Policy guides

Below are a series of guidebooks that address a range of planning related issues for Federal facilities compiled in one location for easy reference.

Site Security Design Guide

The Site Security Design Guide establishes the principles, explores the various elements, and lays out the process that security professionals, designers, and project and facility managers should follow in designing site security at any Federal project, be it large or small, at an existing facility or one not yet built.

The collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reflected in this Guide sets the standard for GSA, by defining a security philosophy that supports successful public building projects into the future. This Guide is intended to serve as an instructional supplement to applicable project specific security design criteria.

• Site Security Design Guide, Introduction [PDF - 991 KB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 1, “Vision and Hallmarks” [PDF - 3 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 2, “Guidelines for Elements and Innovation” [PDF - 4 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 3, “Site Security Design Process” [PDF - 2 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Introduction [PDF - 371 KB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Test Case 1 [PDF - 1 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Test Case 2 [PDF - 2 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Test Case 3 [PDF - 3 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Test Case 4 [PDF - 4 MB]
• Site Security Design Guide, Chapter 4, Test Case 5 [PDF - 2 MB]

Achieving Great Federal Public Spaces

Achieving Great Federal Public Spaces is a valuable tool for Federal and non-Federal public building property managers seeking to evaluate and improve their lobbies, atriums, plazas, courtyards, and other public spaces.

Written and designed by Project for Public Spaces and GSA, the book is both a hands-on resource with on-site exercises and a handy reference tool full of ideas and inspiration. It comprises four major sections:

• Introduction [PDF - 880 KB]: Why great places matter and what makes a good public space.
• Evaluation [PDF - 526 KB]: How to determine which aspects of a building’s public space need improvement, and which are performing well.
• Solutions [PDF - 2 MB]: What improvements work in the short-, medium-, and long-term.
• Implementation [PDF - 323 KB]: How to successfully put ideas into practice.

Site Selection Guide

Critical decisions made at the very beginning of every capital development project have major consequences for the overall success of the project. The site selection decision has a dramatic impact on almost every facet of the design and construction process. The site affects the organization; massing; functionality; sustainability; operational and economic efficiency; security; and last, but certainly not least, the aesthetic qualities of the building. This guide [PDF - 2 MB] presents framework to assist the project team with site selection. It addresses issues of both process and principle and is an extension of our quest to ensure that Federal buildings are inviting, productive, efficient and safe places to conduct government business.

PBS Facility Standards (P100)

The P100 establishes design standards and criteria for new buildings, major and minor alteration projects, and preservation work on historic structures. The 400-page document contains technical criteria for architecture and engineering firms to follow during programming, design, and documentation of GSA facilities. The P100 represents the current and proven practice of designing facilities to meet GSA’s commitments, maximize the efficiency of business processes, and comply with the requirements of Federal law.

Whole Building Design Guide

The Whole Building Design Guide is a web-based portal hosted by the National Institute of Building Science intended to provide government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a ‘whole building’ perspective. Development of the WBDG is a collaborative effort among federal agencies, private sector companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions.