Delineated Area: This is the suitable area from which a site may be selected (for new construction) or a leased building may be
located. A delineated area must satisfy the project`s goals, GSA`s Location Policy, applicable Executive Orders, and so forth.
Design Excellence: For projects that require significant architectural and engineering treatment, programming direction must reflect
GSA's commitment to Design Excellence. General design principles and philosophies are presented in the architecture and interior
design chapter of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Handbook (Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services
Administration, September 1998.)
Due Diligence: "Environmental Due Diligence" is a term that describes the responsibilities of a landowner, such as GSA, to conduct
an appropriate inquiry prior to the purchase or development of a parcel of commercial real estate and ensure that all "recognized
conditions" have been identified.
Environmental Assessment (EA): The EA is a concise public document that is prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) to determine whether a federal action would significantly affect the environment and thus require preparation of a more
detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It also
Briefly provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an EIS or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI);
Aids in an agency's compliance with the NEPA when no EIS is necessary, which leads to a FONSI; and
Facilitates preparation of an EIS when one is necessary.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): The National Environmental Policy Act requires that federal agencies prepare an EIS for
major projects or legislative proposals that significantly affect the environment. It is a decision-making tool that describes the positive
and negative effects of the undertaking and lists alternative actions. An EIS is a detailed study that leads to a Record of Decision.
It records decisions made and mitigation measures that relate to the environmental impacts of a project.
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): An ESA is a study of a property's past use, the environmental conditions at the site and
adjoining sites, and the likely presence of hazardous substances. An ESA can contribute to the "innocent landowner" defense under
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (P-100): The P-100 is the primary GSA design criteria/standards document and
is typically referenced for compliance in architecture/engineering firm contracts.
Feasibility Study: GSA uses this study to evaluate Prospectus-level proposed projects to ensure that they meet tenant agency
space needs and government-owned facility requirements. This study determines the preferred alternative and basis for preparing
a Program Development Study, which will meet the housing needs of the customer agency. The Feasibility Study supports a
Prospectus proposal for site/design funding.
Funding Appropriation: Congress sets aside funding for a project or a particular use.
Funding Authorization: Congress approves funding for a project or a particular use. (Funds must be authorized and appropriated
before becoming available for a project.)
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