Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC): Property Transfer and Disposal

CRS Report for Congress
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC): Property
Transfer and Disposal
September 20, 2005
Aaron M. Flynn
Legislative Attorney
American Law Division


Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

Base Realignment and Closure: Property Transfer and
Disposal
Summary
The Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1990 and the Federal
Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 provide the basic framework for
the transfer and disposal of military installations closed during the base realignment
and closure (BRAC) process. In general, property at BRAC installations is first
subjected to screening for use by the Department of Defense and by other federal
agencies. If no federal use for the property can be found or if an application for
transfer is rejected, the property is deemed “surplus” to the needs of the federal
government and made available for disposal through other mechanisms.
At this point, BRAC property is subjected to two simultaneous evaluation
processes: the redevelopment planning process performed by a local redevelopment
authority comprised of various interested representatives of the community affected
by the BRAC action; and a Department of Defense analysis prepared under the aegis
of the National Environmental Policy Act and, eventually, informed by the local
redevelopment plan.
As a part of this process, screening of the property must be performed to
determine if a homeless assistance use would be appropriate. There are also a variety
of “public benefit transfers,” under which the property may be conveyed for various
specified public purposes at reduced cost. It is also possible to dispose of BRAC
property through the use of a public auction or negotiated sale, for which fair market
value or a proxy for fair market value must generally be obtained. Finally the law
governing the BRAC process authorizes economic development conveyances,
through which a local redevelopment authority may obtain the property for specified
purposes, sometimes for no consideration, and implement its redevelopment plan
itself.
A series of legislative and administrative changes have altered the BRAC
property transfer process since the last round of closures in 1995. This report
provides an overview of the various authorities available under the current law and
describes the planning process for the redevelopment of BRAC properties. It also
explains the provisions of a recently proposed rule for the administration of BRAC
property transfers issued by the Department of Defense. This report will be updated
as events warrant.



Contents
In troduction ................................................... 1
Transfer, Disposal, and Leasing Authorities..........................2
Local Redevelopment Authorities (LRAs).......................2
Federal Screening...........................................3
Homeless Assistance........................................7
Public Benefit Transfers.....................................8
Public Auction and Negotiated Sale...........................10
Economic Development Conveyances (EDCs)...................10
Leases ................................................... 13
Conclusion ................................................... 15



Base Realignment and Closure: Property
Transfer and Disposal
Introduction
The nation’s military installations have gone through several rounds of base
realignments and closures (BRAC), the process by which excess military facilities are
identified and, as necessary, transferred to other federal agencies or disposed of, placing
ownership in non-federal entities. Since the enactment of the Defense Base Closure
and Realignment Act of 1990 (Base Closure Act), transfer or disposal of former
military installations has been governed by relatively consistent legal requirements. On1
December 28, 2001, a new round of base closures in 2005 was authorized by Congress.
Subsequently, the Department of Defense (DOD) submitted its recommended BRAC
action to the BRAC Commission. The Commission reviewed and revised DOD’s
recommendations and forwarded its report to the President. Most recently, on
September 15, 2005, the President submitted the list of recommended BRAC actions
to Congress.
The current BRAC law is similar to the original statute and retains many of the
transfer authorities that were available in previous rounds. However, significant
amendments in 1999 and 2001 altered portions of the law’s disposal authorities.
Consequently, DOD has promulgated new proposed regulations to implement the
property disposal authorities available for the 2005 round.2 This report provides an
overview of the transfer and disposal authorities available under the law for military
installations that may be closed during the 2005 round and indicates how recent
amendments to the Base Closure Act have altered the property transfer and disposal
process.3 It also describes DOD’s proposed regulations implementing the amended
Base Closure Act.


1 National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2002, Act of December 28, 2001, P.L.
107-107, 115 Stat. 1012 (current version at 10 U.S.C. § 2687 note) (hereinafter “Base
Closure Act”). For ease of reference, all citations to the 1990 Act are to the relevant
sections of the act as it appears in the note following 10 U.S.C. § 2687.
2 Revitalizing Base Closure Communities and Addressing Impacts of Realignment, 70 Fed.
Reg. 46116 (proposed Aug. 9, 2005) (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. pt. 174) (hereinafter
“Proposed Rule”). The comment period ends on October 11, 2005.
3 It should be noted that significant issues related to environmental cleanup under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) exist
at some BRAC properties and that the use of certain property transfer authorities may be
contingent upon adequate performance of CERCLA obligations or agreement by the
acquiring entity to accept liability for environmental cleanup. See 42 U.S.C. § 9620(h); P.L.

107-107, § 3006.



Transfer, Disposal, and Leasing Authorities
The transfer or disposal of much federal property is primarily performed by the
General Services Administration (GSA) pursuant to the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (FPASA).4 The Base Closure Act directs the
Administrator of the GSA to delegate specified transfer and disposal authorities to
DOD for use at BRAC installations, and DOD has, in turn, delegated this authority to
the various military services.5 Thus, BRAC property transfer and disposal is performed,
generally, in accordance with the FPASA and the GSA regulations implementing it.
In addition, the Base Closure Act authorizes DOD, with GSA approval, to supersede
GSA regulations with BRAC-specific regulations.6
Apart from the transfer and disposal authorities typically available for federal
property, the Base Closure Act and other provisions of law authorize a variety of other
conveyance mechanisms. In some cases, the analysis and use of particular authorities
must precede analysis and use of others. On the other hand, there are many transfer and
disposal mechanisms that are given roughly equivalent priority; thus analysis and use
of them may occur simultaneously.
In addition to DOD’s role in making disposal and transfer determinations, the Base
Closure Act also provides a substantial role for states and communities in the property
redevelopment planning process. Thus, local communities can significantly affect the
BRAC property transfer and disposal decisions made at the federal level. The specific
roles for states and communities as well as the various transfer and disposal authorities
are discussed below.
Local Redevelopment Authorities (LRAs). According to the Base Closure
Act, an LRA is “any entity (including an entity established by a State or local
government) recognized by the Secretary of Defense as the entity responsible for
developing the redevelopment plan with respect to the installation or for directing the
implementation of such plan.”7 Briefly, once the list of excess BRAC facilities is
identified, LRAs begin to form and conduct outreach efforts. They then design a
comprehensive plan for reuse of BRAC property, culminating in a redevelopment plan.8
This plan is not binding upon DOD; indeed, DOD is ultimately responsible for
preparing an environmental impact analysis under the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA), in which it must examine all reasonable disposal alternatives and make


4 Act of June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 377. Transfer and disposal authority is codified at

40 U.S.C. §§ 521-559.


5 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b); 32 C.F.R. §175.6 (2004) (prior regulations); Proposed Rule
at 46119 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.5).
6 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b).
7 Base Closure Act, § 2910(9).
8 32 C.F.R. § 176.20 (2004) (prior regulations); Proposed Rule at 46119-20 (to be codified
at 32 C.F.R. § 174.6).

its own disposal decisions.9 However, the redevelopment plan can have significant
influence on DOD disposal decisions, and, in some instances, DOD is statutorily
directed to give the LRA’s plan considerable weight.10 Local zoning authorities and
state law-based land use regulation also may impact the disposal decisions made by
DOD.
No federal statute establishes requirements for LRA formation. DOD proposed
regulations indicate that an LRA “should have broad-based membership, including, but
not limited to, representatives from those jurisdictions with zoning authority over the
property.”11 Further, publications of the DOD Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA)
suggest communities ensure that all affected jurisdictions and stakeholders be
represented in a community’s LRA.12 Still, LRA formation is primarily a state and
local responsibility and that organization and membership decisions are left to the
discretion of entities outside of the federal government.
DOD proposed rules also indicate that DOD, through OEA, will “recognize,” in
general, only one LRA per installation.13 There do not appear to be formal
requirements for “recognition.” It should be noted, however, that DOD may possess
authority to refuse recognition of an LRA. Indeed, DOD’s proposed regulations state
that “[i]n the event there is no LRA recognized by DOD ...” or if the LRA fails to
perform the role contemplated by the Base Closure Act, DOD may proceed with its
own disposal actions after consultation with a state’s Governor and the heads of local
government. 14
Federal Screening. The first step in the property transfer process begins when
the military service in possession of a BRAC property notifies other DOD branches and1516


federal agencies that property is “excess” to its needs and has become available.
9 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq.
10 The specific requirements impacting the LRA planning process and DOD’s eventual
disposal of property are discussed in the sections of this report addressing each disposal
mechanism.
11 Proposed Rule at 46119-20 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. §174.6).
12 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, OFFICE OF ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT, RESPONDING TO CHANGE:
COMMUNITIES & BRAC at 9-17, available at
[http://www.oe a.gov/ OEAWeb.ns f/130593004D6D595685257000005CD36B/$File/Resp
onding%20to%20Change%205-20.pdf].
13 Proposed Rule at 46119-20 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. §174.6).
14 Id. at 46120 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. §174.6(c)(2)).
15 “Excess” property is defined as “property under the control of a federal agency that the
head of the agency determines is not required to meet the agency’s needs or
responsibilities.” 40 U.S.C. § 102(3); Proposed Rule at 46119 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R.
§174.3(e)). Under the earlier BRAC regulations, “excess” property was “any property under
the control of a Military Department that the Secretary concerned determines is not required
for the needs of the Department of Defense.” 32 C.F.R. §175.3(e)(prior regulations).
16 32 C.F.R. § 175.7(4) (prior regulations); Proposed Rule at 46120 (to be codified at 32
(continued...)

The proposed regulations indicate that this notice of potential availability should be
given “on a timely basis, upon request,” after the President submits the list of
recommended BRAC actions to Congress; a notice of availability, which supplies the
operative date for purposes of future deadlines, would have to be provided “within one
week of the date of approval of the closure or realignment.”17 Under the proposed
rules, if a DOD branch or another federal agency wishes to obtain BRAC property, it
must “provide a written, firm expression of interest .... [and] explain the intended use
and the corresponding requirement for the buildings and property” within thirty days
of the date of the notice of availability.18 A more comprehensive application is due
within sixty days of the date of the notice of availability.19 The application must
support a variety of transfer requirements, including that the property requested be
better suited to the requestor’s needs than its existing property or other properties and
that the transfer would not create a new program.20 Under the proposed rule, the


16 (...continued)
C.F.R. § 174.7(a)-(d)).
17 Proposed Rule at 46120 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(b), (d)).
18 Id. (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(e)).
19 Id. (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(f)(1)).
20 A complete application must include:
(1) A completed GSA Form 1334, Request for Transfer (for requests from DoD
Components, a DD Form 1354 will be used)....;
(2) A statement from the head of the requesting Component or agency that the
request does not establish a new program (i.e., one that has never been reflected
in a previous budget submission or Congressional action);
(3) A statement that the requesting Component or agency has reviewed its real
property holdings and cannot satisfy its requirement with existing property. This
review must include all property under the requester’s accountability, including
permits to other Federal agencies and outleases to other organizations;
(4) A statement that the requested property would provide greater long-term
economic benefits for the program than acquisition of a new facility or other
property;
(5) A statement that the program for which the property is requested has long-
term viability;
(6) A statement that considerations of design, layout, geographic location, age,
state of repair, and expected maintenance costs of the requested property clearly
demonstrate that the transfer will prove more economical over a sustained period
of time than acquiring a new facility;
(7) A statement that the size of the property requested is consistent with the
actual requirement;
(8) A statement that fair market value reimbursement to the Military Department
will be made at the later of January of 2008, or at the time of transfer, unless this
obligation is waived by the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary
concerned, or a public law specifically provides for a non-reimbursable transfer
(this requirement does not apply to requests from DoD Components [because the
property would likely be retained by the current land holding DOD component
for use by the requesting component]);
(9) A statement that the requesting DoD Component or Federal agency agrees to
(continued...)

transferring DOD Branch will review the applications and make a determination as to
whether the transfer is appropriate based on several factors:
(1) The requirement must be valid and appropriate;
(2) The proposed use is consistent with the highest and best use of the property;
(3) The proposed transfer will not have an adverse impact on the transfer of any
remaining portion of the installation;
(4) The proposed transfer will not establish a new program or substantially increase
the level of a Component’s or agency’s existing programs;
(5) The application offers fair market value for the property, unless waived;
(6) The proposed transfer addresses applicable environmental responsibilities to the
satisfaction of the Secretary concerned; and21
(7) The proposed transfer is in the best interest of the Government.
Additional considerations are contained in the proposed rule to aid in deciding between
multiple DOD component or federal agency requests for the same BRAC property:
(1) The need to perform the national defense missions of the Department of
Defense and the Coast Guard;
(2) The need to support the homeland defense mission; and
(3) The LRA’s comments as well as other factors in the determination of highest22
and best use.
If another DOD branch/federal agency determines that it requires the property and
if the Secretary of Defense concurs, a federal-to-federal transfer may occur with or
without reimbursement.23 If no DOD component or agency pursues acquisition within


20 (...continued)
accept the care and custody costs for the property on the date the property is
available for transfer, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and
(10) A statement that the requesting agency agrees to accept transfer of the
property in its existing condition, unless this obligation is waived by the
Secretary concerned. Proposed Rule at 46120-21 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. §

174.7(i)); see also 32 C.F.R. § 175.7(a)(9) (prior regulations).


21 Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(j)); see also 32 C.F.R. §

175.7(a)(10) (prior regulations).


22 Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(k)); see also 32 C.F.R. §

175.7(a)(11) (prior regulations).


23 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, § 2905(b). The proposed regulations indicate
that “fair market value reimbursement to the Military Department will be made at the later
of January of 2008, or at the time of transfer, unless this obligation is waived by the Office
of Management and Budget and the Secretary concerned, or a public law specifically
provides for a non-reimbursable transfer ....” Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32
C.F.R. 174.7(i)(8)). As FPASA authorizes waiver of the fair market value requirement and
not simply waiver of a time frame for providing compensation, arguably this regulation does
not limit the waiver authority to compensation deadlines. However, the proposed
regulations also state that “[i]f the Federal agency does not meet its commitment under
subsection (i)(8) of this section to provide the required reimbursement, and the requested
property has not yet been transferred to the agency, the requested property will be declared
surplus and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this part.” Id. (to be codified
(continued...)

the specified time frame or if DOD denies the request for transfer, the property is
determined to be “surplus” and the disposal process begins.24 The proposed regulations
indicate that, generally, DOD must make its surplus determination within six months
of the finalization of the BRAC list, although an extension of up to an additional six
months is permissible if such extension is “in the best interests of the communities
affected by the closure or realignment.”25 The proposed regulations also indicate that
additional extensions may be possible in “unusual circumstances” and that a surplus
determination can be withdrawn to allow consideration of a late application for a
federal-to-federal transfer in “special cases.”26
While DOD is ultimately responsible for accepting or rejecting an application for
a federal-to-federal transfer, the proposed rule does indicate that the transferring DOD
branch “should consider LRA input, if provided, in making determinations on the
retention of property (location and size of cantonment area).”27 In addition, the
Secretary of the transferring DOD component would be required to keep the LRA
apprised of progress in the federal-to-federal transfer process and to consider the LRA’s
position on competing applications for transfer and the impact of late agency requests
for federal-to federal transfers.28
Public Domain Land. One category of BRAC property may be exempted from
this process. If the lands comprising the closed or realigned installation were originally
withdrawn from the public domain for use as a military facility, then, in accordance
with FPASA, the Department of the Interior (DOI), acting through the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), may review the property and decide whether the land is suitable29
for return to the public domain. After DOD decides it will not retain the property for
one of its components, it issues a Notice of Intent to Relinquish.30 Thirty days after this


23 (...continued)
at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(l)). Certainly, the agency’s compensation requirement could be to pay
nothing, but the language of the regulations may be ambiguous enough to support an
interpretation that fair market value will be required and that waiver of only payment
deadlines is permissible.
24 “Surplus” property is defined as “excess property that the Administrator determines is not
required to meet the needs or responsibilities of all federal agencies.” 40 U.S.C. § 102(10);
Proposed Rule at 46119 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.3(l)). Under previous regulations,
surplus property was defined as “any excess property not required for the needs and the
discharge of the responsibilities of federal agencies. Authority to make this determination,
after screening with all federal agencies, rests with the Military Departments.” 32 C.F.R. §

175.3(i).


25 Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(n)).
26 Id. at 46121-22 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(p)).
27 Id. at 46120 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(c)).
28 Id. at 46120-22 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(g), (k)(3), (p)(3)).
29 40 U.S.C. § 102(9).
30 Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(m)(4)). Similar procedures
were mandated under the BRAC regulations governing previous rounds. See 32 C.F.R. §
(continued...)

notice, BLM must decide, after consulting with the various agencies within DOI, if the
land should return to the public domain.31 If the land is suitable for return, a transfer
to DOI occurs and the property cannot be disposed of through any other BRAC-related
mechanism.32 If BLM determines that the land is not suitable for return to the public
domain, then, according to DOD proposed rules, it is deemed surplus and available for
disposal under other authorities.33 Because BRAC property withdrawn from the public
domain would not be listed in the notice of availability sent to DOD components and
other federal agencies, it is not clear whether a period for federal-to-federal transfers,
as described above, would be available if BLM rejects the property, unless this situation
qualified as a “special circumstance” authorizing late applications. Whether this would
run afoul of the statutory requirements of FPASA is an open question.
Homeless Assistance. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act34
which allows “excess,” “surplus,” “unutilized,” or “underutilized” federal property to35
be used as homeless shelters, applied in earlier BRAC rounds. A separate process is
now provided for properties closed after October 25, 1994 (the date of enactment for36
Base Closure Community Development and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994). To
comply with the older McKinney Act provisions, DOD was required to submit a
description of its vacant base closure properties to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD).37 HUD would then determine whether any of this property38
was “suitable for use to assist the homeless.” The HUD determination would be
published in the Federal Register, at which time qualified “representatives of the39
homeless” could apply for and receive the requested property.
As stated, amendments to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act now
displace the traditional McKinney Act implementation requirements. The Secretary of
Defense is now directed to publish notice of the available property and to submit
information on that property to HUD and any LRA.40 All interested parties, including
representatives of the homeless, are then to submit to the LRA a notice of interest in the


30 (...continued)

175.7(12).


31 Id. at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(m)(4)-(5)).
32 Id. at 46120 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(d)).
33 Id. at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.7(m)(6)).
34 42 U.S.C. § 11411.
35 Id. § 11411(a).
36 P.L. 103-421, 108 Stat. 4346 (1994).
37 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, § 2905(b); 32 C.F.R. §175.6(b).
38 Id.
39 See National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty v. U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs,

964 F.2d 1210, 1212 (D.C.Cir.1992).


40 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, § 2905(b).

property.41 In turn, the LRA, in preparing its redevelopment plan, is to consider “the
interests in the use to assist the homeless of the buildings and property at the
installation that are expressed in the notices submitted to the redevelopment authority
....”42
The LRA next submits the plan to the Secretary of HUD and the Secretary of
Defense for review. The Secretary of HUD is authorized to review the plan, to
negotiate with the LRA for changes, and ultimately must determine, based on statutorily
prescribed factors, whether the plan is acceptable.43 Upon HUD approval, the base
redevelopment plan, including any homeless assistance component and agreement to
implement no cost homeless assistance property conveyances, is submitted to DOD.
DOD is required to give the redevelopment plan’s homeless assistance
recommendations “substantial deference,” a phrase undefined by law or regulation. As
originally enacted, the law creating the BRAC-specific homeless assistance program
required the transferring Secretary to dispose of BRAC property in compliance with the
HUD approved LRA plan.44 The change in the law would thus seem to clarify DOD’s
authority to dispose of property in a manner inconsistent with the LRA redevelopment
plan, so long as the required level of deference was afforded to the homeless assistance
recommendations. 45
Public Benefit Transfers. Public benefit transfers are authorized under
FPASA and allow for the conveyance of property at a discount or for no cost for46
specified public purposes. Only certain entities may acquire property through a public
benefit transfer, and the categories of acceptable recipients vary according to the type
of public benefit use contemplated. For instance, transfers for educational use may be
to a state, a political subdivision or instrumentality of a state, a tax-supported47
educational institution, or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education institution. On the other
hand, transfers for use of property as a correctional institution may only be to a state or48
one of its political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
Various agencies oversee these programs and are authorized to approve
applications for acquisitions under them.49 The military departments are required to
inform these agencies of potentially available property and to transmit any expression


41 Id.
42 Id.
43 Id.
44 P.L. 103-421, 108 Stat. 4346 (1994).
45 Id.
46 See 40 U.S.C. §§ 550-554. These include uses for airports, highways, education, wildlife
and environmental preservation, and public health purposes.
47 Id. § 550(c).
48 Id. § 553(b).
49 Id. §§ 550-554.

of interest to the relevant LRA.50 LRA’s are encouraged to work with the public benefit
transfer agencies and must consider any expression of interest, although they are not
required to include it in a redevelopment plan.51 All the same, DOD must consider
these options when examining disposal alternatives, even though a public benefit
transfer proposal need not be accepted by DOD with respect to BRAC property.52
When a public benefit transfer is made, the transferring instrument will generally
contain various binding “terms, conditions, reservations, and restrictions” to ensure the
use of the property for the purposes for which it was transferred.53 These various
limitations on property rights received pursuant to a public benefit transfer may be
enforced by the agency charged with overseeing the public benefit transfer in question
and may also be eliminated after the transfer has occurred if the relevant federal official
“determines that the property no longer serves the purpose for which it was transferred
or that a release, conveyance, or quitclaim deed [terminating any right or reservation
held by the Federal Government] will not prevent the accomplishment of that
purpose.”54
In addition to public benefit transfers governed by FPASA and other BRAC-
specific disposal authorities, several other statutes authorize mechanisms for disposing
surplus property. Conservation conveyances are available when a variety of conditions
have been met. The property must be suitable and desirable for conservation purposes,
must have been made available for a public benefit transfer “for a sufficient period of
time,” and must not be subject to a pending request for a public benefit transfer or for
transfer to another federal agency.55 The conveyance is to be made to a state or
qualified non-profit entity for conservation purposes and must be subjected to a
waiveable reversionary clause authorizing the United States to reclaim the property
should use for conservation purposes cease.56 In general, these conveyances are to be
for reduced cost,57 although the deed may authorize subsequent conveyances which
might result in other non-conservation uses if fair market value is then paid.58
Authority also exists for the conveyance of surplus property to a State, political
subdivision of a State, or tax-supported organization for use as an airport if the
Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of GSA approve of the transaction.59
In general, except with respect to requests for the property from other federal agencies,


50 32 C.F.R. § 176.20(d); see also Proposed Rule at 46121 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. §
174.7 (o) (“Once the surplus determination has been made, the Secretary concerned shall
follow the procedures in part 176 of this title.”)).
51 Id.
52 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, § 2905(b); 32 C.F.R. § 176.45.
53 40 U.S.C. § 550(b).
54 Id.
55 10 U.S.C. § 2694a(a).
56 Id. § 2694a(b), (c).
57 Id. § 2694a(g).
58 Id. § 2694a(d), (e).
59 49 U.S.C. § 47151(a).

the transferring agency is directed to give “priority consideration” to a request made by
a public agency for use of the property as an airport; however, this requirement is
inapplicable to a military installation subject to the closure requirements contained in
10 U.S.C. section 2687, which generally prohibits base closures unless its procedures
or the procedures of the Base Closure Act are followed.60
Public Auction and Negotiated Sale. In accordance with FPASA, DOD may
dispose of BRAC property via public auction or through a negotiated sale with a single61
purchaser. The public auction process requires public advertising for bids under terms
and conditions that permit “full and free competition consistent with the value and62
nature of the property involved.” If adequate bids are received and disposal is in the
public interest, the bid most advantageous to the federal government is to be accepted.
A negotiated sale is permissible when: (1) a public auction would not be in the
public interest; (2) a public auction would not promote public health, safety, or national
security; (3) a public exigency makes an auction unacceptable; (4) a public auction
would adversely impact the national economy; (5) the character of the property makes
public auction impractical; (6) a public auction has failed to produce acceptable bids;
(7) fair market value does not exceed $15,000; (8) disposal is to a state, territory, or
U.S. possession; or (9) negotiated sale is authorized by other law.63 It is also worth
noting that even if one of these conditions is met, there is frequently an additional
requirement that fair market value and other satisfactory terms can be obtained through
negotiation.
Economic Development Conveyances (EDCs). In addition to FPASA
authorities, the Base Closure Act has since its enactment provided for EDCs in one
form or another. Under its EDC authority, DOD may convey BRAC property to an
LRA for less than fair market value. From 1994 until the 1999 and 2001 amendments
to the Base Closure Act, the Secretary of Defense was authorized to “transfer real
property and personal property located at a military installation to be closed ... to the
redevelopment authority ... for consideration at or below the fair market value of the
property transferred or without consideration.”64 The reduced or no cost conveyance
was authorized when it was determined to be necessary to support economic
development and when DOD could show that other transfer authorities were
i n suffi ci ent . 65


60 Id. § 47151(e).
61 Id. § 545.
62 Id.
63 Id.
64 P.L. 103-160, § 2903 (1994).
65 Id. Additionally, a no consideration transfer was formerly required when a closure was
to take place in a rural area and would cause “a substantial adverse impact (as determined
by the Secretary) on the economy of the communities in the vicinity of the installation and
on the prospect for economic recovery . . . .” P.L. 103-160, § 2903, amended by P.L. 106-
65). For a thorough discussion of the policy behind the EDC, see Randall S. Beach, Swords
to Plowshares: Recycling Cold War Installations, 15 PROB. & PROP. 58 (2001).

Amendments to the Base Closure Act in 1999 and 2001 significantly altered the
requirements applicable to the use of an EDC.66 Under section 2905(b) of the Base
Closure Act, the broad discretion of the Secretary of Defense to authorize reduced or
no consideration economic development conveyances has been replaced by what is
arguably a more restrictive scheme. Among the changes, the law now states: “the
transfer of property of a military installation. . . may be without consideration” only
when the transferee agrees to specified terms.67 These terms include a requirement that
the recipient LRA use the proceeds from certain future sales or leases of the acquired
property to support economic redevelopment at the former installation and accept
control of the property “within a reasonable time after the date of the property disposal
record of decision.”68
Further, under the new legislation, while no consideration transfers remain a
possibility as described above, it appears that the authority for reduced cost transactions
has been eliminated.69 The Secretary is also now required to “seek to obtain
consideration in connection with any transfer ... in an amount equal to the fair market
value of the property, as determined by the Secretary.”70 The provision does not
explicitly state what the Secretary must do to fulfill this requirement. However, when
read in conjunction with the authorization for no consideration transfers, the
requirement to seek fair market value would appear to leave open the possibility of a
no consideration transfer so long as a reasonable attempt to find or negotiate another
transaction is unsuccessful. A concomitant change is the apparent elimination of the
statutory requirement that DOD justify its decision to use its EDC authority and not a
public auction or negotiated sale.71
Under the proposed regulations, an LRA could apply for an EDC after completion
of its redevelopment plan. An application would have to be submitted consistent with
a schedule devised by the Secretary of the transferring DOD component.72 Decisions
to accept or reject an application for an EDC are made by the Secretary of the
transferring DOD component and require the concurrence of the Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense for Installations & Environment.73 To obtain an EDC, an LRA
would have to show “why an EDC is necessary for job generation on the installation”
and supply information regarding the economic impact of the closure or realignment


66 Act of October 5, 1999, P.L. 106-65, 113 Stat. 512; P.L. 107-107, § 3006. Bases closed
under previous BRAC law but still owned by the Department of Defense may be included
under the new statutory framework, and certain existing contracts may be modified to
comply with the updated law.
67 P.L. 106-65, § 2821, amended by P.L. 107-107.
68 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b)(4)(B)(ii).
69 Id. § 2905(b)(4)(B).
70 P.L. 107-107, § 3006; see also Proposed Rule at 46122 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R.

174.9(b)).


71 P.L. 106-65, § 2821(a)(3).
72 Proposed Rule at 46122 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.9(d)).
73 Id.

and the planned economic impact of utilizing an EDC.74 The transferring Secretary
would be required to evaluate the application and its proposed terms and condition in
accordance with a series of prescribed factors, including the economic effects on the
community of the proposed EDC, the interests and concerns of other federal agencies,
and the economic benefit to the United States.75 The transferring Secretary would also
be required to appraise the property and determine its fair market value prior to
accepting an application.76 The proposed regulations again reiterate the policy of
seeking fair market value, even in the EDC context. They further indicate, paraphrasing
the language contained in the Base Closure Act, that a no cost conveyance would only
be available when the LRA agrees that the “proceeds from any sale or lease of the
property...during at least the first seven years ... [following transfer] shall be used to


74 Specifically, an EDC application would have to include:
(1) A copy of the adopted redevelopment plan.
(2) A project narrative including the following:
(i) A general description of the property requested.
(ii) A description of the intended uses.
(iii) A description of the economic impact of closure or realignment on the local
community.
(iv) A description of the financial condition of the community and the prospects
for redevelopment of the property.
(v) A statement of how the EDC is consistent with the overall redevelopment
plan.
(3) A description of how the EDC will contribute to short- and long-term job
generation on the installation, including the projected number and type of new
jobs it will assist in generating.
(4) A business/operational plan for the EDC parcel, including such elements as:
(i) A development timetable, phasing schedule, and cash flow analysis.
(ii) A market and financial feasibility analysis describing the economic viability
of the project, including an estimate of net proceeds over a fifteen-year period,
the proposed consideration or payment to the Department of Defense, and the
estimated present fair market value of the property.
(iii) A cost estimate and justification for infrastructure and other investments
needed for the development of the EDC parcel.
(iv) Local investment and proposed financing strategies for the development.
(5) A statement describing why other authorities, such as public or negotiated
sales and public benefit conveyances for education, parks, public health, aviation,
historic monuments, prisons, and wildlife conservation, cannot be used to
accomplish the job generation goals.
(6) Evidence of the LRA’s legal authority to acquire and dispose of the property.
(7) Evidence that the LRA has full authority to perform all of the actions
required pursuant to the terms of the EDC, and that the officers executing the
EDC documents on behalf of the LRA have full authority to do so.
(8) Proof the LRA has obtained sufficient financing for acquiring the EDC
property and carrying out the LRA’s redevelopment objectives.
Id. at 46122 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.9 (e)).
75 Id. (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.9(g)).
76 Id. (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.9(h)).

support economic redevelopment ....”77 If these proceeds are not used by the LRA
appropriately, DOD is authorized under the Base Closure Act to recoup the portion of
the proceeds received by the LRA in an amount it deems appropriate.78
Leases. In addition to the final conveyance of property contemplated by the Base
Closure Act, federal law authorizes the leasing of BRAC property under certain
circumstances. The Base Closure Act does little more than indicate that proceeds from
leases are to be deposited into the BRAC account created by the Base Closure Act.79
The authority for such leases is instead contained in 10 U.S.C. section 2667, the same
statute governing the leasing of non-BRAC military property.80 Further, DOD’s
proposed regulations, like their predecessors, indicate that leasing BRAC properties is
to be an interim measure between closure and final disposition.81
In general, BRAC property may be leased when the Secretary of the relevant
military service determines that a lease would “facilitate State or local economic
adjustment efforts.”82 Lessees must generally pay fair market value; however, reduced
consideration is available if the Secretary of the relevant service finds that:
(i)A public interest will be served as a result of the lease; and
(ii) The fair market value of the lease is unobtainable or not compatible with such
public benefit.83


77 The Base Closure Act and proposed regulation indicate what uses would satisfy the
requirement that proceeds be put towards economic redevelopment. These are :
(i) Road construction;
(ii) Transportation management facilities;
(iii) Storm and sanitary sewer construction;
(iv) Police and fire protection facilities and other public facilities;
(v) Utility construction;
(vi) Building rehabilitation;
(vii) Historic property preservation;
(viii) Pollution prevention equipment or facilities;
(ix) Demolition;
(x) Disposal of hazardous materials generated by demolition;
(xi) Landscaping, grading, and other site or public improvements; and
(xii) Planning for or the marketing of the development and reuse of the
installation. Id. at 46123 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.10 (e)(2)).
78 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b)(4)(D); see also Proposed Rule at 46123 (to be codified at

32 C.F.R. §174.10(f)).


79 Base Closure Act, §§ 2906, 2906A; see also 10 U.S.C. § 2667(d)(5).
80 10 U.S.C. § 2667(f).
81 Proposed Rule at 46123 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.11)); 32 C.F.R. § 175.7(g)
(prior regulations).
82 10 U.S.C. § 2667(f)(1).
83 Id. § 2667(f)(2); 32 C.F.R. § 174.11(b)

Before a BRAC property may be leased, the law requires DOD to consult with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether the
property is in suitable condition for leasing.84 The law also curtails the application of
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the leasing process. In general,
NEPA requires federal agencies to analyze the environmental impacts of a proposed
federal action and alternatives to that action.85 The statute governing BRAC property
leases indicates that the scope of environmental analysis required is “limited to the
environmental consequences of activities authorized under the proposed lease and the
cumulative impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions
during the period of the proposed lease.”86 However, this relief from full application
of NEPA does not apply if activities authorized under the lease would:
(i) significantly affect the quality of the human environment; or
(ii) irreversibly alter the environment in a way that would preclude any reasonable87
disposal alternative of the property concerned.
Additional regulatory and statutory provisions indicate that leases of BRAC
property are intended to be short-term, interim measures to spur economic development
pending final disposition, and therefore these leases “make no commitment for future
use or ultimate disposal.”88 More specifically, the regulations indicate that lease terms
may extend to up to five years, including renewal options, if the lease is entered into
prior to completion of the final disposal decisions.89 After completion of the final
disposal decisions, the lease term may be longer than five years.90 The proposed
regulations also indicate that leases will generally be to an LRA but that leasing to other
entities is permissible.91 When a lease is to an LRA and is provided at below fair
market value, if the property is subleased, the LRA would be required to apply the
proceeds to the “protection maintenance, repair, improvement, and costs related to the
[leased property] ....”92
The law and regulations also authorize what has been referred to as a “leaseback,”
an arrangement wherein the transferring Secretary conveys property to an LRA and the
LRA agrees to lease the property to a federal agency.93 Under the proposed regulations,
this arrangement will only be used if the agency that would lease the property agrees
to the arrangement, the LRA and the agency can agree to lease terms, and the


84 10 U.S.C. § 2667(f)(3).
85 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq.
86 10 U.S.C. § 2667(f)(4)(A).
87 Id. § 2667(f)(4)(C).
88 Proposed Rule at 46123 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.11); 32 C.F.R. § 175.7(g) (prior
regulations).
89 Id.
90 Id.
91 Id.
92 Id.
93 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b)(4)(E).

transferring Secretary determines the arrangement is “in the Federal interest.....”94 The
transferring Secretary would be authorized to acquire a leaseback arrangement for the
Secretary’s own DOD component only if the component “certifies that such a leasing
arrangement is in the interest of that Agency....”95 The transferring Secretary would
only be able to approve a leaseback arrangement for other DOD components if the
transferring Secretary “certifies that such a leasing arrangement is in the best interest
of the Military Department and ... is consistent with the obligation to close or realign
the installation ....”96 These leases are to be for terms of no more than fifty years,
subject to renewal, and cannot require rental payments.97 The proposed regulations
would also supply the rules governing the property at the termination of the lease.98
Conclusion
In sum, the transfer and disposal process for 2005 round BRAC properties is
primarily governed by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, as amended,
and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. The process first requires
screening to determine if other DOD branches or federal agencies have a need for the
property. In the event that property is not transferred in this manner, it is deemed
surplus and may be disposed of pursuant to BRAC and FPASA authorities. Compliance
with these disposal authorities will generally require some form of homeless assistance
screening and public benefit transfer analysis. DOD is directed to take into
consideration multiple factors in determining which authority to use, including
consultation with LRAs and consideration of their redevelopment plans, but DOD
would appear to be ultimately responsible for making final determinations. Public
auctions and negotiated sales are generally available, although it would appear that fair
market value must generally be obtained under these authorities. Economic
development conveyances are authorized as well, which may be made for no
consideration, contingent upon certain conditions of transfer.


94 Proposed Rule at 46123 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.12(b), (c)).
95 Id. at 46123 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.12(f)(1)).
96 Id. at 46123-24 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.12(f)(2)).
97 Base Closure Act, § 2905(b)(4)(E).
98 Id. at 46124 (to be codified at 32 C.F.R. § 174.12(h)(i)).