Revised Plan for the National Air and Space Museum Extension

GAO discussed: (1) its previous testimony on the Smithsonian Institution's site selection process for an extension to the National Air and Space Museum; and (2) the Smithsonian's efforts to address site-selection problems. GAO noted that its previous testimony revealed that the Smithsonian: (1) site-selection process was not systematic, open, or cost-conscious enough to ensure the selection of the most cost-effective site; (2) failed to rank its requirements or distinguish between essential and desirable attributes; (3) never publicly announced its needs; and (4) failed to completely analyze offers. GAO also noted that the Smithsonian, in response to the previous testimony, subsequently conducted further site analysis and revised its extension plan to: (1) include additional cost analyses; (2) reduce the extension size and cost to about one-half the size and cost of its original plan; and (3) establish the extension to serve primarily as a support facility rather than a museum extension. Based on such revisions, GAO noted that the Smithsonian: (1) adequately addressed the major concerns raised in its previous plan; and (2) could objectively defend its site-selection decision.