The various departments of the Government authorized to award construction contracts deal almost exclusively with general contractors. Preliminary information concerning the sources of building materials used in Government buildings was obtained from these contractors by means of questionnaires. By the same method general contractors were called upon to submit their views as to whether or not there has been price fixing among subcontractors or material men. The conditions of the Commission's appropriation made it necessary that the investigation be confined to a representative number of contracts and materials. Early in the investigation it became obvious that the specification, selection, and approval of materials for use in Federal buildings were of primary importance and were perhaps the most controversial matters in the entire program. It likewise was clear that the exterior materials, especially the natural products, were the ones over which such controversies most frequently arose. The initial selection of materials was therefore confined to granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone, and investigators were sent into the field to develop facts concerning competitive conditions in these industries. Later terra cotta, which to some extent is in competition with stone, was added to the list of materials under investigation. Some work of a general nature was also undertaken on brick, but this industry is scattered so generally throughout the United States that a comprehensive investigation would require expenditure of funds far in excess of those available. Facts relating to the letting of Government contracts were obtained largely from the Treasury Department, because this is the most important contracting unit of the Federal Government. Some 40 jobs were selected for investigation. In making this selection, the geographical location of the building, its size, cost, and the kind of materials used were considered in order that the picture developed might be truly representative. The field work as outlined above was started in October 1931 and completed in June 1932. The data collected is now being compiled and the report is expected to be completed in a few months. A report based on the information and facts developed by this investigation has been written. It is now being considered by the Commission before submission to the Senate in response to the resolution. authorizing the investigation. PART III. GENERAL LEGAL WORK DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE LEGAL INVESTIGATION AND REVIEW STIPULATION PROCEEDINGS REPRESENTATIVE COMPLAINTS ORDERS TO CEASE AND DESIST TYPES OF UNFAIR COMPETITION CASES IN THE FEDERAL COURTS TABULAR SUMMARY OF LEGAL WORK 61 |