**GAO-07-1127**                      Published: Sep 28, 2007. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian) is the world's largest museum complex and research organization. Its annual operating and capital program revenues come from its own private trust fund assets and federal appropriations, with the majority of funds for facilities coming from federal appropriations. In 2005, GAO reported that the Smithsonian's current funding would not be sufficient to cover its estimated $2.3 billion in facilities projects through 2013 and recommended that the Smithsonian Board of Regents, its governing body, develop and implement a funding plan. As requested, GAO described changes in the condition of the Smithsonian's facilities and estimate for project costs since 2005, analyzed the Smithsonian's steps taken and challenges regarding protecting and managing its real property portfolio, and assessed the Smithsonian's efforts to develop and implement strategies to fund its facilities' projects. GAO reviewed relevant documents and interviewed officials from the Smithsonian and other organizations.

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## Topics

Government Operations

Cost analysisFacility repairsFacility securityFederal facilitiesFederal fundsFund auditsFunds managementMuseumsNational historic sitesPerformance measuresPhysical securityReal propertyStrategic planningFacility managementFacility maintenanceFacility constructionCost estimates