1 - ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT ARCHITECT, Statutory (continued): prepared recommendations of the nation's top acoustical consultants represented the Architect on the Library of Congress management prepares recommendations for improving building signage throughout serves as AOC project manager for the redesign of the U.S. Botanic serves as AOC project manager for the Americans with Disabilities participates actively in discussions of publications, exhibits and In fiscal year 1993, three positions were reduced from the permanent authorized total of 154, resulting in a total authorized strength of 151 permanent positions for the "Salaries" appropriation. This level of staffing cuts will seriously affect the ability to provide essential services to the Congress, its staff and the visitors to the Capitol complex. At the time these reductions were effected, there were three vacant positions available to abolish: a GS-12 air conditioning engineer position, a WG-12 electronics technician position, and a WG-5 laborer position assigned to the Flag Office. Although this reduction appears to be relatively modest, it affects the ability to maintain an efficient central management staff and related service staff. In the past ten years, over 1.5 million square feet of space have been added to the Capitol complex and over seven acres have been added to the Capitol Grounds. In addition, new functions have been added to the Architect's mission such as waste recycling, telecommunications, lease management, electronics security, and occupational and work place safety and accessibility. This reduction will weaken the ability to coordinate and manage all the. diverse activities for which the office is responsible. It is essential to restore the three positions that were abolished. 2.10 OTHER INCREASES - RESTORATION OF ABOLISHED POSITIONS (continued) Over the past several years, many of the air conditioning systems throughout the Capitol complex have undergone a comprehensive renovation program that in part has been designed and wholly managed by the air conditioning engineering division. Complex new programs, such as assistance to energy management and conservation systems and indoor air quality surveys, have increased the workload for this activity. Throughout the complex, as new office systems such as computers and telecommunications are upgraded, additional air conditioning loads are required. The air conditioning engineering division must then design adjustments to the existing systems or develop new solutions to the cooling needs. As office configurations are changed to accommodate the needs of Members and Senators, the air conditioning systems must also be adjusted to ensure constant and even cooling of those changed Restoration of the air conditioning engineer is thus spaces, essential. bro Restoration of the abolished electronics technician is also critical. In fiscal year 1989, fifteen new positions were requested for the electronics engineering division due to increased needs such as maintenance of the emitter detection system, electronic fire and smoke balarm systems, and security systems. Instead of new positions, an amount was allowed to provide contractual maintenance of the electronic systems. This contractual program has been workable, but it is essential that the contractual maintenance workers be supervised by permanent staff. Quality and inspection control, as well as security concerns, require that supervision is available at all times. restoration of this electronics technician is considered to be necessary. 2.11 Finally, restoration of the laborer assigned to assist in the flag In summary, restoration of these positions is requested in order to continue operations at the current services level. |