Federal watchdog agency launches probe into selection process for new FBI headquarters

A federal Inspector General's office has begun a probe into the site selection process for the new FBI headquarters. 

The probe is led by the inspector general of the General Service Administration, which led the search to a new headquarters to replace the outdated one in Washington, D.C.

The agency picked a site in suburban Maryland over one in suburban Virginia, sparking criticism about the process.

The Virginia congressional delegation alleges the process – in which the Greenbelt, Maryland, site was picked – was politically motivated, according to The Hill.

Acting Inspector General Robert Erickson wrote a letter to Sen. Mark Warner D-Va., saying his office is “initiating an evaluation of GSA’s selection of the site.”

“I have received your letter of November 15, 2023, expressing your concerns about the General Service Administration’s (GSA) site selection process for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Headquarters site,” Erickson's letter reads.

"Our objective will be to assess the agency’s process and procedures for the site selection. We intend to begin this work immediately and will share with you and the relevant committees a copy of any report which may result from this evaluation."