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[[underlined]] Quadrangle [[/underlined]]

Secretary Ripley introduced the following report which was distributed in advance of the meeting. The Regents discussed the proposed Congressional rescission of $8 million from the construction appropriation, noting that such a sum will almost certainly be required in future years for the completion of all construction, finishing, and furnishing.

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[[underlined]] Construction Activities [[/underlined]]

On June 30, 1983 the General Services Administration (GSA) awarded a construction contract for the Quadrangle project to the Blake Construction Company, Washington, D.C., in the amount of $39,377,000. Following a preconstruction meeting and submittal of performance bonds, the GSA issued a notice to proceed to Blake effective July 21, 1983. The period of performance required by the contract is 915 days, producing a contract completion date of January 20, 1986.

The contract awarded by the GSA has been written in accordance with Federal Procurement Regulations. The fixed price is subject to change only by mutual agreement (change orders, contract modifications, etc.) between GSA and the contractor or by contractor appeal to the GSA Board of Contract Appeals or the U.S. Court of Claims. There is a liquidated damages clause of $2,000 per calendar day for contractor-caused delays beyond the contract completion date.

The General Services Administration is responsible for administering the contract for the Smithsonian and the Government. GSA will supervise the contractor with four full-time professional engineer employees, who have been identified and are presently working on the project. These engineers were previously assigned to the supervision of the Smithsonian