An amendment that would have seriously curtailed federal outsourcing to the design community was defeated yesterday on a voice vote. The amendment, similar to the TRAC legislation, which the AIA opposes, was sponsored by Representative Albert R. Wynn (D-Md.). Rep. Wynn attempted to insert the amendment in the Treasury, Postal Appropriations measure for FY 2002. AIA Government Affairs staff launched a major lobbying effort to stop this amendment, sending letters and calling the House congressional leadership in an all-out effort to defeat the Wynn amendment.

The intent of the Wynn amendment was similar to what he proposed in H.R. 721, the Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting (TRAC) Act. It would have prohibited the use of government funds for private-sector outsourcing activities. H.R. 721 has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement Policy, and the AIA has submitted testimony objecting to its provisions.

Under the TRAC Act, private-sector contracts would not be awarded unless privatization would save the government "at least 10 percent," and would prevent "extraordinary economic harm." The AIA's position is that this type of legislation is detrimental to the federal government, the private sector, and the public because it effectively excludes private industry from being awarded federal contracts regardless of skill, quality, efficiency, or cost savings.

Government employee organizations, such as the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union, remain persistent in their efforts to pass TRAC legislation. Wynn's amendment and the fact that 186 members of Congress have signed onto TRAC legislation indicates that the unions have congressional allies who will continue to push for limits on the use of private architects for federal facilities. AIA members can expect this to be a long, ongoing fight in the 107th Congress.

AIA staff understand members' concerns regarding the need to preserve the integrity of procuring architectural services as specified under the Brooks Act. Passage of TRAC legislation would override successful federal policy that has been in place for more than 30 years. The AIA remains strongly opposed to attempts at either the federal or state level of government to limit outsourcing.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.