Cablegate: Request for Collocation Waiver for Fas Offices -

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 004515

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR DS/PSD/PCB, DS/CIS/PSP, DS/DSS, DS/IP/EUR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR COLLOCATION WAIVER FOR FAS OFFICES -
MISSION MADRID

REF: 12 FAH-5 H-300

1. (SBU) In accordance with guidance provided in reference,
Mission Spain RSO submits this formal request for a
collocation waiver for the critically needed Foreign
Agricultural Service (FAS) offices. This new lease space is
required and has been prompted by RSO concern for the
existing building's negative street setback, and the
subsequent OIG Inspection emphasizing the same concerns as
formal recommendations.

2. (SBU) EXEMPTION CATEGORIES:

Under 12 FAH-5 H-312, the exemption that pertains to the
inability to provide for FAS collocation within the Chancery
is category number 5, "offices or activities which require
space in excess of available and suitable chancery space."

3. (SBU) EXEMPTION CRITERIA:

A - Post management, including the Chief of Mission and the
RSO concurs on the need for and selection of this new
facility and the need for a collocation waiver.

B - FAS has addressed the issue and their headquarters and
on-site management all concur.

C - The number of direct-hire U.S. citizens assigned to the
FAS office is commensurate with the staffing requirements and
manpower authorizations to properly support the office and
its activities.

D - All applicable required physical security standards will
be met prior to occupancy.

4. (SBU) EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:

A - POST/OFFICE INVOLVED - American Embassy Madrid, Foreign
Agricultural Service.

B - LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION - The building is located
approximately three block from the existing Chancery at Pinar
6, on the second floor of a seven
Floor building. According to GSO a Spanish national, Maria
Pilar Prado, owns property. The building is standard Spanish
construction described by the Embassy Facilities Office as
poured concrete, reinforced with rebar. There are no steel
beams installed, in that, this is not a standard office
building, rather an apartment building retrofitted to house
both residences and offices.

The proposed office space is located on the interior of the
building with no windows facing the street. There is
approximately 100 feet of set back on the back side of the
building but much less on the front faade that sits on a
public street. It has an underground
parking garage that has access control systems in the form of
garage door openers for occupants of the building.

The windows are non-laminated glass and there is one
stairwell for egress that ends at the lobby.

Access control to the building is by occupant owned keys and
a doorman who works intermittent hours during the day and
evening. There is no fire alarm system throughout the
building.

C - EXEMPTION CATEGORY/REASONS - See above.

D - SUPPORTING CONCURRENCE DOCUMENTATION - The Mission/FAS
cable supportive of this request will follow SEPTEL,
referencing this cable.

E - PHYSICAL SECURITY STANDARDS FOR OCCUPANCY - See above. A
comprehensive Physical Security Survey will follow via SEPTEL.

F - USE/STORAGE OF CLASSIFIED MATERIAL - No classified
material will be handled, processed, discussed or stored in
this facility in accordance with OSPB security standards.

5. (U) EXCEPTION REQUEST PROCEDURES

Standard Involved:

Post requests a waiver and exception for setback for the
proposed FAS Office Space.

Justification:
Typical preexisting construction in metropolitan Madrid does
not provide setback of 100 feet. Additionally, the office
space FAS is considering is located on the interior of the
building offering improved protection to occupants and
visitors to the office.

Statement of agency operation requirements;
FAS Madrid is requesting the exception/waiver for their new
commercial office space. A cable from FAS HQ has been
requested and FAS Madrid ensures post that funding will be
provided for all RSO required physical security upgrades.
FAS Madrid further ensures that they will
not occupy the new office space until all physical security
upgrades have been completed, and
they understand that the waiver/exception will not be granted
until receipt of written concurrence from
FAS HQ.

Survey Report: Will be sent via pouch and will include
description of building, city map, neighborhood map, property
plot plan, proposed office space layout, permits (if
applicable), photographs, and COM and RSO statements and
recommendations.
MANZANARES

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