The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Legislative Branch agency responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol complex.
The procurement authority for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is established by statute codified at 41 U.S.C. 5. As a Legislative Branch agency, the AOC is not authorized to follow the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), however, the AOC does incorporate certain FAR clauses and provisions in its solicitations and follows the regulatory guidance found in the FAR to the maximum extent possible.
Generally, the AOC uses sealed bidding for procurements exceeding $100,000. The AOC also conducts procurements using the negotiated contracts method of acquisition.
For procurements of $100,000 or less ("small purchases"), the AOC uses small purchase procedures implemented through policy signed by the Architect. Procurements exceeding $5,000 up to $100,000 are competed amongst small businesses utilizing the AOC small business set-aside program.
The Architect of the Capitol has a wide range of procurement opportunities, including construction projects, architect-engineer contracts, supplies, services, and information technology (IT) development including telecommunications.
Vendors wishing to provide company literature should send this information to the agency via email at the following address: AOCprocurement@aoc.gov. Hard copy material may also be provided to the agency through the U.S. mail addressed to:
Architect of the Capitol
Procurement Division
Ford House Office Building H2-263
2nd and D Streets SW
Washington DC 20515
For additional information concerning doing business with the AOC, please review the other web pages found on this site or send us an email to the following address: AOCprocurement@aoc.gov.
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The Architect of the Capitol's Procurement Division is structured into two branches: the Contracts Branch and the Small Purchases Branch. The Contracts Branch is responsible for soliciting and awarding AOC procurements and agreements exceeding $100,000. The Small Purchase Branch awards AOC procurements of $100,000 or less. These branches are led by the Director, Procurement Division. |
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Unlike most Executive Branch agencies, AOC procurements are not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The AOC, however, is covered by some of the same procurement and procurement-related legislation as the Executive Branch. Some of the laws that are applicable to the AOC include: the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Service Contract Act, Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, Buy American Act, Contract Disputes Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Anti-Deficiency Act, Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, Farm Security and Rural Assistance Act of 2002, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Some of the laws which are not applicable are: the Small Business Act, Brooks Act (for architect-engineer services), Prompt Payment Act, Competition in Contracting Act, and the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act.
Although not subject to the FAR, the FAR is used to develop many of the processes used in AOC procurements. Therefore, AOC procurements are similar in appearance and process to Executive Branch contracts. For example, the Uniform Contract Format is used for supplies and services (excluding construction), and procurements exceeding $100,000 are generally advertised at http://www.FedBizOpps.gov. |
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The AOC is interested in directing more business opportunities to the small business community and has created a small business subcontracting program and a small business set-aside program for small purchases $100,000 or less. Both programs are similar to that used in the Executive Branch. (more)
Small businesses are encouraged to contact the Agency's Small Business Coordinator, Lisa Russell (202) 226-1407 or smallbusiness@aoc.gov. |
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