Federal Research: Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs and Upgrades
(Testimony, 09/23/93, GAO/T-RCED-93-71).

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.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-RCED-93-71
     TITLE:  Federal Research: Aging Federal Laboratories Need Repairs 
             and Upgrades
      DATE:  09/23/93
   SUBJECT:  Laboratories
             Research and development facilities
             Federal facilities
             Test facilities
             Maintenance costs
             Repair costs
             Safety standards
             Productivity
             Scientific research
             Facility construction

             
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