US General Services Administration (GSA) – Burlington, VT

US General Services Administration (GSA)

Agency Role and Building Management

The US General Services Administration (GSA) serves as the landlord for the federal government, managing federal real estate and acquiring products and services for government agencies. In Burlington, the GSA’s Public Buildings Service (PBS) is responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the historic Federal Building, U.S. Post Office, and Courthouse located at 11 Elmwood Avenue. This distinctive building, constructed in the late 1950s, serves as a central hub for federal operations in the region.

Tenant Agencies

While the GSA manages the facility, the building houses several other critical federal agencies that serve the public directly:

• U.S. District Court: The District of Vermont courtrooms and clerk’s office are located here, handling federal legal cases.
• U.S. Marshals Service: Providing judicial security and fugitive investigation services.
• U.S. Postal Service (USPS): A retail post office is located on the ground floor.

Operations

The GSA Field Office ensures that the building’s infrastructure—heating, cooling, security, and cleaning—supports the missions of its tenant agencies. They oversee federal acquisition and procurement processes that benefit these local offices.

Visiting the Federal Building

Access to the building is strictly controlled.

• Security: Visitors must pass through airport-style security screening, including metal detectors and X-ray machines for bags.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, including pocket knives, are strictly prohibited. Cameras and recording devices are generally restricted within the courthouse areas.
• ID: A valid government-issued ID is required for entry to the upper floors (courts and federal offices).