Message from the Chief Financial Officer

Photo Caption: Thomas J. Carroll, CFM Chief Financial Officer

I am pleased to present the financial statements on behalf of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. Fiscal Year 2014 proudly marks the 10th consecutive year AOC has received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion from the independent auditors of our financial statements. In addition, this marks the second consecutive fiscal year in which AOC’s audit resulted in no material weaknesses—a result of AOC’s continued efforts to improve its Internal Control Program and AOC’s continued commitment to sound financial management. While three significant deficiencies were identified in the audit, management has identified steps to strengthen its processes and controls and address the underlying issues.

We publish this annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) as part of our continued pledge to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The PAR is our primary means to communicate with our key stakeholders—Congress and the American public—regarding our stewardship for the public funds we receive. This report conveys our efforts to effectively use our resources to serve Congress, preserve the iconic buildings under our care and inspire memorable visitor experiences. For the third straight year, in May 2014, the Association of Government Accountants recognized AOC’s PAR with the Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting.

This report provides a comprehensive, integrated overview of AOC’s FY 2014 performance and financial results. Given our budgetary constraints, AOC is focused on finding innovative ways to work leaner to reduce operational costs and redirect those resources to other priority needs. During FY 2014, AOC continued to make progress in our efforts to achieve significant efficiencies through cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives. As projected, the greatest efficiencies have already been achieved and additional savings are becoming increasingly challenging. Our key savings accomplishments for FY 2014 were made possible through energy and water reduction measures, expanded implementation and use of new technologies, reductions in outside contractors and a sustained drive to manage overtime. Looking ahead, the most prominent challenges we face in this constrained fiscal environment are the prolonged need to address our aging infrastructure’s large deferred maintenance and repairs backlog and the emerging priority of stone preservation of our historic buildings and terraces.

Fiscal Year 2014 is the third year of operations under our Strategic Vision which focuses on building an increasingly forward-thinking, collaborative and innovative organization. Guided by our Strategic Vision, we used disciplined