Office of Administration (Text Only)

Office of Administration

The Office of Administration was established by Executive Order on December 12, 1977. The organization's mission is to provide administrative services to all entities of the Executive Office of the President (EOP), including direct support services to the President of the United States. The services include financial management and information technology support, human resources management, library and research assistance, facilities management, procurement, printing and graphics support, security, and mail and messenger operations. The Director of the organization oversees the submission of the annual EOP Budget Request and represents the organization before congressional funding panels.

Eisenhower Executive Office Building Online Virtual Tour

Located next door to the White House, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) is recognized as a National Historical Landmark based on its architectural significance and historical association. The building currently provides the building space for offices directly supporting the President, the Vice President, and the White House. The Saturday public tour program has been suspended since 2001, but a virtual tour is available online to learn more about the building's history, some of its more notable occupants, and see examples of its high style Victorian character.

Freedom of Information Requests *

* The Office of Administration, whose sole function is to advise and assist the President, and which has no substantial independent authority, is not subject to FOIA and related authorities. However, these pages have been maintained due to the Presidential Records Act.

The Office of Administration's (OA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office is responsible for responding to requesters who are seeking OA records under the FOIA. A handbook has been prepared to provide instructions on obtaining information through FOIA. In addition, the Electronic Reading Room contains documents specifically identified for inclusion by FOIA, as well as documents for which the office has received multiple FOIA requests.

Office of Administration History

The Executive Office of the President (EOP) officially moved into the EEOB in 1947 after the last of the original occupants, the State Department, moved out. The first EOP entities to move into the old State Building (as the EEOB was known) were the Bureau of the Budget (now the Office of Management and Budget) and the National Security Council.

On December 12, 1977, President Carter issued Executive Order 12028 that merged the administrative functions of ten entities of the EOP, to be consolidated as the Office of Administration (OA). In the following excerpt from that Executive Order, President Carter defined OA's mission statement and role:

Sec. 3 (a) The Office of the Administration shall provide common administrative support and services to all units within the Executive Office of the President, except for such services provided primarily in direct support of the President. The Office of the Administration shall, upon request, assist the White House Office in performing its role of providing those administrative services, which are primarily in direct support of the President.

(b) The common administrative support and services provided by the Office of Administration shall encompass all types of administrative support and services that may be used by, or useful to, units within the Executive Office of the President. Such services and support shall include, but not be limited to, providing support services in the following administrative areas:

personnel management services, including equal employment opportunity programs;
financial management services;
data processing, including support and services;
library, records and information services;
office services and operations, including mail, messenger, printing and duplication, graphics, word processing, procurement, and supply services; and
any other administrative support or service, which will achieve financial savings and increase efficiency through centralization of the supporting service.