Federal Research: Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs and Upgrades
Abstract
We are pleased to be here today to discuss the findings of our report to this Committee, which we are releasing today, entitled Federal Research: Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs and Upgrades (GAO/RCED-93-203). Citing the importance of federal research and development {R&D) to economic growth and national well-being, Mr. Vice Chairman, you expressed concern that federal research agencies may be underinvesting in maintaining, repairing, and upgrading their laboratories. Accordingly, you requested that we assess the (1) condition of federal laboratory facilities, (2) effect of inadequate laboratory facilities on agencies' scientific productivity and research capabilities, and (3) funding needed to repair or upgrade these facilities. The information in our report is primarily based on data provided by eight federal agencies for 220 government-owned laboratories that spent about $18.1 billion of the estimated $24.9 billion obligated for R&D at federal laboratories in fiscal year 1992. These agencies are the Departments of Commerce, Defense (DOD), and Energy (DOE); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the Agricultural Research service (ARS), within the Department of Agriculture (USDA); the National Institutes of Health (NIH), within the Department of Health and Human Services; and the Geological Survey (USGS), within the Department of the Interior. We also interviewed facilities managers for each agency and laboratory management, researchers, and facilities managers at the eight federal laboratories we visited.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA625667
Entities
People
- Jim Wells
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office