COST of Relocations Act

Increased Transparency: Under Section 2(b)(2)(B), Federal agencies are required to make their relocation reports publicly available, excluding only proprietary or confidential information. This allows the public to see the plans for these moves.

Improved Planning and Accountability: Section 2(b)(2)(A) requires agencies to include a detailed employee engagement plan, a list of stakeholders, a timeline of engagements, and a comprehensive strategy that identifies specific persons accountable for meeting milestones.

Assessment of Local Impacts: According to Section 2(b)(2)(A)(vii), the report must include an assessment of how the relocation affects stakeholders served by the positions and those in the destination region.

Mission Protection: Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ix) and (x) require the agency to analyze how the relocation affects its ability to carry out its mission, both during and after the move.

Congressional Oversight: Section 2(c) mandates that the Office of Inspector General submit a report to specific House and Senate committees, providing a mechanism for lawmakers to review the data and conclusions of the benefit-cost analysis.

Potential Information Restrictions: While the bill aims for transparency, Section 2(b)(2)(B) notes that the public report will exclude proprietary information, trade secrets, or other confidential information.

Workforce Disruption: The definition of a "covered relocation" in Section 2(e)(2) involves moves or replacements that affect a significant number of employees (more than 5 percent or 100 employees), which could impact the stability of those employees' positions and commuting areas.