32 



B-2S41SI 



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funding as material management weaknesses under the Federal Managers' 

 Financial Integrity Act (31 U.S.C. 3512).' 



The federal laboratory facilities miinagers and researchers we interviewed 

 identified several instances, particularly involving old ventilating systems 

 and power outages, in which aging laboratory facilities substantially 

 reduced scientific productivity. In addition, several agencies cited the need 

 for advanced laboratory facilities that provide greater flexibility to 

 respond to new programs and scientists' research needs. For example, nih 

 facilities managers stated that the clinical center, completed in 1955 at 

 nih's main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, limits productivity and scientific 

 capabilities primarily because many of its utility systems are at the end of 

 their useful lives. In particular, demands on its heating, ventilating, and air 

 conditioning systems exceed capacity by 50 percent, and electrical 

 systems are outmoded and inadequate. 



Facilities managers at most of the eight agencies stated that funding for 

 laboratory facilities' maintenance was moderately adequate. However, the 

 eight agencies reported a backlog of more than $3.8 billion in needed 

 repairs for their laboratories, and facilities managers for four agencies said 

 that funding for repairs was only slightly adequate or inadequate. 

 Furthermore, funding to renovate existing laboratory facilities or 

 construct new ones was either only slightly adequate or inadequate at six 

 agencies. 



In attempting to address these fiinding issues, the eight federal agencies 

 have improved the management oversight of their laboratory facilities. In 

 addition, four of the eight agencies recently initiated task forces to 

 reexamine their r&d mission and/or improve the effectiveness and 

 efficiency of their laboratory facilities. Reassessing agencies' r&d missions 

 is critical before spending large sums of money. Such task force efforts 

 provide a basis for determining whether to realign, consolidate, or close 

 laboratories and to increase funding for laboratory facilities considered 

 essential for fulfilling agencies' r&d nussions. 



Rar korni inH Laboratory facilities, along with scientists and research equipment. 



provide the basis for conducting advanced r&d at federal laboratories. 

 These facilities include laboratory buildings; heating, ventilating, and air 

 conditioning systems; electrical power supply systems; and water and 



'The atl ntniirr-s i*H(h fi'di-ral Hgcncy ui rvpon annually on Ihe adequacy of it;, internal accounting and 

 adminislnilivr rtinuols. 



