Scale
One of the country's largest commercial tenants
The federal government leases space across nearly every major U.S. market, with GSA alone administering thousands of leases on behalf of agencies.
Context
Why federal tenancy is worth pursuing
Federal tenancy is not right for every asset. Where it fits, the characteristics below are what typically make it attractive to ownership.
Duration
Long lease terms are common
Federal leases frequently run in the 10–20 year range, including firm and soft term structures. Terms vary by requirement and are set through the procurement.
Credit
Government-backed rent obligations
Rent obligations sit with a federal tenant rather than a private covenant, which owners and lenders often view as a distinct credit profile.
Complexity
The process is the barrier — and the gap we fill
Federal leasing follows prescribed procurement steps, documentation, and compliance requirements. Most owners have no reason to maintain that expertise internally.
Considerations
What to weigh
- Procurements are competitive and timelines are set by the government, not by ownership.
- Buildings may need improvements, security features, or accessibility work to meet a requirement.
- Documentation and compliance obligations continue after award, through the lease term.
Common questions
What owners ask us first
Who do you represent — the government or the building owner?
The building owner, exclusively. We are landlord-side advisors. We do not represent federal agencies and we are not government contractors acting on the tenant's behalf.
Does my building have to be Class A?
No. Federal requirements span a wide range of building classes and types. What matters more is location relative to the requirement, the condition of the space, accessibility and life-safety posture, parking, and the owner's ability to deliver improvements on schedule.
How long does the process take?
It varies considerably by requirement. From a published solicitation to an executed lease, months rather than weeks is the norm, and larger or more complex requirements take longer. Timelines are set by the government, not by ownership.
How small a space can be leased to a federal tenant?
Requirements exist across a broad range of sizes, including modest suites. Larger contiguous blocks widen the set of requirements a building can pursue, but small space is not automatically disqualifying.
Do I have to pay for tenant improvements?
Federal build-outs are typically funded by the lessor and amortized into rent across the lease term. The economics often look different than a conventional tenant-improvement ask, which is why we recommend modeling it before ruling it out.
How are you compensated?
Through a representation or listing agreement negotiated directly with ownership. Fee structure is discussed openly before any engagement begins.
What if my building isn't a fit?
We will tell you plainly and explain why. Pursuing a requirement a building cannot satisfy costs the owner time and money and costs us credibility.
Is my property information kept confidential?
Yes. Inquiries are handled under NDA on request, and property, ownership, and vacancy information is treated as confidential.
Do you work outside major metropolitan markets?
Yes. We work nationwide. Federal demand exists in secondary and regional markets as well as major metros, and those markets are frequently less competitive.
Can you guarantee we will win an award?
No, and any advisor who suggests otherwise should be treated with caution. Award decisions rest with the government and follow federal procurement rules. Our role is to make the property as competitive as it can be and to run the process correctly.
Case studies
Anonymized engagement summaries are published only once ownership has cleared them for release.
View case studies