GAO Report: Federal Agencies Struggle with Accurate Office Space Data

A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released October 16, 2026, reveals that while federal agencies are complying with the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies (USE IT) Act, significant data inconsistencies are undermining efforts to accurately assess and reduce federal office space. The USE IT Act, enacted in January 2025, requires agencies to collect and report occupancy data, a response to long-standing concerns about chronic underutilization of federal buildings – a problem that has placed federal real property management on GAO’s High Risk list for over two decades.

The report details that 23 of 24 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Act agencies surveyed are utilizing badging systems, often supplemented by surveys, to gather occupancy information. Collectively, these agencies spent $16 million in 2025 to comply with the data collection requirements. While many agencies intend to use this data to identify and dispose of underutilized spaces, potentially saving millions annually, the report identifies crucial gaps. Specifically, the data submitted to Congress in March 2026 lacks context regarding General Services Administration (GSA)-controlled vacant space, creating a potentially inaccurate picture of overall office space utilization.

Concerns center on the consistency of data collection methods. Approximately one-third of surveyed agencies expressed concerns about GSA’s data collection guidelines, and several agencies reported approaches inconsistent with those guidelines. For instance, one agency reported the number of assigned employees rather than actual presence, skewing utilization rates. This lack of standardization hinders the ability to make informed decisions about prioritizing properties for disposal, potentially limiting potential financial savings. The GAO recommends improved coordination between agencies and GSA to address these inconsistencies.

The GAO’s investigation included surveying CFO Act agencies, reviewing GSA guidelines, and conducting in-depth interviews with five agencies. The findings underscore the challenges of implementing new data collection mandates and the importance of consistent, complete data for effective resource management. The report highlights the need for a more comprehensive view of federal real property, incorporating GSA-controlled space, to accurately reflect utilization rates and maximize savings.