Conventional Design and Construction Methods Are More Applicable for Capitol Hill Construction Projects
PLRD-82-1
Published: Oct 30, 1981. Publicly Released: Oct 30, 1981.
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Highlights
A review was undertaken of the overall construction activities of the Architect of the Capitol. Specifically, GAO presented its evaluation of the Architect's construction activities, including: (1) updating the information in its past studies of the Hart, Madison, and House Annex No. 2 projects; (2) identifying the underlying causes for the Architect's problems; and (3) informing Congress of changes needed to help minimize or avoid the pitfalls that have plagued previous Capitol Hill projects.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Architect of the Capitol | The Architect of the Capitol should try more conventional planning, design, and construction methods for major projects to minimize or alleviate some of the problems that have plagued Capitol Hill projects designed and constructed using the phasing process. |
GAO will not be able to determine whether AOC effectively implements this recommendation until another building is built on Capitol Hill, which could be 15 to 20 years. Although this recommendation is still valid and action has been initiated, action cannot be verified until the next project. Therefore, this recommendation should be considered at a later date.
|
| Architect of the Capitol | The Architect of the Capitol should: (1) develop standard policies and procedures for associate architects regarding general design criteria, performance standards, and general operating procedures; (2) improve inventory controls over construction materials to ensure that the materials are properly used; (3) thoroughly study the types of workers, in-house, contracted-out, or some combination thereof, that will be best suited to effectively and efficiently carry out the restoration of the Library buildings; and (4) minimize the number of phases and amount of occupancy during the restoration of the Library buildings. |
GAO will not be able to determine whether the AOC effectively implements this recommendation until another building is built on Capitol Hill, which could be 15 to 20 years. Although this recommendation is still valid and action has been initiated, action cannot be verified until the next project. Therefore, this recommendation should be considered at a later date.
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