Talking Points
PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE:
ENHANCED BY DESIGN
The Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting (TRAC) Act
February 2002

The AIA opposes the TRAC Act because it would prevent the use of private sector services by federal agencies.

• The TRAC Act would freeze all outsourcing of federal contracts and calls for review of current contracts.
• The TRAC Act would undermine the integrity of architectural and engineering (A/E) services as specified in the Brooks Act, which established a qualifications-based selection process in which contracts for A/E services are negotiated on the basis of demonstrated competence and procurement procedures, not solely on price quotations.
• The TRAC Act would override successful federal policy that has been in place for more than 30 years and that draws upon the valuable expertise and resources of the private sector (OMB Circular No. A-76).
• The federal policy acknowledges that "competition enhances quality, economy, and productivity" (OMB Circular No. A-76). This legislation would alter the balance of this effective public-private partnership.
• Federal agencies manage and coordinate the design process but look to the specialized expertise of private sector architects and engineers to perform the actual design work.
• Through innovative design solutions, private sector architects provide the federal government with superior value and specialized skill.
• The federal government relies heavily on private-sector architecture and engineering firms to complete needed federal projects ranging from postal buildings to federal courthouses.
  

The AIA opposes the TRAC Act because it is detrimental to both the federal government and the private sector. It effectively excludes the private sector from receiving federal contracts regardless of skill, quality, efficiency, or cost savings.