Federal Research

Most federal research laboratories are experiencing common problems associated with aging facilities--leaking roofs and gutters, drafty window frames, power outages, and poor ventilating systems that do not meet industry standards for air circulation. Most of the laboratories GAO visited are more than 30 years old. Although facility managers generally believe that funding for laboratory maintenance is adequate, the eight agencies GAO reviewed reported backlogs of more than $3.8 billion in needed laboratory repairs. Moreover, funding to renovate existing laboratories or build new ones is often minimal. Four of the eight agencies recently started up task forces to reexamine their research and development missions and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their laboratories. Their findings should help in deciding whether to realign, consolidate, or close laboratories and whether to boost funding for laboratories doing essential work. GAO summarized this report in testimony before Congress; see: Federal Research: Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs and Upgrades, by Jim Wells, Associate Director for Energy and Science Issues, before the Joint Economic Committee. GAO/T-RCED-93-71, Sept. 23, 1993 (eight pages).

GAO found that: (1) 54 percent of federal laboratory space is over 30 years old and only 24 percent of federal laboratory space is less than 20 years old; (2) the laboratories have structural, electrical, and ventilation problems and are not designed to meet advanced research and development (R&D) needs and health and safety requirements; (3) federal agency scientific productivity and research capabilities have been substantially reduced because of the laboratories' poor conditions and outdated design; (4) funding for laboratory facility construction and maintenance is moderately adequate; (5) several agencies have a backlog of more that $3.8 billion in needed repairs; (6) Congress has funded some major projects to modernize existing laboratory facilities and construct new facilities; (7) federal agencies have improved laboratory facility oversight to address their funding problems; and (8) four agencies have established task forces to reassess their R&D mission or improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their facilities.