STATEMENT OF ALAN M. HANTMAN, FAIA ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Fiscal Year 2005 Oversight Hearing Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Committee on Appropriations United States Senate
April 8, 2004
Mr. Chairman, members of the Subcommittee, I thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today. The Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has been undergoing tremendous change over the past year as we have finalized and begun implementing our five-year Strategic Plan. Our Strategic Plan is the blueprint that we are now following to help us carry out our responsibilities to preserve and enhance the United States Capitol and the other facilities located across the Capitol complex as well as guide us as we provide high-quality service to Congress and the American people.
Our Strategic Plan is linked to our Performance Plan which outlines specific actions and milestones we will use to achieve our goals. We also have established a reporting protocol that is tracking the Agency’s strategic initiatives, the Government Accounting Office’s recommendations, and the Chief Operating Officer’s Action Plan items on a monthly basis. In addition, we have identified a number of measures to monitor and evaluate the success of our work efforts over the next year.
Last July, we added a Chief Operating Officer to the team. Richard McSeveney is responsible for much of the AOC’s day-to-day operations including programs and initiatives associated with strategic planning, performance management, worker safety, customer satisfaction, and service quality. He has submitted his Action Plan to Congress that outlines how we are implementing change and moving the AOC to the next level of client service excellence.
As we prepared this budget request, we worked closely with all of our clients to ensure that we were addressing their needs and those of the Capitol complex in planning for numerous projects and programs. This budget request for Fiscal Year 2005 will allow me to meet my responsibilities for facilities management, project delivery, and the stewardship of the Capitol complex. But just as importantly this budget responds to the needs of our customers, the requirements for improved fire and life safety, security, and future obligations.
Over the past few years, per the direction of Congress, additional facilities and projects have been added to the AOC’s responsibilities. A short list of facilities includes the Alternate Computer Facility, the Fairchild Building, the National Audio Visual Conservation Center in Culpepper, Virginia, and of course, the Capitol Visitor Center. All told, this amounts to an additional 1.5 million square feet and 91 acres under the AOC’s custodial care. Our budget has been structured and increased to support the new requirements and responsibilities this Agency has for these new facilities.
Over the past several weeks, we have worked with the respective committee staffs and our clients to address possible budget resolutions. We re-examined priorities and studied how holding our budget to Fiscal Year 2004 funding levels would impact our day-to-day work as well as major projects. We have met the challenge of building a budget request that balances both fiscal responsibility and my office’s mission to preserve, maintain, and enhance the national treasures and properties entrusted to us. I want to thank the Subcommittee for its generous support over the years without which we could not have completed many critical projects, continued to provide exemplary service, and assured continuity of operations at the Capitol, in the Senate Office Buildings and throughout the Capitol complex.
We are requesting $479.3 million (not including items specific to the House) for Fiscal Year 2005 to support the maintenance, care, and operations of the buildings and grounds of the Capitol complex. This includes a number of projects to support and enhance life safety and security — my top priority. It also reflects a number of major projects, valued at more than $136 million that have been requested by our clients including the Library of Congress (LOC) and the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP).
The most significant requests are $59.2 million for the construction of the Library’s Copyright Deposit Facility; $39.5 million for the construction of the third and fourth increments of the Library’s collection storage modules at Fort Meade; $18.4 million to accommodate office and storage space at the Fairchild and GPO buildings for the Capitol Police; and another $18.4 million for a USCP firing range and off-site delivery facility.
This is a $138.7 million or 41 percent increase over the enacted amount of $340.5 million for Fiscal Year 2004. This does not reflect the $12 million transfer of fiscal year 2003 appropriations into the AOC budget for FY 2004 for the Capitol Visitor Center.
If these specific client requests were not counted in the AOC budget request, budget growth for FY 2005 for my Agency would actually show a negative growth from FY 2004.
Other key items in my budget request include $20.1 million for sprinkler and smoke detector upgrades in the Library of Congress buildings; $3.7 million for the Hart modular furniture replacement program; $1.3 million to renovate Senate Office restrooms; $4.5 million to implement Phase III of the U.S. Capitol Master Plan; $14.5 million for the preparation of the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center; $5.1 million for the restoration of Bartholdi Park and Fountain; $1.5 million to design the upgrade of the Capitol complex cable television system; $955,000 for wayfinding signage, renovation and restoration of street lights and other decorative items on the Capitol grounds, and $1,065,000 for installation and operations of emergency defibrillators across the Capitol complex.
Project Descriptions
Copyright Deposit Facility — $59.2 million This new, centralized, 180,200 square foot facility would house all existing and projected copyright collections in a secure, specialized environment for the Library of Congress. The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress is required by law to retain all the post-1977 unpublished deposit materials for the full term of the copyright protection and published deposits for the longest period considered practicable and desirable by the Register of Copyrights. The design work has been completed on this two-story building and, if funded, construction will begin in 2005. If the facility is not built, the storage of existing and future copyright collections will continue to be housed in decentralized, privately leased records facilities with questionable abilities to provide for the future growth of deposits and records. In addition, the collections will continue to be at risk due to the inability of existing mechanical systems to provide for the specialized requirements regarding temperature and humidity.
Fort Meade Book Storage Modules 3 and 4 — $39.5 million
This project for the Library of Congress entails the construction of two buildings to alleviate a shortage of collection storage capacity at the Jefferson, Adams, and Madison buildings on Capitol Hill. The third and fourth storage modules are designed to maintain environmental conditions of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 30 percent. Scheduled to be constructed in late 2004 and 2005, the buildings will have two loading docks, a quarantine room, and a vacuum equipment room, as well as mechanical and electrical rooms to accommodate the necessary equipment. If construction of these modules is delayed, the Library’s ability to accept new materials into its collection will be compromised.
U.S. Capitol Police Support (USCP) — $30.9 million The AOC has recently signed a 10-year lease to occupy a little more than four floors of the Fairchild Building located at 499 South Capitol Street, S.W., that will accommodate the interim office space needs of the U.S. Capitol Police. Funds have been requested for the annual lease and to cover the costs to fit out the available space. This includes fixtures, furnishings, equipment, telecommunications, and information technology infrastructure.
In addition, the AOC is nearing agreement with the Government Printing Office to utilize some space for the Capitol Police logistical and storage functions, such as property management and warehousing. Relocating the USCP to these spaces will free existing space occupied by the USCP for Congressional use.
Capitol Visitor Center Start-up Support — $14.5 million
In preparation for the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), $6.3 million is requested to procure equipment and supplies, contract for custodial services, and support, operate, and maintain the structural, architectural, and utilities infrastructures.
An additional $8.2 million is being requested to cover the transitional stand-up costs for the operations, administration, and management supporting guide services, visitor services, food services, and gift shop services for the CVC.
In addition, the AOC is requesting 35 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) in preparation for the opening of the CVC. Eighteen FTEs are being requested in the Capitol Building appropriation for facility maintenance; 16 FTEs in the CVC appropriation for project and operations support necessary for an orderly startup (tour guide services, restaurant management and gift shops); and one FTE to support the Office of the Attending Physician.
Employee Safety
For the third consecutive year, the AOC has cut its injury/illness rate. According to year-end figures from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, we reduced Fiscal Year 2002's rate of 8.35 by more than five percent for an annual rate of 7.91 in Fiscal Year 2003. Since Fiscal Year 2000, we have reduced the total injury/illness rate by 56 percent. These achievements would not have been possible without the efforts of all AOC employees. In January, we conducted an Agency-wide survey asking employees about their perceptions, opinions, and attitudes about safety. The response rate to the survey was 62 percent when typically these surveys receive a 30 percent response rate.
When asked if they agree with the statement, “Workplace safety is very important to AOC,” 90.8 percent of AOC employees agreed with the statement. Nearly ninety-four percent of employees stated that they “think about the safety of my customers and the public,” and 96.2 percent said they “think about their own safety on the job.” Over the past several years, our workforce has made a commitment to work in a safe and healthy environment. This commitment has lead to consistent and notable reductions in our injury/illness rate.
However, any single injury is one too many. I am committed to providing a safe environment on Capitol Hill. I set high expectations and communicate them to my Superintendents and employees. I perform unannounced visits to worksites to observe and discuss safety and ensure that personal protective equipment is available and worn. Mr. Chairman, I have requested $64.7 million in project funding to support life/safety and security projects. It includes upgrading or installing new sprinkler systems and smoke detection systems; upgrading elevators; renovating restrooms to comply with ADA requirements; installing defibrillators across the Capitol campus; and making egress improvements.
Senate Office Building Improvements
Many life/safety and security improvements have been implemented or are ongoing in the Senate Office Buildings. For example, all Dirksen Office Building entrances have been upgraded to meet ADA requirements, and all mechanical, electrical, and cab refurbishing upgrades to the elevators in the Russell Building have been completed. All mechanical and electrical updates are completed on the Dirksen Building elevators, and the cab upgrades are scheduled to be completed this fall. The Hart Building elevators modernization will begin in May and the completion date for this project is spring of 2005.
In the area of client services, Senate offices now have a new way to submit and track work requests, learn about on-going projects, order furniture, or request assistance from the Senate Superintendent’s Office. The tool is a new intranet site: http://Senate.AOC.gov. This site is the first AOC client-specific web site focused on customer service. In addition, building alerts are regularly posted on the site and updated to provide information about projects such as elevator or restroom upgrades.
Our new Senate site was rolled out during a demonstration for Senate staff in December and we have been providing training classes for office managers. Senate staff members have also been providing us with suggestions on how to add value to the site and we are making adjustments to better meet their needs. The site will continue to grow and evolve in the upcoming months, for example, a client feedback form was recently added. Similar sites for the House and Capitol Superintendent’s Offices will be online soon.
The AOC continues to make significant improvements in the Senate Office Recycling Program. Contamination rates have plummeted from a high of 75 percent in Fiscal Year 2000 to zero for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2004. We attribute this tremendous progress to three things: we simplified the program, we have initiated coordination efforts with the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Senate staff to further educate them about the program, and we have modified our own work practices and operations to ensure efficient and effective collection and separation of recyclable materials. We have also increased the types of recyclable materials we collect to include items such as toner cartridges and rechargeable batteries. Ninety-three office suites, eight committee suites and a number of other Senate offices are actively participating in the recycling program.
Capitol Building
In Fiscal Year 2005, one of our highest priorities concerning the Capitol Building will be the preparations for the Presidential Inauguration. We have been updating plans from the last inauguration and have begun planning the construction of Inaugural stands and identifying other requirements, such as a sound system, ramps, crossovers, and chairs for the swearing-in ceremony. We are also working closely with the U.S. Capitol Police on security issues.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to report that as of February 17, 2004, the Capitol Dome was re-opened for special Member-led tours. As you know, tours were suspended following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Since that time, my office completed a number of safety upgrades in the Dome that included installing exit signs, bump guards, fire alarms, an evacuation system, improved handrails, and new stair treads. We also improved the tour route lighting and emergency lighting. I would like to note, however, that the scheduling and conducting of these tours now falls under the responsibility of the Capitol Guide Service.
We have completed a number of other projects throughout the Capitol over the past year including installing numerous additional life and fire safety devices throughout the building; continuing to restore and conserve frescos, historical artwork, chandeliers, and the Brumidi murals; and upgrading 24 of 28 elevators. The remaining four are scheduled to be completed between Fiscal Year 2004 and Fiscal Year 2006.
Mr. Chairman, a popular service we provide for the American public is the opportunity to purchase, through Members’ offices, flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. Last fall, my office discovered that several web sites existed that were reselling flags flown over the Capitol at a much higher cost than if the consumer had requested one through their Member’s office. We sent out notices to all Congressional offices to alert Members to this practice and have been developing a web site that would provide information on flags flown over the Capitol and directing consumers to contact their respective Senators or Representatives. I am pleased to report that as a result of our actions, many of these web sites have ceased reselling flags or have changed their web sites to clarify their business practices.
As I mentioned earlier, another major undertaking will be the start-up of the Capitol Visitor Center facility. At the direction of the Capitol Preservation Commission (CPC), I have requested funding under the Capitol Building fiscal year 2005 appropriation, as an interim measure to fund facility operations and maintenance until it is decided how and by whom the CVC will be operated and maintained.
Capitol Visitor Center (CVC)
Construction on the CVC has been progressing at a strong pace, especially over the last several months as crews are increasingly working under cover below portions of the roof deck which now covers the entire western half of the project area. Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 contractors have been jointly working to coordinate and fully integrate their schedules to ensure that the project proceeds in the most efficient manner possible. Additionally, we have augmented our management team to facilitate the efficient sequencing and execution of the more than 3,000 project line items that need to be accomplished.
Over the next year, Members will witness the completion of the western half of the plaza at a level sufficient to support inaugural activities. That entails the ability of the plaza deck to accommodate a presidential motorcade and, if necessary, the landing of a helicopter on the deck. Specifically, the portion of the plaza supported by the steel framing will have a completed roof deck covered by granite pavers from the House Steps to the Senate Steps. In May, Members can expect to see stone masons on the plaza laying granite pavers on the East Front Plaza deck beginning on the north side of the deck near the Senate Steps. A plan describing the plaza finishes and the accessible areas of the CVC site for the Inauguration has been presented to the CPC and Rules Committee staff. Other landscape elements will be in place and some portions of the hardscape elements, including the retaining walls around the House and Senate grassy oval areas, will be partially in place. At the same time, all the interior facilities will continue to be worked on and ultimately commissioned and turned over so those operating the facility will have time to adapt to the facility and establish operating procedures before the CVC opens to the public.
The current estimated completion date for the CVC is spring 2006. After a long and thorough review of project activities and the line-item schedules of both Sequence 1 and 2 contractors by my office, our construction manager, and the Government Accounting Office, we have determined this more accurate opening time frame.
The overall base project budget stands at $351.5 million. This amount includes the $265 million appropriated for the core CVC space and the shell for House and Senate expansion space; $38.5 million for additional security enhancements funded after September 11, 2001; and $48 million to accommodate higher than expected bids, additional changes in scope and design due to unforeseen site conditions and weather impacts, and the management and construction costs associated with the scope and design changes, as well as contingency funds. Additionally, $70 million has been appropriated for the build-out of the House and Senate expansion spaces. As construction continues, we continue to plan the exhibits that will be featured inside the CVC and work with representatives of the Capitol Preservation Commission to determine how services such as food service, gift shops, guide services, and first aid to our visitors will be provided. Because our 16,500 square foot gallery will be the only one in the country dedicated to the history and accomplishments of the Congress and the growth of the Capitol, it will feature a number of interesting and educational exhibits. It will include a 10-ft. tall touchable model of the Dome with cutaway interior; a curving marble wall inset with state-of-the-art document cases featuring historic documents from the Library of Congress and the National Archives chronicling legislative achievements; a set of six alcoves covering the history of the House, the Senate, and Capitol Square; virtual House and Senate theaters allowing historical programs and live access to floor proceedings; a “Behind the Scenes” area covering everything from subways to grounds-keeping; a photo exhibit featuring the Capitol as a national stage for important ceremonies; and an interactive area where visitors can access touch screen programs about “Your Congress/Your Capitol.”
Mr. Chairman, I know that we all eagerly await the opening of this unique, historic, and very necessary visitor center that will offer free and open access to all people in a safe and secure environment so that they may witness and learn about the workings of democracy and the legislative process.
Project Delivery
As the example of the CVC illustrates, in recent years the number and complexity of our projects has greatly increased. Therefore, the AOC has worked to develop core and technical competencies for its project managers and contracting officers. Specifically, we have established a competency framework and training assessment for both AOC contracting officers in line with the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) and AOC project managers in the engineering and architectural series that mirrors the Project Management Institute Body of Knowledge.
We are also working more closely with our clients to design and control the scope of our projects to assure high quality drawings and specifications, to minimize changes during construction, and to deliver quality projects on time and on budget. All current projects have been prioritized and the more critical projects have been assigned to the Project Management Division. Appropriate levels of support are being provided to these project managers to assure that they have the resources necessary to move these high priority projects forward.
The Capitol Complex Master Plan that is under development will help facilitate consistent management and oversight of all our projects and assist us in setting priorities. Its key objectives are to document existing conditions; provide context for site selection and site development within and near the Capitol Grounds; address cross-jurisdictional questions of historic preservation, sustainability, infrastructure renewal, permanent security measures, visitor management strategies, traffic and parking issues, and landscaping; and identify facility needs and future building trends, and coordinate planning efforts with local, regional, and Federal development plans.
The existing master plan is nearly 25 years old and does not address present-day issues such as increased security, new and advancing technologies, and future needs. As you know, since September 11, the AOC has undertaken substantial new projects to adjust to a demand for heightened security. Chief among these projects is perimeter security which has seen significant progress.
• Capitol Square: All work on the Senate side of Capitol Square is complete except the outer perimeter work along Constitution Avenue, N.W., and the work which is currently impacted by the Capitol Visitor Center project. The portion near 1st Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., which is part of the Capitol Complex’s outer perimeter, is also ongoing. The north entry will be constructed following the completion of the tunnel work on the CVC. The work along the Northeast Drive and 1st Street, N.E., will be completed following the completion of the CVC itself. The portion of the outer perimeter near 1st Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., will be completed as part of the later phases of the Senate Office Building Perimeter Security program.
The work on the House side of Capitol Square is largely complete with the major exception of the work which is currently impacted by the CVC project and the portion near 1st Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., which is part of the Capitol Complex outer perimeter.
• Senate Office Buildings: A contract has recently been awarded for the perimeter security work along Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and 2nd Street, N.E. This work is currently planned to be completed in November 2004. The remainder of the perimeter security around the Senate Office Buildings will be completed in phases over the next two years.
• House Office Buildings: The work along Independence Avenue in the front of the House Office Buildings is largely complete with full completion anticipated this spring. The remainder of the perimeter security around the House Office Buildings will be completed in phases over the next two years. Another project underway that will address the current and future needs of the Capitol Complex is the expansion of the West Refrigeration Plant at the Capitol Power Plant. This project replaces the aging and outmoded East Plant refrigeration machines and provides for additional heating and cooling requirements. The project is approximately 25 percent complete and, when finished, will enable the Capitol Power Plant to reliably meet cooling requirements through 2025 and will significantly increase overall plant efficiency, thereby lowering annual energy consumption. Human Capital
Because the AOC is a service-based organization, our workforce is our most valuable asset. We continue to look at new and innovative approaches to better attract and retain highly qualified employees so that we continue to be in a position to meet the needs of all our clients.
We have hosted in-service Federal Employees Health Benefits Days to assist employees with any problems they may have or to answer questions about various health plans. We plan to host sessions twice a year. We have also developed a new Leadership Development Program that we plan to roll out soon. It expands the existing framework to address all leadership levels of AOC to develop the skills needed to achieve competencies that are considered to be government-wide standards. In addition, we have invested in employee training and provide other incentives, such as transit subsidies.
This past year we established a new Office of Workforce Planning and Management (WFPM) as approved in our FY 2003 full time equivalent appropriations request. This office is responsible for position management, organizational analysis, and succession planning. WFPM staff has conducted an Administrative Study in which they evaluated the need of administrative positions, the duplication of positions, and whether AOC’s positions and functions align with the AOC Strategic Plan.
In September 2003, the AOC launched AVUE, a Digital Services Recruitment and Staffing Module that lists all AOC vacancy announcements and allows job applicants to apply online. In addition, all position descriptions are developed in AVUE. Its implementation has significantly reduced the time it takes to generate and issue a referral list of qualified candidates to managers, thereby reducing the time to fill vacant positions.
With the assistance of the Office of Information Resources Management, kiosk computer stations were established in every jurisdiction so AOC employees can have access to computers to develop their employment profiles, view vacancies, and apply for AOC vacancies at any time. In conjunction, we opened an AOC Employment Center. The center is open every Tuesday and Thursday and by appointment. AOC Human Resources staff members are available to assist employees in developing their employment profiles and providing instruction to apply for positions online.
Information Technology
Our budget request for the Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) has increased as a result of our efforts to centralize all information technology (IT) functions under OIRM. In the past, individual jurisdictions controlled some portions of IT funds.
In addition to bringing AVUE online, OIRM successfully managed a number of projects this past year including: developed and published the AOC’s Enterprise Architecture; completed the foundation for the upgrade to AOC’s network, AOCNET; completed the infrastructure build-out at the Alternate Computer Facility (ACF); implemented the Financial Management System fixed assets module on schedule which provides the AOC with automated records of its fixed assets and enables the Accounting Division to record automated depreciation entries in the general ledger (proper accounting of fixed assets is required to receive an unqualified audit opinion); developed and launched the Senate’s web site; and completed the AOCNET Fiber-optic Ring Project.
Senate Restaurants
Another area in which we provide client service is in the Senate Restaurants. We have been making strides in reducing economic dependency over the past few years through cost reductions and the marketing of our services.
Our management has taken a number of steps to help resolve some issues regarding its billing procedures including: sending out bills to collect unpaid balances; implementing a detailed code system to explain charges and verifying who authorized such charges; and billing on a more regular cycle.
The Senate Restaurants offer services designed to provide Senate Offices with new menu options when planning small, in office functions that are less expensive than fully catered events. Senate staffers can log on to our expanded web site and check out the daily specials in each restaurant and look for special events. The site is registering more than 5,000 hits per month.
This year we upgraded our cash registers in both the North Servery and Senate Chef to accept credit cards. Shortly we hope to institute a discount debit card for use in the North Servery as well.
Finally, I am especially pleased to inform you that for the sixth straight year, independent auditors have found no reportable conditions or material weaknesses in financial controls.
Conclusion The Office of the Architect of the Capitol has been serving Congress since 1793 and continues to provide client services through hurricanes, ice storms, anthrax, and ricin incidents.
Over the past year, we have undergone significant change and have reaffirmed our commitment to providing high-quality service to Congress and the American people. Our request for funds is in direct response to our customers’ requests for important projects and programs. In addition, we continue to strive to achieve the level of safety, security, preservation, and cleanliness, expected across the Capitol Complex.
I am dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and productive environment for all who work at the AOC and for those who work and visit the Capitol Complex each year. We have completed thousands of work orders, have met our clients’ expectations, and have achieved our goals due to the hard work and dedication of all our AOC employees. I am very privileged and honored to lead such a professional team.
The Subcommittee’s support in helping us achieve these goals is greatly appreciated. Once again, thank you for this opportunity to testify today. I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
