covered relocation" is defined as moving or replacing the positions of more than the lesser of 5 percent or 100 employees outside their commuting area or under another agency's jurisdiction. The required benefit-cost analysis must adhere to economic and social science principles consistent with Office of Management and Budget Circular A-4. The agency's report must include anticipated outcomes, metrics, an employee engagement plan , stakeholder assessments, a comprehensive strategy with staffing and risk mitigation, and an analysis of the relocation's impact on the agency's mission. This report, excluding proprietary or confidential information, must be made publicly available. Within 90 days of receiving the agency's report, the OIG must submit its own report to relevant congressional committees. This OIG report must detail the data used in the benefit-cost analysis, its conclusions, and a comprehensive assessment of the agency's adherence to OMB guidance. For relocations moving positions out of the National Capital Region, the OIG must also assess the comparison of real estate options between the current and destination locations, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the proposed move.
This bill, known as the "Congressional Oversight to Secure Transparency of Relocations Act" or the "COST of Relocations Act," mandates that Federal agencies perform a benefit-cost analysis for specific employment position relocations. Before any submission to the Office of Management and Budget, the agency must conduct this analysis and provide an unredacted report to its Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is then responsible for reviewing this report and submitting its own findings to Congress, ensuring oversight of these significant agency actions. A "covered relocation" is defined as moving or replacing the positions of more than the lesser of 5 percent or 100 employees outside their commuting area or under another agency's jurisdiction. The required benefit-cost analysis must adhere to economic and social science principles consistent with Office of Management and Budget Circular A-4. The agency's report must include anticipated outcomes, metrics, an employee engagement plan , stakeholder assessments, a comprehensive strategy with staffing and risk mitigation, and an analysis of the relocation's impact on the agency's mission. This report, excluding proprietary or confidential information, must be made publicly available. Within 90 days of receiving the agency's report, the OIG must submit its own report to relevant congressional committees. This OIG report must detail the data used in the benefit-cost analysis, its conclusions, and a comprehensive assessment of the agency's adherence to OMB guidance. For relocations moving positions out of the National Capital Region, the OIG must also assess the comparison of real estate options between the current and destination locations, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the proposed move.