6 FAM 1040
PARKING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(Office of Origin: A/OPR/GSM)
6 FAM 1041 Policy
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. This regulation addresses the management, allocation, assignment, and use of parking spaces in the National Capital Region that the Bureau of Administration, Office of Operations, Office of General Services Management (A/OPR/GSM) manages. Building managers of domestic Department of State annexes not covered by this policy may use 6 FAM 1040 policies as guidance in establishing local parking policies.
b. The Department’s policy is to ensure the most efficient use of parking spaces to support the bureaus’ missions, notwithstanding individual personal convenience, while encouraging use of mass transportation.
c. The Department of State is committed to a policy of energy conservation and encourages all employees to walk or bike to work, use mass transportation, telework, and/or form carpools, which, in addition to helping the environment, increase the usefulness of limited Department parking spaces.
6 FAM 1042 authority and SCOpe
(CT:GS-126; 05-10-2004)
(State Only)
a. The Department’s regulations covering the use of parking areas and enforcement procedures conform to policy regulations that the General Services Administration prescribes. GSA ultimately is responsible for the administration and control of U.S. Government parking areas. The Department derives the authority for its parking policy from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 41 CFR101-20.104 (titled “Parking Facilities”).
b. The Department has assigned authority to administer the parking program to the Office of General Services Management (A/OPR/GSM) under 1 FAM 213.7-1. Department employees and contractors with questions about parking policy, administration, management, spaces, permits, and attendants for the facilities listed in 6 FAM 1045.1 should direct them to the Parking Coordinator at Parking-Office@state.gov. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486) provides the authority for the personal tax liability policy. (See 6 FAM 1048.3.)
c. This policy statement applies only to Department parking facilities, listed in 6 FAM 1045.1, that the A/OPR/GSM parking office manages. The policy does not cover commercial parking facilities that the Foreign Affairs Recreation Association (FARA) manages, public or restricted parking spaces on the streets surrounding the Harry S Truman building (including C and D Streets), parking facilities/areas/spaces assigned to tenants of other Department facilities not listed in 6 FAM 1045.1, or to the parking program that the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center administers.
6 FAM 1043 administration
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
The Office of General Services Management (A/OPR/GSM) administers policy, management, and assignment of parking spaces in Department-controlled parking facilities in the National Capital Region. The Department does not authorize Bureaus to acquire commercial or other parking spaces outside of the process that 6 FAM 1040 provides. A list of parking facilities that GSM manages is in 6 FAM 1045.1 and on GSM’s Parking Program website.
6 FAM 1044 Definitions
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
Accessible Parking (AP): Vehicle parking space that OPR/GSM has specifically marked or placarded and designated as reserved parking for individuals with a qualifying permanent disability.
After Hours: Period of time before 6:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Federal Government holidays).
After-Hours Permit: Form DS-1951 (“After-Hours/Weekend/Holiday DOS Parking Permit”) allows an individual possessing a non-escort-required Department of State badge to park in guard-controlled Department parking facilities after hours.
Allotment: Number of parking permits allocated to each bureau/office.
Applicant: Any individual seeking authority to park a vehicle in a Department-controlled parking space that A/OPR/GSM manages.
Carpool: A group of two or more direct-hire Department of State employees using a motor vehicle to commute to/from work.
Direct-Hire Employee: Any Department of State permanent or temporary employee occupying a full or part-time position who possesses a valid unique employee identification number. At its discretion, the Parking Office, may apply this definition to other federal agency employees if their mission is deemed essential. This definition does not apply to “third party employees” as defined herein.
Disability: For purposes of administration of the Department’s parking program, a permanent and severe impairment affecting mobility which, for all practical purposes, precludes an individual from using public transportation or car/vanpooling to reach the workplace.
Dock Master (Loading): Individual responsible for and retaining authority over vehicle access to the Harry S Truman (HST) Building loading dock and adjacent parking spaces during normal business hours.
Dock Permit (Loading): Permit authorizing a vehicle to park in a limited number of designated spaces near the loading dock immediately inside the 21st Street entrance of the Harry S Truman Building (HST).
Executive: A U.S. Government employee with management responsibilities who, in the judgment of the employing agency head or designee, requires preferential assignment of parking privileges (Ref: 41 CFR 101-20.104). This term means Department of State Senior Executive Service and Senior Foreign Service employees, employees at the General Schedule (GS-15) or Foreign Service (FS-1) pay rate and above, and employees holding the position of division chief or above, notwithstanding their grade level.
Full-Time Employee: A direct hire U.S. Government employee who holds a full-time equivalent (FTE) position with a regular work schedule of 80 hours per pay period.
Harry S Truman Building (HST): The Department’s main headquarters building, located at 21st & C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (also known as Main State).
Infraction: Failure to adhere to parking policies, rules, or regulations -- violations for which points are assessed (see 6 FAM 1049.5).
Intermittent Parking Permit: Permit the Parking Office assigns to an office for use on an individual basis when the individual needs temporary parking to complete a short-term, sporadic, or irregular mission-related task.
Motorcycle: Term used generically to refer to any two- or three-wheel motorized vehicle, including motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles with sidecars, and three-wheel (“trike”) motorcycles, in addition to conventional two-wheel motorcycles.
Official Government Vehicle: Department-owned, commercially leased, or GSA Fleet-leased vehicle that authorized, qualified, and licensed operators use for official government business.
Parking Coordinator: Individual in the Office of General Services Management, Support Services Division (A/OPR/GSM/SS), with primary responsibility for administering the Department’s domestic parking program.
Parking Decal: Sticker, used only on motorcycles, allowing access to Department parking facilities when affixed to the motorcycle in such a manner that it cannot be removed without being destroyed.
Parking Permit (Department of State): Removable card, hang-tag, sign, or placard displayed in a vehicle, allowing access to Department parking facilities.
Parking Space: The area allocated in a parking facility for the temporary storage of one passenger-carrying motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle.
Part-Time Employee: A direct hire U.S. Government employee who has a work schedule of less than 80 hours per pay period.
Permanent Employee: A direct hire full-time or part-time U.S. Government employee who holds an appointment of more than one year.
Permit Holder: A permanent, full-time Department of State employee to whom the Parking Office issues an individual permit.
Shift Permit: A permit that allows the holder to use a designated parking facility on non-holiday weekdays during specific hours that fall primarily outside of normal business hours.
Stacked Parking: Method for optimizing the use of parking spaces in which parking attendants park vehicles bumper-to-bumper two or more deep and move vehicles as needed for arriving/departing vehicle owners.
Temporary Employee: A direct hire full- or part-time U.S. Government employee who holds an appointment of one year or less.
Third-Party Employee: An individual working for or temporarily assigned to the Department or working in direct support of the Department’s mission but not within the definition of a direct hire employee under 6 FAM 1044. This category includes individuals working under Department of State contracts (including sub-contracts and personal services contracts), Personal Service Agreements (PSAs), When-Actually-Employed (WAE) staff members, interns (regardless of pay status), and individuals “on loan” from private agencies or similar entities.
Unusual Hours: Work hours that vary frequently and/or exceed eight hours per day and do not coincide with a regular work schedule. Term does not include shift work or alternate work schedules (flexible or compressed work schedules).
Vanpool: A group of eight or more individuals using a vehicle specifically designed to carry passengers for transportation to and from work in a single, daily round trip. Also see “Carpool,” above.
6 FAM 1045 general
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
6 FAM 1045.1 Facilities and Spaces
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
A/OPR/GSM manages a finite number of vehicle, motorcycle, and bicycle parking spaces in or near buildings that Department of State employees occupy. Employees park in these facilities/lots at their own risk.
a. A/OPR/GSM manages parking in the following facilities/locations:
· Harry S Truman (HST) Building
· SA-1 (Columbia Plaza)
· SA-4 (Potomac Hill)
· SA-5 (American Pharmacist Association [APhA] Building) – Level P2 Only
· SA-6 (The Berkley Building)
· SA-9 (American Red Cross [ARC] Building)
· SA-17 (The World Bank Building)
b. Other Annexes:
(1) In addition to the facilities listed above, the Department occupies other domestic buildings/annexes throughout the United States, some of which provide parking accommodations to Department tenants. While the on-site Department facility manager controls some of these parking accommodations and non-Department personnel control some others, A/OPR/GSM controls none of them;
(2) For facilities in which non-GSM Department personnel control parking accommodations, the on-site Department facility manager will apply policies and procedures in 6 FAM 1040 as much as possible within local circumstances and the facility manager’s level of authority over parking issues. GSM encourages the facility manager to augment this policy with additional procedures to better address local conditions. If the facility does not have a designated facility manager, responsibility for parking oversight for Department employees, tenants, and/or controlled parking spaces and policy rests with the senior on-site Department employee; and
(3) For facilities in which Department tenants have parking that the Department does not control, GSM will apply policies and procedures in 6 FAM 1040 as much as possible.
6 FAM 1045.2 Permit Types
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Department of State permit types that A/OPR/GSM issues are:
(1) Permits issued primarily through the bureau allotment process that 6 FAM 1046.1 describes:
(a) Individual;
(b) Intermittent;
(c) Shift (HST only); and
(d) Reserved;
(2) Special Use Permits which the Parking Office issues outside of the bureau allotment process:
(a) Accessible Parking (AP);
(b) Car/Vanpool;
(c) Loading Dock (HST only);
(d) Motorcycle (decal);
(e) After-hours (DS-1951); and
(f) Overnight.
b. An individual may not possess:
(1) More than one type of permit at any time, except when a permanent permit holder temporarily uses an approved overnight permit or an intermittent permit for another parking facility when necessary for official business;
(2) A permit while also being a member of a car/vanpool, except for the pool member to whom the Parking Office has issued a car/vanpool permit; and
(3) A permit while simultaneously receiving benefits under the transit subsidy program, unless the individual is the permit holder for a vanpool registered with the Department of Transportation.
c. An individual may possess a motorcycle decal while also possessing a vehicle parking permit or being a member of a car/vanpool.
d. Bicycles: While A/OPR/GSM does not require permits or decals for bicycles, bicyclists must possess proper identification to enter a Department parking facility. Bike racks are available in each facility on a first come, first served basis. Bicyclists must park in designated bicycle locations in each facility, and must not obstruct vehicle, motorcycle, or AP parking spaces, walkways, doors, stationary equipment, or similar areas or equipment. Bicyclists that do not park in designated areas may have their bicycles removed without notice.
6 FAM 1045.3 Eligibility
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. A/OPR/GSM issues permits to individuals either through a bureau allotment process (see 6 FAM 1046.1) or directly to applicants based upon eligibility requirements in 6 FAM 1045.3.
b. To be eligible for individual, reserved, and shift permits, which bureaus issue primarily through the allotment process, the applicant must:
(1) be a direct hire, permanent, full-time; permanent part-time; full-time temporary; or part-time temporary U.S. Government employee of the Department of State;
(2) not be a third-party employee;
(3) reside a minimum of one mile from his/her primary office; and
(4) be validated by the applicant’s executive office.
c. If an applicant does not meet the criteria in 6 FAM 1045.3a(1)-(4), A/OPR/GSM may issue a temporary permit to meet an emerging and/or compelling need such as a requirement to address heightened security conditions.
d. Eligibility varies by permit type for AP, car/vanpool, loading dock, after-hours, overnight, and motorcycle decals, which A/OPR/GSM issues directly to individuals outside the bureau allotment process. See 6 FAM 1047 for details on eligibility requirements for each.
e. In all instances, the individual using a Department permit/decal must possess the proper identification and credentials to enter the facility for which A/OPR/GSM issues the permit.
6 FAM 1046 PERMIT ALLOCATION
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
A/OPR/GSM allocates permits in two categories: bureau-allotted and special use.
6 FAM 1046.1 Bureau Allotment
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. A/OPR/GSM assigns individual, intermittent, reserved, and shift permits to individual employees through a bureau allotment process based primarily on each bureau’s population of full-time, direct hire, permanent Department of State employees. Reserved permits count against the bureau’s allotment.
b. A/OPR/GSM determines the number of permits that it allots to each bureau based on the number of its eligible employees. Once A/OPR/GSM establishes the allotment, it notifies each bureau executive office of the maximum number of each permit type that the bureau may issue.
c. Each bureau executive office is responsible for requesting and validating the roster for all permits assigned through the allotment process. A/OPR/GSM requires bureaus to manage their allotments so that they can meet new requirements that may emerge during the parking year. This responsibility may include reserving some permits for a short time to cover impending requirements and reassigning already-assigned permits to cover higher priority requirements as they arise.
d. Bureau executive offices notify A/OPR/GSM which bureau employees are eligible for permits within the assigned allotment based on bureau-defined priorities. Bureaus do not automatically renew permits assigned to individuals each parking year; they may revoke permits at any time during the parking year to meet higher priority mission requirements as each bureau determines.
e. See 6 FAM 1047 for specific information about each type of permit that bureaus assign through the allotment process.
6 FAM 1046.2 Special Use
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
A/OPR/GSM issues special use permits directly to individuals outside of the bureau allotment process to meet unique, specialized, urgent, time-sensitive, or mission-critical requirements. See 6 FAM 1047.6 through 1047.11 for details on types of special use permits. A/OPR/GSM may waive certain restrictions on an individual basis when they assign special use permits.
6 FAM 1047 APPLICATION AND ASSIGNMENT PROCESS
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Application: Except for third parties who may not have access to A/OPR/GSM’s on-line parking application, applicants must submit an electronic parking permit application.
b. Assignments: The Parking Office assigns permits under the following criteria:
(1) Since all holders do not use their permits every day, the Parking Office assigns more permits than the spaces available in each facility/lot. While this practice maximizes the daily use of spaces, it may lead to unavailability of spaces for some permit holders on any given day. Except for reserved parking, possession of a permit does not guarantee that a parking space will be available; spaces are available on a first come, first served basis; and
(2) The permit holder is the only individual who may use a parking permit, except those members of a car/vanpool listed on the application may use a car/vanpool permit in the absence of the permit holder if the pool maintains the minimum number of members (as described in 6 FAM 1047.7).
6 FAM 1047.1 Individual Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Within their respective allotments, bureaus’ executive offices are responsible for assigning permits to their employees including those who work unusual hours. Executive directors must approve all requests for parking in their bureaus pursuant to instructions of the Parking Office. Because of operational and security concerns, only an individual with a bureau assigned permit may use it and may not loan or transfer it. The vehicle displaying the permit must be associated with both the permit number and the permit assignee in the Parking Office database so that the office, security personnel, or other Department authorities can contact the owner immediately if an emergency or security concern occurs.
b. A/OPR/GSM has discretion to assign permit locations/facilities and may change these assignments during the parking year to meet mission, urgent, or compelling requirements. Parking is assigned first come, first served, and based upon availability at the time of permit issuance. While the Parking Office will make every effort to assign permits based on an individual’s preference or office location, the parking regulations do not require or guarantee that the office will grant specific requests. The Parking Office may determine permit location based on office location, executive office, or employee preference, or randomly. The office generally does not limit parking only to employees who work in or near a particular facility.
c. A/OPR/GSM does not guarantee individual permits from one year to the next or for the entire parking year. GSM may rescind an individual permit, in consultation with the respective executive office, to support mission-critical requirements.
6 FAM 1047.2 Intermittent Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Intermittent permits provide temporary parking accommodations to bureau employees who periodically must travel locally for Department of State business and when the executive office has determined that using the individual’s privately-owned vehicle is more beneficial/efficient than using the Department’s shuttle bus system, centrally-managed Motor Pool official vehicle services, or other official transportation means (see 6 FAM 1930).
b. A/OPR/GSM assigns a limited number of intermittent permits to bureau executive offices for bureau employees’ temporary use. GSM does not provide intermittent permits to supplement a bureau’s permit allotment. Bureaus must not assign such permits to individual employees or to a limited group of individuals on a full-time or continuing basis.
c. Bureau executive offices should establish procedures for the central management, temporary issue, and continuous oversight of assigned intermittent permits. The procedures should include check out/check in procedures for each use to account for the permit continuously and to aid security personnel in identifying the vehicle owner in an emergency.
6 FAM 1047.3 Shift Permits, Harry S Truman Building (HST) Only
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
a. A/OPR/GSM may allot permits to bureaus to accommodate employees working shift hours. Shift permits are not available to employees working on flexible or compressed work schedules.
b. Shift permits allow the permit holder to enter the HST garage between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on (non-holiday) weekdays, and to remain in the garage until 6:00 a.m. the following weekday morning.
c. A/OPR/GSM authorizes shift permit holders to park overnight while on duty if the holder removes their vehicle from the garage before 6:00 a.m. the following weekday morning.
6 FAM 1047.4 Reserved Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
Employees at the Assistant Secretary level (or equivalent) and above are eligible for reserved parking. Reserved permits count against the bureau’s individual allotment.
6 FAM 1047.5 Accessible Parking (AP) Permits
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
a. The Parking Program Office sets aside Accessible Parking (AP) for Department of State employees and contractors with a qualifying medical condition that affects their mobility and precludes using public transportation or car/vanpooling. The Department’s parking facilities contain signs clearly marking AP spaces.
b. Eligibility: All Department of State employees and contractors may be eligible for AP, which the Parking Program Office will authorize only when the medical documentation from an employee’s treating physician is sufficient. Employees with temporary impairments do not meet qualifications to obtain an AP.
c. Authorization:
(1) A Department employee or contractor's authorization to use AP spaces requires supporting medical documentation from the employee’s treating physician. The documentation must state the existence and nature of a medical condition affecting the employee’s mobility;
(2) To protect privacy, applicants must submit a completed DS-4300 to the Parking Program Office. The Parking Program Office will not accept any other supporting medical documentation or information from applicants; and
(3) The Parking Program Office has authority to interpret requirements and set policy, after consulting the Office of the Legal Advisor, the Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM), and/or the Bureau of Medical Services (MED/DP), as applicable. A/OPR/GSM has authority to issue AP permits in A/OPR/GSM-controlled parking facilities.
d. Issuance: The Parking Program Office will issue AP permits only to eligible individuals who have a medical condition affecting mobility as their treating physician determines. An applicant’s possession of an AP permit that a municipal, county, state, or other non-Department of State jurisdiction has issued does not automatically make an applicant eligible for a Department AP permit or guarantee that the Parking Program Office will issue this permit. An applicant must meet the following conditions for an AP permit:
(1) Before submitting the parking permit application to the Parking Program Office, the individual must submit a completed DS-4300 from the treating physician to the Parking Office and obtain written approval that the documentation warrants issuance of an AP permit;
(2) After evaluating the DS-4300, the Parking Program Office will issue a formal determination on whether the applicant’s medical condition warrants an AP permit. Failure of the applicant to provide a completed DS-4300 from the treating physician will result in disapproval of the request;
(3) The Parking Program Office approves the request:
(a) The office will notify the applicant of the determination;
(b) Upon receiving the Parking Program Office's notification that the applicant meets the criteria for an AP permit, the applicant must submit an online parking application to the Parking Program Office;
(c) Applicants will automatically be assigned to the parking facility in the building of their office assignment. If no parking facility exists in the building of their office assignment, they will automatically be assigned to the parking facility that is closest.
(4) If the Parking Program Office disapproves the request:
(a) If the applicant’s medical situation changes or new/compelling information becomes available after the Parking Program Office's denial of the initial request, the applicant may re-petition the Parking Program Office for approval of an AP permit following the same procedures for the initial AP application;
(b) An eligible applicant may petition the bureau executive office for issuance of an individual parking permit from the bureau’s parking allotment. The executive office may issue a permit at its discretion. The executive office may issue individual bureau parking permits from within its allotment to eligible applicants for any reason and may use this authority to provide assistance to eligible employees with medical conditions who have been denied AP permits. This option is not available to third party employees; and
(c) The Parking Program Office will not increase bureau parking allotments to address these situations, nor will it intervene in decisions that the bureau executive office makes.
e. Loaning AP permits: Holders may not transfer or temporarily loan AP permits. Although there is nothing that prevents an AP permit holder from forming an informal carpool or having another person that is authorized to enter the parking facility drive the AP holder to work, AP holders may not loan or allow others to use AP permits in the absence of the AP permit holder.
f. AP permits/spaces and car/vanpools: An individual with a medical impairment may hold a car/vanpool permit or may be a member of a car/vanpool. However:
(1) An individual may not hold an AP permit and simultaneously hold a car/vanpool permit, be one of the primary (two direct-hire) members of a carpool or be a member of a formal car/vanpool;
(2) A car/vanpool permit does not authorize the permit holder to park in designated AP spaces, regardless of the membership of the pool; and
(3) An AP permit holder may form an informal carpool and park in designated AP spaces. However, the carpool members may not use the AP permit in the absence of the AP permit holder.
g. AP parking capacity: A permit holder may park in any AP space or general, non-reserved, non-government vehicle parking space.
6 FAM 1047.6 Car/Vanpool Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Eligibility:
(1) Applicant/permit holder must be a full-time, direct hire Department of State employee;
(2) Members: To enter the assigned parking facility, each member of a car/vanpool must possess and display a valid ID card/badge that allows access to that facility; and
(3) Other: The loss of a pool member(s) may result in loss of the parking permit. To remain eligible for a permit, the car/vanpool must have the same number of members for which the permit was issued. If car/vanpool membership falls below that number, the permit holder will have 10 workdays to find a replacement member(s). If the permit holder cannot identify enough members by the end of the 10-day period, the holder must return the permit to the parking office.
b. Carpool Lottery:
(1) The parking office issues carpool permits through a lottery which occurs every odd-numbered year. Current carpools are not guaranteed continuation of their permits in subsequent lotteries; and
(2) The parking office requires all employees applying for a carpool permit (including current carpool permit holders) to complete the entire application process.
c. Permit assignment: The parking office separates applications into three tiers, then prioritizes each based on pool member composition. The parking office will consider Tier 1 applications before Tier 2 applications and Tier 2 applications before Tier 3 applications:
(1) Tier 1: Vanpools composed of eight or more direct hire Department of State employees;
(2) Tier 2: Carpools and vanpools composed of three to seven direct hire Department of State employees; and
(3) Tier 3: Carpools and vanpools composed of two direct hire employees and any combination of other eligible pool members.
d. Use of permit: Any member of a car/vanpool may use the assigned permit if:
(1) The parking office has approved and registered the member as a member of that pool;
(2) the permit user possesses identification that allows entry to the parking facility in which the pool permit is issued; and
(3) the vehicle displaying the permit belongs to a direct hire member of the pool, because the vehicle information must be listed in the Parking Office’s database for emergency contact purposes.
e. Administration: The parking office shall:
(1) Randomly screen applications and assigned permits to ensure that all applications have met eligibility criteria and to eliminate applicant and vanpool/carpool membership duplications;
(2) Verify the employment status of applicants by cross- referencing names of direct hire employees with the Global Employee Management System (GEMS);
(3) Establish and maintain priorities for issuing pool permits pursuant to the priority policy in 6 FAM 1047.7b; and
(4) Periodically evaluate supply and demand for pool parking spaces and adjust the number of spaces available as appropriate and feasible.
f. The primary permit holder of record is responsible for:
(1) Making payments;
(2) Remaining the registered permit holder for the parking year unless the Parking Office has authorized the holder to re-assign the permit to another member of the pool or surrender the permit to the Parking Office;
(3) Reporting any desired changes in the permit assignment to the Parking Office;
(4) Maintaining the same number of pool members for which the Parking Office issued the permit; and
(5) Ensuring that all carpool members are aware of parking regulations.
g. The parking office will place applicants meeting the minimum criteria for a pool permit but who do not receive one on a waiting list for assignment of the next available permit.
6 FAM 1047.7 Loading Dock Permits (Harry S Truman Building Only)
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. General:
(1) Harry S Truman building (HST) loading dock permits allow permit holders who are conducting official business access to the loading docks and adjacent parking spaces through the 21st Street entrance;
(2) The purpose of loading dock permits is to foster more efficient operations by providing multiple stakeholders with vehicle access to production facilities located near the loading docks while also permitting frequent but intermittent loading/unloading of materials/supplies, recurrent pick-up/deliveries, and ready access to tools, supplies, materials, or equipment stored in vehicles displaying loading dock permits;
(3) Contractor vehicles issued loading dock permits must be clearly identified with the name of the contractor company displayed with vehicle marking/painting, magnetic door or body signs, or a temporary placard on the dashboard;
(4) The uniformed security force at the Department’s Vehicle Inspection Station adjoining the 21st Street entrance will search all vehicles before they use the HST loading docks;
(5) The parking office may issue loading dock permits to contractors on a case-by-case basis when the contractor’s sponsoring bureau submits a request to the Parking Office. The bureau should submit such requests to the Parking Office (Parking-Office@state.gov) which will, space permitting, coordinate access with the Dock Master (see 6 FAM 1047.8, paragraph c). Unscheduled, intermittent, day-to-day access to the loading dock does not require a permit but must be scheduled directly with the Dock Master.
b. Dock master:
(1) The HST Loading Dock Master who is assigned to the Office of Facilities Management Services (A/OPR/FMS), has authority over all access to the HST loading dock during normal business hours, including access for vehicles with a parking office-issued dock pass. Those who wish access outside of normal business hours must request it with on-site uniformed security personnel. Any questions about daily access to or use of the loading dock should be addressed to the Dock Master (LoadingDock@state.gov or 202-736-7674); and
(2) The Dock Master must clear vehicles containing hazardous materials before they enter HST even if the vehicles display a dock permit.
6 FAM 1047.8 Motorcycle (decal) Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Parking spaces for motorcycles are designated in parking facilities at the Harry S Truman building (HST) (inside the garage and outside in the C Street ellipse), SA-1, SA-4, SA-5 (P2 level only), SA-6, SA-9, and SA-17. Three-wheel motorcycles (Trikes and Slingshots), oversized “touring” motorcycles, and motorcycles equipped with passenger sidecars must be parked in the HST ellipse.
b. To gain access to the facility and park in designated spaces, motorcycles must have a decal affixed to the cycle in an easily observable location - usually on the lower front left fork or windshield - and the motorcyclist must have a valid State Department identification badge.
c. While motorcycle decals are available to all employees, regardless of their employment mechanism, they must possess a valid Department of State badge. Motorcycle spaces are available on a “first come, first served” basis for all motorcycle decal holders.
d. Employees request decals by submitting an electronic parking application through the link on the A/OPR/GSM website ParkingProgram. The parking office issues decals directly to applicants, outside of the bureau allotment process. Decals are not transferable between owners or cycles, and there is a limit of three decals per applicant.
e. Motorcyclists must not park in designated vehicle spaces, with one exception: with prior approval from the parking office, employees may park a properly decaled motorcycle in their assigned non-stacked reserved space in HST. (Parking in a stacked reserved space is not possible because parking attendants are unable to relocate motorcycles in the garage.)
f. Decal assignees are responsible for ensuring that their motorcycles fit into a single motorcycle space. Three-wheel motorcycles, oversized “touring” motorcycles, and motorcycles equipped with passenger sidecars must be parked in Pursuant to the parking regulations posted at ParkingProgram on the A/OPR/GSM website. Employees whose motorcycles encroach upon another parking space or block access to a space will receive a parking infraction, which may lead to loss of the parking permit.
6 FAM 1047.9 AFTER-HOURS PERMITS
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Individuals who do not possess an assigned vehicle permit are authorized to park in the Harry S Truman Building (HST), SA-1 (Columbia Plaza); SA-4 (Potomac Hill); SA-5 (Level P2 Only); SA-9 (American Red Cross Building); and SA-17 (the World Bank Building) parking facilities as needed outside normal business hours through use of a Form DS-1951, After-Hours/Weekend/Holiday DOS “Parking Permit.” The parking office will issue after-hours permits only to individuals who possess sufficient identification or credentials to enter the facility without escort.
b. The Form DS-1951 is a temporary permit allowing vehicle access to the garages any time on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Vehicle operators must display a properly completed Form DS-1951 on the vehicle dashboard at all times in the facility.
c. Vehicle operators are subject to all parking regulations which the parking office has posted in the Department garages. On Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays, operators must remove their vehicles from all garages by 6:00 a.m.
d. Form DS-1951 is available on myData Forms.
e. Vehicle operators must not park in a manner that blocks or otherwise impedes other vehicles.
f. All parking garage rules apply when using the after-hours permit Form DS-1951.
6 FAM 1047.10 Bicycle Parking
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
a. Bicycle spaces are available in the Harry S Truman building (HST) garage, SA-1 (Columbia Plaza); SA-4 (Potomac Hill); SA-5 (P2 level only); SA-6 (the Berkley Building); SA-9 (American Red Cross Building); and SA-17 (the World Bank building) parking facilities.
b. To gain access to the facility and park in designated spaces and/or bicycle racks, the bicyclist must display a valid State Department identification badge.
c. Bicyclists may not store cycles for more than 18 hours in GSM-controlled parking facilities unless the parking office authorizes an extension. If the cyclist leaves the cycle for longer than 18 hours, the parking office will remove and retain it (and/or accessories such as helmets and bike locks) for 30 days, after which time the parking office will donate the cycle and any accessories to a charitable organization pursuant to 6 FAM 1770: Personal Property Lost or Found in Government Buildings.
d. Charging of electric bicycles and scooters is prohibited in any building infrastructure.
e. Parking of commercial bicycles and scooters is also prohibited in GSM-controlled parking facilities.
6 FAM 1047.11 Electric Vehicle Spaces
(CT:GS-251; 01-18-2024)
(State Only)
a. Electric vehicle charging is available in facilities that have designated electric vehicle charging stations. Employees must obtain a private electric vehicle (PEV) permit from the parking office and pay all applicable fees.
b. Unauthorized charging of a private electric vehicle (PEV) in either an electric vehicle outlet or a non-electric vehicle outlet is strictly prohibited and in violation of Public Law 114-94, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Violators may be subject to parking privilege suspension.
c. Fees associated with PEV spaces are higher than the fees for regular permits because permit holders must pay for the additional electricity use.
6 FAM 1048 Issuance and order of priority; Parking Permits/Decals; and Tax Liability and fees
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
6 FAM 1048.1 Issuance and Order of Priority
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
After the parking office reserves sufficient space for official government vehicle parking, the office allocates spaces and issues permits in the following priority which the Federal Management Regulation (Subchapter C - Real Property); Part 102-74 (Facility Management); Subpart B (Facility Management); subparagraph §102-74.305 (cross reference: 41 CFR 101-20.104-2(d)) prescribes:
(1) Severely disabled employees;
(2) Executive personnel and persons who work unusual hours;
(3) Vanpool/carpool vehicles;
(4) Privately owned vehicles of occupant agency employees that they use regularly for U.S. Government business at least 12 days per month and which qualify for reimbursement of mileage and travel expenses under U.S. Government travel regulations; and
(5) Other privately owned vehicles of employees, on a space-available basis.
6 FAM 1048.2 Parking Permits/Decals
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
Upon application approval, the parking office will issue a parking permit/decal to the applicant.
6 FAM 1048.2-1 Transfer of Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Parking permits are not transferable between offices or employees except for car/vanpool permits which are transferable among authorized members of the pool.
b. If a permit/decal holder leaves the Department or transfers to another Department of State organizational unit, no longer desires to be a permit/decal holder, or is transferred out of the National Capital Region, the holder must notify the parking office of the change in status (including the effective date) and return the permit to the parking office. Employees must remove and destroy motorcycle decals when they are no longer needed.
c. Because of security and parking space management concerns, individuals may not loan permits to anyone else during the permit holder’s absence from the workplace. While the permit holder is on vacation or on official travel, for example, another individual may not use the assigned permit.
6 FAM 1048.2-2 Loss of Permits
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
Employees should safeguard permits, especially when leaving their vehicles unattended in public areas outside Department parking facilities. Car/vanpool members must maintain proper controls in exchanging permits among the pool’s members. A permit holder must promptly notify the parking coordinator in writing when a parking permit is lost and explain the circumstances in detail. When a permit has apparently been stolen or evidence of fraud exists, the parking coordinator will refer the case to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Depending upon the circumstances, the parking office may issue a replacement permit once the permit holder has paid any associated replacement fees. If the permit holder eventually finds the lost permit, the holder must immediately return the replacement permit to the parking office.
6 FAM 1048.2-3 False Information
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Falsifying information on applications will result in the loss of parking privileges for the applicant and carpool members for three years from the date of the infraction. In addition, the parking office will submit falsified applications to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the Bureau of Human Resources (HR) for appropriate action.
b. Altering, forging, or copying a permit or acquiring or using a permit under false pretenses will result in the immediate revocation of parking privileges in all Department parking facilities. Under some circumstances, DS’s investigation may lead to the permanent loss of parking privileges in addition to administrative action.
6 FAM 1048.3 Tax Liability
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486) requires employees who receive subsidized parking from their employers to pay income taxes on the value of the parking benefit (compared to comparable commercial parking) that exceeds a dollar threshold the Department of the Treasury establishes annually. These employees must report only the excess value as gross income and request that the Department withhold this amount through payroll deduction. Annually, during the fall, the parking office will conduct a market survey to determine the value of comparable commercial parking compared to the dollar threshold, which the Department of the Treasury establishes annually, and will notify reserved permit holders of their tax liability.
6 FAM 1048.4 Fees
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. The parking office sets and periodically adjusts fees to ensure coverage of all operational and administrative costs. The primary permit holder is responsible for paying the fees.
b. The parking office sets the payment schedule, fee amount, and collection method, and provides payment information at the beginning of each payment cycle, and when employees submit applications and receive permits. This information also is on the parking office website ParkingProgram. Employees may send questions about payments to Parking-Office@state.gov.
c. The parking coordinator sends courtesy reminder notices and invoices to permit holders before each payment period. The permit holder is responsible for paying fees by the deadline. Pursuant to the parking regulations posted at ParkingProgram on the A/OPR/GSM website, employees who miss the payment deadline will receive infraction points and risk loss of parking privileges (see 6 FAM 1049.5).
d. No fee payment is required for the following permits:
(1) U.S. Government-owned/leased vehicle permits;
(2) Motorcycle decals or bicycles;
(3) Intermittent permits; and
(4) Shift permits.
e. Carpools/Vanpools: Permit holders for carpools or vanpools are responsible for remitting parking payments pursuant to published payment schedules and procedures. To ensure the parking office has accurate information about permit holders, the holder must report changes in the name of the permit holder, phone numbers, carpool or vanpool members, and make/license of vehicles, etc., in writing to the parking coordinator. The permit holder must ensure that all carpool or vanpool members know about the parking payment regulations.
6 FAM 1049 PARKING REGULATIONS
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
6 FAM 1049.1 General Responsibilities
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
6 FAM 1049.1-1 Employee Responsibilities
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Employees granted parking privileges must adhere to parking regulations, promptly pay any monthly parking fees and notify the parking coordinator of any relevant changes to their contact, or parking information or employment status.
b. Except for situations in which overflow parking at SA-4 (Potomac Hill) is an option under 6 FAM 1049.3, permit holders may park only in the facility for which they hold a permit, and only in designated spaces within the facility.
6 FAM 1049.1-2 Bureau Executive Office Responsibilities
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
Bureau executive offices must:
(1) Maintain a list of all their employees to whom the bureau has issued permits (6 FAM 1047.1a);
(2) Notify the parking office of significant changes that affect or could affect the bureau’s parking allotment or relationship with the parking office, such as returned or lost permits, significant changes in bureau employee numbers, or major intradepartmental functional transfers of responsibility, reorganization, relocation, change in bureau parking points of contact, and related information;
(3) Provide timely and accurate responses to parking coordinator inquiries related to bureau employee numbers, permit assignments, or surrendered, lost, or misused permits, and other information;
(4) Assist the parking office in the timely collection of past-due parking fee payments and enforcement of parking rules, regulations, and policies; and
(5) Manage bureau parking activities pursuant to the provisions of 6 FAM 1046.1.
6 FAM 1049.2 Reserved Parking at the Harry S Truman Building
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
Permit holders may not park in on-street parking spaces surrounding the Harry S Truman Building that are reserved for foreign diplomats, members of Congress, and other officials. Outside facilities are not for overflow or visitor parking. Violators are subject to vehicle ticketing/towing. (NOTE: The C Street ellipse designated for motorcycle and bicycle parking is not on-street parking.)
6 FAM 1049.3 Parking and Permit Regulations
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
The following policies apply to permit holders in all parking facilities listed in 6 FAM 1045.1 unless otherwise noted. All parking rules and regulations are available on the Parking Program SharePoint site. The parking office develops all parking rules and regulations which may be subject to change.
6 FAM 1049.4 Accidents, Damages, or Injuries
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. Reporting requirements: Vehicle operators must immediately report any accident/incident involving personal injury or damage to other vehicles (including official vehicles), property, or equipment), which they caused in operating their vehicles within the facilities. Victims of damage or accident must also report the incident before leaving the garage. Failure to do so pursuant to the procedures outlined in 6 FAM 1049.4 may result in A/OPR/GSM revoking parking privileges and law enforcement officials possibly issuing a formal traffic citation. Vehicle operators must call the Uniformed Protection Division Security Control Center (also called the DS “Side Door” Office) at 202-647-0099 to request that a DS Uniformed Protection Officer be dispatched to the site to complete an incident report. DS retains the report, but upon request will provide a copy to employees whose names are in it.
(1) Incidents in the Harry S Truman Building (HST) or SA-6: If the vehicle operator believes that a parking attendant may have been responsible for damage to a vehicle, in addition to requesting that a DS Uniformed Protection Officer complete an incident report, the operator also must request a report form from a parking attendant, complete it, and give it to the attendant for submission to the parking contractor. The parking contractor will investigate and work with the claimant to develop a satisfactory solution. Operators who are dissatisfied with the contractor’s decision may ask FARA for an additional review.
(2) Official vehicles: When an incident involves an official vehicle, operators must:
(a) Notify their supervisor immediately or, if after hours, the next business day;
(b) Request that a DS Uniformed Protection Officer be dispatched to the incident site to complete an incident report;
(c) Notify the Vehicle Operations Center (VOC) of the Domestic Fleet Management Office (A/OPR/GSM/FMO), located in HST B-229 (202-647-1672);
(d) Complete Form SF-91 (Motor Vehicle Accident Report) as soon as possible after the incident, while the facts are still fresh. A copy of Form SF-91 should be in the vehicle, but also is available on e-Forms or, during business hours, from the VOC. Submit the form to the fleet management office (FMO) in Room B-229 within 24 hours of the accident/incident or the next business day. (The driver’s supervisor must complete and submit the form if the driver is incapacitated.) Include estimate(s) for repairs if available, any passenger and witness statements, other reports, and the other driver’s information, if applicable. The report must include the names of the DS officer or Red Cross Building (SA-9) security officer who reported to the site of the accident/incident and the parking attendant, if one was contacted, in Section 2 of the Form SF-91 report; and
(e) If the vehicle(s) requires towing during office hours, contact the VOC in Room B-229 in HST (202-647-1672). Calling the General Services Administration at 866-400-0411 between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. is an alternative. After office hours, if the vehicle is unsafe or cannot move under its own power, contact the DS Uniformed Protective Office (202-647-0099) for guidance. Notify the FMO Inventory Manager (202-736-7181) if the vehicle(s) was towed.
b. Unreported damage to a privately owned vehicle: Vehicle owners who find unreported damage to their vehicles that they suspect occurred in a Department parking facility should request that a DS Uniformed Protection Officer complete an incident report. This report may help the owner in filing a claim with their personal insurance or in seeking reimbursement from another vehicle owner.
c. Claims adjudication:
(1) When an employee believes that an official vehicle caused damage to their privately owned vehicle or property and/or that the Department is responsible for damage to a privately owned vehicle or property, the employee should follow the Department’s Tort Claims process described in 14 FAM 640: Claims For Private Personal Property Losses. This process is not under the responsibility of A/OPR/GSM; and
(2) Together with their insurance carriers, the owners must adjudicate accidents involving their vehicles. The parking coordinator can assist in identifying other vehicle owners who are involved if the claimant(s) of the vehicle(s) provide the vehicle make/model, Department permit number, license plate number, and related information.
6 FAM 1049.5 Enforcement
(CT:GS-244; 04-07-2023)
(State Only)
a. A/OPR/GSM requires all Department parking permit holders to adhere strictly to parking regulations to make the Department’s limited parking facilities as safe as possible and maintain operational efficiency and appropriate security levels. The parking office staff, along with Uniformed Protection Service personnel of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, will monitor adherence to parking program regulations through periodic scheduled and random inspections of parking facilities.
b. Pursuant to the Parking Regulations posted at ParkingProgram on the A/OPR/GSM website, permit holders who fail to adhere to the regulations in 6 FAM 1040 that are posted in Department parking facilities, or are in traffic/parking ordinances of the local jurisdiction will receive infraction points. Depending upon the nature and number of infractions, the infraction points may result in suspension of parking privileges. In severe cases of infractions, A/OPR/GSM will impose suspensions on all members of a carpool/vanpool.
c. In addition, a parking permit holder’s failure to observe local jurisdiction parking laws may result in the local jurisdiction issuing a traffic citation and removing the vehicle at the owner's expense. The Department has no means for cancelling citations or towing charges, is not involved in local jurisdiction adjudications, and will make no attempt to intervene on behalf of a parking permit holder once the local jurisdiction issues a citation or tows a vehicle. For example, tickets issued in the Department’s Foggy Bottom parking facilities controlled by A/OPR/GSM are issued on behalf of the District of Columbia and may only be contested through the District of Columbia courts.