40 U.S.C. § 552 — Abandoned or unclaimed property on Government premises

(a) Authority to take property.—The Administrator of General Services may take possession of abandoned or unclaimed property on premises owned or leased by the Federal Government and determine when title to the property vests in the Government. The Administrator may use, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the property. (b) Claim filed by former owner.—If a former owner files a proper claim within three years after the date title to the property vests in the Government, the former owner must be paid an amount— (1) equal to the proceeds realized from disposing of the property, minus care and handling costs as determined by the Administrator; or (2) if the property has been used or transferred, equal to the property’s fair value when title vested in the Government, minus care and handling costs as determined by the Administrator.