The size of a lease requirement may range from a single room to a multi-story building. Alterations to prepare space for occupancy differ according to the needs of the tenant agency. In some cases, new construction is solicited and in other cases existing space will satisfy the requirement. Term lengths for GSA leases are usually 10 to 15 years, although some leases are for shorter duration or for as long as 20 years. Customer agency requirements and market conditions for the present and foreseeable future determine lease term length.

GSA solicits offers on a competitive bid basis and negotiates with prospective offerors during the bid process. For most acquisitions GSA awards the lease based on the lowest priced acceptable offer. Some solicitations consider trade-offs between price and other factors, such as developer experience and qualifications, design of the building and location of proposed space. Specific details on space requirements and conditions for each lease are provided in the Solicitation for Offers (SFO). The SFO also provides detailed information on how to submit a proposal, the required forms to be completed, contact name and address of person in charge of the lease, and the deadline to submit a proposal to the GSA. Once the award is made, the final cost of the build-out is negotiated, based on the design drawings of the tenant’s space. After GSA accepts the space and issues a certificate of occupancy, GSA begins monthly rent payments in arrears.