[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 166 (Monday, August 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44501-44502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-21223]



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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION


Security Mission and Responsibilities of the General Services 
Administration (GSA) and the Federal Protective Service (FPS)

AGENCY: General Services Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform you of the steps GSA 
has already taken in response to the Oklahoma City bombing to provide a 
safe and secure Federal workplace and provide an update of efforts to 
upgrade security at GSA Federal facilities to meet the minimum 
standards outlined in the DOJ report entitled Vulnerability Assessment 
of Federal Facilities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Four months have elapsed since the April 19 
bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and 
GSA continues the initiatives it undertook to enhance the security at 
buildings under its control.
    These actions include a generally heightened level of security 
awareness; inspection of packages, briefcases and vehicles; and, 
generally tighter control of visitors and others within our buildings.
    At a number of key locations, we have taken steps to limit public 
access and escort visitors, and are continuing to 

[[Page 44502]]
pay particular attention to parking lots and garages as well as street 
level parking adjacent to the buildings. In a number of cases, 
restrictions have been placed on parking next to buildings.
    We are committed to continuing these interim heightened security 
measures through September 30, and are taking steps to maintain these 
initiatives in FY 1996 until GSA begins implementation of updated 
security provisions identified in the DOJ study.
    I would like to specifically recognize the efforts of the FPS in 
implementing and maintaining the heightened interim security measures 
during the past four months. I would also like to commend the entire 
agency for pulling together to accomplish the enormous task involved in 
dealing with the devastation of the bombing in Oklahoma City as well as 
the ensuing operational requirements. Most assuredly this task has been 
a difficult one, but the tremendous accomplishments of those involved 
is a fitting tribute to the dedication and professionalism of GSA 
employees nationwide.
    GSA is well on its way to completing the task assigned by the 
President, and identifying the security needs of its facilities 
nationwide. To date, we have established Building Security Committees 
(BSC's) at the higher risk Level IV buildings. The BSC's are meeting 
and will identify the required security upgrades as outlined in the DOJ 
report. We continue to maintain the ambitious schedule established by 
the President. FPS will be monitoring the Level IV BSC activities, and 
developing guidelines for reporting and evaluating their security 
recommendations.
    The DOJ report specifically stated that the FPS ``has the 
experience and the historical charter to provide security services'' in 
GSA federal buildings by using a wide range of technical and human 
resources (including both Federal Protective Police Officers (FPPO's) 
and contract security guards). Finally, an Executive Order establishing 
an Interagency Security Committee (ISC) headed by the Assistant 
Commissioner of the FPS has been signed, and the President is issuing a 
Memorandum for Executive Departments and Agencies recognizing GSA's 
leadership role in federal building and facility security.
    The next few months will be both demanding and challenging as GSA 
and FPS endeavor to meet the Presidents ambitious schedule for 
implementing the DOJ study recommendations. During this time, I would 
ask everyone to remain committed to GSA's mission and responsibility to 
provide a safe and secure working environment for our clients, 
customers and visitors.

    Dated: August 15, 1995.
Roger W. Johnson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-21223 Filed 8-25-95; 8:45 am]
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