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Every federal agency has a supporting group of businesses that facilitate its operations. For example, when NAVSEA moved from Crystal City to the Naval Yard, many of the companies associated with the agency picked up stakes as well and are now filling office space in the Capitol Riverfront area.

There are dozens of businesses supporting certain operational aspects of the FBI. We don't know about them—at least I don't—as it's kept under wraps, but they're out there, most likely located in offices in and around the East End. The outsourcing of contractual work by federal agencies expanded dramatically during the last 20 years and shows little sign of letting up; the FBI is no exception.

Why it is that Fairfax so eagerly wants to lure the FBI to the county? Not only is it the HQ jobs, but all the ancillary employment. And it's this ancillary employment, the highly paid workers who will occupy privately owned office space and who may choose to reside and pay taxes in the county that Fairfax is after.

Would I like to see the FBI move off Pennsylvania Avenue and have that outdated hulking piece of concrete crushed to rubble. Heck yes. But I'd also prefer the FBI to remain in the District. Maybe a location could be found in NoMa or Southwest. Hell, if need be, I'd put 'em in the Ronald Reagan building and shift the EPA elsewhere. We're talking about thousands of jobs here. A good percentage of the folks who work at the FBI also live and pay taxes in the city. If the Bureau leaves, they'll be likely to as well.

As I said previously, and say again now, it is a damning mistake if the District allows the FBI to slip away to the suburbs without a serious hard fight.

by Sage on Feb 13, 2012 10:55 pm • link • report