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The scope of the study includes a comparison of logistical and physical characteristics of two potential sites, the Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Dulles International Airport. The contractor will develop criteria with which to evaluate such special factors as access to an active runway, flexibility in building configuration and space for future expansion, absence of vibration and noise problems (from aircraft and vehicular traffic), adequacy of existing and projected transportation network for visitor access as well as for artifact movement, and compatibility and non-interference with existing airport operations. Local, regional and state support, and assurance of the permanence of Smithsonian occupation of the site will also be evaluated, and an assessment made of the potential numbers of visitors at each site. In addition, the contractor will evaluate such standard criteria as the availability and cost of the land, geological configuration, subsurface conditions, climatic characteristics, air quality and odors (as certain pollutants may have a deleterious impact on the long-term preservation of artifacts), zoning and easements, availability of utilities, and vital support services such as police and fire department.

The contractor will provide preliminary cost estimates for construction and operation at both sites and will assist in preparing a comparative report on financial feasibility of construction and operations at both sites. A preliminary site evaluation report will be available for the September Board of Regents' meeting, and the final report will be completed by December 1989.

[[underlined]] LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS AND ISSUES [[/underlined]]

Introducing the following report, Mr. Adams drew the Regents' attention to two items in particular. First, he noted that the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs has solicited Smithsonian's comments on the proposed revisions to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Senator Glenn's letter of March 14, 1989, reads in part,

... the Committee would appreciate if you would address whether FACA covers the advisory committees you establish or utilize and, if not, your reasons for the conclusion, and whether FACA coverage should be expanded to ensure that these advisory committees are covered by the requirements of FACA.

Mr. Adams proceeded to read the following excerpts from the Smithsonian's draft response, which has not yet been cleared by the Office of Management and Budget.

The focus of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is the advisory committees 'which have been established to advise officers and agencies in the executive branch of the Federal Government.'