41 



Appendix I 



Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs 

 and Upgrades 



The number and size of federal laboratory facilities grew rapidly in the 30 

 years between 1943 and 1972 as agencies expanded their research and 

 development (R4D) missions. By the early 1990s, however, these laboratory 

 facilities had aged; more than half of the space of the eight federal 

 agencies' laboratory space is more than 30 years old. Common laboratory 

 facilities problems that adversely affected scientists' ability to perform rao 

 included (1) old systems and equipment that are at the end of their useful 

 lives and need to be repaired or replaced before they break down; (2) 

 insufficient electrical power, ventilation, and chilled water capacity; and 

 (3) scientists' inabiUty to adequately control such factors as temperature, 

 humidity, and air cleanliness. In addition, many laboratory buildings do 

 not meet current health and fire safety standards because they were 

 designed to meet prior, less stringent requirements. In recent years, the 

 Environmental Protection Agency (epa) and the Department of Energy 

 (DOE) have reported deteriorating facilities, and the National Aeronautics 

 and Space Administration (nasa) has reported inadequate maintenance 

 funding as material management weaknesses under the Federal Managers' 

 Financial Integrity Act (fia). 



Most Federal 

 Laboratory Facilities 

 Are at Least 30 Years 

 Old 



As shown in table I.l, federal laboratory space was constructed primarily 

 during the 30-year period between 1943 and 1972. Overall, 31 percent of 

 the floor space of the eight federal agencies' laboratories was more than 40 

 years old, and 54 percent of the laboratory space was more than 30 years 

 old. Only 24 percent of the federal laboratory space has been constructed 

 since 1972. 



