Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Costs
Highlights
This testimony discusses the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) progress in achieving selected project milestones and in managing the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) project's schedule since Congress's June 14 hearing on the project. We will also discuss the project's costs and funding, including the potential cost impact of schedule-related issues. Our observations today are based on our review of schedules and financial reports for the CVC project and related records maintained by AOC and its construction management contractor, Gilbane Building Company; our observations on the progress of work at the CVC construction site; and our discussions with AOC's Chief Fire Marshal and CVC project staff, including AOC, its major CVC contractors, and representatives of an AOC schedule consultant, McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP). We did not perform an audit; rather, we performed our work to assist Congress in conducting its oversight activities.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Architect of the Capitol | To ensure that (1) Congress has sufficient information for deciding when to open CVC to the public and (2) planning and budgeting for CVC construction and operations are appropriately integrated, the Architect of the Capitol should, in consultation with other appropriate congressional organizations, provide Congress with an estimate of the additional costs that it expects will be incurred to open CVC to the public by September 15, 2006, rather than later, such as after the completion of the House and Senate expansion spaces. |
Closed – Implemented
The construction completion date has now slipped to November 2008. The Architect of the Capitol provided an updated cost to complete for the Capitol Visitor Center ($621 million) to Congress in September 2007.
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| Architect of the Capitol | To ensure that (1) Congress has sufficient information for deciding when to open CVC to the public and (2) planning and budgeting for CVC construction and operations are appropriately integrated, the Architect of the Capitol should promptly designate who is responsible for integrating planning and budgeting for CVC construction and operations and give this activity priority attention. |
Closed – Implemented
AOC has hired an executive director for the CVC who will start immediately (before construction is complete) to guide planning and budgeting for CVC operations. Mr. Bob Hixon is in charge of CVC construction planning and budgeting.
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