644.369—Guidelines for protection and maintenance of excess and surplus real property.
Detailed guidelines are provided in FPMR Sub section 101-47.4913.
(a) Calculated risk.
These guidelines, which are binding on holding agencies, embody the principle of calculated risk. In applying this principle, the anticipated losses and deteriorations, including pilferage and vandalism, in terms of realizable values are expected to be less than expenditures to minimize the risks. Normally, where property is of little value, only periodic surveillance is necessary and care and custody forces will not be maintained. However, where property, regardless of realizable value, is potentially an attractive nuisance to children and curiosity seekers, or is inherently dangerous, the public should be protected by guards stationed on the property or by other satisfactory means. Every effort should be made to minimize the cost of care, protection and maintenance consistent with these principles.
(b) Improvements or alterations.
FPMR Sub section 101-47.401-5, provides that improvements and alterations to excess and surplus real property may be considered, with the prior approval of GSA, where disposal cannot be made. However, it is not considered likely that a situation will arise in the Corps' disposal operations where such improvements or alterations can be justified. Repairs necessary for protection and maintenance of marketable property will not be undertaken except to prevent serious loss to the Government. Excess equipment or facilities should not be updated or improved. At predisposal conferences, or earlier where practicable, the DE, in coordination with GSA representatives, will furnish specific guidance to the using command as to the minimum acceptable GSA requirement for care and custody. The requirement for minimum maintenance does not extend to historic places. Historic places in excess or suplus status will be maintained in accordance with the letter and spirit of approved Department of the Army criteria for protection, preservation and maintenance of historic places.