MEMORANDUM

TO: Alan M. Hantman

Architect of the Capitol

FROM: Steven A. McNamara

Inspector General

DATE: March 4, 2002

SUBJECT: Advisory Report - Fire Protection Improvements Needed Within The Library Of Congress Buildings (Report No. 02-AOC-04)

This is our final report on the status of fire protection within the Library of Congress Buildings. The objectives of this review were to determine whether the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has effectively complied with the applicable fire codes and regulations and has taken adequate steps to ensure the safety of the occupants of the Library of Congress during a fire emergency. In this report, we confirmed the conditions reported in the Office of Compliance’s (OOC) January 2001 report. Furthermore, we concluded that in addition to these deficiencies, there are other fire protection systems, programs, and procedures that require additional attention, and we made specific recommendations for corrective actions. This report, which includes a discussion of overall issues and recommendations, is confidential and should not be released to anyone other than auditee management, except by approval of the House Office of Inspector General.

In response to our November 6, 2001 draft report, your office concurred with our finding and recommendations. The January 3, 2002 management response is incorporated in this final report and included in its entirety as an appendix. Generally, the OIG agrees with the AOC’s corrective actions taken and planned. Furthermore, the AOC needs to provide milestone dates for implementing the corrective actions proposed. Please provide this information by April 5 2002.

We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by your staff. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this report, please call Christian Hendricks or me at (202) 226-1250.

cc: Speaker of the House

Majority Leader of the House

Minority Leader of the House

Chairman, Committee on House Administration

Ranking Minority Member, Committee on House Administration

Members, Committee on House Administration