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Recovery.gov - Track the Money

Recovery.gov is the U.S. government's official website that provides easy access to data
related to Recovery Act spending and allows for the reporting of potential fraud, waste, and abuse.

Agency Reporting


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Program Plan
Smithsonian Institution - Smithsonian Institution Facilities Capital Recovery Plan
Updated 05/14/2009
Objectives
Program Purpose

The purpose of the Smithsonian Institution Recovery Act funding ($25 million) is for the repair and revitalization of its existing facilities (e.g., museums, zoo, research centers).


Public Benefits

The Smithsonian has unique facilities, many historic, that support research, education, public programs, and exhibitions for millions of visitors. Renovated facilities are necessary to advance the Smithsonian's mission, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge," and to address the condition of its facilities and infrastructure. Once completed, these projects will improve the overall conditions of buildings and systems and will improve the safety and security of visitors, staff, and the collections.


Measures
The measures have been revised to enrich the performance metrics for Recovery targets. In some instances, targets will not be available until additional baseline data has been collected.

MeasureTarget/Actual
2009201020112012
[-] Major projects whose change from the 35% design cost estimate to final project completion cost is within ±15% tolerance per industry standards
0/0---

Measure Information
Frequency : Annual
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Output
Explanation : 2004 projects include Hazy & NMAI; no major projects to be completed in 2005; 2006 projects include Patent Office Building (POB), Asia Trail Phase I at the National Zoo, Arts and Industries Building Relocation & VERITAS. For 2007, 1 of 3 targets was not met: POB Courtyard not completed until Nov 2007 and final construction costs were not available for comparison.



Unit : No Data Available
[-] Progress in improving the average Facility Condition Index of Smithsonian Institution (SI) facilities
0/00/00/00/0

Measure Information
Frequency : Long-term
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Outcome
Explanation : A higher percentage shows improvement in the condition of SI facilities. The new method provides a clearer picture of building revitalization needs and provides a comparable benchmark with other Federal agencies.
Unit : No Data Available
[-] Meet individual capital project milestones that result in safer environment, safer collections, state-of-the-art research space, and more and better visitor experiences.
0/0---

Measure Information
Frequency : Annual
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Outcome
Explanation : 2004 projects include Hazy, NMAI, Pod 5, POB & NMAH; 2005 and 2006 projects include Pod 5, Patent Office Building (POB), National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, Asia Trail at the National Zoo, Arts and Industries Building, VERITAS, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). 2007 projects include all of the 2006 projects plus National Air and Space Museum and Victor Building Relocation. 2005 delays were VERITAS (construction delayed by Native American tribe lawsuit) and Asia Trail (construction delayed 4 months by birth of Panda cub). In 2007, 3 of 10 targets (project milestones) were not met due to: (1) Asia Trail delayed due to slower than anticipated private fund raising; (2) NMAAHC Environmental Impact Statement delayed due to higher than anticipated public interest in project; (3) VERITAS continued delay due to Native American tribe lawsuit.
Unit : No Data Available
[-] Percent of major projects within budget compared to estimate at construction start
0/0---

Measure Information
Frequency : Annual
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Output
Explanation : Control of change orders and scope changes during construction indicates efficient use of resources and avoidance of additional costs or delays
Unit : No Data Available
[-] Percent of capital funds obligated compared to funds available
0/0---

Measure Information
Frequency : Annual
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Output
Explanation : Obligation rate is indicative of efficiency in initiating capital work in a timely manner to avoid higher cost and continued deterioration due to delays
Unit : No Data Available
[-] Percent of major revitalization projects designed to 35% prior to request for construction funding
0/0---

Measure Information
Frequency : Annual
Direction : No Data Available
Type : Efficiency
Explanation : Measures how efficiently SI develops accurate cost estimates (at the 35% design stage), which saves time and money (avoids cost escalation) by allowing early award of construction contracts. More accurate estimates provided early in the process also improves overall efficiency of the capital program by reducing the need to reallocate funds from other projects to cover inaccurate estimates. In 2007, lack of sufficient planning and design funds and changes in project priorities impacted the execution of construction projects.


Unit : No Data Available
[-] Percent of Recovery Act funds obligated compared to funds available
0/00/0--

Measure Information
Frequency : Quarterly
Direction : Increasing
Type : Output
Explanation : Obligation rate is indicative of efficiency in initiating Recovery Act work in a timely manner to generate jobs and assist the economy
Unit : Percent
[-] Percent of Recovery Act minor revitalization projects completed.
0/00/00/0-

Measure Information
Frequency : Quarterly
Direction : Increasing
Type : Outcome
Explanation : Minor revitalization projects correct extensive and serious facilities deficiencies to extend the service life of systems. These projects cost $5 million or less, and usually involve capital repair or replacement of individual systems or components. This measure is based on Recovery Act funding that has been disbursed/outlayed.
Unit : Percent

Schedule and Milestones

The Institution is tracking the progress of the major milestones on these projects with weekly meetings. These meetings include representatives from facilities, contracting, budget, and the Inspector General's (IG) office. Details on the progress of each project can be found on the Smithsonian's Recovery Act website, http://www.smithsonian.org/recovery.


Milestones
Milestone Completion Date
Submit Request for Proposals (RFP) on all projects 07/31/2008
Award all contracts 09/30/2009
Complete all construction 12/31/2010

Projects and Activities

The Smithsonian received $25 million through the Recovery Act. These funds will be used for the following projects: renovation of the Arts & Industries Building (masonry repairs, hazardous material removal and selective demolition); completion of various projects at the National Zoo (fire protection, roof replacements, replacement of animal holding facilities, and bridge repairs); various other projects across the Institution (high-voltage electrical safety improvements, sewage backflow preventers, emergency generators, and repair or replacement of certain elevators and escalators). The Recovery Act funds will be awarded by mainly fixed-priced contracts.


Review Process

The Institution is tracking the progress on these projects with weekly meetings. These meetings include representatives from facilities, contracting, budget, and the Inspector General's (IG) office. Monthly meetings are held with the senior leadership of the Institution, including the IG, to review the progress on each project; identify any risks or issues; and review the actions taken to correct any deficiencies. Details on the progress of each project can be found on the Smithsonian's Recovery Act website, http://www.smithsonian.org/recovery. The progress chart tracks: 1) posting of pre-award notices on the Federal Business Opportunities; 2) posting of Request for Proposals (RFPs); 3) RFP due date; 4) contract award date; 5) project obligations; 6) project expenses; and 7) percent of construction complete. The Institution evaluates progress by tracking whether the project is on schedule and within the estimated cost projections. Contractors will provide periodic (generally monthly) progress reports which will be used by Institution program managers to validate and assess the contractor’s performance.


Cost and Performance Plan

The Institution developed a detailed obligation and expense plan for each project. The Institution's financial system will produce the actual expenditures (obligations and outlays) and this data will be used to track the progress against the plan. Weekly updates will be presented to the Institution's Recovery Act working group and monthly updates will be presented to the Institution's senior leadership. Details on project obligations, expenses, and performance information on each project can be found on the Smithsonian's Recovery website: http://www.smithsonian.org/recovery


Energy Efficiency Spending Plans

The Institution will also meet the energy efficiency and green building requirements of the Recovery Act projects. All of the projects on the Recovery Act list are deemed to have some amount of increased energy efficiency or other sustainability in their scope of work. For example, the Arts and Industries Building projects, although mainly exterior masonry repairs and hazmat removal, are the precursors to the sustainability efforts of insulated roof, walls, windows, and replacement of all failing mechanical/electrical utilities with more energy-efficient equipment. Every Zoo project (i.e., work to replace deteriorated facilities and repair roads and bridges) includes some form of storm drainage, high-reflectance, or high-efficiency electrical replacement that is sustainable. The other sustainable projects will increase safety and concentrate on areas such as conserving and ensuring a clean domestic water supply, providing more energy-efficient vertical transportation, and giving the Institution access to a more efficient back-up power source at a lower cost. The Institution will also take advantage of technical assistance opportunities, where applicable.


Program Plan Award Types
No Data Available