April 22, 1998
VA Directive 7815
ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY LEASE AND BY ASSIGNMENT
FROM GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA)
1. PURPOSE: This directive implements and establishes policy for the acquisition of
space within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by direct lease and General
Services Administration (GSA) assignment. It will be used as guidelines until pertinent
manual revisions are completed.
2. BACKGROUND: On April 13, 1995, the Under Secretary for Health established the
Lease Policy Coordination Council (LPCC). A key responsibility of the LPCC is
consolidation of VA leasing policies consistent with the authorities set forth below.
3. POLICY
a. Approval Authorities to Initiate Leasing Actions
(1) Leases Less Than 10,000 Occupiable Square Feet or 100 Parking Spaces and
Less Than 0,000 Annual Rental. Note occupiable square feet is the assignable
space used by the agency's personnel and furnishings. It is measured to the inside
finish of the dominant portion (e.g., window glass line) of permanent exterior walls. It
also includes circulation within the space assignment.
(a) When Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Lease Funding
Be Requested. VHA Headquarters funding of new leases terminated September 30,
1996.
(b) When Funding for VHA Lease Costs is Available Locally and a Determination
Has Been Made That the Lease
Not Be a Capital Lease. The approval authority is
the Director VA medical center or VA medical and regional office centers or
Independent VA outpatient clinics for leases having a term of up to 10 years. The local
Fiscal Officer will certify that funds are available to support the lease. The Head of the
Contracting Activity will determine appropriate acquisition methods. For proposed
Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) leases, the RCS Regional Manager will certify
that funds are available to support the lease.
(2) Leases More Than 10,000 Occupiable Square Feet or 100 Parking Spaces but
Less Than 0,000 Annual Rent. The approval authority is the Chief Facilities
Management Officer (18) with concurrence of appropriate Administration Head.
(3) Leases in Excess of 0,000 Annual Rent (Prospectus Level Lease). The
approval authority Secretary of Veterans Affairs (00). The appropriate Veterans
Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director, Assistant Secretary for Management
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