Evaluation of the Architect of the Capitol’s Historic Preservation and Heritage Asset Management

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) conduct a formal assessment of the resource constraints and allocation requirements necessary to strengthen the AOC’s Historic Preservation and Stewardship Program. Based on the results of the assessment, develop and implement a resource plan to address identified gaps to support a sustainable Historic Preservation and Stewardship Program.

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol conduct a formal assessment of current asset tracking processes, system functionalities/capabilities, data requirements, and operational constraints across Jurisdictions, Curators, and asset categories to identify:
a. Where standardization of inventory management is practical;
b. Where Jurisdiction, Curator, and/or asset-specific requirements must be preserved;
c. Which existing system(s) can be better integrated or aligned through common data standards, reporting, and/or maintenance workflows.

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol evaluate the functionality and feasibility of developing and implementing procedures and controls for inventory management across Jurisdictions, Curators, and/or asset types to promote consistency, accountability, and maintenance oversight of Heritage Assets without requiring a single uniform approach that may not be feasible for all Jurisdictions, Curators, and/or asset types.

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol conduct a comprehensive and phased improvement plan for inventory and reconciliation of Heritage Assets to establish a complete and accurate baseline asset inventory.

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol evaluate the functionality and feasibility of revising its existing policies to include implementation-specific procedures and controls for recordkeeping of maintenance documentation across Jurisdictions, Curators, and/or asset types to promote consistency, accountability, and maintenance oversight of Heritage Assets without requiring a single uniform approach that may not be feasible for all Jurisdictions, Curators, and/or asset types.

We recommend that the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) evaluate the incorporation of Heritage Asset inventory and maintenance management as part of the AOC’s Enterprise Risk Management and Asset Management programs to strengthen governance, accountability, risk management, monitoring, quality assurance, and staff training over Heritage Assets.