Conventional Design and Construction Methods are More Applicable for Capitol Hill Construction Projects.

Abstract

Over the past 4 years, at the requests of either a committee or Members of Congress, we have reviewed the major construction projects of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). These reviews have resulted in the issuance of individual reports on three projects all containing similar findings that AOC construction projects experience significant cost overruns, completion delays, and management problems. These same conditions are also evident on the latest AOC project nearing completion--the modifications and enlargement of the Capitol Power Plant. The AOC is planning a major restoration project involving two Library of Congress buildings. Unless care is taken to avoid the types of problems experienced on the other projects, the proposed restoration project could also encounter cost overruns and completion delays. Our previous reports were concerned primarily with cost overruns and completion delays. In accordance with the intent of the requesters, the reports contained no recommendations concerning the way AOC projects are approved, funded, designed, constructed, and managed. This report updates our previous studies of three Capitol Hill projects, identifies the underlying causes for the AOC's problems, and informs the Congress of changes needed to help minimize or alleviate the pitfalls that have plagued previous Capitol Hill projects. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 30, 1981
Accession Number
ADA108563

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Congress
  • Construction
  • Construction Materials
  • Control Systems
  • Cost Estimates
  • Design Criteria
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Governments
  • Inventory Control
  • Law
  • Maintenance Costs
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Office Buildings
  • Organizational Structure
  • Procurement

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Systems Analysis and Design