Managing Design and Construction

Construction issues that have been considered by GAO were discussed. These four areas include: (1) the administration of several labor laws, including the Davis-Bacon Act; (2) the status of the Procurement Commission's work in construction procurement; (3) the effectiveness of national occupational safety and health standards; and (4) various energy related issues. The Davis-Bacon Act originally applied only to construction projects under direct contract with Federal agencies. Different statutes have been passed over the years until virtually every project where Federal funds are used must contend with the Davis-Bacon rates on construction. Significant changes in the economy and the passage of other wage laws make this act unnecessary, and it is the view of GAO that it should be repealed. The Occupational Safety and Health Act gives the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) the authority to establish and enforce national occupational safety and health standards. Proper implementation of the program should reduce sometimes needless and repeated inspections. It should also permit OSHA to direct more of its resources to high risk industries, including construction. The Small Business Act provides that small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will have full access to the Federal construction market. Congress voiced concern over the complicated network of laws, directives, and regulations which precluded effective procurement, and thus created the Commission on Government Procurement. The Commission identified the problem in construction as one of proliferation of regulation and policy. Proposed legislation will not correct this problem but will provide for a uniform procurement system within the Government. Energy problems can be directly affected by the construction industry in a positive manner. Solar energy offers considerable promise as an energy source. However, several constraints must be overcome before such systems can be widely used. The construction industry can help in overcoming these constraints by understanding how solar heating systems are supposed to work, stressing careful workmanship, and standing behind their products. It is the view of GAO, that a partnership between the construction industry and the Government needs to be fostered for the best interest of the country as a whole.