REAL Reform Act of 2018

Real Estate Assets and Leasing Reform Act of 2018 or REAL Reform Act of 2018

This bill modifies requirements with respect to leases for federal buildings.

Specifically, the bill:

• directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish, and operate through 2023, a pilot program to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures;
• temporarily authorizes the GSA to submit consolidated prospectuses for leases and projects to Congress for approval;
• requires approval by congressional resolution of an appropriation for any costs and expenses associated with administering an acquisition by exchange involving real property or in-kind consideration valued at or over a specified amount;
• sets a specified limitation regarding bargain-price purchase options;
• requires certain public buildings containing a public restroom to also contain a lactation room;
• authorizes the Department of Commerce to release the federal government's interest in certain economic adjustment grants; and
• requires the GSA to provide specified additional notice and justification to Congress regarding certain projects.

The Government Accountability Office must conduct biennial audits of the GSA National Broker Contract and a review of the application of certain enhanced competition requirements.

The GSA must sell or exchange part of the Department of Energy (DOE) Forrestal complex to fund the construction of a new DOE headquarters.

In addition, the bill allows the Department of Homeland Security to authorize and train security personnel contracted to protect certain federal buildings or grounds to carry firearms and, under specified circumstances, detain individuals without a warrant.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov