COST of Relocations Act

This bill would make federal agencies study costs and benefits before they move government jobs from one area to another. Before any move, an agency must write a full report explaining the expected results, how they will measure success, how they will engage employees and other stakeholders, the risks and how to reduce them, and how the move could affect the agency’s work in the short and long term. The agency’s watchdog (Inspector General) must review that report and send its own findings to Congress. A public version of the agency’s report must be posted, with confidential details removed. The analysis must follow standard federal guidelines for cost-benefit studies. If the move would take jobs out of the National Capital Region, the review must also compare local real estate options to those in the new location. The Inspector General has 90 days to report to Congress after receiving the agency’s report.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal agencies considering moving jobs; federal employees; people and communities who rely on those services in both the old and new locations.
• What changes: Agencies must do a detailed cost-benefit study, plan for employee engagement, set metrics, assess risks, and analyze mission impacts before a move; the report is reviewed by the agency watchdog and shared publicly with sensitive information removed.
• When it happens: The analysis and reporting happen before any relocation, and the Inspector General must report to Congress within 90 days of receiving the agency’s report .