GAO urges GSA to add outcome-based metrics to personal-property disposal scorecard

The Government Accountability Office issued two recommendations directing the General Services Administration to develop performance measures for its Office of Personal Property Management scorecard that align with desired outcomes and to identify, collect, and use data needed to assess the effectiveness of its disposal efforts. Both recommendations remain open, and GSA has indicated agreement with the GAO.

GAO examined GSA data on federal personal-property disposals from July 2023 - when the Personal Property Management System began - through fiscal year 2025. Federal agencies reported disposing of over $10 billion of unneeded personal property during that period, ranging from bandages originally worth under $1 to airplanes originally worth over $20 million. About 9 percent of the property was reused, either transferred to another agency, donated to state or local governments, or sold to the public. Items with higher original acquisition costs and those reported with online photographs were more likely to be reused.

GSA currently supports disposal through three core efforts: online platforms, educational resources such as guidance and on-demand training, and direct assistance to agencies. GAO found that GSA's scorecard does not align its measures with outcomes such as timely disposals or a return on investment, and it omits metrics related to education and assistance. Consequently, GSA may not be collecting or using information that would fully assess the effectiveness of these efforts.

GAO's first recommendation calls for the Administrator to incorporate quantifiable targets and time frames into the scorecard that reflect the agency's core disposal activities. The second recommendation requires GSA to gather the performance data needed for a comprehensive effectiveness assessment. GSA's agreement signals intent to address the gaps, but implementation details remain pending.

As GSA seeks to optimize the federal building portfolio, the volume of unneeded personal property is expected to increase. Robust performance measurement and data collection will be essential for improving disposal efficiency and ensuring stewardship of taxpayer dollars.