(a) Creation and authority. The Public Buildings Service (PBS), headed by the Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, was established on December 11, 1949, by the Administrator of General Services to supersede the Public Buildings Administration, which was abolished by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.

(b) Functions. PBS is responsible for the design, construction, management, maintenance, operation, alteration, extension, remodeling, preservation, repair, improvement, protection, and control of buildings, both federally owned and leased, in which are provided housing accommodations for Government activities; the acquisition, utilization, custody, and accountability for GSA real property and related personal property; representing the consumer interests of the Federal executive agencies before Federal and State rate regulatory commissions and providing procurement support and contracting for public utilities (except telecommunications); the Safety and Environmental Management Program for GSA managed Government-owned and-leased facilities; providing for the protection and enhancement of the cultural environment for federally owned sites, structures, and objects of historical, architectural, or archaeological significance; ensuring that Federal work space is used more effectively and efficiently; providing leadership in the development and maintenance of needed property management information systems for the Government; and coordination of GSA activities towards improving the environment, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1959.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to PBS programs are published in 41 CFR chapter 1, 41 CFR chapter 101, subchapters D and H; and in 48 CFR chapter 1. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in §105-53.116.

[48 FR 25200, June 6, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 24996, June 19, 1984; 52 FR 23658, June 24, 1987]