The Office of Administration was formed by merging the administrative functions of ten entities that were present in the Executive Office by the signing of Executive Order 12028 by President Jimmy Carter on December 12, 1977.

The organization's mission is to provide administrative services to all entities of the Executive Office of the President, 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 the Office of White House mail and messenger operations.

Part of the Office of Administration is the Facilities Management Division.

The core functions include the Facility Request Program, Space Management, Project Oversight, Conference and Meeting Support, Preservation Stewardship, and Recycling Program Management.