Workload

The following chart shows workloads actually accomplished in 1970 and work estimated for 1971 and 1972. These workloads are expressed in estimated construction costs only and involve: preliminary development of projects; preparation of working drawings and specifications; and supervision and management of construction.

$6,575,600 is requested for personnel compensation in 1972. This increase of $257,100 includes $170,500 for the eleven employees of the Research Staff budgeted for 1972 in this appropriation in lieu of the Medical Care Appropriation, $62,400 to cover the increase in average salary due to normal periodic step increases, and $24,200 salary for the increase from 261 paid days in 1971 to 262 paid days in 1972.

An average employment level of 431 man years is requested for 1972. This increase of eleven man years over the 1971 estimate is the result of budgeting for the eleven employees of the Research Staff in this appropriation in 1972 in lieu of the Medical Care Appropriation.

Personnel Benefits:

$427,705

$544,000

$563,900 $+19,900

$563,900 is requested under this object to cover the Government's contribution in accordance with existing legislation, to the various health and welfare funds for the benefit of its employees. This is an increase of $19,900 over the 1971 estimate and is the result of budgeting employees for the Research Staff and the increased personnel compensation for normal step increases and the extra paid day in 1972. The funds requested are for:

▲ In 1972 eleven employees of the Research Staff are budgeted in the

C of H&D Appropriation in lieu of the Medical Care Appropriation.

Functions of Organizational Elements

The following functions are performed by the elements of the Office of Construction.

Office of Assistant Administrator The Assistant Administrator for Construction including the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Construction provides overall direction of the construction program.

a. Legal Advisory Staff provides advice and assistance to the Assistant Administrator for Construction and contracting officers on the interpretation and application of contracts and prepares the Government defense in case of appeals of contractors.

b. Management Staff provides office services, management analysis services, personnel liaison service, and coordination on methods, procedures and publications affecting more than one organizational element.

C. Program Control Staff provides budget, allotment, funds control, accounting, and reports and statistical services for the Office of Construction.

a. Real Estate Staff provides for real property services, including acquisition and disposal of real property and property interest in fee, obtaining and granting of easements, and liaison with operating departments and other Government agencies for these activities.

e. Research Staff conducts a research and development program in building technology as related to design and construction of Veterans Administration hospitals. This program, established to provide continual liaison with all sources of data in private industry and Government on the latest advances in building technology and also to initiate and conduct research into new concepts in this field, is accomplished by in-house capability and through contracts with outside consultants.

f. Special Field Representatives serve as advisors to and inspectors for the Assistant Administrator for Construction through visits to sites of projects under construction. They also provide administrative support to the Resident Engineers and make assignments for assuring adequate technical supervision at construction sites.

g. Technical Assistant is responsible for application of network control techniques to the administration of construction projects and conducts special engineering assignments for the Assistant Administrator for Construction.

h. Project Directors direct, control, expedite and coordinate planning, design and construction of projects to satisfy agency construction requirements. They serve as architect-engineer and construction contracting officers for assigned projects including review and evaluation of contract progress and obtain authorizations for contract changes and funding increases when required.

1. Director of Architecture and Engineering coordinates work of the technical services (Preliminary Planning, Architectural, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Contract Administration) provided to the Project Directors. He coordinates the reviews of "contract architect-engineer work" and "in-house work" at appropriate progress stages.

The development and accomplishment of construction projects is generally as follows:

a. Preliminary Plans Advance planning studies, preliminary plans and estimates based on operating department requirements are prepared to assist in the development of projects for necessary review and approval by higher authority and for presentation of the budget. Plans must be developed within specific cost and square foot area limits to comply with executive restrictions. The work is principally handled by the Preliminary Planning Service with assistance from Architectural Service, Civil Engineering Service, Mechanical Engineering Service, and Electrical Engineering Service and other parts of the Office of Construction.

b. Working Drawings and Specifications Working drawings and specifications prepared by contract architect-engineers are reviewed by the Architectural Service,