October 12, 2001—The American Institute of Architects recently sent out information regarding attempts by supporters of the Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting (TRAC) Act to attach TRAC language to various appropriation bills, including:
- Treasury and Postal Appropriations Bill—An amendment that would have seriously curtailed federal outsourcing to the design community was defeated recently by a voice vote. The amendment was sponsored by Representative Albert Wynn (D-MD). AIA’s Government Affairs staff led a major lobbying effort opposing the amendment.
- Department of Defense Authorization Bill—Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) inserted TRAC-like language into the House Department of Defense (DoD) authorization bill. However, the amendment includes an exemption for architectural services. AIA supports the exemption, but opposes the overall intent of the TRAC language.
- TRAC Act Legislation: The intent of the Wynn and Abercrombie amendments was similar to Wynn’s TRAC Act bill (H.R. 721). If passed, this measure would prohibit the use of government funds for private-sector outsourcing activities unless privatization would save the government “at least 10 percent” and would prevent “extraordinary economic harm.” AIA opposes the TRAC Act on the grounds that it effectively excludes private industry from being awarded federal contracts regardless of skill, quality, efficiency, or cost savings.
For more information, contact Dan Wilson, AIA senior director, at 202/626-7384.
Based on a report from AIA’sANGLE
