The Architect of the Capitol Lacked Sufficient Oversight of the Cannon Caucus Room Renovations

Submitting OIG:

Architect of the Capitol OIG

Date Issued:

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

Architect of the Capitol

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

OIG-AUD-2023-06

Location(s):

Washington, DC

United States

Type of Report:

Audit

Questioned Costs:

Funds for Better Use:

$29,324

Number of Recommendations:

Report updated under NDAA 5274:

View Document:

Attachment	Size
B3c1-Caucus-Room-Final-Report-Final.pdf	2.12 MB

Related Open Recommendations

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation
1	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol ensure the Construction Manager as Constructor complies with the contractual requirements outlined in the Cannon House Office Building Renewal Project’s Building Information Modeling Project Execution Plan.
2	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol ensure the final as-built model of the Caucus Room includes all work performed in the room, regardless of which organization performed the work.
3	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol develop and adopt agencywide requirements for its Building Information Modeling Project Execution Plan to ensure contractors are informed and capable of meeting the required contractual deliverables.
4	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) require the Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) to submit a final Testing, Adjusting and Balancing report. If the CMc is unable to do so, the AOC should assess a credit against the CMc for failing to properly complete its contractual obligations.
5	Open	Yes
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) identify any other incomplete or incorrect work pertaining to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system in the Caucus Room. The AOC should require the Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) to complete the work in accordance with the contractual specifications or assess credits against the CMc for failing to properly complete its contractual obligations.
6	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol review its commissioning process and implement internal controls to ensure that the commissioning agent properly completes all required steps prior to commissioning work.
7	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol add steps to the commissioning process that require the commissioning agent to test Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems for acceptable sound levels in all rooms deemed to be sensitive to elevated noise.
8	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol ensure design specifications clearly identify sound design A-weighted decibels goals for all rooms deemed to be sensitive to elevated noise.
9	Open	No
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol ensure the supply diffusers near the Caucus Room ceiling are adjusted or replaced so they do not interfere with the use of the projector screen.
10	Open	Yes
We recommend the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) require the Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) to either address the damages resulting from the incorrect or improper work that the CMc performed during Phase 1 or recover the costs that the AOC incurs to remediate the damages. If feasible, the AOC should recover the costs it has already incurred for the repairs to date ($29,324).

Architect of the Capitol OIG

Architect of the Capitol

Vision

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), promotes efficiency and effectiveness to deter and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in AOC operations and programs. We do this through value-added, transparent, and independent audits, inspections and evaluations, and investigations. The OIG is a high-performing team, promoting positive change and striving for continuous improvement in AOC management and operations. We foster an environment that inspires AOC workforce trust and confidence in our work.

Mission

The OIG promotes efficiency and effectiveness to deter and prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement in AOC operations and programs. We do this through value-added, transparent and independent audits, evaluations and investigations. We strive to positively affect the AOC and benefit the taxpayer while keeping the AOC and Congress fully informed.

The AOC Inspector General (IG) Act of 2007, codified at 2 U.S.C. § 1808, established the OIG. This legislation applies some sections of the IG Act of 1978 as amended, specifically Sections 4, 5 (other than Subsections (a)(13) and (3) and (e)(1)(B) thereof), 6 (other than Subsection (a)(7) and (8) thereof), and 7. The IG is under the general supervision of the Architect of the Capitol. The mission of this independent office is to:

1. Conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits, inspection and evaluations, and investigations relating to AOC programs and operations.

2. Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations that impact AOC programs and operations and comment in the semiannual report regarding the impact on the economy, efficiency, or the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse of such legislation and regulations.

3. Recommend policies for AOC activities to promote economy and efficiency or prevent and detect fraud and abuse in its programs and operations.

4. Provide a means of keeping the Architect of the Capitol and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of Agency programs and operations and the need for and progress of corrective action. This is generally done by issuing the Semiannual Report to Congress.

“Legislative Branch agencies including the Architect of the Capitol are not subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act or the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act; however, AOC employees are covered under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, as amended.”

The AOC OIG is a member of the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency.

https://aocoig.oversight.gov/

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The Architect of the Capitol Lacked Sufficient Oversight of the Cannon Caucus Room Renovations

Related Open Recommendations