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COVID-19: PBS Faces Challenges in Its Efforts to Improve Air Filtration in GSA-Controlled Facilities

Submitting OIG:

General Services Administration OIG

Date Issued:

Friday, September 30, 2022

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

General Services Administration

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

A201018P4R22008

Location(s):

Agency-Wide

Type of Report:

Audit

Special Projects:

Questioned Costs:

$0

Funds for Better Use:

$0

Number of Recommendations:

2

View Document:

Attachment	Size
A201018-5-HVAC-Final.pdf	1.47 MB

Related Open Recommendations

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation	Additional Details
1	Open	Yes
We recommend that the PBS Commissioner for GSA-owned facilities: a. Conduct an accurate and complete assessment of HVAC systems to identify deficiencies in air filtration. Based upon the assessment, PBS should maximize central air filtration in existing HVAC systems without significantly reducing design airflow; b. Review and update current and future operations and maintenance contracts to ensure that they clearly identify the required MERV air filters and preventive maintenance schedules; c. Establish controls to ensure that PBS obtains and maintains complete preventive maintenance records; and d. Ensure that contracting officer representatives conduct inspections of mechanical rooms and preventive maintenance records to ensure that air filters meet MERV requirements.
2	Open	Yes
We recommend that the PBS Commissioner for GSA-leased space: a. Review and update current and future lease agreements to ensure that they clearly identify the required MERV air filters and preventive maintenance schedules; b. Ensure that lessors maintain and provide required preventive maintenance records and provide timely access to mechanical rooms; and c. Ensure that PBS representatives inspect mechanical rooms and preventive maintenance records to ensure that air filters meet MERV requirements.