Strategic Objective 3.2: Strengthen our Facilities through Asset Lifecycle Management

AOC’s strategies for this objective include:

• Establish a world-class maintenance program.

• Integrate facilities asset management processes and practices.

• Establish an integrated enterprise information model for facilities management.

• Prepare our facilities to be a model workplace of the future.

Discussion: AOC’s FY 2014 efforts under this objective focused on completing AOC’s Enterprise Geographical Information System (GIS) development and fielding a Facility Data User Interface. These tools will provide employees with data about AOC’s facilities so they can make decisions and plan their work. Sometimes getting authoritative data is challenging, and through the Computer Aided Facility Management Program, AOC is developing a map-based tool to make data easier to find and use. This Web-based tool is being built using the existing enterprise geographic information system and applying lessons learned from the HOB’s 2012 and 2014 Congressional Moves Suite finder application—which used the same technology. The Enterprise GIS is now in place and two prototype applications are in production. AOC’s development of a comprehensive Web-based GIS application is projected to be completed by the end of calendar year 2014 with a phased deployment to follow.

AOC also undertook efforts to maximize the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for the facility lifecycle including design, construction, operations and maintenance. BIM software allows users to model and imitate aspects of buildings in two- and three-dimensional electronic format. BIM implementation at the agency is in a very early stage. The Technical Support Division developed a draft BIM Guide and a BIM workspace for future AOC designers and contractors to use when developing BIM-based designs.

In addition, AOC addressed data security concerns and increased the transparency of its facility data. Specifically, AOC made secure file transfer protocol software available for staff to use to transfer sensitive documents to persons or organizations outside of AOC’s firewall.

As part of efforts to prepare facilities to be a model workplace of the future, AOC made a variety of options that promote employee collaboration and concentration. The Design Services Division started incorporating workplace of the future initiatives into space planning projects as applicable and/or feasible. In particular, AOC has an

In Focus

Olmsted Terrace Stone Preservation

The Olmsted Terrace was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and his team of designers between 1874 and 1890, and was completed by 1894. The marble Terrace walls, which span the north, west and south sides of the U.S. Capitol, provide a strong visible architectural base and heightens the grandeur of the building. The Terrace extends approximately 1,600 lineal feet and rises about 20 feet in height at its highest point. During the last 120 years, there has been little maintenance performed on the stone and conditions of the Terrace have deteriorated over time. A recent materials condition survey found that the marble and granite are stained and damaged, and require a number of different types of maintenance and repairs.

To properly restore the Olmsted Terrace, in FY 2014 the AOC started a phased, multi-year project that will repair, clean and preserve the masonry at the Terrace walls of this historic building. Repairs include deconstructing and rebuilding some of the walls, repointing, patching holes, cleaning the stone, and trimming and removing trees and bushes along the Terrace walls. Work has begun on the first phase which includes the northeast approach walls, stairs and the eastern portion of the north Terrace wall. Work includes the assembly of scaffolding and cranes to remove heavy stones. Currently, AOC masons are dismantling the north side approach steps and approach walls, which had settled and shifted over the years and are therefore being removed and reinstalled.

Subsequent phases of this rehabilitation of the exterior stone at the U.S. Capitol is expected to be completed between April and October for the next five years.

More information is available at www.aoc.gov/terrace.