The proposed bill amends an existing lease agreement between the District of Columbia and VEF-VN Capitol Plaza I, LLC, to add 22,986 square feet of office space at 1200 First Street, NE, for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). This amendment extends the current lease, which has about 13 years remaining, with an option for an additional 5 years. The annual rental for the new space is set at $1,091,835, with a rental rate of $47.50 per rentable square foot, subject to a 3% annual escalation starting June 1, 2026, and abated until September 30, 2025. The amendment is necessary for DCPS to relocate personnel from the Command Center, enhancing security and response capabilities by consolidating key personnel in a centralized location.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for tenant improvements, requiring 50% participation from Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) in the construction process, an increase from the previous 35% requirement. It mandates compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, ensuring proper wage rates for laborers, and outlines the responsibilities of contracting officers in maintaining compliance. The bill also establishes a clear process for wage determination appeals and emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding investigative materials. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the leased space for DCPS while ensuring labor standards and protections for workers involved in federally funded projects.