Finding Retail Opportunities in Federal Buildings
GSA has the authority to contract for concessions in federally owned and leased space in order to meet the needs of the federal tenants in that space and also to contract directly with local telecommunications companies for public pay phones. GSA also has certain authorities to grant outleases, licenses, or permits to the private sector for use of federally owned or leased space.
Concessions
GSA has the authority to provide essential food concession services in GSA-controlled buildings when nearby private commercial services are insufficient. A feasibility study is used to determine the size and type of concessions needed, and essential concessions services are arranged through Randolph-Sheppard permits, contracts, and/or outleases. The Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936 gives priority to visually impaired persons for the operation of onsite concessions in federally controlled facilities. The Department of Education has responsibility for the administration of the Randolph-Sheppard Act and has delegated that responsibility through individual State Licensing Agencies (SLAs). Visually impaired vendors interested in these opportunities should contact the SLA directly for information on licensing requirements and business opportunities; the SLA will represent the vendor in these arrangements.
GSA is required to notify the SLA if and when a concessions opportunity becomes available. Vending machines, sundry stands, prepackaged snack bars, limited onsite snack bars, and onsite snack bars with a grill are typically handled with a permit or license that is prepared by the SLA and submitted to GSA for execution.
The operation of a café or cafeteria is usually covered by a food services contract. Food service contracts can be bid on the open market, and opportunities will be advertised in FedBizOpps.gov. However, GSA must still give priority to visually impaired vendors according to the Randolph-Sheppard Act when conducting a competitive procurement.
Outleasing
Outleasing is GSA’s method of granting private-sector use of GSA-owned or leased space. GSA offers leases for retail, parking, excess office and warehouse space, and rooftops (generally to wireless telecommunications carriers), as well as short-term licenses for film productions.
Under the authority of the Public Buildings and Cooperative Use Act of 1976, GSA can lease space for up to 20 years. A simple, negotiated lease method may be used, and procedures are similar to those of the private sector. Vendors can contact the appropriate GSA Regional Office directly if interested in further information on outleasing opportunities.
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