Smithsonian 

Fiscal Year 2017 

Submitted to the Committees on.Appropriations 

Congress of the United States 
Smithsonian Institution 

Fiscal Year 2017 

Budget Justification to Congress 

February 2016 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Request to Congress 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION 

Overview .................................................................................................... 1 

FY 2017 Budget Request Summary ........................................................... 7 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES 

Summary of FY 2017 Changes ................................................................ 15 

Fixed Costs 

Salary and Related Costs ...................................................................18

Utilities, Rent, Communications, and Other ........................................ 20 

Summary of Program Changes ................................................................ 24 

No-Year Funding ...................................................................................... 37 

Object-Class Breakout ............................................................................. 37 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and

Program Category .............................................................................. 38 

MUSEUMS AND RESEARCH CENTERS 

Grand Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research ............................. 40 

 Biodiversity Genomics ...................................................................... 41

 Global Earth Observatories (Forest/Marine GEOs) ........................... 42

 Microbial Research ...........................................................................44

 Conservation Research ....................................................................45

 Preserving Cultural Heritages...........................................................46

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe 

Introduction, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe ........................ 47 

National Air and Space Museum ........................................................ 48 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ............................................ 55 

Major Scientific Instrumentation ..........................................................60

 Greenland Telescope .......................................................................65

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet 

Introduction, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet .......66

National Museum of Natural History ................................................... 67 

National Zoological Park ..................................................................... 76 

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center .................................... 85 

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute............................................. 89 

Valuing World Cultures 

Introduction, Valuing World Cultures .................................................. 97 

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery/Freer Gallery of Art .................................... 98 

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage ...........................................103

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum ...................................109

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden ........................................114

National Museum of African Art ........................................................120
Understanding the American Experience 

Introduction, Understanding the American Experience..................... 127

Anacostia Community Museum ........................................................128

Archives of American Art ..................................................................132

National Museum of African American History and Culture ..............136

National Museum of American History, Behring Center ................... 146

National Museum of the American Indian ......................................... 158

National Portrait Gallery .................................................................... 162

National Postal Museum ................................................................... 170

Smithsonian American Art Museum .................................................. 174

MISSION ENABLING 

Introduction, Mission Enabling .......................................................... 180

Outreach ........................................................................................... 181

 The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service;

Smithsonian Affiliations; the Smithsonian Center for Learning and

Digital Access; the Office of Fellowships and Internships; and the

Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press

Communications ...............................................................................186

Institution-wide Programs ................................................................. 189

 Research Equipment Pool ..............................................................191

 Latino Initiatives Pool......................................................................191

 Asian Pacific American Initiative Pool .............................................192

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund ........................................192

 Information Resources Management Pool ......................................194

Smithsonian Exhibits.........................................................................197

Museum Support Center ...................................................................199

Museum Conservation Institute ........................................................201

Smithsonian Institution Archives .......................................................206

Smithsonian Libraries .......................................................................208

Office of the Chief Information Officer ...............................................213

Administration ...................................................................................217

 The offices of the Secretary; the Under Secretary for Museums and

Research/Provost; the Under Secretary for Finance and

Administration/Chief Financial Officer; the Assistant Secretary for

Education and Access; and the Deputy Under Secretary for

Collections and Interdisciplinary Support. Administration also

includes the central activities of human resources, diversity,

financial and contract management, and legal services.

Office of the Inspector General .........................................................224

Facilities Maintenance ......................................................................226

Facilities Operations, Security, and Support .....................................230
FACILITIES CAPITAL 

Overview ................................................................................................ 235

Summary Tables .................................................................................... 238 

Revitalization .......................................................................................... 240

National Museum of Natural History ................................................. 240

National Zoological Park ................................................................... 242

National Museum of American History .............................................. 246 

National Air and Space Museum ...................................................... 248 

National Museum of the American Indian ......................................... 250

Anacostia Community Museum ........................................................251

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum ................................... 251 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden ........................................ 253

Museum Support Center ................................................................... 254 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ...........................................255

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center ..................................258

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute........................................... 258

Suitland Collections Facility .............................................................. 261 

Multiple Locations, Revitalization Projects ........................................ 263

Construction Supervision and Administration ................................... 263

Facilities Planning and Design ............................................................... 264

Construction, Collections Storage Module .............................................265

APPENDIX 

Organization Chart ................................................................................. 267

Visitation Chart .......................................................................................268

Trust Funds Summary ............................................................................ 269

Appropriation Language and Citations ................................................... 271

Adjustments to FY 2016 Funding ........................................................... 279

1

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION’S IMPACT ON AMERICA 

The Smithsonian greatly appreciates the continued support of the Administration, 

the Congress, and the American people, and takes seriously the crucial role we play in 

advancing the civic, educational, scientific, and artistic life of this nation. As a public trust, 

the Smithsonian addresses some of the world’s most complex issues — and uses new 

technologies to broaden access to information for citizens, students, and policy makers.

Thanks to the generous bequest of English scientist James Smithson, Congress 

established the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 as an independent federal trust 

instrumentality, a unique public-private partnership that has achieved outstanding results for 

170 years. The federal commitment provides the foundation for all we do, and is especially 

helpful in attracting private support. We leverage our federal funding to enrich the lives of 

the American people and advance our mission for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” 

In keeping with that mission, the Smithsonian is a world leader in research and 

discovery, addressing today’s relevant issues and helping the American people

understand our role in the world through the arts and humanities. We use cutting-edge 

technology to create unprecedented access to our treasures and inspire educators, 

students, and learners of all ages.

Accordingly, we continue to implement our 2010 Strategic Plan that focuses on 

four “Grand Challenges” and promotes interdisciplinary and Institution-wide collaboration. 

That plan has been extended to 2017. With this guidance, we are improving facilities 

maintenance and collections care to be better stewards of America’s treasures. We are 

also working with new federal, state, and local partners to avoid redundancies and 

expand our reach. 

The Smithsonian is large and diverse, encompassing art, history, science, education,

and culture. We have 19 museums and galleries, 20 libraries, nine research centers, the 

National Zoo, and 208 affiliate museums in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama. We are 

open 364 days a year — and admission is free. We have research and education facilities 

in eight states and the District of Columbia, and operate in more than 145 countries. For the 

last full fiscal year, our museums had more than 28 million visits and another 4.5 million 

people visited our traveling exhibitions. In addition, Smithsonian Magazine is now read by 

more than seven million people, and the Smithsonian Channel is distributed by the top nine

cable TV operators and reaches a total of 34 million households.

Our collections total 138 million objects, including 127 million scientific specimens, 

340,000 works of art, and two million library volumes. We also care for 157,000 cubic 

feet of archival material, 16,000 musical instruments — and more than 2,000 live 

animals. We have the Star-Spangled Banner; Morse’s telegraph; Edison’s light bulb; the 

Hope Diamond; the Wright Flyer; one of Amelia Earhart’s planes; Louis Armstrong’s 

trumpet; labor leader Cesar Chavez’s jacket; the Lansdowne portrait of George 

Washington; the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Japanese American World War 

II veterans; the Spirit of Tuskegee airplane; remnants of a slave ship found off the coast 

of South Africa; the camera John Glenn used on his voyage into space; Asian, African, 
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and American art; the Apollo 11 Command Module, Columbia; and the space shuttle 

Discovery. We hold all these objects in trust for the American people and preserve these 

priceless national treasures for future generations to enjoy.

In 2015, our visitors enjoyed nearly 100 new exhibitions, including: The Great 

Inka Road: Engineering an Empire at the National Museum of the American Indian;

multiple exhibitions in the National Museum of American History’s (NMAH) renovated 

West Wing, including Places of Invention, Spark!Lab, American Enterprise, The Value 

of Money, Giving in America, and the Smithsonian Libraries exhibition Fantastic Worlds: 

Science and Fiction, 1780–1910; Outside the Spacecraft: 50 Years of Extra-Vehicular 

Activity at the National Air and Space Museum; Orchids: Interlocking Science and 

Beauty at the National Museum of Natural History; American Bison at the National Zoo; 

the high-tech Immersion Room at the renovated Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design 

Museum (which Atlantic magazine called the “museum of the future”); Out of Many, 

One, the giant National Portrait Gallery (NPG) landscape portrait that covered many 

acres of the National Mall; Shirin Neshat: Facing History at the Hirshhorn Museum and 

Sculpture Garden; Peacock Room REMIX: Darren Waterston’s Filthy Lucre and 

Sōtatsu: Making Waves at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; Robert Motherwell: A 

Centennial Celebration at the Archives of American Art; The Divine Comedy: Heaven, 

Purgatory, and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists at the National Museum 

of African Art; Bridging the Americas: Community and Belonging from Panama to 

Washington, DC and Twelve Years that Shook and Shaped Washington: 1963–1975 at 

the Anacostia Community Museum; Freedom Just Around the Corner: Black America 

from Civil War to Civil Rights and New York City: A Portrait Through Stamp Art at the 

National Postal Museum; Richard Estes’ Realism at the Smithsonian American Art 

Museum; One Life: Dolores Huerta at the NPG; and WONDER, the debut exhibition at 

the newly renovated and recently reopened Renwick Gallery.

Digital technology allows us to reach new, diverse audiences more than ever before.

In 2015, our more than 200 websites attracted in excess of 100 million unique visitors. In 

social media, we currently have more than eight million followers on Facebook and Twitter 

alone, with tens of thousands more engaging with us on other Internet platforms.

For years, we have been digitizing our objects, specimens, archival materials, and 

library books. So far, our museums and libraries have created digital images for 

approximately two million objects, specimens and books, and electronic records for more 

than 26 million artifacts and items in the national collections. Our archives have created 

3.7 million digital images, and now have electronic records and metadata for close to 

100,000 cubic feet of archival material. Our Transcription Center crowdsourcing platform 

at transcription.si.edu, with more than 5,800 volunteers from around the globe, has 

transcribed nearly 150,000 pages of material drawn from 11 Smithsonian units. We have

also implemented rapid capture digitization, a conveyor-belt technology that accelerates

the digitization of our collections. This technique establishes the Smithsonian as a leader 

in digitizing our nation’s intellectual capital and our cultural heritage for future use. 

Thanks to the work of our Digitization Program Office, we are leaders in the field of 

3D scanning, allowing our treasures and specimens to be seen in an entirely new light. 
3

Our Smithsonian X 3D collection and website features 40 items from the collections, 

including Lincoln’s life mask, the Wright Flyer, fossil whales, a remnant of the Cas A 

supernova, and soon even the space shuttle Discovery. With the Explorer tool offered on 

the website, users can even print replicas of objects on 3D printers for scientific research 

or use in the classroom. In 2014, we made history when our digitization team scanned 

President Obama, creating a life mask and bust; these models have joined the Lincoln life 

mask as a part of the collection of presidential images in the National Portrait Gallery. 

As part of our mission for the “diffusion of knowledge,” the Smithsonian serves 

millions of people annually, from preschoolers to senior citizens, with a myriad of 

educational offerings. We deliver educational materials to students and teachers in all 

50 states each year. More than 2,000 learning resources, all tied to state standards, are 

available online for free. Smithsonian speakers, traveling exhibitions and webinars, 

hosted by Smithsonian Affiliated museums, also bring our educational offerings into 

many communities. Additionally, in FY 2015, the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition 

Service sent large and small exhibitions to museums and provided educational 

materials to schools and libraries for a total of 44 exhibitions in 386 communities across

49 states, Australia, Canada, Guam, and Puerto Rico, reaching an audience of 4.5 

million people. 

We have numerous dedicated learning and discovery spaces, including centers at 

the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian American Art Museum 

(SAAM), and the National Postal Museum. The Institution serves the public appetite for 

education through the National Museum of American History’s Object Project and 

Wegmans Wonderplace, and the National Museum of Natural History’s Q?rius, our 

10,000-square-foot science education center for teenagers. We continue to connect with 

young learners through the Hirshhorn’s ARTLAB+ program for teens and the Cooper 

Hewitt’s Design Center in Harlem. Smithsonian Affiliates also provide unique Smithsonian 

educational experiences by hosting Spark!Lab — hands-on invention centers developed 

by the National Museum of American History.

In addition, we have launched our first online courses through edX, the Massive 

Open Online Course platform, jointly sponsored by Harvard University and the 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The courses — “Teaching Historical Inquiry with 

Objects,” “The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact on Pop Culture,” and “Objects that 

Define America” — were created by Smithsonian experts and use some of our iconic 

collections to help lifelong learners continue their education.

The Smithsonian takes collections stewardship very seriously. Our collections are 

a vital national asset, and we are constantly improving storage conditions and balancing 

the preservation of and access to these collections. We have completed our in-depth 

study of collections space needs and developed a blueprint for going forward. It is called

Securing the Future for Smithsonian Collections: Smithsonian Collections Space

Framework Plan.

The collections we maintain are a valuable resource for scientists from federal 

agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture and Defense, and the United States 
4

Geological Survey. We work with the White House’s Office of Science and Technology 

Policy to coordinate our efforts with federal agencies and avoid duplication of activities. 

Collections acquired a century or more ago are being used today to address the effects 

of global change, the spread of invasive species, and the loss of biological diversity and 

its impact on interconnected ecosystems. Federal, state, and local authorities often look 

to our collections for answers during events such as flu epidemics, oil spills, volcanic 

eruptions, or when aircraft are downed by bird strikes. 

We operate in more than 145 countries by coordinating with strategic partners 

across the Federal government, and working with foreign governments and the private 

sector. Through our Office of International Relations and our science, art, history, culture,

and education units, we work with virtually every cabinet-level federal agency and 

numerous other organizations.

We leverage our strengths with our strategic partners for a combined greater 

impact. For example, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the Smithsonian 

worked with Haitian, U.S., and international partners on the recovery efforts, including 

the U.S. Department of State, USAID, UNESCO, the U.S. President’s Committee for the 

Arts and the Humanities, the Broadway League, and the International Committee for the 

Blue Shield. To date, the Haitian recovery effort has saved some 6,000 paintings from 

the Centre d’Art, thousands of historical documents at the National Archives, paintings 

from the National Palace, and sculpture from the National Museum — altogether more 

than 35,000 cultural objects. The Smithsonian has also trained more than 150 Haitian 

colleagues in conservation work and helped open the Cultural Conservation Center at 

Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince.

Solidifying relationships with these international organizations has allowed us to 

come together more quickly to launch recovery efforts following events such as the 

March 2015 attack on the Bardo National Museum in Tunisia, the April 2015 earthquake 

in Nepal, and the ongoing destruction of cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq. In October, 

we convened a group of leading international cultural heritage preservation specialists 

at the National Museum of American History for a symposium, “Uniting to Save World 

Cultures,” which was designed to build collaboration and capacity to help protect culture 

at risk. We recently partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the 

Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a network of more than 40 Government and 

non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting cultural heritage from the damaging 

effects of natural disasters and other emergencies here in the United States. In May 

2016, the Smithsonian will host the training course First Aid to Cultural Heritage in 

Times of Crisis, an effort to train an international group of first responders to protect 

cultural heritage.

These and other Smithsonian projects foster international collaboration and bring 

together governments, foundations, and the world’s leading thinkers and scientists. We 

bridge disciplines and borders, whether helping to save endangered species, rescuing 

art from the rubble of devastated galleries and museums, or inspiring tomorrow’s 

scientists and leaders. Far beyond museum or laboratory walls, our teams are making 

discoveries, preserving the past, and sharing insights with audiences of all ages. By 
5

working with governments and cultural organizations around the world, we amplify our 

impact. Our method of cross-disciplinary collaboration gets results and produces a 

shared legacy of progress and discovery.

Smithsonian scientists work to help save endangered, vulnerable, and 

threatened species around the globe, such as Asian elephants, giant pandas, 

Panamanian golden frogs, African kori bustards, Asian tigers, Przewalski’s horse, the 

African scimitar-horned oryx, coral reefs, North American black-footed ferrets, Cuban 

crocodiles, Asian clouded leopards, and many more. 

In today’s world of long-distance travel and new technologies, deadly viruses can 

reach around the globe in 24 hours, and nearly 75 percent of emerging pathogens in 

humans come from animals. With that in mind, the Smithsonian is working with the 

USAID-funded Emerging Pandemic Threats Program to help public health officials 

prevent the international community’s next major pandemic. Veterinary scientists and 

pathologists from the National Zoo are conducting regional wildlife pathology workshops 

to train biologists and conservationists to recognize and identify the next global health 

threat in its initial stages. These actions, in turn, will prove vital to prevent potential 

pandemics from occurring.

The Smithsonian’s 500 scientists are tackling other vital issues of the day, 

making important discoveries — and sharing them with the public. For example, 

scientists at the Harvard-based Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory are using 

telescopes in outer space to discover new planets. Scientists there have discovered an 

exoplanet dubbed a “mega-Earth.” Found in the constellation Drago, Kepler-10c is a 

rocky world weighing as much as 17 Earths.

Closer to home, our cutting-edge work in genomics will make the Smithsonian a 

world leader in searching for answers to genome-scale questions about the animals, 

plants, and ecosystems of our planet. Our goal, along with our strategic partners, is to 

solve worldwide problems of biodiversity loss, disease transmission, and environmental 

degradation as well as train future generations of scientists and citizens to understand our 

natural world. The Smithsonian’s genomics initiative, the Smithsonian Institute for 

Biodiversity Genomics, is built on a foundation of vast global research expertise, the 

world’s largest natural history collections, the most significant concentration of biodiversity 

scientists anywhere, and a long and trusted history of studying nature and accurately 

documenting our discoveries. In November 2015, we convened a conference with 

different Government agencies to work together and coordinate research in this 

expanding and increasingly important field.

The Smithsonian will build on the momentum of the climate change statement, 

symposium, and past efforts of the Living in the Anthropocene initiative, by developing a 

strategic Institution-wide response to climate change in four ways: by increasing 

knowledge of the human and natural environment through research; making research 

findings available to the public; protecting our collections; and operating our facilities and 

programs in a sustainable manner. 
6

With our international partners and worldwide reach, the Institution is particularly 

well connected to study biodiversity issues. The Smithsonian’s ForestGEO (Global Earth 

Observatories) network is a worldwide partnership of more than 95 institutions working to 

monitor the health of six million trees (including 10,000 species) on 63 plots in 24 countries.

On a related note, our follow-up initiative, Tennenbaum Marine Observatories, or 

MarineGEO, seeks to replicate this success and assess the health of coastal areas and the 

oceans at large, with the goal of determining how to manage these important resources.

As the leading partner in the ambitious, 10-year Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) project, 

the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is closing in on its goal to create a key 

repository of scientific information about virtually every form of life on Earth. EOL is an 

online database that has financial, logistical, and research support from numerous 

partners, including the MacArthur and Sloan Foundations.

Similarly, the NMNH also houses the Consortium for the Barcode of Life, an 

international initiative devoted to developing DNA barcoding as a global standard for the 

accurate and rapid identification of biological species. The new technique uses a short 

DNA sequence from a standardized position in the genome as a molecular diagnostic 

marker for species identification. As the recognized U.S. leader in DNA barcoding, the 

Smithsonian seeks to increase its research and training capacity to better work with 

strategic partners in expanding the frontiers of knowledge in this exciting field. 

We can do all this thanks to more than 6,500 dedicated employees, including 

award-winning scientists and scholars, curators, researchers, historians, and experts in 

fields from astrophysics to zoology, and 6,300 generous on-site volunteers, 319 research 

Fellows, 955 research associates, 197 interns, and 5,800 digital volunteers — brain 

power that benefits the Smithsonian and the world many times over. They are all 

committed to their work and the Smithsonian. That is why, for the sixth year in a row, the 

Smithsonian was ranked as one of the best places to work in the Federal government. 

With the continuing support of the Congress, the Administration, our Board of 

Regents, and the American people, we will offer even more opportunities to enlighten and 

engage the public in the future. A significant example is the new National Museum of 

African American History and Culture that will open in September 2016. 

In October, I was proud to be officially installed as the 13th Secretary of the 

Smithsonian. I am honored to be a part of this great Institution that serves our nation and 

the world as a source of inspiration, discovery, and learning. Today, with its free 

museums, distinguished research and scholars, iconic American treasures, and the vast 

array of information accessible from its websites, the Smithsonian is a resource of 

extraordinary value for the American people and the world. By maintaining our dialogue 

with the public, the Smithsonian will continue to prove its worth as an investment in the 

future as well as a steward of our past.

David J. Skorton

Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
7 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

FY 2017 BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY 

Account

FY 2015 

Enacted

FY 2016

Enacted

FY 2017

Request

Salaries and Expenses 

Facilities Capital 

Total

$675,343,000

$144,198,000

$819,541,000

$696,045,000

$144,198,000

$840,243,000

$759,224,000

$163,000,000

$922,224,000

For fiscal year (FY) 2017, the Smithsonian’s request to fund essential operating 

expenses and revitalization of the Institution’s physical infrastructure is $922.2 million. 

The total amount includes $759.2 million for Salaries and Expenses (S&E) and 

$163.0 million for the Facilities Capital account. A detailed summary of the increases 

requested is provided in the table at the end of this section. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES 

FIXED COSTS INCREASES 

 Salaries and Related Costs (+$7,729,000) — This request funds a 1.6 percent

pay raise for FY 2017, the annualization of pay in FY 2016, and an adjustment

for Workers’ Compensation.

 Non-pay Fixed Items (+$8,785,000) — The Institution requests additional

funding, largely for inflation-related increases in rent, utilities, software

licenses, and other operating costs. Details are provided in the S&E section of

this budget submission.

PROGRAM CHANGES

This Budget request for FY 2017 places the programmatic increases into the 

broad categories of the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan, thereby linking the funds directly 

to the Institution’s overall mission and the strategic goals of the Grand Challenges. 

EXCELLENT RESEARCH 

 Greenland Telescope (+$2,000,000) — The Institution requests $2.0 million to

support the Greenland Telescope project that will conduct groundbreaking, highpriority observations of supermassive black holes. This project addresses the

only mid-scale priority in the 2010 Decadal Survey for astronomy and is a joint

venture with the National Science Foundation.

 Biodiversity Genomics (+$360,000) — The funds requested support the

Biodiversity Genomics program to collect, organize, share, and study

genomic samples of non-human species, which will advance the

Smithsonian’s efforts to create a systematic understanding of Earth’s
8

biodiversity. The requested funds will be used to enhance genomic research 

across the Institution and enable coordination with global partners on a longer 

term basis. This request supports expanded Institution-wide efforts on 

collaborative, multi-disciplinary discovery, exploration, and the application of 

genomic information to promote the sustainability of global biodiversity and 

the 21st century bioeconomy. This program is a cornerstone priority of the 

Institution’s biodiversity strategic plan and federal appropriations will leverage 

private fund raising. 

 Global Earth Observatories (+$1,440,000) — The Institution’s Forest Global

Earth Observatories (ForestGEO) and Marine Global Earth Observatories

(MarineGEO) provide a global-scale network of ecological observatories

dedicated to understanding changes in the structure and function of forest and

marine ecosystems. ForestGEO (+$800,000) provides the research platform that

enables Smithsonian scientists and their university and federal agency partners

to better understand the storage and movement of carbon and water in tropical

and temperate forests, as well as the impacts of climate change on the

relationships of forests with wildlife, the atmosphere, and sources of fresh water.

MarineGEO (+$640,000) is one of the Smithsonian’s signature programs in Earth 

observations and understanding global change, and is dedicated to 

understanding changes in the structure and function of marine ecosystems. This 

comprehensive approach to environmental research will provide a fundamental 

understanding of our oceans, their sustainability, and their importance to human 

life and society. 

 Microbial Research (+$300,000) — The Institution requests funds to build on

more than a century of world-class research and collections, to glean insights into

how microbes shape ecosystem functions, services, and restoration, in U.S.

habitats and around the world. This microbial biology initiative will significantly

strengthen the Institution’s international leadership in biodiversity research, and fill

significant gaps both in Smithsonian signature programs and federal research

priority areas. This initiative advances the general principles that govern the

behaviors of microbiomes in diverse environments, by using Earth-observation

data, including those focused on ocean habitats.

 Conservation Research (+$600,000) — The requested funds will support

important Smithsonian research to use the vast scholarly and scientific capacity

of the Smithsonian to develop conservation strategies sorely needed by decision

makers, practitioners, and citizens alike. The Smithsonian seeks to enhance its

role as a trusted knowledge resource to the global biodiversity conservation

community and to mobilize its scientific capacity, unparalleled collections,

laboratories, field stations, and partnerships into multi-disciplinary teams that can

increase our collective impact in creating the new knowledge needed to

understand and sustain a biodiverse planet.

 Preserving Cultural Heritages (+$508,000) — The Institution requests funding

for a Smithsonian Cultural Crisis Recovery Center. Since 2010, the Smithsonian
9

has taken a leadership role in the preservation of cultural heritages affected by 

natural and man-made disasters, including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 

Hurricane “Super Storm” Sandy in New York, ongoing man-made crises in Mali, 

Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and, most recently, the devastating earthquake in Nepal. The 

additional funding will strengthen and enhance the Smithsonian’s ability to 

respond to the many requests the Institution receives for assistance with cultural 

heritage recovery and preservation around the world. The funding will also help 

leverage private support for cultural recovery efforts. 

BROADENING ACCESS 

 Digitization (+$2,120,000) — The Smithsonian continues work on its Strategic

Plan to use new technologies to share its vast collections and extensive

research, along with the expertise of its scholars, scientists, researchers,

museum specialists, and curators. The Institution has invested in creating a

standard mass-digitization process that enables replicable, cost-effective, highthroughput, resulting in high-quality digitization for all priority collections. This

request supports the Smithsonian’s Digitization Strategic Plan to stimulate

learning and innovation. Digitizing the national collections and making them

accessible online are major Strategic Plan priorities.

 Latino Center (+$342,000) — The Institution requests funding to increase the

number of programmatic staff specializing in the history, art, and culture of

Latino/Hispanic Americans, the fastest growing demographic in the United

States. This funding is in line with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016,

which encourages the Institution to promote “the inclusion of Latino contributions

in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections, and public

outreach.” These personnel will enhance the Institution’s exhibitions, public

programs, and education capabilities. This request reflects the Institution’s desire

to increase research, exhibition development, and educational programs serving

the Latino community.

 Asian Pacific American Center (+$300,000) — The Institution requests

additional positions to support the Asian Pacific American Center’s (APAC)

strategic plan. These resources are needed to implement the guidance in the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, which encourages the Smithsonian to

develop programs and expand outreach in this area to “promote a better

understanding of the Asian Pacific American experience.” The Strategic Plan

intends to transform APAC into a leading voice on the Asian Pacific American

experience, and the new positions will leverage private fund raising to achieve

that goal.

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS 

 Collections Staffing (+$2,735,000) — Currently, the Institution has insufficient

staff to provide optimal care for its collections, and is hindered in strengthening

and sharing its collections with diverse national and international audiences. The

Smithsonian needs these requested funds to rebuild its curatorial and collections
10

management staffing in support of excellent research; improve exhibitions and 

digitization of the nation’s vast collection of artifacts; and fully realize the benefits 

of the Institution’s facilities infrastructure investments. 

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund (+$1,500,000) — Collections

stewardship is a key component and core priority of the Smithsonian’s Strategic

Plan. The requested increase will target specific collections and improve

substandard aspects of collections care to an acceptable level. This includes

meeting professional standards of collections care, correcting specific collections

management deficiencies identified in the Smithsonian’s Inspector General audit

recommendations, and addressing the Institution’s highest priority collections

management needs.

 Animal Welfare (+$500,000) — Funding is requested for the National Zoological

Park’s Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI, in Front Royal,

Virginia) breeding facility. SCBI is world-renowned for its heroic efforts to

research, breed, and reintroduce some of the world’s most critically endangered

species into the wild. The National Zoo must strategically augment staffing with a

select number of well-trained animal care professionals and veterinarians —

personnel who are essential for ensuring that the Zoo successfully achieves its

vital mission of saving species from extinction.

MISSION ENABLING 

 Facilities Maintenance (+$14,500,000) — The Smithsonian requests an

increase of $14.5 million to enable its maintenance program to continue

stabilizing and standardizing the overall condition of its facilities. The increase will

enable the Institution to address the significant maintenance backlog and meet

the minimum standards for annual maintenance budgets as endorsed by the

Government Accountability Office and the National Research Council. The

increase also supports the facilities funding required to maintain the new National

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

 Facilities Operations, Security, and Support (+$15,640,000) — The Institution

requests an increase of $15.64 million to address high-priority operating,

security, and safety needs. The increase will enable the Smithsonian to correct

existing staffing and funding shortfalls in facilities operations and security, and

will help improve cleanliness in its many facilities. The increase also supports the

facilities funding required to operate and secure NMAAHC.

 Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure (+$2,050,000) — This funding

request supports the upgrade and replacement of aging IT security infrastructure

at the Smithsonian. The request includes funds for security monitoring, response,

and assessment; maintenance of seven sites and the replacement of the Internet

firewall; recurring funds to maintain and/or replace outdated and inadequate

intrusion-detection systems; and funds for maintenance and replacement of

outdated Web proxy servers. In addition, this request will provide funds to

replace the voice/data communications of 6,000 Voice-over-Internet-Protocol
11

(VoIP) telephones that are more than 10 years old; replace network switches and 

routers that are several years beyond their life cycle; and replace the 

uninterrupted power source system and battery which are also more than a 

decade old.

 Training (+$338,000) — This requested funding supports a comprehensive,

centrally funded, mandated training program (as required by 5 United States

Code [U.S.C.] §4121) that includes initial and follow-up supervisor training on

the myriad rules, regulations, and policies involved in employee supervision.

The request also establishes centralized funds for a Smithsonian leadership

development program to address the unique learning needs of supervisors at

all levels of leadership. By having a centralized training fund, the Institution

will ensure compliance with federal regulations, increase employee

engagement and retention, and effectively mitigate costs.

 Diversity (+$289,000) — The Institution is requesting funding for a Supplier

Diversity Program (SDP) specialist and one affirmative employment

specialist. This SDP position will assist with administrative duties and

advocate for unit managers to achieve their SDP goals. In addition, the SDP

specialist will be responsible for duties that are currently being intermittently

performed by interns, volunteers, and individuals on rotational and training

assignments from other units and agencies. Meanwhile, the affirmative

employment specialist will conduct regular and comprehensive audits of

diversity metrics in Smithsonian units to ensure consistent Equal Employment

Opportunity practices are being implemented throughout the Smithsonian.

 Internal Controls (+$1,143,000) — The Institution is requesting an increase

of $1,000,000 for staff and training for the Office of the General Counsel. The

funds will address the Smithsonian’s current need for advice, representation,

and education to support internal controls, and to manage the increasing

activities in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, risk management, ethics,

international activities, complex business transactions, and litigation.

In addition, the Institution is requesting $143,000 to hire a privacy specialist to 

mitigate the risk of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disclosure of personally 

identifiable information (PII). This position will enable the Institution to both 

investigate incidents and continue training to prevent breaches, as well as

develop methods to identify and respond to future data breaches of PII 

content.
12

FACILITIES CAPITAL PROGRAM 

The request for the Facilities Capital Program ($163,000,000) is essential to

arrest the deterioration of some of the Smithsonian’s oldest and most visited buildings 

and maintain the current condition of other facilities through systematic renewal and 

repair. This amount will allow the Facilities Capital Program to address all of the priority 

one projects that are ready to be fixed in FY 2017. 

For FY 2017, the requested funds will enable the Institution to continue major 

revitalization work at the National Museum of Natural History ($19.1 million), the 

National Zoological Park ($26.0 million), and the National Museum of American History 

($5.0 million). In addition, these funds will allow the Smithsonian to perform critical 

revitalization work at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) ($3.0 million); 

National Museum of the American Indian ($2.05 million); Anacostia Community 

Museum ($1.2 million); Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum ($2.7 million); 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden ($1.0 million); Museum Support Center 

($2.25 million); Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ($1.75 million); Smithsonian 

Environmental Research Center ($1.5 million); Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 

($2.85 million); and the Suitland Collections Facility ($2.0 million). The request also 

provides for critical revitalization projects throughout the Institution, costing under $1 

million each, and for program support ($13.25 million). Furthermore, this request 

accounts for planning and design of future projects ($29.35 million) and for construction 

of the Collections Storage Module ($50.0 million) at NASM’s Udvar-Hazy Center. 

Details are provided in the Facilities Capital section of this Budget request. 
13

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

FY 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY 

BY APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES FTEs Amount Page #

FY 2016 Enacted 4,404 $696,045,000

FY 2017 Increases

FIXED COSTS INCREASES 16,514,000

Salaries and Related Costs 0 7,729,000 18

Utilities, Postage, Rent, Communications, 

and Other 0 8,785,000 20

PROGRAM INCREASES

Excellent Research 18 5,208,000

Greenland Telescope 0 2,000,000 25/62

Biodiversity Genomics 2 360,000 26/41

Global Earth Observatories (Forest) 4 800,000 26/42

Global Earth Observatories (Marine) 4 640,000 26/43

Microbial Research 2 300,000 27/44

Conservation Research 3 600,000 27/45

Preserving Cultural Heritages 3 508,000 28/46

Broadening Access 14 2,762,000

Digitization 8 2,120,000 28/units

Latino Center 3 342,000 29/220

Asian Pacific American Center 3 300,000 29/221

Strengthening Collections 27 4,735,000

Collections Staffing 22 2,735,000 31/units

Collections Care and Preservation Fund 0 1,500,000 32/195

Animal Welfare 5 500,000 32/84

Mission Enabling 82 33,960,000

Facilities Maintenance 23 14,500,000 33/228

Facilities Operations, Security, and Support 51 15,640,000 34/232

Information Technology Infrastructure 0 2,050,000 34/215

Training 0 338,000 35/222

Diversity 2 289,000 35/222

Internal Controls 6 1,143,000 36/223

Total FY 2017 Salaries and Expenses 4,545 $759,224,000
14

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

FY 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY 

BY APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT 

FACILITIES CAPITAL FTEs Amount Page #

FTEs in Base 48

Revitalization

National Museum of Natural History 19,100,000 240

National Zoological Park 26,000,000 242

National Museum of American History 5,000,000 246

National Air and Space Museum 3,000,000 248

National Museum of the American Indian 2,050,000 250

Anacostia Community Museum 1,200,000 251

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 2,700,000 251

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 1,000,000 253

Museum Support Center 2,250,000 254

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 1,750,000 256

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 1,500,000 258

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 2,850,000 258

Suitland Collections Facility 2,000,000 261

Multiple Location Revitalization Projects 13,250,000 263

Facilities Planning and Design 29,350,000 264

Construction: Collections Storage Module 50,000,000 265

Total FY 2017 Facilities Capital 48 $163,000,000

FY 2017 REQUEST, ALL ACCOUNTS 4,593 $922,224,000
15

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES (S&E) 

FY 2017 Request 

FTEs Amount Page #

4,404 $696,045,000

Fixed Costs Increases

 Salaries and Related Costs 7,729,000 18

 Utilities, Postage, Rent, Communications, and Other 8,785,000 20

Total Fixed Costs Increases $16,514,000

Program Increases

Excellent Research 18 5,208,000

 Greenland Telescope 0 2,000,000 25/62

 Biodiversity Genomics 2 360,000 26/41

 Global Earth Observatories (Forest) 4 800,000 26/42

 Global Earth Observatories (Marine) 4 640,000 26/43

 Microbial Research 2 300,000 27/44

 Conservation Research 3 600,000 27/45

 Preserving Cultural Heritages 3 508,000 28/46

Broadening Access 14 2,762,000

 Digitization 8 2,120,000 28/units

 Latino Center 3 342,000 29/220

 Asian Pacific American Center 3 300,000 29/221

Strengthening Collections 27 4,735,000

 Collections Staffing 22 2,735,000 31/units

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund 0 1,500,000 32/195

 Animal Welfare 5 500,000 32/84

Mission Enabling 82 33,960,000

 Facilities Maintenance 23 14,500,000 33/228

 Facilities Operations, Security, and Support 51 15,640,000 34/232

 IT Infrastructure 0 2,050,000 34/215

 Training 0 338,000 35/222

 Diversity 2 289,000 35/222

 Internal Controls 6 1,143,000 36/223

Total Program Increases 141 $46,665,000

Total Increases 141 $63,179,000

FY 2017 Total Salaries and Expenses 4,545 $759,224,000
FTE = Full-Time Equivalent

 Pay & 

Benefits 

 Rent & 

Utilities Other 

Page # FTEs $000 FTEs $000 FTEs $000 $000 $000 $000 FTEs $000

MUSEUMS AND RESEARCH CENTERS

 47 Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

 48 National Air and Space Museum 161 18,603 163 19,209 165 19,853 394 0 0 2 250

 Collections Staffing 2 250

 55 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 99 23,957 99 24,141 99 24,393 252 0 0 0 0

 60 Major Scientific Instrumentation 0 4,118 0 4,118 0 6,118 0 0 0 0 2,000

 Greenland Telescope 2,000

 40 Universe Research 1 184 1 184 1 184 0 0 0 0 0

Subtotal, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe 261 46,862 263 47,652 265 50,548 646 0 0 2 2,250

 66 Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet

 67 National Museum of Natural History 343 47,992 343 48,503 343 49,205 702 0 0 0 0

 76 National Zoological Park 204 25,420 208 26,382 213 27,252 370 0 0 5 500

 Animal Welfare 5 500

 85 Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 32 3,909 32 3,956 32 4,171 215 0 0 0 0

 89 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 202 14,025 202 14,166 202 14,344 178 0 0 0 0

 40 Biodiversity Research 3 1,520 3 1,523 18 4,230 7 0 0 15 2,700

 Biodiversity Genomics 2 360

 Global Earth Observatories (Forest/Marine) 8 1,440

 Microbial Research 2 300

 Conservation Research 3 600

Subtotal, Understanding a Biodiverse Planet 784 92,866 788 94,530 808 99,202 1,472 0 0 20 3,200

 97 Valuing World Cultures

 98 Arthur M. Sackler Gallery/Freer Gallery of Art 45 6,049 45 6,111 45 6,197 86 0 0 0 0

 103 Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage 17 2,503 17 2,581 18 3,122 28 230 200 1 83

 Digitization 1 83

 Collections Storage and Festival costs 230 200

 109 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 36 4,755 36 4,810 40 5,105 51 8 0 4 236

 Rent Escalation 8

 Collections Staffing 2 136

 Facilities Operations 2 100

 114 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 37 4,301 37 4,414 41 4,913 63 0 0 4 436

 Collections Staffing 2 150

 Digitization 2 286

 120 National Museum of African Art 27 4,227 28 4,399 29 4,576 97 0 0 1 80

 Collections Staffing 1 80

 40 World Culture Research 2 284 2 284 5 792 0 0 0 3 508

 Preserving Cultural Heritages 3 508

Subtotal,Valuing World Cultures 164 22,119 165 22,599 178 24,705 325 238 200 13 1,343

 127 Understanding the American Experience

 128 Anacostia Community Museum 18 2,093 19 2,252 19 2,329 77 0 0 0 0

 132 Archives of American Art 17 1,859 17 1,880 18 2,005 29 0 0 1 96

 Digitization 1 96

 136 National Museum of African American History & Culture 139 40,648 165 41,347 165 41,564 217 0 0 0 0

 146 National Museum of American History, Behring Center 158 21,767 163 22,697 173 25,022 563 250 0 10 1,512

 Collections Storage 250

 Collections Staffing 9 1,406

 Digitization 1 106

 158 National Museum of the American Indian 216 31,444 216 31,726 218 32,341 391 0 0 2 224

 Collections Staffing 2 224

16

 Request

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Salaries and Expenses

Unit Detail of the FY 2015/2016 Enacted and FY 2017 Requests ($ in Thousands)

FY 2015 FY 2016 ANALYSIS OF CHANGE

Enacted Enacted Base (FY 2017 Increases)

Program 

Increase

FY 2017

Adjusted
FTE = Full-Time Equivalent

 Pay & 

Benefits 

 Rent & 

Utilities Other 

Page # FTEs $000 FTEs $000 FTEs $000 $000 $000 $000 FTEs $000

16

 Request

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Salaries and Expenses

Unit Detail of the FY 2015/2016 Enacted and FY 2017 Requests ($ in Thousands)

FY 2015 FY 2016 ANALYSIS OF CHANGE

Enacted Enacted Base (FY 2017 Increases)

Program 

Increase

FY 2017

Adjusted

 162 National Portrait Gallery 55 5,997 56 6,200 57 6,460 139 0 0 1 121

 Collections Staffing 1 121

 170 National Postal Museum 6 1,073 6 1,109 6 1,120 11 0 0 0 0

 174 Smithsonian American Art Museum 88 9,474 89 9,723 91 10,115 197 0 0 2 195

 Collections Staffing 2 195

 40 American Experience Research 4 593 4 595 4 596 1 0 0 0 0

Subtotal, Understanding the American Experience 701 114,948 735 117,529 751 121,552 1,625 250 0 16 2,148

Total for Museums and Research Centers 1,910 276,795 1,951 282,310 2,002 296,007 4,068 488 200 51 8,941

 180 MISSION ENABLING

Program Support and Outreach

 181 Outreach 65 9,150 64 9,045 64 9,214 169 0 0 0 0

 186 Communications 22 2,567 22 2,594 22 2,632 38 0 0 0 0

 189 Institution-wide Programs 0 10,505 0 13,284 0 14,984 0 0 0 0 1,700

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund 0 1,500

 Digitization - Information Resources Management Pool 0 200

 197 Smithsonian Exhibits 28 2,974 28 3,009 28 3,057 48 0 0 0 0

 199 Museum Support Center 18 1,848 18 1,866 18 1,890 24 0 0 0 0

 201 Museum Conservation Institute 22 3,244 22 3,277 22 3,320 43 0 0 0 0

 206 Smithsonian Institution Archives 20 2,167 20 2,253 20 2,316 63 0 0 0 0

 208 Smithsonian Libraries 86 10,399 86 10,654 87 11,275 142 0 350 1 129

 Library Inflation 350

 Digitization 1 129

Subtotal, Program Support and Outreach 261 42,854 260 45,982 261 48,688 527 0 350 1 1,829

 213 Office of the Chief Information Officer 93 48,929 95 50,462 97 54,641 248 0 661 2 3,270

 Digitization 2 1,220

 IT Infrastructure 0 2,050

 217 Administration 181 34,067 181 34,773 196 37,526 108 0 60 15 2,585

 Audit costs 60

 Collections Staffing - National Collections Program 1 173

 Latino Center 3 342

 Asian Pacific American Center 3 300

 Diversity - Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs 2 289

 Internal Controls - Office of General Counsel 5 1,000

 Internal Controls - Privacy Office 1 143

 Training - Office of Human Resources 0 338

 224 Office of the Inspector General 24 3,416 24 3,451 24 3,499 48 0 0 0 0

Facilities Services

 226 Facilities Maintenance 382 71,403 399 73,877 422 89,227 850 0 0 23 14,500

 Maintenance Requirements 23 14,500

 230 Facilities Operations, Security, and Support 1,476 197,879 1,494 205,190 1,543 229,636 1,880 7,026 0 49 15,540

 21 Central Utilities 4,784 49

 22 Central Rent 2,242

 Facilities and Security Requirements 15,540

Subtotal, Facilities Services 1,858 269,282 1,893 279,067 1,965 318,863 2,730 7,026 0 72 30,040

Total for Mission Enabling 2,417 398,548 2,453 413,735 2,543 463,217 3,661 7,026 1,071 90 37,724

GRAND TOTAL, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 4,327 675,343 4,404 696,045 4,545 759,224 7,729 7,514 1,271 141 46,665

17
18

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

FY 2015 Enacted $675,343,000

FY 2016 Enacted $696,045,000

FY 2017 Request $759,224,000

For FY 2017, the Institution requests $759.2 million in the Salaries and 

Expenses (S&E) account. Within the total increase requested, approximately 26

percent is attributable to fixed costs for sustaining base operations (e.g., pay, 

utilities, rent, etc.), and the remainder is for priority requirements throughout the 

Institution.

FIXED COSTS

SALARY AND PAY-RELATED COSTS (+$7,729,000) — The 

Institution requests an increase of $7,729,000 for higher salary and pay-related 

costs. The requested budget funds the proposed 1.6 percent pay raise in 

January 2017, the annualization of the FY 2016 pay raise, and a decrease in

Workers’ Compensation costs, as follows:

Salary and Related Costs: Request

 January 2017 pay raise (3/4 year at 1.6%) $6,283,000

 Annualization of 2016 pay raise (1/4 year at 1.46%) 1,749,000

 Workers’ Compensation -303,000

Total $7,729,000

 Proposed January 2017 Pay Raise (+$6,283,000) — This provides for a 

proposed 1.6 percent pay raise in January 2017 for three-quarters of a year. 

 Annualization of the 2016 Pay Raise (+$1,749,000) — This funds the 

annualization of the 1.46 percent pay raise in January 2016 for the first 

quarter of FY 2017. 

 Workers’ Compensation (-$303,000) — This supports the provisions of 

Section 8147(b) of Title 5, United States Code. The Workers’ Compensation 

bill for FY 2017 is $3,151,000, based on a Department of Labor invoice for 

costs incurred from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. This represents a 

decrease of $303,000 from the prior-year cost of $3,454,000 payable in

FY 2016.
19

FY 2017 Increased Pay Costs

(Dollars in Thousands)

Line Item

FY 2016 

Annualized

FY 2017

Pay 

Increase

FY 2017 

Total Pay 

Increase

National Air and Space Museum 76 318 394

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 63 189 252

National Museum of Natural History 178 524 702

National Zoological Park 90 280 370

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 17 198 215

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 45 133 178

Biodiversity — Consortium 0 7 7

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery/Freer Gallery of Art 22 64 86

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage 7 21 28

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 13 38 51

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 16 47 63

National Museum of African Art 13 84 97

Anacostia Community Museum 8 69 77

Archives of American Art 8 21 29

National Museum of African American History and Culture 38 179 217

National Museum of American History, Behring Center 85 478 563

National Postal Museum 3 8 11

National Museum of the American Indian 98 293 391

National Portrait Gallery 24 115 139

Smithsonian American Art Museum 38 159 197

American Experience — Consortium 0 1 1

Outreach 29 140 169

Communications 10 28 38

Museum Support Center 6 18 24

Museum Conservation Institute 11 32 43

Smithsonian Institution Archives 9 54 63

Smithsonian Libraries 35 107 142

Smithsonian Exhibits 12 36 48

Office of the Chief Information Officer 63 185 248

Administration 98 313 411

Inspector General 11 37 48

Facilities Maintenance 191 659 850

Facilities Operations, Security, and Support 432 1,448 1,880

Total Increased Pay Costs $1,749 $6,283 $8,032
20

UTILITIES, POSTAGE, RENT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND OTHER 

FIXED COSTS (+$8,785,000) — For FY 2017, the Institution requests an

increase of $8,785,000 for utilities, postage, rent, communications, and other 

fixed-cost accounts, as detailed in the chart below. The requested increase 

reflects consumption and rate changes in the utilities accounts, inflationary 

increases, and program needs in rent accounts. In addition, the increases for

Communications and Other Support are requested to provide for fixed software 

licensing and maintenance costs, inflationary increases for library subscriptions,

and to meet compliance requirements.

The following table displays the FY 2016 and FY 2017 estimates. The 

details that follow address the specific changes affecting the FY 2017 accounts.

Federal Utilities, Postage, Rent, Communications,

and Other Fixed Costs

FYs 2016–2017

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2016 

Estimate

FY 2017

Request Change

Utilities:

Electricity 19,587 21,286 1,699

Chilled Water 6,614 7,052 438

Steam 7,599 7,640 41

Natural Gas 2,761 2,778 17

DC Gov’t Water/Sewer 3,222 5,849 2,627

Other Water and Fuel Oil 1,151 1,113 -38

Subtotal, Utilities 40,934 45,718 4,784

Postage 1,511 1,511 0

Motor Fuel 370 370 0

Rental Space:

Central 32,231 34,473 2,242

Unit 8,311 8,799 488

Subtotal, Rent 40,542 43,272 2,730

Communications 18,213 18,874 661

Other Support 2,527 3,137 610

Total $104,097 $112,882 $8,785
21

UTILITIES (+$4,784,000) — Justified here, but included in the Facilities 

Operations, Security, and Support line item, is a requested increase to cover the 

costs of energy, water, and sewer services. The request includes the following:

 Electricity (+$1,699,000) — Electricity is used to operate the Smithsonian’s 

large infrastructure. The major use of electricity is for air-conditioning that 

provides essential climate control to protect the priceless national collections 

as well as ensure the comfort of visitors and staff. The request covers

anticipated cost increases in FY 2017 for current services for all accounts

(+$804,000) and anticipated surcharges by the Potomac Electric Power 

Company to recover costs of the DC PLUG initiative to place the District of 

Columbia’s power lines underground (+$387,000). The request also funds 

increased electricity costs incurred from new and renovated facilities at the 

Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and the Environmental 

Research Center (+$508,000).

 Chilled Water (+$438,000) — Chilled water costs represent both the annual 

cost of the fixed, 15-year debt service for the joint project between the 

General Services Administration (GSA) and the Smithsonian to supply chilled 

water from GSA’s central plant to the Smithsonian’s south Mall facilities, and 

the variable cost for actual chilled water usage. The requested amount will 

fully fund the estimated FY 2017 costs.

 Steam (+$41,000) — The Smithsonian uses steam for heating and 

humidification, and to produce hot water for facilities on the Mall and in New 

York City. The requested increase covers escalation as stipulated in Energy 

Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). 

 Natural Gas (+$17,000) — The Smithsonian uses natural gas and propane for 

heating and generating steam. The net increase covers anticipated rate changes

and estimated higher usage in FY 2017 (+$7,000) as well as escalation as 

stipulated in ESPCs (+$10,000).

 DC Water and Sewer (+$2,627,000) — Funds cover the costs of both water 

and sewer services provided by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer 

Authority (DCWSA). The net increase includes rate and billing adjustments 

transmitted by DCWSA to the Smithsonian in April 2015 (+$2,661,000), as 

well as anticipated increased reimbursements in FY 2017 (-$34,000).

 Other Water and Fuel Oil (-$38,000) — Funds provide water service for 

facilities outside of Washington, DC, and fuel oil used in dual-fuel boilers and

generators for emergency power. The net decrease includes escalation as 

stipulated in ESPCs (+$9,000) and a downward adjustment for lower-thanprojected fuel-oil prices and usage in FY 2015 (-$47,000).
22

POSTAGE — Funds provide for all official domestic and international mail 

services. No increases are requested for postage in FY 2017. 

MOTOR FUEL — Funds provide for motor fuel that powers the Smithsonian’s 

motor vehicle fleet and scientific research vessels. No increases are requested 

for motor fuel in FY 2017.

RENTAL SPACE (+$2,730,000) — Funds provide for the long-term rental of 

office, collections and warehouse storage, and laboratory space. For FY 2017, 

the Smithsonian requests increases of $2,242,000 for centrally-funded lease 

requirements and $488,000 for unit-funded, programmatic lease requirements, 

as follows:

 Central Rent (+$2,242,000) — Justified here, but included in the Facilities 

Operations, Security, and Support line item, are increases needed to support 

leased office and collections storage space, as follows:

Escalation (+$1,492,000) — This request funds annual rent increases in 

accordance with the terms of current lease contracts, and lease-related 

services. Among the contracts, the annual escalation rate for base rent 

averages three percent, and operating and real-estate taxes are each 

projected to increase at four percent above FY 2016 estimates.

Additional Base Rent (+$750,000) — This request funds additional leased 

office and collections storage space for the National Portrait Gallery and 

Smithsonian American Art Museum at the Victor Building, which is located at 

750 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC. The additional space is required to 

accommodate collection staffing needs and to properly care for and store 

collections.

 Unit Rent (+$488,000) — Justified here, but included in the following 

museums’ line items, are unit-funded rent increases needed to support 

Smithsonian programs. The increases are as follows:

Escalation (+$8,000) — Provides funding for the annual escalation of 

contractual lease costs and lease-related services. The requested increase 

supports leased space occupied by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design 

Museum (+$8,000).

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (+$230,000) — This increase 

provides base rent funds for approximately 5,000 square feet of leased 

collections storage space to house audio and video collections in an 

environmentally controlled space. Currently, the collections are housed in 

substandard environmental conditions that put them at risk from deterioration. 

The requested funds will ensure long-term preservation of these irreplaceable

collections for future generations.
23

National Museum of American History (+$250,000) — This increase 

provides base rent funds for approximately 5,000 square feet of leased 

collections storage space to protect and preserve the large, heavy, industrial 

artifacts that are returning to the Smithsonian from the National Museum of 

Industrial History in Pennsylvania.

COMMUNICATIONS (+$661,000) — The communications budget supports 

the operations of the Institution’s voice and data telecommunications 

infrastructure. The requested increase covers the increased cost of software and 

hardware maintenance fees for existing investments, and the expansion of 

central storage and backup systems used to house, manage, and protect the 

rapidly growing number of digitized collections assets. 

These systems include: Enterprise Resource Planning; RedHat/Linux 

enterprise platforms; business analytics software; a software distribution system 

for Macs; SharePoint administration; an employee safety system; and the 

personnel records management system. The requested increases will enable 

systems to stay current and cover rising annual maintenance and operating 

costs, the costs of the upgraded Internet2 connection that allows the exchange of 

large datasets with external collaborators (and sharing of high-resolution images 

and 3D models), and the annual recurring cost for a network connection to the 

new STRI lab in Gamboa, Panama.

OTHER SUPPORT (+$610,000) — An additional $610,000 is requested to 

offset the effects of inflation and to cover other fixed costs. The Smithsonian 

Libraries requires additional funding to adequately address inflationary increases 

in library subscriptions (+$350,000). This increase will enable the Libraries to 

cover the extraordinary inflation costs of purchasing journals and electronic 

databases, which are critical to support the Institution’s many research programs

and scientists.

In addition, the Institution requests an increase of $200,000 to support the 

Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s compliance with new regulations instituted by the 

National Park Service in its management of the turf on the National Mall, which 

strictly limit how the Festival can use this prominent public space. 

Finally, the Smithsonian requests an increase of $60,000 to fund the

inflationary costs of the Institution-wide personal property audits, and to pay the fees 

associated with processing local vouchers through the federal travel-management 

system (Concur).
24

SUMMARY OF S&E PROGRAM INCREASES

$000s

FY 2016 

Base

FY 2017 

Program

Increase

FY 2017 

Fixed 

Costs

FY 2017 

Total

Excellent Research (Grand Challenges) 84,938 +5,208 +2,178 92,324

 Major Scientific Instrumentation 4,118 +2,000

o Greenland Telescope +2,000

 Biodiversity 1,523 +2,700

o Biodiversity Genomics +360

o Global Earth Observatories (Forest) +800

o Global Earth Observatories (Marine) +640

o Microbial Research +300

o Conservation Research +600

 World Cultures 284 +508

o Preserving Cultural Heritages +508

Broadening Access 81,650 +2,762 +714 85,126

 Digitization 14,184 +2,120

 Latino Center 239 +342

 Asian Pacific American Center 123 +300

Revitalizing Education 17,279 0 +243 17,522

Strengthening Collections 76,952 +4,735 +518 82,205

 Collections Staffing 49,149 +2,735

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund 8,197 +1,500

 National Zoo – Animal Welfare 19,606 +500

Mission Enabling 435,226 +33,960 +12,861 482,047

 Facilities Maintenance 73,877 +14,500

 Facilities Operations, Security, and 

Support 215,345 +15,640

 Information Technology Infrastructure 64,109 +2,050

 Management Operations (Training, 

Diversity, Internal Controls) 81,895 +1,770

Total S&E Program Increases $696,045 +$46,665 +$16,514 $759,224

Note: For a complete list of program categories, see page 39
25

EXCELLENT RESEARCH (GRAND CHALLENGES) 

The Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan for FYs 2010–2017 articulates four Grand 

Challenges that provide an overarching strategic framework for Smithsonian programs 

and operations. The four Grand Challenges are: 

 Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

 Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet

 Valuing World Cultures

 Understanding the American Experience

Meeting these Grand Challenges will allow the Smithsonian to integrate the 

work of many disciplines within its museums and research centers, as well as broaden 

the Institution’s external collaborations. The challenges are grounded in research and 

emphasize complementary education and outreach programs. Together, they will 

continue to influence how the Smithsonian directs its resources and focuses its 

energies for maximum effectiveness. 

The programs described below will continue to advance science, technology, 

and innovation within the Institution to achieve high-return benefits from the investment 

in research. For FY 2017, the Institution will continue implementing its Strategic Plan 

with the following requested increases for Excellent Research:

Category FY 2017 Program

Increase ($000s)

FY 2017 FTEs

Increase

EXCELLENT RESEARCH

 Greenland Telescope +2,000 +0

 Biodiversity Genomics +360 +2

 Global Earth Observatories (Forest) +800 +4

 Global Earth Observatories (Marine) +640 +4

 Microbial Research +300 +2

 Conservation Research +600 +3

 Preserving Cultural Heritages +508 +3

Total Increases +5,208 +18

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe — Major Scientific Instrumentation 

(Greenland Telescope) — Base: ($4,118,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$2,000,000)

The Smithsonian requests $2,000,000 to support the completion of the first 

phase of the Greenland Telescope project that will conduct groundbreaking, highpriority observations of supermassive black holes, and conduct terahertz (very high 

frequency) observations of the cold universe as part of the only “mid-scale” priority in 

the 2010 National Research Council “Decadal Survey of Astronomy.” The 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), in partnership with the National 
26

Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Polar Programs, has identified a high, dry, 

northern site on the Greenland ice sheet as the ideal place for the Smithsonian’s

12-meter radio antenna. The telescope will conduct single-dish submillimeter and 

terahertz observations, and very long baseline observations, in conjunction with 

telescopes in Chile and the Smithsonian’s submillimeter telescope array (SMA) in 

Hawaii. Additional details are provided in the Major Scientific Instrumentation section 

of this budget submission. 

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Biodiversity Genomics —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$360,000, +2 FTEs) 

This request (+$360,000 and +2 FTEs) supports expanded Institution-wide 

efforts on collaborative, multi-disciplinary discovery, exploration, and application of 

genomic information for sustainability of global biodiversity and the 21st century 

bioeconomy. This program is a cornerstone priority of the Institution’s biodiversity 

strategic plans, builds on more than 20 years of systematic development and 

reprogramming of federal resources, and further leverages and builds credibility for

increased private fund raising. 

Genome-level information is now a crucial, unifying component of diverse fields, 

including evolutionary biology; ecological research and monitoring; environmental 

change and health; conservation and wildlife management; invasive species 

management; agriculture; and biosurveillance related to national security and 

commerce. Genomic approaches provide innovative tools to explore the traits and 

properties of unknown or poorly known organisms. Collections are one of the key 

resources in Biodiversity Genomics because they represent long-term investments, are 

key resources for analyses with future technologies, and are the basis for monitoring 

near- and long-term changes in organisms. Additional details are provided in the 

Grand Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research section of this Budget request. 

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Global Earth 

Observatories, ForestGEO and MarineGEO — Base: ($1,523,000) Note: an 

additional $1,431,000 is included in the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute 

budget for ForestGEO; FY 2017 Increase: (+$1,440,000, +8 FTEs)

The Institution requests funding (+$800,000 and +4 FTEs) for the Forest Global 

Earth Observatories, or ForestGEO. ForestGEO provides long-term scientific data 

about biodiversity, ecological, hydrological, soil, and meteorological processes 

associated with climate change at local spatial scales and, comparatively, at regional 

and global scales. This research platform enables Smithsonian scientists and their 

university and federal agency partners to better understand the storage and 

movement of carbon and water in tropical and temperate forests, as well as the 

impacts of climate change on the relationships of forests with wildlife, the atmosphere, 

and sources of fresh water. 

In addition, the Institution requests funds (+$640,000 and +4 FTEs) for the 

Marine Global Earth Observatories, or MarineGEO. MarineGEO is one of the 
27

Smithsonian’s signature programs in Earth observations and understanding global 

change, and is dedicated to understanding changes in the structure and function of 

marine ecosystems. These funds build on existing Smithsonian federal and trust 

investment, collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) and the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Ocean 

Science and Technology (SOST), and leveraging in-kind support from a range of 

academic partners to allow expansion of the network beyond the initial sites. This 

comprehensive approach will provide a new, fundamental understanding of our 

oceans, their sustainability, and their importance to human life and society. Additional 

details are provided in the Grand Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research section 

of this Budget request. 

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Microbial Research —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$300,000, +2 FTEs) 

Micro-organisms are ubiquitous in all environments on Earth, from high in the 

atmosphere to deep below the ocean floor. Advancements in genomic and 

computational technologies are revolutionizing the scientific exploration of the 

microbial world, and paving the way for transformative discoveries that explain how 

ecosystem health arises from the hidden and tremendous diversity of microbial life. By 

regulating element and water cycling, microbial communities control nearly every facet 

of ecosystem ecology, and are central to understanding and solving the most pressing 

environmental problems facing the United States. For decades, the Smithsonian has 

established a global network of long-term research sites, known as ForestGEO and 

MarineGEO, to understand patterns and processes of change in natural communities 

in temperate and tropical forests as well as coastal and coral reef ecosystems. 

Accordingly, the Institution requests funds (+$300,000 and +2 FTEs) to build on more 

than a century of world-class research and collections, and to glean insights into how 

microbes shape ecosystem functions, services, and restoration across habitats in the 

United States and around the world. Additional details are provided in the Grand 

Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research section of this budget submission. 

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Conservation Research —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$600,000, +3 FTEs)

The Institution requests $600,000 and 3 FTEs to use the vast scholarly and 

scientific capacity of the Smithsonian to develop conservation strategies sorely needed 

by decision makers, practitioners, and citizens alike. The Smithsonian seeks to enhance 

its role as a trusted knowledge resource to the global biodiversity conservation 

community known for solving real-world problems, serving the national interest, and 

those of humankind, and ultimately finding solutions that will help life survive and thrive. 

Focused on a common future, the Smithsonian has a tremendous opportunity to mobilize 

its scientific capacity, unparalleled collections, laboratories, field stations, and 

partnerships into multi-disciplinary teams that can increase our collective impact in 

creating the new knowledge needed to understand and sustain a biodiverse planet. 

Additional details are provided in the Grand Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research

section of this Budget request. 
28

Valuing World Cultures — Preserving Cultural Heritages — Base: ($284,000); 

FY 2017 Increase: (+$508,000, +3 FTEs) 

The Institution requests funding (+$508,000 and +3 FTEs) for a Smithsonian 

Cultural Crisis Recovery Center. Since 2010, the Smithsonian has taken a leadership 

role in the preservation of cultural heritages affected by natural and man-made 

disasters, including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane “Super Storm” Sandy in 

New York, the ongoing man-made crises in Mali, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt, as well as, 

most recently, the devastating earthquake in Nepal. The additional funding will 

strengthen and enhance the Smithsonian’s ability to respond to the many requests for 

assistance with cultural heritage recovery and preservation around the world. 

Additional details are provided in the Grand Challenges and Interdisciplinary Research

section of this budget submission.

BROADENING ACCESS 

Category FY 2017 Program

Increase ($000s)

FY 2017 FTEs

Increase

BROADENING ACCESS

 Digitization +2,120 +8

 Latino Center +342 +3

 Asian Pacific American Center +300 +3

Total Increase +$2,762 +14

Digitization — Base: ($14,184,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$2,120,000, +8 FTEs) 

The Smithsonian has implemented the first-ever Institution-wide digitization 

strategic plan that includes the framework of digitization policies; made assessments 

to account for the state and progress of digitization; and clarified digitization priorities 

to guide resource allocation and planning. The FY 2015 Digital Assessment showed 

that the Smithsonian has prioritized 13 million objects for digitization and completed 

2.5 million objects (or 19 percent) of this task to date. In accordance with Smithsonian 

Directive (SD) 610, Digitization and Digital Asset Management Policy, Smithsonian 

units have articulated their implementation of Institution-wide priorities in unit 

digitization plans (UDPs) and created foundational digital asset management plans to 

ensure that the Smithsonian can effectively manage digital content for scientific 

studies. 

In addition, the Smithsonian has strategically invested in creating a standard 

mass-digitization process that enables replicable, cost-effective, high-throughput, and 

high-quality digitization for all Smithsonian priority collections. Digitization efforts to 

implement this process have resulted in digital images for more than 400,000 

collection objects in FY 2015 alone, doubling the rate of digitization at the 

Smithsonian. This Budget request will accelerate the Institution’s digitization progress 

by turning more time-limited, mass-digitization prototypes into production projects 

and finishing the digitization of entire collections. Additional details are provided in the 
29

Office of the Chief Information Officer narrative; the Institution-wide Programs section; 

and in the following units’ budget submissions: Smithsonian Libraries; Archives of 

American Art; Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; National Museum of American 

History; and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Latino Center — Base: ($239,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$342,000, +3 FTEs)

The Latino Center requires additional funding to increase the number of 

programmatic staff specializing in the history, art, and culture of Latino/Hispanic 

Americans, the fastest growing demographic in the United States. These personnel will 

enhance the Institution’s exhibitions, public programs, and educational capabilities. 

They will help the Smithsonian join networks of Latino cultural, scholarly, and 

educational organizations across the United States, and help leverage increased 

private support for related programmatic initiatives. Both Appropriations Acts for 2015 

and 2016 encouraged the Institution to promote “the inclusion of Latino contributions in 

Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections, and public outreach.” 

Additional details are provided in the Administration section of this budget submission. 

Asian Pacific American Center — Base: ($123,000); FY 2017 Increase: 

(+$300,000, +3 FTEs) 

To achieve the Institution’s strategic goal of Broadening Access to its mission and 

promoting the understanding of the full spectrum of the American Experience, the 

Smithsonian requests additional positions to support the Asian Pacific American Center’s 

(APAC) strategic plan. Both Appropriations Acts for 2015 and 2016 encouraged the 

Smithsonian to develop a more robust program in this area, “which will promote a better 

understanding of the Asian Pacific American experience.” APAC will showcase cuttingedge programming and increase the Center’s capacity to collaborate internally and 

externally, both with the Asian Pacific American community and Smithsonian stakeholders. 

Additional details are provided in the Administration section of this Budget request.

REVITALIZING EDUCATION 

The Smithsonian will continue to provide authentic and inspiring Science, 

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) experiences for teachers and 

students by drawing on the scientific and engineering assets of the Federal 

government. In particular, the Smithsonian will advance STEM goals by serving as a 

conduit between federal mission agencies and other non-profit organizations —

including the Smithsonian’s 208 Affiliate museums. The Institution will build and 

support learning communities that include educators in schools and informal learning 

settings; assist with the identification of curricula in various modalities; and work with 

partners to identify, develop, and disseminate STEM engagement materials and 

experiences. The STEM initiative will also advance professional development 

opportunities that take the next-generation science standards into consideration and 

align with individual state education standards. 
30

In FY 2017, the Smithsonian will continue to work with Federal agencies offering 

STEM programs so that the Institution can identify and disseminate content that takes 

advantage of each agency’s unique assets; create complementary materials and avoid 

duplication of effort; and share a centralized portal for the broad dissemination of our 

educational offerings. However, no additional resources are requested in this FY 2017 

budget submission. 

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS 

Category

FY 2017

Program

Increase ($000s) 

FY 2017 

FTEs

Increase

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS

 Collections Staffing +2,735 +22

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund +1,500 +0

 Animal Welfare +500 +5

Total Increase +$4,735 +27

Collections stewardship is a key component and core priority of the 

Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan. Assembled throughout the Institution’s history, 

Smithsonian collections are fundamental to carrying out the Institution’s mission and 

supporting the Grand Challenges, serving as the intellectual base for scholarship, 

exhibition, and education. As recognized by the America COMPETES Reauthorization 

Act of 2010, the proper management, documentation, preservation, and accessibility 

of collections are critical to the nation’s research and education infrastructure, 

enabling researchers to address such significant challenges as the effects of climate 

change, the spread of invasive species, and the loss of biological diversity and its 

impact on global ecosystems. 

Collections stewardship — the systematic development, documentation, 

management, preservation, and use of collections — is not a single process or 

procedure but a series of components which are interwoven, interdependent, and 

ongoing. The condition of facilities housing collections, the quality of storage and 

preservation, and the ability to document collections in manual and digital formats 

directly affect the Smithsonian’s ability to make collections available to scholars and 

the general public worldwide. Because collections stewardship is fundamental to the 

Smithsonian’s mission, there is a vital need for additional resources to accomplish 

basic collections management activities for accountability, preservation, storage, 

digitization, and accessibility of the collections. The Institution must also substantially 

improve its collections scholarship to ensure that our vast collections are properly 

exhibited and interpreted for the Smithsonian’s worldwide audiences, including the 

scientific community. 
31

Collections Staffing — Base: ($49,149,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$2,735,000, +22

FTEs)

Collections Scholarship (+$1,604,000 and +11 FTEs): Although the Institution 

has many staffing needs, curatorial and collections management staffing is the top 

priority. For example, the National Museum of American History has important national 

collections in its Chemistry (7,000 objects), Biology (3,000 objects), and Physics (600 

objects) departments. However, with the loss of six key staff in the last decade, 

primarily due to base erosion, none of these collections has professional curatorial 

coverage. Coverage is currently provided by one collections specialist who does no 

exhibiting, interpretation, or cataloguing of existing collections, and no new collecting.

Museums also require additional staff to research and write educational 

materials that convey cultural context and meet curriculum standards, design 

curriculum and learning activities, and develop and maintain a dynamic and functional

publications distribution system.

In pursuit of the requested funds, the Institution is following a balanced 

strategy, using both federal and trust support to stop further base erosion and begin 

rebuilding the curatorial staff. Even though it is difficult to raise private funds for this 

effort, each museum is committed to match the federal support with private resources 

for this essential program. We have had some success with this approach so far and 

have funded some endowed curatorial positions as part of our national campaign. Our 

donors have expressed their support for this balanced strategy, leveraging their 

donations with an equal federal commitment to restore the scholarly foundation of the 

Institution.

Museums requesting curatorial funding include: the National Museum of 

American History (+5 FTEs); the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (+2 FTEs); 

the National Museum of the American Indian (+2 FTEs); and the National Air and 

Space Museum (+2 FTEs). Additional details are included in each Museum’s narrative.

Collections Management (+$1,131,000 and +11 FTEs): Several recent 

Inspector General collections stewardship audit reports have identified a critical need 

to fill high-priority positions to care for and preserve collections, including ensuring full 

inventory control over collections, providing proper preservation of collections at risk,

and supporting a robust digitization program to make collections available online to 

national and international communities. Museums require additional staff to: assist 

with research and public collections inquiries; expand loan and digitization capacities 

to meet the growing demand for physical and digital access to collections; conserve 

fragile and at-risk collections, including time-based media and digital art; research and 

process new acquisitions and backlogs; meet the expanding requirements of 

upcoming exhibitions; improve collections emergency management and professional 

development training; and achieve and sustain inventory and preservation controls to

support responsible collections stewardship.
32

In particular, Museums and offices requesting collections management funding

include: the National Museum of American History (+4 FTEs); National Portrait Gallery 

(+1 FTE); the Smithsonian American Art Museum (+2 FTEs); the National Museum of 

African Art (+1 FTE); the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (+2 FTEs); and 

the National Collections Program (+1 FTE). Additional details are included in each 

Museum’s unit narrative.

This collections staffing request (+$2,735,000 and +22 FTEs) specifies the 

necessary federal support to begin to reverse the loss of curatorial and collections 

management staff in several of the Smithsonian’s most popular museums and galleries. 

Collections Care and Preservation Fund — Base: ($8,197,000); FY 2017 Increase: 

(+$1,500,000)

The Institution seeks to improve its collections care to ensure Smithsonian 

collections remain available for current and future use. The volume, characteristics, 

complexity, and age of Smithsonian collections, as well as the variety of disciplinespecific standards that apply to their care, make their management and preservation 

as unprecedented, challenging, and complex as the collections themselves.

This budget request supports the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan to continually 

improve the quality of collections preservation, storage space, management, and 

accessibility, while also leveraging internal resources to support Institution-wide 

initiatives that strategically address Smithsonian collections care. Collections care 

funding directly supports the Smithsonian’s overarching goal of improving the 

preservation and accessibility of collections which are vital to current and future 

scholarly research, education, and the nation’s scientific endeavors.

The Smithsonian has made significant progress at raising the level of 

collections care, storage, and accessibility with targeted funding. Through

assessments, long-term planning, and prioritization, the Smithsonian is 

strengthening collections in a pragmatic, strategic, and integrated manner. This 

budget request seeks critical resources to continue to build on and implement 

important planning initiatives for strategically addressing critical collections 

management, emergency preparedness, and space needs. Additional details are 

included in the Institution-wide Programs section of this budget submission.

Animal Welfare — Base: ($19,606,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$500,000, +5 FTEs) 

The National Zoological Park (NZP) is requesting a funding increase (+$500,000

and +5 FTEs) to provide the needed resources for the NZP’s Smithsonian Conservation 

Biology Institute (SCBI, in Front Royal, Virginia) breeding facility. SCBI is worldrenowned for its heroic efforts to research, breed and reintroduce some of the world’s 

most critically endangered species into the wild, including Przewalski’s horse, the 

golden-lion tamarin, black-footed ferret, scimitar-horned oryx, and red-crowned cranes, 

among others. Federal and state regulations require intensive animal quarantining and 

screening procedures to prevent disease transmission. Increased disease threats, such 
33

as highly pathogenic avian influenza, require additional staffing to respond to new 

requirements and maintain a viable collection.

Furthermore, the National Zoo must strategically augment staffing with a select 

number of well-trained animal care professionals and veterinarians — staff who are 

essential for ensuring that the Zoo successfully achieves its vital mission of saving 

species. Specifically, the requested funding will support one veterinarian, three animal 

keepers, and one support position. Additional details are provided in the NZP unit 

narrative in this budget submission.

MISSION ENABLING

Category FY 2017 Program

Increase ($000s) 

FY 2017 FTEs

Increase

MISSION ENABLING

 Facilities Maintenance +14,500 +23

 Facilities Operations +15,640 +51

 IT Infrastructure +2,050 +0

 Management Operations +1,770 +8

Total Increase +$33,960 +82

Facilities Maintenance — Base: ($73,877,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$14,500,000, 

+23 FTEs)

For FY 2017, the Smithsonian requests an increase of $14.5 million and 23 FTEs 

to enable its maintenance program to continue the work of stabilizing and standardizing 

the overall condition of Institution facilities. The increase will fund high-priority needs,

including support to complete funding of facilities and security operations for the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The long-term, welldocumented goal is to maintain Smithsonian facilities at the Leadership in Educational

Facilities, or APPA, top rating of Level 1. Progress toward that goal has been made in 

recent years. With the resources requested in the FY 2017 budget, the Smithsonian will 

operate at a solid APPA maintenance rating of Level 3 (out of 5), “Managed Care.” This

increase provides a minimal level of preventive maintenance and building system 

reliability to ensure that proper environmental conditions are maintained for collections 

and that public expectations are met. 
34

The following chart summarizes the requirements:

Category

FY 2017 

Increase 

$000s

FY 2017 

Increase 

FTEs

Facilities and Systems Support +11,400 +14

Land Management +1,500 +3

NMAAHC Support +1,600 +6

Total Increases +$14,500 +23

Additional details are included in the Facilities Maintenance section of this 

budget request.

Facilities Operations, Security, and Support — Base: ($215,345,000); FY 2017 

Increase: (+$15,640,000, +51 FTEs)

For FY 2017, the Smithsonian requests an increase of $15.64 million and 51

FTEs to address high-priority operating, safety, and security requirements. The 

increase will fund high-priority needs, including support to complete funding of 

facilities and security operations for the National Museum of African American History 

and Culture (NMAAHC). The Institution is committed to achieving APPA’s appearance 

Level 2 (out of 5), referred to as “Ordinary Tidiness.” This level of appearance will 

provide an acceptable level of cleanliness that meets public expectations.

The following chart summarizes the requirements:

Category

FY 2017 

Increase 

$000s

FY 2017 

Increase 

FTEs

Facilities Requirements +5,100 +11

Security Requirements +6,075 +2

NMAAHC Support +4,465 +38

Total Increase +$15,640 +51

Additional details are included in the Facilities Operations, Security, and 

Support section and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s narrative of 

this budget request.

Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure — Base: ($64,109,000); FY 2017 

Increase: (+$2,050,000) 

This funding request supports the upgrade and replacement of aging IT 

security infrastructure at the Smithsonian. The request includes funds for security 

monitoring, response, and assessment; maintenance of seven sites and the 

replacement of the Internet firewall; recurring funds for maintenance or the 
35

replacement of outdated and inadequate intrusion-detection systems; and funds to 

maintain and replace outdated Web proxy servers. Additional details are included in 

the Office of the Chief Information Officer narrative of this budget request.

Management Operations — Base: ($81,895,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$1,770,000, 

+8 FTEs)

The following chart summarizes the requested requirements:

Category

FY 2017 

Increase 

$000s

FY 2017 

Increase 

FTEs

Training +338 0

Diversity +289 +2

Internal Controls

 Office of the General Counsel +1,000 +5

 Privacy Specialist +143 +1

Total Increase +$1,770 +8

 Training (+$338,000) — This funding request supports a comprehensive, 

centrally funded, mandated training program (as required by 5 United States 

Code [U.S.C.] §4121), which includes initial and follow-up supervisor training to 

comply with the myriad rules, regulations, and policies involved in employee 

supervision. Currently, courses are funded on a cost-recovery basis (via unit 

reimbursements) that presents a growing unit challenge of prioritizing funding 

needs to meet their most critical training needs. By having a centralized training 

fund, the Institution will ensure compliance with federal regulations, increase 

employee engagement, and mitigate costs.

 Diversity (+$289,000, +2 FTEs) — Diversity is one of the expressed values in the 

Smithsonian Strategic Plan. The Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs’ 

(OEEMA) Supplier Diversity Program advocates for the use of small 

disadvantaged businesses in the Smithsonian’s procurement and contracting 

operations. The Institution is requesting permanent funding for a Supplier Diversity 

Program (SDP) specialist ($134,000). This position will assist with administrative 

duties and in advocating for unit managers to achieve their SDP goals. In addition, 

the Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs requests one affirmative 

employment specialist ($155,000) to conduct regular and comprehensive audits of 

Smithsonian units to identify barriers to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), 

including in the Institution’s hiring and promotion practices. 
36

 Internal Controls

o Office of General Counsel (+$1,000,000, +5 FTEs) — The Office of the 

General Counsel requests additional resources to address the Smithsonian’s 

current need for advice, representation, and education to support internal 

controls, and to manage the increasing activities in the areas of cybersecurity, 

privacy, risk management, ethics, international activities, complex business 

transactions, and litigation.

These essential resources will address the areas of privacy and cybersecurity; 

agreements for projects conducted in other countries; increased complex 

litigation, including cases in the Office of Special Counsel and Merit Systems 

Protection Board (which often involve time-sensitive electronic discovery

assignments); expanded activities at the Smithsonian Tropical Research 

Institute and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; the need for timely 

ethics guidance; and proper oversight of fundraising and investment activities. 

o Privacy Specialist — (+$143,000, +1 FTE) — This funding request provides 

for a privacy specialist to deliver essential support to the Smithsonian

community. As the incidents of privacy breaches increase, this additional 

position will enable the Institution to both investigate incidents as well as 

continue training to help prevent breaches and develop methods to identify and 

respond to future data breaches of personally identifiable information content.

Additional details on all Management Operations increases are included in the 

Administration section of this budget request.
37

NO-YEAR FUNDING — The following table provides the FY 2016 and FY 2017

Salaries and Expenses requests for No-Year Funding.

No-Year Funding Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Salaries and Expenses FY 2016

Enacted

FY 2017

Request

Change from 

FY 2016

No-Year Funds

National Museum of African 

American History and Culture 41,347 41,564 +217

National Museum of Natural History

 Exhibition Reinstallation 954 954 +0

 Repatriation Program 1,379 1,396 +17

Major Scientific Instrumentation 4,118 6,118 +2,000

Collections Acquisition 435 435 +0

Total, No-Year Funds $48,233 $50,467 +$2,234

OBJECT-CLASS FUNDING — The following table provides an object-class 

breakout of resources for the Salaries and Expenses account.

Object-Class Request

(Dollars in Millions)

Salaries and Expenses FY 2016

Enacted

FY 2017 

Request

Change from 

FY 2016

Salaries and Benefits 421 449 +28

Travel and Transportation 6 6 0

Rent, Utilities, Communications, 

and Other

91 99 +8

Other Services 129 148 +19

Supplies and Materials 19 23 +4

Equipment 27 31 +4

Land and Structures 3 3 0

Total, Object-Class Funds $696 $759 +$63
38

FEDERAL RESOURCE SUMMARY BY PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE

AND PROGRAM CATEGORY

The Smithsonian has developed its FY 2017 budget request by reviewing all 

resources, both base amounts and identified increases or decreases, in relation to the 

Institution’s performance plan and overall Strategic Plan. 

The Institution’s program performance goals and objectives are aligned with the 

program categories used in the federal budget and the Institution’s financial accounting 

system. This enables the Institution to more clearly demonstrate the relationship 

between dollars budgeted and results achieved.

The table below summarizes the request by program category and details the pay 

increases and program changes. The table on the following page summarizes the 

Institution’s FY 2016 and FY 2017 Salaries and Expenses estimates and the proposed 

changes by strategic goal, performance objective, and program category. 

FY 2017 Budget

Federal Resources by Program Category

Salaries and Expenses ($s in 000s)

FTEs $000 FTEs $000 FTEs $000

Excellent Research 561 84,938 580 92,324 19 7,386 1,903 275 5,208 7,386

Broadening Access 564 81,650 578 85,126 14 3,476 514 200 2,762 3,476

 -

Revitalizing Education 145 17,279 145 17,522 0 243 243 243

Strengthening Collections 529 76,952 554 82,205 25 5,253 288 230 4,735 5,253

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 529 76,952 554 82,205 25 5,253 288 230 4,735 5,253

Mission Enabling 2,605 435,226 2,688 482,047 83 46,821 4,781 7,284 796 33,960 46,821 

 Facilities Operations 729 140,545 758 156,353 29 15,808 719 7,284 7,805 15,808

 Facilities Maintenance 399 73,877 422 89,227 23 15,350 850 14,500 15,350

 Security and Safety 826 74,800 848 83,679 22 8,879 1,044 7,835 8,879

 Information Technology 154 64,109 154 68,157 0 4,048 1,337 661 2,050 4,048

 Management Operations 497 81,895 506 84,631 9 2,736 831 135 1,770 2,736 

TOTAL 4,404 696,045 4,545 759,224 141 63,179 7,729 7,514 1,271 46,665 63,179

Performance Objective/Program Category

Federal Resources by Performance Objective and Program Category

Salaries and Expenses ($s in thousands)

Fixed 

Pay

Fixed 

Rent/ 

Utilities

Fixed 

Other

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change Program 

Change

Total
FTEs $000 FTEs $000 FTEs $000

Excellent Research 561 84,938 579 92,324 18 7,386 

Research

Engage in research and discovery 421 66,810 436 72,997 15 6,187 

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the humanities 140 18,128 143 19,327 3 1,199 

Broadening Access 564 81,650 579 85,126 15 3,476 

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 83 14,184 92 16,584 9 2,400 

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 138 18,233 143 18,915 5 682 

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 343 49,233 344 49,627 1 394 

Revitalizing Education 145 17,279 145 17,522 0 243 

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 145 17,279 145 17,522 0 243 

Strengthening Collections 529 76,952 554 82,205 25 5,253 

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national collections 529 76,952 554 82,205 25 5,253 

Mission Enabling 2,606 435,226 2,689 482,047 83 46,821 

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient operation of 

Smithsonian facilities 729 140,315 758 156,117 29 15,802 

Implement an aggressive and professional maintenance program 399 73,877 422 89,227 23 15,350 

Execute an aggressive, long-range revitalization program and 

limited construction of new facilities 1 230 1 236 0 6 

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian facilities, collections, 

staff, visitors and volunteers 780 68,046 800 76,534 20 8,488 

Provide a safe and healthy environment 46 6,754 48 7,145 2 391 

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution's information technology systems and 

infrastructure 154 64,109 154 68,157 0 4,048 

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is customer centered and 

results oriented 188 27,939 195 29,550 7 1,611 

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is efficient, collaborative, 

committed, innovative, and diverse 97 19,080 99 19,669 2 589 

Modernize the Institution's financial management and accounting 

operations 90 14,148 90 14,328 0 180 

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by maintaining good 

relations with the news media and with federal, state, and local 

governments 37 5,417 37 5,550 0 133 

Modernize and streamline the Institution's acquisitions 

management operations 65 8,457 65 8,568 0 111 

Ensuring Financial Strength

Secure financial resources required for Institution's mission 20 6,854 20 6,966 0 112 

TOTAL 4,404 696,045 4,545 759,224 141 63,179 

Federal Resources by Performance Objective and Program Category

Salaries and Expenses ($s in thousdands)

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Performance Objective and Program Category

 39
40

GRAND CHALLENGES AND INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 10 2,581 0 0 0 55 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 10 2,586 0 13 0 210 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 28 5,802 0 15 0 18 0 0

STRATEGIC GOAL: EXCELLENT RESEARCH

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 4 1,707 19 4,414 15 2,707

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

6 879 9 1,388 3 509

Total 10 2,586 28 5,802 18 3,216

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan for 2010–2017 articulates four Grand 

Challenges which provide an overarching strategic framework for Smithsonian 

programs and operations. Meeting these challenges will enable the Institution to 

integrate the work of many disciplines within the Smithsonian museums and 

research centers, as well as broaden our external collaborations. The challenges are 

grounded in research and emphasize complementary education and outreach 

programs; together, they influence how the Smithsonian directs its resources and 

focuses its energies. The Smithsonian has developed and implemented a Grand 

Challenges Awards initiative to advance cross-disciplinary, integrated scholarly 

efforts across the Institution that relate to one or more of the four Grand Challenges. 

Using a competitive internal process, the Smithsonian is distributing externally raised 

grant funds designated for the purpose of advancing research, broadening access, 

revitalizing education, and encouraging new ways of thinking that involve emerging 

technology. The grant funding may also help to leverage additional funding, both 

internal and external, thereby amplifying the scope and breadth of cross-cutting 

research initiatives. The Smithsonian uses the Grand Challenges to present the 
41

high-level view of the Strategic Plan in the budget; funds are distributed through 

interdisciplinary consortia, but existing Smithsonian units with subject-matter 

expertise make most of the actual expenditures in the areas being supported.

The four Grand Challenges are:

 Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

 Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet

 Valuing World Cultures

 Understanding the American Experience

In FY 2017, the Smithsonian’s budget request includes funding increases

for Biodiversity Genomics, Forest/Marine Global Earth Observatories (GEOs),

Microbial Research, and Conservation Research. The funding increase for World 

Cultures includes Preserving Cultural Heritages. Also included is $8,000 for 

necessary pay for existing staff funded under this line item. Below is a summary 

of the FY 2017 Grand Challenges budget.

Grand Challenges

FY 2016

Base 

$000s

FY 2017

Increase

$000s

FY 2017

Total

$000s

Universe 184 0 184

Biodiversity 1,523 +2,707 4,230

 Biodiversity Genomics +360

 Global Earth Observatories (Forest) +800

 Global Earth Observatories (Marine) +640

 Microbial Research +300

 Conservation Research +600

 Necessary Pay Increase +7

World Cultures 284 +508 792

 Preserving Cultural Heritages +508

American Experience 595 +1 596

 Necessary Pay Increase +1

 Total $2,586 $3,216 $5,802

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Biodiversity Genomics —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$360,000, +2 FTEs)

This request (+$360,000 and +2 FTEs) supports expanded Institution-wide 

efforts on collaborative, multi-disciplinary discovery, exploration, and application 

of genomic information for sustainability of global biodiversity and the 21st 

century bioeconomy. This program is a cornerstone priority of the Institution’s 

biodiversity strategic plans, builds on more than 20 years of systematic 

development and reprogramming of federal resources, and will further leverage 

increased private fund raising. 
42

Genome-level information is now a crucial, unifying component of diverse 

fields, including evolutionary biology; ecological research and monitoring; 

environmental change and health; conservation and wildlife management;

invasive species management; agriculture; and biosurveillance related to national 

security and commerce. Genomic approaches provide innovative tools to explore 

the traits and properties of unknown or poorly known organisms. The national 

collections are one of the key resources in Biodiversity Genomics because they 

represent long-term investments, are the key for analyses with future 

technologies, and are the basis for monitoring near- and long-term changes in 

organisms.

This genomics research will span existing Smithsonian interests, use the 

findings of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Tree of Life decadal program, 

and facilitate the international Global Genome Biodiversity Network — of which 

the Smithsonian is a key leader. This expertise and international network will 

integrate new intellectual and technological approaches, and will support the 

MarineGEO and ForestGEO platforms. It will facilitate building the vital 

distributed infrastructure of biological diversity collections and tissues, develop 

big databases (at the genome level) of unparalleled quality and provenance, and 

help to secure international cooperation on standards for these key observation 

sets.

This request will provide two researchers to specifically help foster, 

coordinate, and implement Biodiversity Genomics research across the 

Smithsonian and with our federal, national, and global partners. These two 

researchers will accelerate the initiative by providing essential core expertise, 

facilitate development and adoption of standards, and build a strong financial and 

scientific foundation to leverage further private support. They will also provide 

central support and coordination of core bioinformatic resources, including 

protocols for the collection, analyses, and management of data, the 

implementation and maintenance of hardware and software, and the curation of 

internal and public data repositories and bioinformatics pipelines. Coordinated 

and accessible data management is essential for high-quality genomics 

research.

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Global Earth 

Observatories, Forest and MarineGEOs — Base: ($1,523,000) Note: an 

additional $1,431,000 is included in the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute

(STRI) budget for ForestGEO; FY 2017 Increase: (+$1,440,000, +8 FTEs)

The Institution requests funding (+$800,000 and +4 FTEs) for the Forest 

Global Earth Observatories, or ForestGEO (also known as the Center for Tropical 

Science, CFTS). ForestGEO provides long-term scientific data about biodiversity, 

ecological, hydrological, soil, and meteorological processes associated with 

climate change at local spatial scales and, comparatively, at regional and global 

scales. This research platform enables Smithsonian scientists and their university 
43

and federal agency partners to better understand the storage and movement of 

carbon and water in tropical and temperate forests, as well as the impacts of 

climate change on the relationships of forests with wildlife, the atmosphere, and 

sources of fresh water. ForestGEO data improve forest change models and 

projections, and will better inform worldwide policy decisions related to carbon 

budgets, nutrient cycling, hydrology, and biodiversity. The ForestGEO network 

leverages and adds to related Government efforts coordinated through the United 

States Group on Earth Observations’ interagency process (http://usgeo.gov) and 

the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) (http://globalchange.gov). 

ForestGEO is coordinated with the NSF National Ecological Observation Network 

(NEON). Increasing the ForestGEO budget will stabilize long-term monitoring that 

extends back in time three decades; permit highly quantitative analyses of trees 

and carbon on individual forest plots and across the global network; promote 

further implementation of arthropod, vertebrate, soil, hydrology, and remotesensing programs; and improve data quality and access.

In addition, the Institution requests funds (+$640,000 and +4 FTEs) for the 

Marine Global Earth Observatories, or MarineGEO. MarineGEO is one of the 

Smithsonian’s signature programs in Earth observations and understanding global 

change, and is dedicated to understanding changes in the structure and function of 

marine ecosystems. This investment builds on existing Smithsonian federal and 

trust investment, collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) and the National Science and Technology Council’s 

Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST), and leveraging in-kind 

support from a range of academic partners to allow expansion of the network 

beyond the initial sites. The MarineGEO network is unique in that it combines: 1) a 

commitment to standardized, long-term measurements of key new variables to 

document changes during the next 30–50 years; 2) the incorporation of innovative 

experiments across traditional disciplinary boundaries as a core element to 

determine causes of observed changes; 3) the use of extensive collections in 

anthropological and paleontological studies that put present changes in a much 

broader temporal context; 4) a commitment to data openness and standardization; 

5) a focus on separating natural and anthropogenic causes of biodiversity 

changes; and 6) a focus on near-shore environments where people and 

biodiversity are concentrated and interact most closely. This comprehensive 

approach will provide a new, fundamental understanding of the sustainability of 

oceans.

The expanded MarineGEO will be a global-scale network of sites, which 

spans latitudes and ocean basins and engages a diverse consortium of partner 

institutions and collaborators. With partners such as NOAA and various state 

institutions, the Smithsonian is augmenting existing monitoring sites, and will 

include key international partners both latitudinally into the polar region and 

longitudinally to encompass the world’s ocean basins. This network will provide 

the platform for integrative, multi-disciplinary research to answer a diverse range 

of fundamental questions about marine ecosystems, how they function, and their 
44

sustainability. MarineGEO will also provide a vibrant and dynamic platform for 

education and outreach activities for students, citizen-scientists, environmental

resource managers, and policy makers. MarineGEO began as a select set of 

core nodes, or sites, where the Smithsonian already had major research 

activities to facilitate rapid development of the program (i.e., the Smithsonian 

Environmental Research Center; the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, 

Florida; and STRI at Bocas del Toro, Panama) and testing of standardized useful 

protocols. To do this in the most efficient manner possible, the Institution is 

drawing on lessons learned from its current network of ForestGEO sites. 

Because of the importance of DNA-based analyses, MarineGEO is being 

implemented in collaboration with the expansion of the Smithsonian’s biodiversity 

genomics analytical and collections capacities.

Private financial support will be used to address some of the program’s 

infrastructure and equipment needs. It will support the expansion of the network, 

full integration of information into national and international Earth observation 

data streams, which will be used for model development and testing, and will 

support sustainable management and adaptation options in coastal regions.

The requested funds (+$640,000) will provide salaries and benefits for 4 

FTEs, thereby enabling the Smithsonian to standardize data management and 

dissemination, acquire consistent specimen collections across the network, 

provide services to partners, and attract new partners to the network. In addition, 

these vital resources will allow the Institution to centralize education and 

outreach efforts to bring together the stories of the scientists and share them for 

the diffusion of knowledge to the public, environmental resource managers, and 

policy makers.

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Microbial Research —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$300,000, +2 FTEs)

Micro-organisms are ubiquitous in all environments on Earth, from high in

the atmosphere to deep below the seafloor. Advancements in genomic and 

computational technologies are revolutionizing the scientific exploration of the 

microbial world, and paving the way for transformative discoveries that explain 

how ecosystem health arises from the hidden and tremendous diversity of 

microbial life. By regulating element and water cycling, microbial communities 

control nearly every facet of ecosystem ecology, and are central to 

understanding and solving the most pressing environmental problems the United 

States faces. Accordingly, the Institution requests funds (+$300,000 and +2 

FTEs) to build on more than a century of world-class research and collections,

and to glean insights into how microbes shape ecosystem functions, services, 

and restoration across habitats in the United States and around the world. The 

requested funds will provide salaries and benefits for 2 FTEs (one scientist and 

one research assistant), as well as the equipment needed to conduct the 

research.
45

This microbial biology initiative will significantly strengthen the Institution’s 

international leadership in biodiversity research, and fill significant gaps in the 

Smithsonian’s research priority areas. The Smithsonian is uniquely poised for 

this initiative because of our ongoing investments in two Global Earth 

Observatory (GEO) networks, one focused on forests (ForestGEO) and the other 

on near-shore coastal ecosystems (MarineGEO). These globally distributed sites 

in tropical and temperate landscapes and marine environments provide unique 

observatories for testing hypotheses about the role of microbial diversity in 

shaping the biodiversity and stability of terrestrial, estuarine, and marine habitats, 

and the health of their associated organisms. 

In support of the requested funding, ongoing Smithsonian programs will 

provide the necessary physical and macro-biological data. The Institution already 

has appropriate laboratory and field facilities to carry out this research, and only 

lacks certain instruments for genomic research. The requested increase will allow 

Smithsonian scientists to:

 establish innovative research programs in terrestrial, marine, and 

estuarine microbial biology by leveraging existing biodiversity programs on

global scales;

 discover general ecological principles governing how microbiota behave in 

diverse environments;

 develop and test experimental models of how microenvironments shape 

microbial community structures; and

 generate critical data to determine how microbiota promote resilience 

among species that form the biological and physical foundation of 

estuarine, wetland, coral reef, and forest ecosystems.

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet — Conservation Research —

Base: ($1,523,000); FY 2017 Increase: (+$600,000, +3 FTEs)

The Smithsonian requests $600,000 and 3 FTEs to harness the vast 

scholarly and scientific capacity of the Institution to develop conservation strategies 

sorely needed by decision makers, practitioners, and citizens alike. 

With this funding, the Smithsonian seeks to enhance its role as a trusted 

knowledge resource for the global biodiversity conservation community that is 

known for solving real-world problems, serving the national interest, and ultimately 

finding solutions that help ecosystems survive and thrive. The following three major 

insights have emerged from our efforts to stem biodiversity loss: 1) biodiversity, in 

all its forms, is the foundation of healthy ecosystems that are resilient to 

degradation; 2) humankind depends on functioning, healthy ecosystems; and 3) 

humans are agents of change across the entire planet, from local to global scales. 

Billions of dollars a year are already channeled into global efforts to mitigate, offset 

or recover from environmental damage caused by human activities, and yet most of 

these approaches are not backed by rigorous science. By focusing on a common 
46

future, the Smithsonian can mobilize its scientific capacity, unparalleled collections, 

laboratories, field stations, and partnerships into multi-disciplinary teams that will 

enable us to better acquire the new knowledge needed to understand and sustain a 

biodiverse planet for the benefit of all life on Earth.

This request will provide funds for a senior program director who will 

coordinate scientific activities across the Institution’s dozens of projects, programs, 

and initiatives at Smithsonian museums and research centers. Two scientists will 

be recruited to lead efforts to study how environmental change, habitat 

fragmentation, disease, pollutants, and invasive species impact ecosystem 

functions and species survival. By focusing on these broad conservation 

challenges, we will foster increased Institution-wide collaboration, improve 

coordination and efficiency across disciplines and locations, and more effectively 

leverage federal resources to generate the external grants, contracts and 

philanthropic support that will fuel program activities and lead to new discoveries.

Valuing World Cultures — Preserving Cultural Heritages — Base: ($284,000); 

FY 2017 Increase: (+$508,000, +3 FTEs)

The Institution requests funding (+$508,000 and +3 FTEs) for a Smithsonian 

Cultural Crisis Recovery Center. Since 2010, the Smithsonian has taken a 

leadership role in the preservation of cultural heritage affected by natural and manmade disasters, including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane “Super Storm” 

Sandy in New York, the ongoing man-made crises in Mali, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt, 

as well as, most recently, the devastating earthquake in Nepal. The additional 

funding will strengthen and enhance the Smithsonian’s ability to respond to the 

many requests for assistance with cultural heritage recovery and preservation 

around the world. The funding will also help leverage private support for cultural 

recovery efforts. The Haiti initiative is an excellent example of a public-private 

partnership; the Institution successfully supplemented funding by USAID, 

UNESCO, the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities (PCAH), and other 

Government entities with financial support from numerous private sources.

The work of cultural crisis recovery entails assessment; collecting and 

sharing information; participating in, coordinating, or leading a response; 

conducting training; encouraging follow-up and long-range planning; and 

conducting and sharing research with field personnel and with policy makers. All 

this requires leadership and staff, and this budget request will increase our staff of 

one by adding three positions: a program manager, a training coordinator, and a 

program assistant. Also included are funds for travel, supplies, and equipment. 

Supporting this item of increase will create a strong federal base on which to build 

a public-private partnership for years to come. This is an initiative that 

demonstrates the Smithsonian’s core values of respect for cultural heritages 

throughout the world. Cultural Crisis Recovery is key to saving our shared cultural 

heritage for future generations.
47

Introduction, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

The Smithsonian will continue to lead in the quest to 

understand the fundamental nature of the cosmos, using nextgeneration technologies to explore our own solar system, meteorites, 

the Earth’s geological past and present, and the paleontological 

record of our planet. 

RESEARCH Goal: The Smithsonian will continue to advance 

knowledge at the forefront of understanding the universe and the 

solid Earth. 

ACCESS Goal: Inspire people to probe the mysteries of the 

universe and planetary systems. 

UNITS primarily associated with this Grand Challenge: 

 National Air and Space Museum

 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

 Major Scientific Instrumentation
48

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 161 18,603 60 7,986 25 7,265 3 978

FY 2016 

ENACTED 163 19,209 56 7,599 46 10,174 3 777

FY 2017 

REQUEST 165 19,853 56 7,599 46 10,174 3 777

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 3 1,134 3 1,165 0 31

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 25 3,148 25 3,208 0 60

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 2 195 2 198 0 3

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 6 872 6 899 0 27

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 40 5,815 40 5,914 0 99

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 12 1,303 12 1,336 0 33

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national collections 49 3,192 51 3,502 2 310

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information technology 

systems and infrastructure 7 845 7 872 0 27

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is customer 

centered and results oriented 15 2,413 15 2,462 0 49

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media and 

with federal, state, and local governments 4 292 4 297 0 5

Total 163 19,209 165 19,853 2 644
49

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) collects,

preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts and works of art related to the history, 

culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. Its

research and outreach activities serve multiple audiences within and beyond its

walls. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and 

inspiring people to appreciate the importance of flight to humanity.

NASM is administered as one Museum with multiple locations: the National 

Mall Building (NMB); the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and 

the Paul E. Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the 

nation’s aviation and space flight history to an average of 7– 9 million on-site 

visitors from all parts of the globe each year, making it one of the most visited 

museums in the world. In addition, NASM draws tens of millions of virtual visitors to 

its website and broadcast and webcast educational programming. 

NASM has been loved by generations of visitors, and our staff has 

successfully ensured the Museum’s relevance for them. However, as we look 

ahead, the Museum faces many challenges that will require the Smithsonian’s best 

efforts to continue this record of success.

In FY 2016, NASM is continuing to collect and preserve the nation’s 

aviation and space artifacts and perform original research in aviation and space 

history and planetary science to support its broad array of exhibitions, programs, 

publications, and outreach activities. To accomplish its public service mandate 

and reach diverse audiences, the Museum draws upon a mixture of in-house 

resources, contracted resources, and a large corps of volunteers. In addition to 

these core activities, planning is under way to support efforts associated with the 

revitalization of the NMB that is scheduled to begin in FY 2017. This revitalization 

will impact every surface in and outside the existing Mall building.

In anticipation of these requirements, we published a new NASM strategic 

plan for 2015–2025. This strategic plan introduced a long-term vision,

“Transforming NASM for the Future,” and established goals and objectives to

achieve this vision. Our curators began the task of developing a new thematic 

and chronological vision for major exhibition concepts to be designed in 

conjunction with revitalization and installed as the renovations of galleries are 

completed. Senior Museum officials formed a gallery movement planning team

that was chartered to ensure NASM has accurate inventory information, clear 

requirements, and achievable plans for the dismantling/movement/

preservation/storage requirements for all the artifacts on display.

In FY 2016, the Museum is continuing to ensure stewardship and access to 

its peerless collection of aerospace artifacts and produce expert scholarship and 

research. Our curator teams have been expanded to include representatives from

the Museum’s exhibit design, education, and project management branches to form 
50

full exhibition teams. These teams have begun to develop plans for reconstituting 

23 new and reconstructed exhibits in conjunction with revitalization. This is an 

extraordinary opportunity that has not been possible for nearly 40 years (since the 

Museum’s original construction). At the same time, NASM will continue to focus on 

increasing its public engagement to ensure maximum visitation during revitalization. 

Additionally, we are evaluating support requirements to protect and conserve our 

artifacts during construction and renovations. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $644,000. The 

increase includes $394,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item and a programmatic increase of 2 FTEs 

and $250,000 for collections scholarship. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

Public Engagement — NASM continues to reach diverse audiences through 

exhibitions, educational programming, publications, and electronic outreach. NASM 

will engage schools and families through a variety of programs and delivery 

methods. Museum staff will use their content knowledge to create engaging, 

standards-related education programs and delivery methods which will provide 

visitors with a deeper understanding of NASM content in science, technology, 

engineering, and math (STEM). 

NASM has partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA) to create programming, both live and through webcasting, 

on the latest advances in aerospace through the series, “What’s New in 

Aerospace?” The Museum’s website receives more than 11 million virtual visitors 

each year and NASM continues to modernize its approach with enhanced Wi-Fi

capability and content. Some of this includes initiatives to leverage use of everpresent mobile devices and partner with Google/Indoor street view to show NASM 

content. Most recently, NASM has developed a mobile mission app called “Find 

Yourself in Aerospace,” and is launching a new video experience for visitors as part 

of revitalizing the Milestones of Flight exhibit. As we continue to move beyond the 

walls of the Museum, we have developed STEM in 30, a live 30-minute webcast 

from NASM and other partner sites, which is focused on STEM subjects. During 

these webcasts, students engage with Museum experts through experiments and 

activities, ask the experts questions, and answer interactive poll questions. NASM 

archives these webcasts in an interactive STEM in 30 webpage. 

To further enhance visitor experiences, NASM staff and volunteers will 

continue to provide a variety of Museum programs, from daily activities such as 

docent-led tours, lectures, and science demonstrations that reach hundreds of 

thousands of visitors annually, to big Family Day events such as the Heritage 

Family Days that can reach 20,000 to 50,000 diverse visitors at one event. In 

FY 2016, NASM will expand the student Explainers Programs at both Museum 

locations to include an e-Explainer approach that promises to reach potentially 

massive audiences beyond the Museum walls. In addition, NASM is developing and 
51

delivering Interactive Video Conferencing (IVC) lessons at the fifth- and sixth- grade

levels as another example of the Museum’s outreach initiatives that go to audiences 

where they live. Our astronomy programs, which include the Public Observatory 

and educational programming in the planetarium, will remain an important 

component of STEM education.

Museum staff will also evaluate all of NASM’s education programs and 

develop a plan in FY 2016 to ensure that maximum programming is maintained 

during revitalization.

NASM continues to advance the strategic goal of Broadening Access to its 

collections by moving collections information to a publicly accessible website. The 

curatorial databases contain extensive information on the history and provenance 

of each artifact, and the best way to offer more of this in-depth information to the 

public is through electronic means. As a result, NASM’s electronic resources allow 

more people access to the Museum’s archival collections, leading to an increase in 

archival information requests from the public. 

Exhibitions — In FY 2016, NASM will complete the major reinterpretation 

and revitalization of the Milestones of Flight in galleries 100 and 108. These 

galleries are the first and last impressions that visitors have of the Museum 

because they are at the entrance/exit points of the building. This exhibit will

integrate digital and physical components to feature the interconnected stories of 

a select number of featured artifacts, along with an accessible welcome center, a 

searchable media wall, and a versatile mobile experience. These galleries are 

scheduled for reopening in July 2016 and will remain open throughout the Mall 

building revitalization. 

Also in 2016, NASM will open Our Amazing Moon: New Views from the 

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, a temporary exhibition on the camera 

and imagery generated by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft. 

It features imagery from the mission and research by scientists from NASM's 

Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) who are participants on the 

mission. The exhibition is scheduled to open in February for six months.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the American entrance into

World War I, NASM will open Artist Soldiers: Artistic Expression in the First World 

War in the spring of 2017. This exhibition examines artistic expression in the 

Great War by first-hand participants, both through official art by commissioned 

American Expeditionary Force combat artists and spontaneous works by 

individual soldiers. 

The Museum will also begin to take exhibition concepts into the design 

phase to prepare for the revitalization. NASM will be approaching the design of 

exhibits from three thematic headings, Revolutions in the Sky, War in the Air: A 

Century of Military Aviation, and Space Exploration.
52

In addition, NASM’s Udvar-Hazy Center will put the Sikorsky UH-34 

helicopter on temporary display. It belongs to the National Museum of the Marine 

Corps but will be on view in the Restoration Hangar until it is installed in its 

permanent home at Quantico. The YN19 “Gracious Lady Bev” is a Vietnam-era 

aircraft with a distinguished combat record, and is in the shop for the application 

of markings after being repainted. 

Collections — The Museum’s new conservation and restoration hangar 

and collections storage areas at Dulles handle portions of the Museum’s 

collections of more than 46,000 artifacts. The traditionally high level of 

craftsmanship shown in the NASM restoration program now is matched by firstclass facilities that can handle the various types of objects and materials the 

Museum manages. Preparations continue for the move of selected collections 

and restoration/conservation activities from the Paul E. Garber Facility in 

Suitland, Maryland, to the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, and will 

continue in FY 2017 and beyond, as funding permits and as staff simultaneously 

move artifacts out of Garber and the NMB. NASM will complete the preparation, 

documentation, and relocation of third-floor models and office artwork at the NMB 

in anticipation of the revitalization work. As part of this process, NASM will 

evaluate revitalization impacts to its loan program, which currently encompasses 

more than 1,300 aviation and space artifacts, including some of the most soughtafter artifacts of the last century: spacesuits and Apollo spacecraft. 

As part of NASM’s ongoing efforts to achieve the strategic goals of 

Broadening Access and Strengthening Collections, aircraft and spacecraft 

continue to be moved into the Udvar-Hazy Center for restoration in our state-ofthe-art Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. The Museum is currently 

restoring Flak Bait, a Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft that holds the record within 

the United States Army Air Force for surviving more than 200 bombing missions 

during World War II.

Much of FY 2017 will be focused on continuing to plan for revitalization 

and exhibit transformation. This includes developing new exhibit concepts while 

preparing for the move-out of galleries and staff spaces in conjunction with 

revitalization efforts. Exhibit teams continue to refine scope and costs for the first 

nine galleries. NASM plans to award a contract for design services by mid-2016 

to support the planned revitalization schedule. The exhibit teams will finalize the 

concepts and estimated costs of the remaining 14 exhibit spaces and present 

them to the Exhibition and Program Initiatives Committee (EPIC) no later than 

March 2016. 

The initial efforts of the gallery movement planning team will be enhanced 

by the addition of an artifact movement logistics planning consultant. This 

consultant team will work with the Museum’s collections staff to develop schedule 

implications of artifact movement and conservation requirements in conjunction 

with revitalization demount/remount of exhibits. To support the revitalization 

schedule, in FY 2017 NASM will close and begin to demount several exhibits 
53

located primarily at the west end (Zone 1) of the Museum. In addition, the flight 

simulators will be relocated and a temporary store will be introduced at the east 

end of the Museum. 

Based on a feasibility study, subsequent 35 percent design completion,

and dependent on capital budget approval, the Smithsonian will complete the 

design and begin to build additional storage capacity at the Udvar-Hazy Center in 

FYs 2016 and 2017. This swing space will need to be available by the end of 

FY 2017 to receive artifacts from the NMB which must be moved during the 

revitalization of the Mall building.

In FY 2017, NASM will address the design of the third-floor staffing area to 

coincide with revitalization. The existing configuration of NMB staff spaces is 

based on traditional office space design and does not facilitate inter-departmental 

interaction or collaboration. NASM desires to provide best-in-class office and 

support spaces to enhance the Museum’s future ability to meet its mission. The 

intent is to decrease fragmentation; improve utilization; improve workplace 

functionality; upgrade building systems and controls in conjunction with the 

phased NMB revitalization; and simplify internal circulation to enhance 

connectivity, and improve the placement of offices within and between 

departments.

Scientific Research — To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent 

Research, NASM’s CEPS conducts basic research related to planetary 

exploration, with an emphasis on Mars, Mercury, and the moon, and curates 

galleries and public offerings in the planetary sciences. NASM scientists continue 

to work as members of the science teams for the Mars Exploration Rover, Mars 

Express, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars 

Science Laboratory, and MESSENGER missions. NASM scientists work with the 

data from these and other missions to solar system bodies, and convey this 

exciting information to the public. Basic research continues to concentrate on the 

National Research Council and NASA priorities to determine the origin of solar 

system bodies and habitable planets, with an emphasis on understanding the 

past climate of Mars and publishing the results of this research in scientific 

literature.

Exceptional research productivity for CEPS scientists continues into 

FY 2016 with an average of 2.6 peer-reviewed scholarly papers published per 

scientist per year. Ensuring continued success in the years to come will be a 

major objective for NASM.

Historical Research — NASM continues to lead in the field of aerospace 

history by producing books, scholarly articles, and other publications, and by 

making presentations at professional conferences on the history of aerospace 

technology, aviation, aerodynamics, space flight, and space sciences. Based on 

their research and expertise, the curatorial staff will continue to evaluate potential 

acquisitions for the national collections and respond to numerous public inquiries. 
54

NASM will also continue to upgrade exhibits dealing with aviation and space 

flight, thereby ensuring that current materials are available to the public. 

Management — NASM will pursue the Mission Enabling strategic goal

through the Museum’s own strategic goal of Operational Excellence. Staff will 

expand their human capital capabilities through strategic workforce planning and 

enhance their organizational architecture by improving business processes, 

developing key performance indicators, and supporting metrics which gauge 

success. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $644,000. The 

increase includes $394,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of 2 FTEs and 

$250,000 for Collections Scholarship, as detailed below. 

Collections Scholarship (+$250,000, +2 FTEs)

The Budget request includes an increase of $250,000 and 2 FTEs, for two 

additional curators. As NASM prepares for revitalization, staff must determine the 

best methods of dismantling, preserving, moving, and storing more than 12,000 

small, medium and large artifacts while designing 23 new and reconstructed 

galleries. The Museum has insufficient curatorial staff to research, interpret, 

exhibit and care for its national collections as well as design new exhibit concepts. 

Since more than 60 percent of the Space History and Aeronautics curatorial staff 

is eligible for retirement, NASM has an urgent need for new personnel to assist in 

succession planning and preparing new, innovative exhibits for the Museum. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support research, 

education, exhibitions, and fund raising, including salaries and benefits. 

Donor/sponsor-designated funds support costs related to specific programs and 

projects. Fund raising is under way for future exhibitions and the endowment of 

public programs. Government grants and contracts support research and other 

scientific activities. 
55

SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY 

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 99 23,957 98 20,787 10 5,639 207 74,765

FY 2016 

ENACTED 99 24,141 106 22,728 15 8,881 204 77,111

FY 2017

REQUEST 99 24,393 106 22,728 15 8,881 204 77,111

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

AND MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category 

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 90 19,444 90 19,581 0 137

Broadening Access

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 1 186 1 191 0 5

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and volunteers 0 80 0 85 0 5

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information technology 

systems and infrastructure 0 169 0 174 0 5

Management Operations

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is efficient, 

collaborative, committed, innovative, and diverse 8 4,262 8 4,362 0 100

Total 99 24,141 99 24,393 0 252

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

The mission of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is to advance 

the public’s knowledge and understanding of the universe through research and 

education in astronomy and astrophysics. The secondary mission is to be of service to 

the national and international astronomical communities, and to society in general, in 

areas associated with our primary mission. The Observatory has an extraordinary record 
56

of achievement in developing and successfully implementing large, complex, and 

innovative observational and theoretical research projects. SAO also supports the 

investigative research carried out by individual researchers and small groups. These 

varied activities create the distinctively fertile research environment that drives SAO’s 

success and makes the Observatory a recognized leader in the global astrophysical field 

of science. 

SAO’s work directly supports the first of the Grand Challenges outlined in the 

Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe. The goal calls 

for the Smithsonian to “advance knowledge at the forefront of understanding the 

universe and solid Earth.”

Founded in 1890, SAO is the largest and most diverse astrophysical research 

institution in the world. SAO has helped develop some of the world’s most 

sophisticated astronomical instruments, with high resolution at wavelengths across the 

electromagnetic spectrum, to probe the mysteries of the universe. Alone, and in 

powerful partnerships with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Energy, it has 

pioneered the development of orbiting observatories and large, ground-based 

telescopes; the application of computers to study astrophysical problems; and the 

integration of laboratory measurements and theoretical astrophysics. Observational 

data are gathered at SAO’s premier facilities: the Submillimeter Array (SMA) in 

Hawaii; the 6.5-meter diameter Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT); the Very Energetic 

Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS); and related telescopes at the 

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Arizona. In addition, SAO conducts research 

with a broad range of powerful instruments aboard rockets, balloons, and spacecraft 

(most notably the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope, the 

Hinode Telescope, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory); and at locations as diverse 

as the high plateaus of northern Chile and the Amundsen South Pole Station. 

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, SAO collaborates with the Harvard 

College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 

For more than 60 years, SAO astronomers and their colleagues have made 

revolutionary discoveries that have changed our fundamental understanding of the 

universe and our place in it. We have discovered and examined planets in orbits 

around other stars, watched as new stars are born, and discovered bizarre remnants 

of dead stars that emit vast quantities of x-rays. We have determined that the universe 

is 13.7 billion years old, and that it is populated with billions of galaxies, many of which 

have supermassive black holes at their centers. In addition, we have found convincing 

evidence that most of the matter in the universe is an unexpected mixture of some 

kind of unseen “dark matter,” with normal matter making up less than four percent of 

the total; and that the expansion of the universe is apparently accelerating, driven by a 

mysterious and invisible “dark energy.” At the same time, SAO astronomers work 

systematically on the vital basic research that seeks to explain the sun and its x-rayemitting corona, the nature of the solar system, the abundant elements in our Milky 

Way Galaxy, the gas and dust between the stars, the formation and evolution of 

galaxies, and other important questions about the nature of the universe. Today, SAO 
57

is taking a lead role in the science of “precision astronomy,” using past discoveries 

and advanced technologies to produce a coherent story of the cosmos from the Big 

Bang to intelligent life here on Earth. 

SAO’s research is unique and world renowned because of the strength and 

diversity of its observers, theorists, instrument developers, engineers, and laboratory 

experimentalists, and because SAO emphasizes multiple strategies that draw from the 

strengths of both small projects and large research centers. Indeed, SAO’s 

extraordinary research success is partly the result of the rich cross-fertilization that its 

outstanding scholars bring to each other in a climate that nurtures collaborative 

excellence and sharing of ideas. 

SAO’s pre-eminence is underscored by the recognition that its researchers 

receive from leading scientific organizations. For instance, a senior SAO scientist 

received the 2014 Karl Schwarzschild Medal in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding 

contributions to astrophysics. Another senior SAO scientist won the Grote Reber Prize 

for Radio Astronomy, the highest award in this field of astronomy. Other major awards 

received by SAO scientists during the past year included the Gold Medal of Merit from 

the Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Henry 

Norris Russell Lectureship, the highest honor of the American Astronomical Society 

(AAS), the Newton Lacy Pierce Prize, also given by the AAS, and the Gold Medal of 

the Pultusk Academy of Poland. Together with its partner, the Harvard College 

Observatory, SAO is the top choice of graduate- and postdoctoral-level young 

scientists for astrophysics. Federal support makes this continued leadership possible. 

In a measure of just how highly regarded the work of the Observatory staff is, 

the AAS recently named SAO scientist Christine Jones-Forman as its new president. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $252,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

To achieve the goal of Excellent Research, SAO scientists will make optimal 

use of various astronomical facilities to support their research, including the groundbased optical and radio telescopes owned and operated by SAO in Arizona and 

Hawaii, and space-based telescopes, most notably the Chandra X-ray Observatory, 

which is operated by SAO on behalf of NASA, and NASA’s Solar Dynamics 

Observatory. SAO scientists also have research privileges at the two 6.5-meter 

Magellan telescopes in northern Chile (because of SAO’s partnership with the Harvard 

College Observatory). In addition, SAO scientists and engineers are leading the 

science operations team and carrying out a vital scientific research program in very 

high-energy astrophysics with the VERITAS telescope in southern Arizona. These 

facilities enable SAO scientists to make substantial progress in answering 

fundamental questions about the origin and nature of the universe, including dark 

energy and dark matter, as well as questions about the formation and evolution of the 

Earth and similar planets. In addition, SAO scientists will continue their work on future 
58

space missions, collaborating with NASA and its research center on missions to study 

the sun, the x-ray universe, and the outer solar system. 

SAO scientists are leading the development of the international Event Horizon 

Telescope, which will draw into one network radio telescopes around the globe, 

including SAO’s SMA, to operate as one gigantic radio observatory to study the 

physics of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. 

SAO scientists and engineers also play leading roles in the development 

of new techniques and instrumentation for astronomy. Much of this effort is now 

directed toward enabling technologies for the next generation of major 

telescopes. SAO scientists and engineers took the lead in designing critical 

elements of the Giant Magellan Telescope’s wavefront control system that allows 

the seven huge mirrors to work as a single optical element. SAO also leads in the 

design and development of the first instrument that will be installed on the GMT: 

the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF), which will enable 

astronomers to detect signs of life on planets orbiting nearby stars. 

SAO scientists will continue to take a leadership role in astrophysics by 

participating in or hosting national and international conferences (e.g., the American 

Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, and the Astronomical 

Data Analysis Software and Systems conference series), by participating as keynote 

and/or invited speakers at such meetings, and by serving on a diverse range of 

astronomical and astrophysical review panels. SAO scientists will also continue to 

publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, such as the Astrophysical Journal, the 

Astronomical Journal, and Astronomy & Astrophysics. In addition, SAO developed and 

operates the Astrophysics Data System, which is a world leader in the dissemination 

of scientific literature. 

SAO will achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access by producing and 

delivering educational services and products rooted in SAO research to meet the 

educational needs of the Observatory’s audiences. This sustained outreach effort will 

give SAO increased publicity and recognition. 

The goal of Mission Enabling will be achieved by making SAO’s information 

technology (IT) infrastructure robust, reliable, and secure; maintaining a cooperative 

environment through communication and activities that underscore SAO’s special 

mission and each staff member’s contribution to its success; evaluating managers and 

supervisors on their compliance with applicable equal opportunity laws, rules, and 

regulations, and on the effectiveness of their efforts to achieve a diverse workforce; 

and facilitating the use of small, minority, women-owned, and other underused 

businesses in SAO’s procurement operations and business relationships. These 

management tools will continue to support and enhance SAO’s scientific and 

educational missions. 
59

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds come primarily from 

overhead charged on grants and contracts. SAO uses these funds to support 

administrative functions approved in the Indirect Cost Budget submitted to the Office 

of Naval Research, as required by Office of Management and Budget Circular A-122, 

Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations. Donor/sponsor-designated funds come 

primarily from restricted gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations, which 

are earmarked for particular purposes; restricted endowment funds; and nongovernmental grants and contracts. Government grants and contracts come from 

Government agencies for research in areas of SAO’s expertise. SAO often conducts 

this research in cooperation with governmental, academic, and research institutions in 

the United States and abroad. 
60

MAJOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION 

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 0 4,118 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2016 

ENACTED 0 4,118 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 0 6,118 0 0 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOAL: EXCELLENT RESEARCH 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category 

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 0 4,118 0 6,118 0 2,000

Total 0 4,118 0 6,118 0 2,000

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Smithsonian science is engaged in research and discovery focused on the 

origin and evolution of the universe, the formation and evolution of Earth and similar 

planets, the discovery and understanding of biological diversity, and the study of 

human diversity and cultural change. 

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s (SAO) work directly supports 

the first of the Grand Challenges outlined in the Smithsonian Institution Strategic 

Plan: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe. This goal calls for the Smithsonian to 

“advance knowledge at the forefront of understanding the universe and solid Earth.”

To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent Research, the Smithsonian uses its 

no-year funding from the Major Scientific Instrumentation (MSI) line item to develop 

large-scale instrumentation projects with advanced technologies that enable 

scientists at SAO to remain at the forefront of astronomy and astrophysics research. 

The Smithsonian’s criteria for proposing and selecting MSI projects are: 1) the 

instrumentation will enable compelling scientific advances that would not otherwise 

occur (either at SAO or anywhere else in the world) for some time to come; 2) the 

instrumentation is novel and technically advanced, and would not be developed 

without SAO’s contribution; and 3) the science enabled by the innovative 

instruments significantly advances the Smithsonian Institution’s Strategic Plan. The 
61

fundamental role for federal appropriations is to support the basic scientific 

infrastructure that enables SAO to conduct research, compete for external grants 

and funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and inform the public about the latest 

scientific discoveries in an exciting and compelling manner. Because of the 

magnitude of the costs involved and the time required to fabricate major new 

instruments and reconfigure existing ones, the Institution requests that MSI funds for 

these projects be kept available until they are spent. 

For more than 50 years, astronomers have used innovative instrumentation to 

make fundamental discoveries about the universe, such as the existence of more 

than 1,000 planets around nearby stars and the bizarre remnants of dead stars that 

emit large quantities of x-rays in the Milky Way Galaxy. Scientists have determined 

that the universe is 13.7 billion years old and that it is populated with billions of 

galaxies, many of which have supermassive black holes at their centers. Research 

has produced strong evidence that the expansion of the universe is accelerating due 

to a mysterious and invisible “dark energy.” Today, SAO scientists use advanced 

technologies to produce a coherent story of the cosmos from the Big Bang to the 

origins of life on Earth. MSI funds are used to meet this objective. 

Three SAO projects are included in the FY 2017 MSI line item: the Greenland 

Telescope; the Submillimeter Telescope Array (SMA) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii; and 

instrumentation for the converted Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) at SAO’s Fred L. 

Whipple Observatory at Mt. Hopkins, Arizona. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $2,000,000 for the 

Greenland Telescope. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

SAO’s mission is to engage in astrophysical research and discovery. 

Observational astrophysics is the basic science responsible for the understanding of 

the universe and its components beyond Earth. SAO has made leading contributions 

to many key discoveries in astrophysics, including: 1) the remarkable discovery that 

the universe is accelerating; 2) the discovery of enormous patterns traced by 

galaxies in the universe; 3) the most compelling demonstration of the existence of 

supermassive black holes at the centers of most galaxies; 4) the discovery of very 

high-energy gamma rays; 5) the most convincing observational evidence for the 

existence of dark matter; and 6) the discovery of planets orbiting other stars. SAO 

scientists contributed to these discoveries by using key facilities that enable 

observations in several different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum (i.e., the 

broad range of light that is emitted by objects in the universe). These contributions 

have put SAO in the forefront of this generation of astronomers and astrophysicists. 

SAO’s pre-eminence is underscored by the recognition that its researchers 

receive from leading scientific organizations. For instance, a senior SAO scientist won 

the 2014 Karl Schwarzschild Medal in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding 
62

contributions to astrophysics. Another senior SAO scientist won the Grote Reber Prize 

for Radio Astronomy, the highest award for radio astronomy. Other major awards 

received by SAO scientists during 2015 included the Gold Medal of Merit from the 

Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Henry Norris 

Russell Lectureship, the highest honor of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the 

Newton Lacy Pierce prize, also from the AAS, and the Gold Medal of the Pultusk 

Academy of Poland. Together with its partner, the Harvard College Observatory, SAO is 

the top choice of graduate- and postdoctoral-level young scientists for studying 

astrophysics. Federal support makes this continued leadership possible. 

In recognition of SAO’s expertise, the AAS recently named SAO scientist 

Christine Jones-Forman as its new president. 

SAO’s strength in observational astrophysics depends on its major groundbased facilities, the SMA and MMT, and the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration’s (NASA) space-based facilities, including the Chandra X-ray 

Observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory. 

Access to both ground- and space-based observatories enables SAO scientists to 

conduct research that would be impossible with either type of observatory alone. 

SAO’s future strength in ground-based observational astrophysics is dependent on 

equipping the SMA and MMT with powerful new instruments and establishing the 

new Greenland Telescope. In turn, this leadership depends on developing 

specialized instruments and facilities that do not now exist. A team of talented 

scientists and engineers must work together, over a period of several years, to bring 

these tools into being with support from multi-year MSI funding. 

Greenland Telescope (Base: $500,000; FY 2017 Request: +$2,000,000) 

SAO, in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of 

Polar Programs, has identified a high, dry, northern site on the Greenland ice sheet 

as the ideal place for high-frequency radio astronomical observations that require 

excellent atmospheric transmission and exceptional atmospheric stability. 

The NSF Division of Polar Programs is redeveloping the Greenland Summit 

Station to better isolate current clear air and snow research from other activities. The 

development of astronomical activities at the site is a key element of redevelopment 

plans. Retrofitting and commissioning of the telescope, which was transferred to 

SAO from NSF Astronomy, is being undertaken by SAO’s partner institution, the 

Academia Sinica Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan. These 

investments by NSF and our Taiwanese collaborators will be greatly leveraged by 

the SAO contribution. 

Significant funding to support instrument development for the telescope is 

being provided by external partners, including the international academic community. 

The Smithsonian considers this an excellent opportunity to capitalize on a highly 

leveraged use of federal funds with high-value science returns on the investment. 
63

The Greenland Telescope will form the northernmost node of a Very Long 

Baseline Interferometer (VLBI), operated jointly with the SMA (Hawaii) and the ALMA 

telescope array (Chile), to make unprecedented observations of the event horizon of 

the supermassive black hole (six billion times the mass of our sun) at the heart of the 

giant galaxy M87. This will complement the observations to be made in the southern 

hemisphere of the less massive black hole (only four million solar masses) at the 

center of our own Milky Way Galaxy. The combination of these observations will 

revolutionize our understanding of gravity where it is at its strongest, the very edges 

of black holes, and provide pioneering data for astronomers and physicists to 

analyze as they pursue the Smithsonian’s Grand Challenge of Unlocking the 

Mysteries of the Universe. When the Greenland Telescope is not connected to the 

VLBI network, it will exploit its high, dry location and stable atmosphere to make 

sensitive measurements of molecules in space at the highest frequencies accessible 

from the ground. 

In FY 2017, SAO and ASIAA will establish the antenna in Thule, Greenland, at 

the United States Air Force (USAF) base. Preliminary science operations will 

commence immediately, and SAO scientists will begin preparing for the move to 

Summit Station. At the same time, a small radio capability will be established at 

Summit Station so that researchers can start astronomy on the plateau and gain 

experience with the logistical challenges of operating in that harsh environment. 

Submillimeter Telescope Array (Base: $1,718,000)

The SMA is a pathfinder instrument that operates at wavelengths between the 

radio and the infrared and will have a major impact in exploring the cool universe. 

During this past year, scientific studies have continued to focus on the study of the 

distant universe, high-energy phenomena, planet-forming disks, and star formation, 

including the important role that magnetic fields play in star formation and the 

dynamics of molecular clouds. In this last area, the SMA leads the field due to 

polarimetry instrumentation developed at SAO, which we plan to further enhance 

during the coming year. 

The SMA is the only submillimeter instrument in the world that can respond 

rapidly to alerts of rare or unique events detected by other observatories. This past 

summer, NASA’s Fermi and Swift satellites detected unusual activity in the transient 

black hole binary system in V404 Cygni, and the SMA formed part of a worldwide 

observation campaign to monitor the outburst. V404 Cygni was briefly the brightest 

object in the x-ray sky, and the SMA captured a corresponding increase in the 

submillimeter brightness by a factor of more than 50 times in less than an hour. 

The SMA is a key element of the Event Horizon Telescope, linking several 

submillimeter observatories, on continental scales, to examine the black hole at the 

center of the Milky Way at high angular resolution. The Greenland Telescope will 

join the Event Horizon Telescope once the former is established in Thule, and will 

enable key observations of the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy M87. 
64

The capacity to conduct a particular scientific observation with the SMA 

depends on three factors: the collecting area or size of the telescope array, the 

weather, and the sensitivity and number of receivers in operation during an 

observation. The collecting area of the telescope array is fixed at 8 x 6-meterdiameter antennas and cannot be augmented without significant additional funding. 

However, because the SMA is located at a premium site for submillimeter 

astronomy, its observations can be calibrated to account for real-time weather 

conditions. 

The sensitivity of the SMA depends on the instrumentation that processes the 

incoming signals. SAO is developing new capabilities which will ultimately make the 

entire SMA 12 to 24 times more sensitive than it was when commissioned. (This is 

the equivalent of making each of the telescopes 12–24 times larger! Note that the 

range of enhancements depends on the operational model of the array.) Funds are 

specifically requested in FY 2017 to enable the array to become 6–12 times more 

sensitive, and take a significant step toward the full enhancement. 

Multiple Mirror Telescope (Base: $1,900,000) 

The MMT, a joint project of SAO and the University of Arizona, dedicated in 

1979, was originally made up of six identical 1.8-meter telescopes in a single 

altitude-azimuth (naval-gun-type) mount. The multiple-mirror design provided a 

state-of-the-art solution to the technological limitation in casting large mirrors at that 

time. Following advances in mirror-casting technology developed by the University of 

Arizona in the 1990s, SAO replaced the six smaller mirrors of the original MMT with 

a single mirror 6.5 meters in diameter. This large mirror more than doubled the lightgathering capability of the telescope, and a set of large corrector lenses increased 

its field of view 400 times. 

The converted MMT is an extremely powerful telescope, but requires 

sophisticated instruments to analyze the light it collects. Binospec, an imaging 

spectrograph with dual 8’x15’ fields of view, will replace two generations of earlier 

spectrographs and is expected to become the dominant instrument used during dark 

moon phases when the best observations can be made. 

SAO is finding Binospec to be a “game-changer,” enabling the MMT to 

compete on an equal footing with the largest telescopes in the world. Binospec’s 

huge light grasp enables SAO scientists to carry out pioneering explorations of the 

structure and evolution of galaxies, the structure of the Milky Way, and the nature of 

dark matter and dark energy. Binospec’s nimbleness in moving between 

spectroscopy and imaging allows Smithsonian scientists to lead in observing 

transient events like supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts to map the 

geometry of the universe and accurately detect objects at the furthest reaches of the 

universe. The scientific opportunities opened by Binospec are attracting the critical 

next generation of astrophysicists who will exploit the power of the Giant Magellan 

Telescope for the next 20 to 30 years. 
65

In FY 2017, MSI funds will be used to complete the commissioning of 

Binospec and to enable the transition to full scientific operations. Binospec will be 

shipped to the MMT to begin commissioning in September 2016. 

MSI funds will also be used to advance the design of the major new Giant 

Magellan Telescope — Consortium Large Earth Finder spectrograph (or G-CLEF). 

G-CLEF will be a groundbreaking instrument capable of detecting evidence of life on 

planets orbiting other stars. G-CLEF will ultimately be moved to Chile and installed 

on the Giant Magellan Telescope. 

SAO’s expertise in building large and powerful instruments is a crucial 

capability in this era of extremely large telescopes. Continued MSI funding will 

enable SAO to conduct this research and maintain the United States’ lead in this 

important scientific field. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

Greenland Telescope (+$2,000,000) 

The FY 2017 Budget requests an increase of $2 million to help develop, in 

partnership with NSF, the existing Greenland Summit research station to support 

astronomy in preparation for installation of the Greenland Telescope. The telescope, 

a 12-meter radio antenna, will be the first major astronomy project in Greenland. The 

funds will be used to support the Smithsonian’s interests in this effort, including the 

initial deployment at the U.S. Air Force base in Thule, to establish a preliminary 

science operation at the Summit Station, and other required infrastructure. 

These funds are highly leveraged by the much larger investment (of more 

than $15 million) made by SAO’s Taiwanese partner, ASIAA. 

The Greenland Telescope will conduct groundbreaking observations of 

supermassive black holes, as part of the only “mid-scale” priority in the 2010 National 

Research Council “Decadal Survey of Astronomy.” Specifically, very long baseline 

observations will be made in conjunction with telescopes in Chile and the 

Smithsonian’s SMA in Hawaii. The telescope will also be used to perform highfrequency radio observations of the cold universe. These will be the first such 

observations in the northern hemisphere. 
66

Introduction, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet

The Smithsonian will use the resources of its scientific 

museums and research centers to significantly advance our 

knowledge and understanding of life on Earth, respond to the growing 

threat of environmental change, and sustain human well-being. 

RESEARCH Goal: The Smithsonian advances and synthesizes 

knowledge that contributes to the survival of at-risk ecosystems. 

ACCESS Goal: The Smithsonian inspires all generations of 

learners to turn knowledge of life on Earth into awareness and action 

aimed at improving sustainability. 

UNITS primarily associated with this Grand Challenge: 

 National Museum of Natural History

 National Zoological Park

 Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
67

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 343 47,992 32 5,679 54 14,983 10 3,761

FY 2016

ENACTED 343 48,503 32 5,860 56 21,200 11 4,150

FY 2017

REQUEST 343 49,205 32 5,950 58 26,700 11 4,200

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 115 16,856 115 17,100 0 244

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 4 482 4 489 0 7

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 14 1,699 14 1,723 0 24

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 50 6,865 50 6,965 0 100

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 30 3,461 30 3,512 0 51

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

95 14,245 95 14,451 0 206

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities

4 821 4 833 0 12

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers

1 177 1 179 0 2
68

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

15 2,178 15 2,209 0 31

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

4 560 4 568 0 8

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments

7 729 7 739 0 10

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

3 330 3 335 0 5

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations

1 100 1 102 0 2

Total 343 48,503 343 49,205 0 702

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The mission of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is to 

understand the natural world and our place in it. We seek to inspire curiosity, 

discovery, and learning about nature and culture through outstanding research, 

collections, exhibitions, and education. Building upon its unique and vast 

collections and associated data, field research stations, specialized laboratories, 

and internationally recognized team of staff scientists, research associates, 

federal agency partners, and Fellows, the Museum provides fundamental 

research information to a wide array of constituencies ranging from federal 

agencies to the public. The Museum’s particular strengths are in all four of the 

following Smithsonian Grand Challenges: Unlocking the Mysteries of the 

Universe; Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet; Valuing World 

Cultures; and Understanding the American Experience. The Museum’s research 

provides new understanding and relevance to broader national and international 

scientific agendas, looking at such important societal issues as global change, 

biodiversity, cultural conflict, and natural hazards.

The Museum’s stewardship of its collections, making up more than 

127 million natural history specimens and human artifacts, is at the core of its 

mission. This set of collections, the largest of its kind in the world, is an 

unparalleled resource for collections-based research on the diversity of life on 

Earth, including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and human activity. These 

anthropological, biological, and geological specimens and objects are the 

foundation for all of the Museum’s scientific products. With their unparalleled 

spatial breadth and temporal depth, the collections promote analyses and 

interpretations that enable scientists to connect observations of contemporary 

phenomena with the past and around the world so that we can better understand 

our planet and the effect of human activities on it. The Museum’s collections 

capture the imagination and stimulate the next generation of scientists, and are 

important for maintaining the Institution’s intellectual infrastructure and the 
69

Administration’s continuing goal of competitiveness in international science and 

the application of scientific knowledge. NMNH collections and their attendant 

information are a dynamic resource used by researchers, educators, and policy

makers worldwide. 

In addition, NMNH’s collections serve as critical reference materials for 

U.S. Government agencies. These resources are actively and collaboratively 

used by staff members of the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, 

and Interior, who are housed in NMNH facilities. For example, tens of thousands 

of insects urgently requiring identification are sent to NMNH from ports of entry 

each year. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NMNH consult 

the collections and rapidly provide identifications to border control agencies so 

that U.S. agricultural and economic interests are kept secure from damage by 

potential invasive species. The NMNH bird collections provide answers to the 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Defense, 

revealing the species of birds that damage aircraft, and leading to improved 

habitat control around airports and better aircraft and engine design. 

In addition, the National Cancer Institute relies upon NMNH as a trusted 

repository for plant specimens that must be kept as vouchers for pharmacological 

and biomolecular research. Similarly, the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau 

of Ocean Energy Management relies on the NMNH as a trusted repository for the 

ecologically significant invertebrate animals it collects in the course of its 

research. Meteorites collected from Antarctica are deposited at NMNH by the 

Johnson Space Center and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

(NASA).

In the area of law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

benefits from the identifications and analyses conducted by experts in the 

Department of Anthropology, who consult the human skeletal collections when 

providing answers about the remains of crime victims. In the area of public 

health, analyses of the collections have provided vital clues regarding the spread 

of H5N1, the Avian Flu virus, and the etiology of past influenza epidemics.

NMNH’s first-class research supports its exhibitions and educational 

outreach. As one of the most visited museums in the world, NMNH provides 

diverse public audiences with presentations on every aspect of life on Earth. In 

FY 2015, the Museum hosted more than seven million visitors, and, through 

many affiliations and partnerships, NMNH takes its science, exhibitions, and 

public programs to other museums and non-traditional exhibition venues, such as 

libraries, schools, and universities across the country. With a growing network of 

interactive websites (which hosted more than 15 million unique visitors), 

distance-learning experiences, social media and software applications (apps), 

the Museum is transforming itself into a true electronic classroom, which is 

potentially accessible to everyone — free of charge.
70

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $702,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

To achieve the strategic goals of Broadening Access and Revitalizing 

Education, funding will be used to maintain and upgrade permanent exhibitions, 

replace outdated exhibits with multi-disciplinary, interactive exhibitions on the 

Mall and in other venues through traveling exhibits, and to conduct more 

electronic outreach across the country. Both the permanent and traveling 

exhibitions reflect best practices in visitor experience upgrades and informal 

science education, and these exhibits are developed as part of an array of public 

outreach activities. 

In September 2015, the Museum inaugurated a stunning new setting and 

interpretive exhibit for the great African bush elephant that has been the central 

icon in the Rotunda since 1959. Banded in marble to harmonize with the original 

building materials, the setting allows visitors to get much more “up close and 

personal” with the elephant than the previous display. New graphics, video, 

interactive components, and a diorama invite visitors to imagine themselves in 

the African savannah in the company of these magnificent animals, and to learn 

how they can help prevent their further endangerment. Vistas have been opened 

up and nearly 750 square feet of floor area has been returned to public use, 

including a marble medallion at the center of the Rotunda not seen since 1959. 

The Museum also completed the deinstallation of the former Dinosaur Hall 

and is finalizing design for the new David H. Koch Hall of Fossils — Deep Time. 

This major exhibit space overhaul included the renovation of the 30,000-squarefoot Fossil Halls in preparation for the Deep Time exhibit scheduled to open in 

2019. This project required removing and conserving about 2,000 paleontological 

collections. The specimens are now being remounted for display when the exhibit 

opens. In addition to these major projects, donated funding supports scientific 

updates and visitor experience upgrades throughout the Museum’s 300,000 

square feet of public space. 

The Museum has several new exhibits which will be opening and on display 

in FY 2017. These exhibits include Life in One Cubic Foot, which explores what a 

cubic foot of land or water — a biocube — reveals about the amazing biodiversity 

on our planet. The exhibit follows Smithsonian scientists and photographer David 

Liittschwager into the ocean, as well as students exploring closer to home, to see 

how this simple measurement is enriching what we know of the world. Objects of 

Wonder: From the Collections of the National Museum of Natural History will be a 

long‐term but temporary exhibit, scheduled to open in early 2017, featuring 

spectacular, rare, and awe‐inspiring objects that tell stories of the extraordinary 

science that goes on behind the scenes at NMNH. Narwhal, Ice and Inuit in a 

Changing Arctic, slated to open in the summer of 2017, will feature life‐sized 
71

narwhal models, real tusk specimens, hands‐on explorations, and traditional 

knowledge and objects gathered in close cooperation with Inuit elders and hunters. 

Outbreak! will examine the ways infectious diseases reveal an intricate 

interconnectedness of humans, animals, their environments, and microbes — why 

infectious diseases emerge where they do, how they spill over from animals to 

people, why they can amplify and spread so quickly, and where to look for the next 

one. This exhibit will draw on the combined expertise of Smithsonian biologists, 

anthropologists, and National Zoo veterinarians, as well as Dr. Daniel Lucey, a 

Georgetown University physician who has worked overseas to limit Ebola, MERS,

influenza, and SARS outbreaks. Primordial Landscapes: Iceland Revealed

explores the diverse and raw beauty of Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes through 

striking images by photographer and naturalist Feodor Pitcairn and the inspired 

words of Icelandic geophysicist, author, and poet Ari Trausti Guðmundsson.

In 2017, the NMNH will continue to inspire public appreciation of and 

engagement with science and the natural world through efforts in our education, 

outreach and visitor experience programs. In FY 2015, more than 150 expert‐led

programs allowed visitors from around the world to engage with a huge diversity 

of NMNH researchers, postdoctoral students, collections managers, scientific

illustrators, and other staff about the real stories behind cutting‐edge Smithsonian 

research. The Museum’s partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) brought in additional experts from around the country, 

including biologists, economists, and meteorologists, to help connect visitors with 

the latest information on rising sea levels and their impact on fisheries, changing 

storm patterns, and the ties between ocean health and human health.

Meanwhile, Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center —

the Museum’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning 

facility — brings NMNH research and collections assets to the forefront, allowing for 

public participation on site, online, and through classrooms. In FY 2017, Q?rius 

programs will be designed to inspire, nurture, grow, and diversify the next 

generation of STEM professionals by helping citizens become aware of their 

connection to current issues affecting the natural and cultural world. To achieve 

this, the Museum will create opportunities for visitors to participate in learning 

experiences based on current research and authentic collections in Q?rius. 

Also, in FY 2017, NMNH will continue implementing its public engagement 

plan to coordinate its many outreach efforts. This plan focuses the Museum’s 

permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational and outreach programs, and 

Web outreach on the major research themes identified in the Science Strategic 

Plan: Understanding the formation of the Earth and similar planets, discovering and 

understanding life’s diversity, and exploring human diversity and cultural change.

In 2017, NMNH will continue to make available the Museum’s science 

experts and collections from behind the scenes, and provide the public with

opportunities to engage with scientists, their research, collections, and research-
72

grade scientific equipment, with programs such as “The Scientist Is In” and “The 

Artist Is In” series. In addition, the Museum will continue to host special themed 

days and festivals that bring the public and NMNH science experts together to

focus on a specific area of natural history and science work, such as National 

Fossil Day, World Ocean Day, International Polychaete Day, Invasive Species 

Awareness Day, Mount St. Helens Day, Pollinator Week, the Orchids Festival, 

the Environmental Film Festival, Boy Scout Day, the Innovation Festival, and the 

Smithsonian‐wide National Math Festival.

The Museum will continue to reach out to a growing local, national, and 

international audience, including children and families, students and teachers, 

adults, and especially teenagers who visit the Museum on the Mall or its 

extensive presence online. Outreach activities will include traveling exhibitions, 

distance learning, and in-depth, online resources, including the Ocean Portal,

Human Origins and Q?rius websites, and digitized collections, as well as longstanding programs of lectures, films, and teacher education. 

These NMNH programs and resources will continue to inspire citizens by 

making them aware of current issues related to the natural and cultural world, 

helping them understand their role in addressing those issues, and enabling 

them to participate in experiences that inspire stewardship, conservation, and 

protection of natural and cultural diversity. In addition, Museum staff are focusing 

their efforts to build new youth audiences and increase youth participation in a 

continuum of opportunities that inspire, nurture, grow, and diversify the next

generation of STEM professionals. Through innovations in educational 

technology, these efforts will serve visitors to the nation’s capital as well as

millions of people around the world who cannot visit the Museum in person. 

NMNH will continue to study the effectiveness of its public education and 

outreach efforts with focused audience research and evaluation.

A critical element of NMNH’s plans for FY 2017 is the Museum’s 

commitment to the stewardship of its federal scientific collections in support of 

the Smithsonian’s strategic goal of Strengthening Collections. As underscored by 

a recent survey of federal collections, these resources play an important role in 

public health and safety, homeland security, trade and economic development, 

medical research, and environmental monitoring. They also provide the 

foundation for the Museum’s diverse research, exhibits, and public outreach 

programs. NMNH will continue to strengthen its commitment to cutting-edge 

research and state-of-the-art stewardship of the collections, in partnership with 

affiliated federal agencies such as the Departments of Defense, Commerce, 

Agriculture, and the Interior. Federal funding is the linchpin for maintaining and 

preserving these priceless collections and their valuable information for future 

generations, while also supporting their use for important ongoing research that, 

for example, facilitates recovery efforts after natural disasters such as volcanic 

eruptions and the associated loss of biodiversity. The breadth of NMNH research 

and its collections of biological, geological, and anthropological objects foster an 
73

interdisciplinary environment that attracts other academic institutions, foreign 

researchers, and national and international policy makers. 

Furthermore, the NMNH has a long history of training future scientists 

here and abroad to examine and monitor biodiversity in their own countries, 

among their other research endeavors, which also strengthens the NMNH 

collections and connections with these countries. The NMNH is committed to 

training future generations of scientists by increasing the number of its 

postdoctoral Fellowship awards and providing an entry-level research experience 

for the most talented undergraduates in the Earth and life sciences as well as 

anthropology. Collaboration with foreign students and colleagues will continue to 

be emphasized to broaden the Museum’s international science network. 

In FY 2017, the NMNH will achieve the Smithsonian’s strategic goal of 

Strengthening Collections by continuing to emphasize: collections preservation 

and access projects related to strategic initiatives in preserving indigenous 

languages through preservation of manuscripts, recordings and moving images, 

and photographs; preserving and digitizing fossil collections and associated 

paper records; and preserving biological specimens at ultra-cold temperatures to

document biodiversity as part of the Global Genome Initiative.

Collections Care Initiative funding will support replacement cabinetry, 

biorepository freezer repair, digitization of collections ownership records, a 

survey of archival collections, and technical assistance with the herbarium 

specimen rapid-digitization project that will make 500,000 botanical specimens 

digitally available. 

NMNH’s Department of Paleobiology is participating in two major digitization 

projects through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Advancing Digitization 

of Biodiversity Collections (ADBC) program: the Fossil Insect Collaborative and the 

Fossil Marine Invertebrate Communities of the Eastern Pacific initiative. Although

NMNH does not receive funding through the program, the Museum is participating 

in project workshops and digitizing these fossil specimens to add to the projects’ 

datasets in the national biodiversity data portal, iDigBio.

Labeling and re-housing of tissue samples collected prior to the Global 

Genome Initiative, or ‘legacy tissues,’ continues in the Biorepository. To date, 

more than 21,000 bird and 7,300 mammal tissues have been transferred from 

prior storage conditions to more stable liquid-nitrogen storage, and entered into 

NMNH’s inventory system.

The Museum’s education collection continues to be developed for use in 

Q?rius and other programmatic venues. More than 2,225 new catalogue records 

have been added to databases, specimen housing improvements have been 

made, and more than 150 botanical specimens were processed and mounted for 

educational use.
74

The NMNH will continue to significantly increase the number of specimen 

records in its electronic databases for scientists and the Research and 

Collections Information System (RCIS), and to expand the availability of these 

valuable and unique assets via the Internet to worldwide researchers, policy 

makers, and the public. Lessons learned from recent pilot efforts to speed the 

rate of digitization will be used to increase the number of selected plant and 

insect records available online. NMNH’s digitization priorities will continue to be 

guided by its digitization plan, focusing on selected plant, insect, vertebrate, and 

artifact collections. In addition, the Museum will continue to develop a

streamlined data-capture system for use when collecting specimens in the field. 

To achieve the Smithsonian’s goal of Excellent Research in FY 2017, NMNH 

continues to focus on basic research in geology and mineralogy, paleobiology, 

systematics, genomics, evolutionary biology, ecology and its relationship to 

biodiversity, and anthropology, and successful major initiatives such as Deep Time, 

Recovering Voices and Genomics. Increasing the number of digitized specimens 

will enable researchers to leverage the knowledge inherent in the diverse 

collections to address many of today’s pressing issues regarding invasive species, 

disease vectors, and the impact of humans on biodiversity and climate. As a result, 

NMNH publications will have an even more integrated quality to provide insights 

from all viewpoints of the Museum on pressing national and international topics. 

The NMNH’s strengths in research have been diversified and infused with 

some exciting hires in the past few years. Areas focused on, which also link

directly to the Smithsonian’s Grand Challenge areas of research, are as follows: 

maintenance, documentation, and analysis of indigenous languages of 

Mesoamerica; the analysis of microbial production of certain minerals in polluted 

environments to identify remediation strategies; the evolution of pelagic 

invertebrates that swim up off the sea floor, as opposed to their ancestors that

actually lived on the sea floor; the evolution of ferns; the evolutionary and 

ecological histories of some four-limbed marine tetrapods that made the great 

transition from life on land to sea; the evolutionary history of parasitic worms, 

especially leeches and tapeworms; and the paleoecology of whales and dolphins.

A combination of federal and private funding will be used in FY 2017 to 

advance the NMNH’s goals of investing in the next generation of scientists and 

researchers. Through the Museum’s academic programs, it will continue to 

create a staircase of academic opportunity to mentor the next generation of 

museum scientists and professionals. These programs take students and young 

professionals from the early stages of exploration in high school to the 

postdoctoral peak of stepping into the role of being professional scientists, by 

offering various Fellowship and internship programs for undergraduates, 

graduates, and postgraduates.
75

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support 

salaries and benefits of administrative personnel, development and business 

activities, and other program-related costs. The Museum raises funds from 

private sources to support research, exhibitions, public programs, and 

administrative functions. This includes securing donations from special events to 

promote new exhibitions and educational initiatives, and public outreach. 

Donor/sponsor-designated funds are vital to support exhibition hall renovations, 

such as the major gifts that have helped to fund the major renovations of the 

Fossil Hall and Human Origins Hall, establish Fellowship programs at the 

Museum, and educational activities and programs such as Q?rius, the STEM 

education and experience center. In addition, significant endowment gifts support 

internships and Fellowships which will introduce more students to the natural 

sciences, as well as help the Museum maintain and update its educational 

programs for the Ocean Hall, and study of human origins. Other examples 

include the Ernest S. (“Tiger”) Burch, Jr. Endowment, which promotes and 

interprets the multi-disciplinary study of Arctic peoples and their cultures, past

and present. Additionally, the Harold Robinson and Vicki Funk Fund supports the 

creation of an award to fund and sustain the work of Fellows, researchers and 

curators conducting research involving Compositae (or Asteraceae) collections in 

the U.S. National Herbarium within the NMNH. These endowments are important 

in providing operational and research support to scientists as they conduct their 

important work. In addition, the Museum continues to receive grants and 

contracts from both non-Government and Government institutions. The NMNH 

was awarded 62 external grants and contracts totaling $7.3 million in FY 2015. 

These funds support both cutting-edge research and exhibitions, and 

demonstrate both international and cross-agency collaboration on shared 

projects and issues.

In FY 2017, the NMNH will continue the Global Genome Initiative (GGI) to

collect genomic samples and voucher specimens from every major branch of the 

NSF Tree of Life decadal program. Biodiversity genomics is at the forefront of 

innovation and discovery due to technological advances resulting from the 

Human Genome Project. In addition, GGI is promoting a global network of wellmanaged biorepositories, collections of genomic tissue samples from across the 

Tree of Life, benefiting society through biodiversity research, and the 

development and conservation work of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network 

(GGBN). This will foster collaborations among repositories of molecular

biodiversity to ensure quality standards, improve best practices, secure 

interoperability, and harmonize the exchange of material in accordance with 

national and international legislation and scientific conventions.

The NMNH had a successful FY 2015, raising $18.4 million in private 

funds. In addition, leadership gifts included a significant $13 million donation from 

Coralyn W. Whitney to endow the ongoing operations of Q?rius: The Coralyn W. 

Whitney Science Education Center.
76

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 204 25,420 19 5,764 31 7,697 14 1,808

FY 2016

ENACTED 208 26,382 31 5,000 24 7,000 7 1,700

FY 2017

REQUEST 213 27,252 31 5,000 25 7,200 7 1,700

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 25 2,617 25 2,661 0 44

Broadening Access

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 5 764 5 774 0 10

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 2 262 2 266 0 4

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 159 19,606 163 20,320 4 714

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers 5 799 5 807 0 8

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 4 821 4 828 0 7
77

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 6 1,113 7 1,192 1 79

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 0 116 0 116 0 0

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments 2 284 2 288 0 4

Total 208 26,382 213 27,252 5 870

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In FY 2017, the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (NZP) will mark the 

mid-point of the NZP strategic plan, “Our Plan to Save Species.” With the 

Strategic Plan as the roadmap, the focus in FY 2017 will be to: 

 Fortify and Focus Science, Animal Care, and Collections Management to 

Advance Global Conservation and Sustainability 

As the National Zoo, NZP is a leader within the American Zoological 

Association (AZA) community and for all zoos in North America. Sustaining 

genetically viable live collections to ensure the diversity of species’ populations 

held in zoos is a challenge; no one zoo can accomplish this feat on its own. It is 

only through the coordination and collaboration of all zoos — facilitated by the 

AZA — that North American zoos can continue to thrive. One of NZP’s key 

contributions to ensuring the survival of endangered species is the work that 

occurs at NZP’s 3,200-acre Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, 

Virginia.

NZP is world-renowned for its heroic efforts to research, breed, and 

reintroduce some of the world’s most critically endangered species. More than

300 species are exhibited at the Rock Creek Park campus and 21 species at 

Front Royal. Both locations house and care for some of the world’s most 

endangered animals, such as kiwi, clouded leopards, red pandas, and cheetahs, 

among others. Some of these animals enter NZP’s facility when little is known 

about them and they are already moving toward extinction. 

NZP researchers work to identify solutions to threats facing endangered 

animal populations and develop standards or best practices for medical care, 

husbandry, and safety for zoo animals. These efforts have been a key contributing 

factor in raising the bar of husbandry standards for all animals throughout the AZA 

community and worldwide. NZP’s accomplishments range from protecting

elephants and their caretakers to understanding the specifics of cheetah 

reproduction.
78

One important consideration in ensuring the collection’s safety is 

introducing more intensive animal quarantine and screening procedures to 

prevent disease transmission from wildlife to livestock, people, and other animals 

in the Zoo’s collections — these practices are now part of the standard of care. 

New veterinary medical procedures, diagnostics, and testing keep animals healthy 

and able to breed. More sophisticated medical equipment is being used and new 

and labor-intensive approaches are increasingly deployed to provide life-saving 

veterinary care and hand-rearing that means the difference between life and 

death for these very rare animals. NZP develops and shares this expertise as well 

as breeding and research protocols throughout the AZA and the worldwide zoo 

community. 

However, all of these new protocols, tests, and management practices are 

resource intensive. When almost every birth at Front Royal is of an endangered 

animal whose individual survival contributes to the overall survival of that species, 

these resources are well-spent. For these reasons, NZP must strategically 

augment staffing with a select number of well-trained animal care professionals 

and veterinarians — staff who are essential for ensuring that the Zoo succeeds in 

its vital mission of saving species.

The extensive space available at the Front Royal facility and the capability 

it allows to appropriately house and raise endangered species according to their 

particular needs has been instrumental to NZP’s exceptional success in species 

preservation. Yet, with 3,200 acres, there is a cost associated with this species 

preservation on such a large campus. Activities such as fence maintenance (18 

miles of perimeter, 36 miles of cross, eight miles of electric) and gate 

maintenance (207 manual, nine electric), snow removal, mowing nearly 500 acres 

of pastures and 19 acres of holding yards, and maintaining the 10 miles of 

overhead and underground power lines are vital to ensure the health, safety, and 

welfare of the Front Royal research and breeding collection. 

Highlights from the past year include an SCBI scientist being named 

“cheetah species survival plan coordinator” for all accredited zoos in North 

America. In this role, SCBI coordinates a nationwide “breeding centers coalition,” 

a nine-facility consortium that manages the most genetically valuable cheetahs in 

spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The result was increased cheetah reproduction 

in 2014, with an impressive total of 41 cubs from 13 litters. To date, in FY 2016, 

there have been two litters. Scientific studies led by SCBI have further contributed 

to improvements in animal management techniques; one study demonstrated that 

allowing multiple males to live together as they would in the wild improves 

reproductive qualities, including sperm production.

This dual emphasis on animal management and research is applied every day 

to other rare species. For example, SCBI scientists are using their expertise in 

collaboration with the Patuxent Wildlife Breeding Center to improve recovery of 

the endangered whooping crane. Despite this species experiencing a reduction to 
79

fewer than 20 individuals in the 1960s, SCBI studies have revealed no adverse 

effect on male fertility. Meanwhile, NZP scientists are developing new sperm 

freezing and hormonal monitoring methods so that artificial insemination programs 

can be more effective in reproducing under-represented species of birds. These 

innovative tools also are being applied to conservation programs for rare Asian 

crane species maintained in SCBI’s animal collection at Front Royal, including the 

white-naped and hooded cranes. Seventeen white-naped crane chicks have been 

produced by artificial insemination of genetically valuable adults that could not

breed naturally. These accomplishments increase total animal numbers and put 

these populations of rare species on a trajectory to sustainability.

NZP science does not stop at the borders of the Front Royal campus or 

Rock Creek Park facility. For example, NZP and its partners are working hard to 

develop techniques to preserve more than 11 species of corals. Their techniques 

have enabled corals to be frozen and subsequently thawed to enable out-planting 

of new corals. Thousands of juvenile corals produced from cryopreserved material 

are currently being raised at the National Sea Simulator in Australia. Other 

highlights include participation in the largest study of elephant welfare, which has 

had a direct impact on captive elephant husbandry techniques, and the collection 

and cryopreservation of semen from the threatened lowland tapir (Tapirus 

terrestris) in Brazil and Paraguay. 

 Expand Our Reach and Impact

Science alone cannot solve the planet’s extinction crisis. NZP has an 

important role in teaching both the public about its role in preventing the extinction 

crisis and the next generation of researchers and scientists who are trained at the 

Smithsonian-George Mason University School of Conservation (SMSC) and serve 

as interns, Fellows, residents, and postdoctoral students throughout the Zoo. 

Teaching and mentoring programs impact a growing number of students. 

The SMSC continues to expand its reach through the Smithsonian-Mason 

Semester Program (undergraduate), which has educated 689 students to date, 

representing students from 39 different majors across both the biological and 

social sciences and 34 colleges and universities. The SMSC Graduate/

Professional program has 523 alumni to date, with 29 having completed two or 

more courses. NZP restructured its internship program to ensure that these 

important learning opportunities are as effective as possible. In FY 2015, NZP 

hosted 192 interns who worked side by side with the animal team, scientists, and 

researchers at both Rock Creek Park and Front Royal. Also, a specialized 

summer program for high-school juniors and seniors takes place on the Front 

Royal campus and complements the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) camp, 

providing an introduction to conservation field studies and careers. 

NZP also works hard to engage the millions of people who visit the 

National Zoo in Rock Creek Park. In FY 2015, NZP leveraged increased visitation 
80

(due to the birth of giant panda cub Bei, and wonderful weather) to increase public 

awareness of species under threat. As giant pandas are notoriously difficult to 

breed, Bei Bei’s arrival is the result of a continued multi-disciplinary approach 

pioneered by NZP — including hormone monitoring, detailed understanding of the 

giant panda reproductive cycle, and assisted artificial insemination techniques —

that is itself an educational experience for the public. Five months after his birth, 

Bei was introduced to the public in January 2016. During their visits, guests are 

also introduced to other flagship species. Flagship species such as pandas act as 

goodwill ambassadors to help the public support conservation of that species and 

their habitat, and by doing so protect other species that share the same habitat or 

are vulnerable to the same threats. 

FY 2015 saw an increase in collection animals at Rock Creek (from 1,768 

to 2,083 animals). Significant mammal acquisitions include a screaming hairy 

armadillo and tamandua — both education/program animals; four Allen’s swamp 

monkeys and three Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys on exhibit at the Zoo’s Think 

Tank; four ring-tailed lemurs on exhibit at Lemur Island; gibbon and gorilla 

females for breeding; two spectacled bear births and a male sea lion for breeding.

Bird numbers were reduced as the Zoo prepared for upcoming renovations of the 

Bird House. Fish numbers are up dramatically and include 32 new species as the 

Amazonia pool populations are revitalized.

New arrivals encourage the public to visit or return to the Zoo, but once 

they arrive NZP deploys multiple outreach channels to further engage the public. 

Our surveys tell us that interaction with a keeper or interpreter has the most 

impact in educating the public. Keeper demonstrations are the most impactful of 

all interactions, so each day the keepers host a variety of experiences, from fish 

feeding in Amazonia to elephant training and the daily sea lion demonstrations. 

Since keepers have many other responsibilities and their availability is limited, 

NZP organizes and focuses the energy of an extensive volunteer community, 

using resources from concessions income. Volunteer interpreters are on the front 

lines of engaging the public in connecting to the animals that they see. Paid staff 

train the interpreters to focus on messages most relevant to the animals that 

visitors see and assure that interpreters are well-versed on the challenges facing 

these species in their native environments. 

However, neither keepers nor interpreters can be available for each and 

every visitor. During FY 2015, NZP completed a digital signs pilot program 

throughout the Park. Digital signs accomplish multiple goals, one of which is to 

provide an early warning system for events that need to be communicated quickly,

such as adverse weather conditions, an escaped animal, or other security 

incidents in the Park. On a daily basis, digital signs help provide visitors with maps 

of exhibits and facilities, schedules of activities such as keeper demonstrations, 

and more in-depth information about the animal collection. The digital sign pilot 

program was successful and, as funds become available, we will continue 

permanent installations of this new signage. 
81

Even more visitors come virtually through our active website. For about the 

first month of Bei Bei’s life (August 22 – September 15, 2015), NZP’s website 

experienced an 81 percent increase over the prior year and a 384 percent 

increase in users. In FY 2015, NZP webcams were viewed more than 40 million 

times by in excess of 14 million people — seven times the number of visitors in 

the Park. In FY 2016, NZP is launching a revamped website using new 

technology that will be more mobile friendly, allow for easier updating of content, 

and enable us to leverage the interest in our site with a deeper engagement. NZP 

webcams attract and retain visitors, but also serve a dual function at NZP. First 

and foremost, webcams allow keepers to safely monitor animals during critical 

times such as illness, pregnancy and birth. Second, the public webcams bring the 

animals to the public even when they cannot visit in person. 

NZP leverages the website for citizen science as well. NZP is the cocreator and leader of eMammal, a regional wildlife project that uses citizen 

scientists and trail cameras to monitor wildlife across public lands in the midAtlantic states. In the past two years, volunteers have captured more than two 

million wildlife images that have been checked by experts and deposited within a 

Smithsonian digital repository. In October, Discover magazine recognized the 

program as one of the top citizen science programs in the country. 

 Strengthen Core Foundations of People, Places, and Fiscal Resources 

for Mission Success 

Past years have seen significant upgrades to NZP’s capital infrastructure. 

FY 2016 will mark the completion of the North Road/General Services Building

(GSB) project, utility upgrades at the Front Royal campus, and safety upgrades,

including the planning and design for a safer circulation pattern at the lower part of 

the Rock Creek campus, as well as the planning for needed upgrades to

restrooms. Although mostly invisible to the visiting public, these infrastructure 

improvements are important building blocks for the NZP master plan. 

The next planned public-facing exhibit renovation is of the historic 1928 

Bird House and surrounding plateau, which will turn the facility into an educational 

celebration of birds and bird migration. FY 2016 will mark the completion of the 

design phase for this first-of-its-kind zoo attraction that immerses visitors in birds’ 

miraculous annual journeys. It will engage visitors directly in NZP’s worldrenowned and pioneering research led by scientists at the Smithsonian Migratory 

Bird Center, while also inspiring the public to participate in protecting migratory 

birds and their shrinking habitats. It was an NZP scientist, along with more than 20 

other conservation organizations, who developed The State of the Birds 2014 —

the most comprehensive review of long-term trend data for U.S. birds ever 

conducted. The report finds bird populations declining across several key habitats 

and includes a “watch list” of bird species in need of immediate conservation 

help. This exhibit is essential to tell that important story.
82

Planning a Zoo renovation is a major undertaking that must ensure the 

safety of the existing live collection while expanding the number and variety of the 

species on exhibit. In FY 2016, the collection will be transferred to a suitable 

location so that construction can safely begin. 

 Adapt the Organization, Workforce, Culture, and Operating Practices to 

Promote Teamwork, Innovation, and High Performance 

The priorities under this goal are far-reaching in their own way. Security 

enhancements during periods of high visitation are an important ongoing goal. 

Recognizing that, despite the best efforts of multiple parties and partners, violence 

did occur during NZP’s busy spring break period in FY 2014, NZP, together with 

the Smithsonian’s Office of Protection Services, undertook a thorough review of 

existing security measures. A task force was created, a security consultant hired, 

and multiple stakeholders, including the staff, neighborhood, and civic 

organizations, were consulted. After much deliberation, the decision was made to 

set up temporary access controls and perform visitor screening (such as bag 

checks) during the busy spring period, beginning in FY 2015 and continuing each 

year thereafter. With heightened security awareness and extensive 

communications to the public on the new screening procedures, there were no 

significant security incidents in FY 2015. 

NZP has been tightly focused on safety as well as security. NZP was a 

leader in the AZA move to ensure protected contact for all interactions with 

elephants and has been developing and sharing its protocols for working with 

dangerous carnivores, including lock-out protocols and two-person rules. A study 

was performed for visitor safety needs — with a particular emphasis on the 

human-animal interface. The barrier around the lion/tiger exhibit was identified as 

the highest priority for improvement and work was completed in that area. 

FY 2016 will see improvements in the barriers for the Great Apes exhibit, with 

additional improvements in other areas to follow. 

NZP works to inspire the public to care about conservation and climate 

change, so it is important that these values are embraced and acted upon for our 

own needs. NZP’s largest utility cost is for water. A concentrated effort has 

reduced water usage by more than 50 percent at Lemur Island (which has a large 

waterfall feature) and by more than 40 percent at the Bird House. With many

acres of grounds, the Zoo’s horticulture department has reused 120 cubic yards of 

wood chips for landscaping, distributed 1,900 pounds of browse for animal 

enrichment, and created perching and climbing structures using trees that need 

extensive pruning. In addition, storm-water interceptors were installed as part of 

the GSB/North Road project, reducing run-off to Rock Creek. The pest 

management group has reduced the use of insecticides throughout the Zoo by 

more than 77 percent and rodenticide by more than 82 percent compared to 2011.
83

To showcase our sustainability improvements to the public, a 

demonstration rain garden was installed near the carousel to reduce storm water 

flowing into Rock Creek. It also teaches the public about storm water, and 

provides visitors with information on concrete actions they can take to protect their 

local ecosystem. More information is woven into our daily animal keeper 

demonstrations and interpreter talks, and NZP’s progress in this area was 

celebrated on special occasions such as Conservation Science Day, the 

International Migratory Bird Festival, and the Autumn Conservation Festival at 

Front Royal. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $870,000 and 5

FTEs. The increase includes $370,000 for necessary pay and other related salary 

costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of 

$500,000 and 5 FTEs to support the welfare and care of the animal collection. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY

The health, well-being, and safety of both the animals and staff of the NZP

are its highest priority. The Zoo’s Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is worldrenowned for its efforts to research, breed, and reintroduce some of the world’s 

most critically endangered species, including the Przewalski’s horse, golden-lion 

tamarin, black-footed ferret, scimitar-horned oryx, red-crowned cranes, and many 

others. Accepted standards or best industry practices for medical care, 

husbandry, and safety for zoo animals are continually increasing. For example, 

federal and state regulations require intensive animal quarantining and screening 

procedures to prevent disease transmission to livestock, people, and other 

animals in the Zoo’s collection. 

In addition, increased diverse threats, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian 

Influenza, require more staffing to respond to new requirements and maintain a 

viable collection. Additionally, new veterinary medical procedures, diagnostics and 

testing require increased medical equipment and expertise, and breeding and 

research protocols designed to save endangered species from extinction require 

new, more time-intensive, sophisticated management approaches to ensure the 

safety of animals and staff. Finally, when every birth of an endangered animal 

may impact the survival of a species, new and labor-intensive approaches are 

increasingly needed to provide life-saving veterinary care and hand-rearing that 

means the difference between an animal’s life and death. For these reasons, the 

Zoo must strategically augment staffing with a select number of well-trained 

animal care professionals and veterinarians — staff who are essential for ensuring 

the Zoo successfully achieves its vital mission of saving species and enlisting 

public support for that purpose.
84

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $870,000 and 5

FTEs. The increase includes $370,000 for necessary pay and other related salary 

costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of 

$500,000 and 5 FTEs to support the welfare and care of the animal collection, as 

detailed below. 

Animal Welfare (+$500,000, +5 FTEs) 

Maintaining a live and diverse collection of mostly endangered species is a 

significant expense for both the animal care and facilities management teams. 

Accordingly, NZP requests an additional $500,000 for animal care and science 

support for SCBI.

More specifically, SCBI faces increased personnel needs for animal care to 

meet the more labor-intensive requirements associated with hand-rearing

endangered species, increased health standards, and animal quarantine 

procedures. NZP is requesting a veterinarian, three animal keepers, and a 

support staff position. The additional veterinarian and keeper positions are 

consistent with zoo best practices relating to the care of quarantined or 

hospitalized animals to minimize the risk of transferring disease to the rest of the 

collection. In addition to staffing, an additional $87,000 per year is required for 

animal care (e.g., animal bedding, enrichment) and for veterinary pharmaceuticals 

(e.g., vaccines, medicine) needed to maintain the SCBI’s living collection. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries and 

benefits of the director and general operational requirements for adequate animal 

care, professional training in conservation sciences, and animal acquisitions. 

Donor/sponsor-designated funds support the costs related to specific programs and 

projects, including field and captive studies on Sahelo-Saharan antelopes, 

amphibians, cheetahs, giant pandas, Asian elephants, tigers, and clouded leopards; 

ecological studies on migratory birds; and the documentation and monitoring of 

biodiversity and habitat quality in selected sites around the world. A large percentage 

of these funds supplement federal funding for renovating and modernizing the Zoo. 

Private donations to bring bison back to NZP or fund the Bird House renovation fund 

a portion of construction costs and support all exhibit interpretive design and 

implementation. Government grants and contracts support a wide array of scientific 

studies on the biology and habitats of endangered and threatened species. 

Concessions, such as food and retail shop sales, fund the NZP Information 

Technology Support and Help Desk, exhibit maintenance, visitor services, volunteer 

programs, and the communications team. 
85

SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 32 3,909 9 892 11 1,571 36 5,145

FY 2016

ENACTED 32 3,956 8 950 10 1,700 40 5,000

FY 2017

REQUEST 32 4,171 8 950 10 1,700 40 5,000

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; REVITALIZING 

EDUCATION; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 24 3,073 24 3,235 0 162

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 1 118 1 124 0 6

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 4 546 4 573 0 27

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations 3 219 3 239 0 20

Total 32 3,956 32 4,171 0 215

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a leader in 

research on land and water ecosystems in the coastal zone. SERC’s innovative 

research and unique setting advance basic environmental science in the zone 

where most of the world’s population lives, and provides society with the 

knowledge to solve the environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Research and discovery remain the core activities at SERC. Scientists use 

the unique site on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and other sites, including 

the Smithsonian Marine Science Network, to investigate the ecological 
86

interconnections of aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric components of complex 

landscapes, with comparative studies on regional, continental, and global scales. 

SERC maintains a vigorous professional training program dedicated to 

producing the next generation of scientists. Through its efforts to achieve 

extramural funding and establish external partnerships, SERC hosts a large 

number of undergraduate interns, graduate students, postdoctoral Fellows, and 

visiting scientists, with success in reaching candidates from underserved 

communities. 

SERC will redevelop its programs for public engagement. School-based 

programs, serving thousands of children annually, continue to be a major 

emphasis of SERC’s public efforts. In addition, SERC continue to expand its 

public outreach by incorporating new citizen science programs and enhanced 

volunteerism. 

SERC will continue to update and streamline management systems and 

functions, and advance construction of its Facilities Master Plan. In FY 2017, 

SERC will complete work on its 1.5-mile entrance to the main campus, which is 

necessary for the safe travel of staff and visitors in passenger vehicles and 

school buses. In addition, SERC plans for the next phase of implementation, 

including design of the Information Commons that will be the Institution’s first 

“Net-zero energy” building. Other projects include design of the Green Village to 

provide more housing for a growing number of visiting and collaborating 

scientists and students, and much-needed new support facilities for the 

Smithsonian Facilities staff. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $215,000 for 

necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this 

line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

SERC has an advantage in furthering its research goals and priorities by 

operating its 2,650-acre site on the Chesapeake Bay. Using the unique 

assemblage of streams, shoreline, forests and agricultural fields, its scientists 

investigate the interconnections of aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric 

components of complex landscapes. SERC’s research campus also supports 

research efforts of other collaborators and agencies (e.g. U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many 

universities and state agencies). SERC develops innovative approaches and 

instrumentation to measure environmental changes at four ecological levels (i.e., 

global change, landscape ecology, ecology of coastal ecosystems, and 

population and community ecology), and has developed unique, long-term, and 

experimental data sets on environmental change. SERC has been a leader in 

developing the Smithsonian’s Marine Science Network of sites along the western 
87

Atlantic Ocean for comparative coastal studies, as well as in developing the

Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network. SERC is a partner site in the 

National Ecological Observation Network (NEON). As such, in FY 2015 

construction of a new sampling tower array, to support a node for environmental 

data collection that will feed a national network established to observe and 

interpret changes in terrestrial environments, was completed. During its 50-year 

history, SERC has built a reputation for world-class research, producing many 

publications that are rich in data and multi-disciplinary and integrative in analysis.

SERC’s research, education, and outreach efforts are closely aligned with 

the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan. By building on existing strengths and special 

programs, SERC enhances its successful research on the following topics: landsea linkages of ecosystems; landscape ecology of coastal watersheds; estuarine 

ecology; invasive species (especially in coastal ecosystems); global change 

impacts on biotic and chemical interactions; biocomplexity of structure and 

processes in key ecosystems; and community and population ecology. 

During the next five years, SERC research on coastal marine ecology will 

focus on four key, interrelated areas: the structure and dynamics of marine food 

webs; the integrity and biodiversity of crucial marine ecosystems; linkages of 

ecosystems at the land-sea interface; and the ecological regulation of marine 

biodiversity. SERC seeks to expand its expertise in the ecology of invasive 

species and how they affect coastal ecosystems. To implement these goals, 

SERC will link its research with national and international research networks and 

enhance the Marine Science Network and the Tennenbaum Marine Observatory 

Network, conceived to coordinate and align the extensive marine research efforts 

throughout the Smithsonian. SERC is also developing scientific and technological 

capabilities in analytical chemistry, remote sensing, and instrumentation in 

coastal watersheds and connected ecosystems. In addition, SERC is working 

with partners in the National Museum of Natural History and the regional 

research community to develop DNA barcode libraries for all of the species of 

fishes and major groups of invertebrates of the Chesapeake Bay. This will 

become a shared resource for tracking biodiversity, species distributions, and 

foodweb structures in the nation’s largest estuary.

SERC has strengthened its public outreach programs and continues to 

participate in the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways Network. 

Through partnerships with various agencies in the Maryland state government 

and the Gateways program, SERC has continued developing a series of new 

trails and visitor experiences on the historic 575-acre Contee Farm, which was 

acquired in 2008. In addition to providing a lecture series, workshops, and expert 

consultation for the public, teachers, and public officials, SERC remains open to 

the public six days a week. Also, in addition to offering formal programs to the 

public, SERC encourages visitors to explore the Center’s many trails through 

forests and fields, as well as more than 12 miles of shoreline along the 

Chesapeake Bay.
88

SERC continues to implement its comprehensive Facilities Master Plan 

through projects that provide critical infrastructure improvements and allow for 

controlled and operationally sustainable growth during the next decade. One of 

the key components of the plan is the focus on reducing energy and water 

consumption across the campus. The incorporation of sustainable improvements 

at the campus will ensure long-term savings in operating costs and a reduction in 

SERC’s carbon footprint. For example, the Charles McC. Mathias Laboratory,

opened in 2015, has achieved a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

(LEED) Platinum designation — the highest measure of environmental 

sustainability afforded by the U.S. Green Building Council. The project was 

further recognized by receiving a Presidential GreenGov Award in FY 2016. 

SERC expects future projects to reach similar design standards as the Center

establishes its leadership in the areas of innovative design and functionality.

SERC has established management controls to ensure proper accounting 

for its research activities, including indirect cost recovery in its sponsored 

research program. Moreover, the staff strives to maintain an excellent record of 

safety and protection for all staff and visitors. In conjunction with the Institution’s 

central administrative offices, SERC maintains its excellent record of property 

management and protection of sensitive information and data.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support fund raising 

and internship/Fellowship programs. In addition, core administrative support is 

funded through an indirect cost recovery derived from extramural research and 

education awards. Donor/sponsor-designated funds provide critical operating 

support related to specific programs and projects in research, public education, 

and professional training. Most of SERC’s scientific research program of $5.5

million annually is supported by Government grants and contracts, including the 

National Ballast Information Clearinghouse, which was established by Congress 

as part of the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. 
89

SMITHSONIAN TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 202 14,025 62 2,803 46 4,516 15 1,836

FY 2016

ENACTED 202 14,166 62 2,809 32 4,518 15 2,000

FY 2017

REQUEST 202 14,344 62 2,810 32 4,518 15 2,000

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 120 9,070 120 9,184 0 114

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 3 169 3 171 0 2

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 10 531 10 539 0 8

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 2 367 2 367 0 0

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers 15 541 15 547 0 6

Provide a safe and healthy environment 2 147 2 154 0 7

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 6 362 6 367 0 5

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 10 1,124 10 1,132 0 8

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 6 316 6 321 0 5

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations 13 807 13 817 0 10
90

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments 3 265 3 265 0 0

Modernize and streamline the Institution’s 

acquisitions management operations 13 468 13 479 0 11

Total 202 14,166 202 14,344 0 178

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In 1910, Smithsonian Secretary Charles Walcott requested and received 

permission from President William Howard Taft to send a scientific expedition to Panama 

to study the environmental impact of the Panama Canal. The President of Panama, Pablo 

Arosemena, invited the Smithsonian to extend its study to the entire isthmus (1910–

1912), establishing a relationship that more than 100 years later continues to be a 

remarkable scientific resource for both countries and the world. The Smithsonian Tropical 

Research Institute (STRI) is now the principal U.S. organization dedicated to advancing 

fundamental scientific discovery and understanding of biological diversity in the tropics 

and its contribution to human welfare. STRI plays a critical role for the U.S. Government 

and the Smithsonian by maintaining world-class research facilities in Panama, where 

each year approximately 1,300 resident and visiting international scientists access the

diverse tropical environments STRI stewards. Of these, STRI most notably serves as the 

official custodian for the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) in Panama under the 

terms of the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western 

hemisphere, ratified by the U.S. Senate in April 1941. The BCNM is the only mainland 

tropical reserve under U.S. stewardship and served as the original base of operations for 

the 1910 expedition.

Why is the Smithsonian in Panama? What is now Panama was under water until 

about three million years ago. The rise of the Isthmus of Panama changed the world. It 

connected North and South America and separated the Atlantic from the Pacific, setting

into motion global change that dramatically impacted marine and terrestrial life. STRI has 

been located at the heart of this event for more than a century. Its nine research facilities,

situated throughout Panama’s diverse ecosystems, serve as an unparalleled field research 

platform to investigate the critical events that shaped the world and its tropical diversity. 

Scientific Productivity

The relevance, quality, and performance of STRI scientists is top tier, and is 

regularly evaluated by a Visiting Committee of outside experts. In their last review, the 

Visiting Committee used National Research Council criteria to measure the productivity 

and impact of STRI science compared to 142 of the best university research departments 

in the United States; STRI scientists ranked first in all measures of scientific relevance 

(e.g., publication citations), quality (e.g., scientific honors), and productivity (e.g., 

publication numbers). In addition, the number of young scientists who choose STRI as the 
91

base for their graduate and postgraduate research training provides an annual measure 

of the relevance and quality of STRI science to the future of tropical biology and policy. 

STRI’s 25 staff scientists and 160 research assistants-in-residence share our 

science platform with scientists from U.S. and international organizations. Each year, 

approximately 1,400 visiting scientists conduct research at STRI facilities with STRI 

scientists who are leaders in their fields. This collaborative effort has produced more than

11,000 scientific publications of record over the past century. In recent years, STRI 

scientists have published an average of 400 articles in peer-reviewed journals annually.

Scientific Direction

The long-term research conducted by STRI scientists and collaborators is a critical 

contribution to the Smithsonian Institution’s 2010–2017 Strategic Plan, “A Smithsonian for 

the 21st Century,” set forth in 2009, particularly through its contributions to the Grand 

Challenge, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet. However, STRI also 

contributes to Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe through its paleontology program,

and to Valuing World Cultures through its anthropology and archeology programs. In 

addition to investigating animal behavior, ecology, physiology, and the evolutionary 

changes that have occurred in the tropics, STRI has invested for the long term in several 

other core research directions. These include:

Environmental and Human Health

The Panama Canal Watershed provides drinking water for more than one million 

Panama residents. Much of the watershed has been deforested. STRI’s Agua Salud 

Project uses the Panama Canal’s central role in world commerce to focus global attention 

on the ecosystem services provided by tropical forests in comparison with other types of 

land cover, providing rigorous quantitative data on a critical topic much debated by policy 

makers. The hydrology portion of the project focuses on the roles of forests on waterrelated ecosystem services such as flood and drought mitigation and water purification.

STRI’s geographical position on the narrow Isthmus of Panama, which is a 

migratory route for North American birds to and from South America, combined with 

STRI’s outstanding relationships with Panama’s Health Ministry, led the National 

Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund development of regional surveillance and diagnostic 

capabilities for avian influenza. This effort couples STRI expertise in avian population 

biology and the Gorgas Institute (Panama Ministry of Health) expertise in virology to 

improve surveillance and early detection of zoonotic disease in the Western hemisphere.

Panama Amphibian Rescue Conservation Project

Amphibians are disappearing around the world. A systematic global assessment of 

all 5,743 known amphibian species found that one-third of all species surveyed are in 

danger of extinction. What is particularly alarming to conservationists is that 122 

amphibian species are believed to have gone extinct since 1980, compared to just five 

bird species and no mammals during the same time period. The main cause of this 

massive extinction is the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), 

which causes a disease called Chytridiomycosis.
92

In response to the massive loss of Panama’s amphibian biodiversity, due mainly to 

the chytrid fungus, STRI has partnered with African Safari, Houston Zoo, Cheyenne 

Mountain Zoo, the New England Zoo, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Smithsonian 

Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) to found the Panama Amphibian Rescue 

Conservation (PARC) project. PARC has several key goals to: prevent species 

extinctions by establishing ex-situ (quarantine) assurance colonies of endangered 

amphibians threatened with extinction from a deadly fungus decimating amphibians 

worldwide; develop tools to mitigate the disease and lead to reintroductions in the wild; 

and engage constituents to support conservation of amphibians and habitats. To date, the 

project has invested $1.5 million to build two ex-situ facilities in Panama, and bred more 

than 10 endangered amphibian species, including the Panamanian Golden Frog, a 

conservation flagship species now extinct in the wild. STRI scientists actively monitor 

disease and frog populations in the wild, use the latest molecular tools to find beneficial 

skin bacteria to help frogs fight Chytridiomycosis infections, research genetic mechanisms 

of chytrid resistance in Panamanian Golden Frogs, and develop assisted reproduction

technologies to breed frogs in captivity and cryopreserve their gametes for future use.

Monitoring Forest Health and the Global Carbon Cycle

Combining private and federal support, STRI collaborates with the Smithsonian 

Environmental Research Center (SERC), National Zoo/SCBI, National Museum of Natural 

History (NMNH) and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) to create the 

Smithsonian Institution Global Earth Observatories (SIGEO), the largest terrestrial-based 

Earth observation system in the world. Additional U.S. partners and supporters include 

the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as 80 partner institutions. STRI’s Center for 

Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), now named ForestGEO, coordinates research activities 

in 24 countries on 63 standardized forest parcels, ranging from two to 50 hectares, in 

which each tree is mapped and measured every five years. This partner-based global 

network provides rigorous, widely available, systematic data on forest dynamics and 

carbon budgets. These data are used by scientists and decision makers around the world 

to improve our understanding of tropical forests and to address climate change policy. 

The expanding network allows for global comparisons and has yielded important new 

findings such as the discovery that old trees play an important role in carbon 

sequestration, which was previously unknown.

Monitoring the Oceans: MarineGEO

The great success of ForestGEO led to the creation of MarineGEO, a new crossbureau program that is developing a network of marine data-collection sites studying nearshore environments. MarineGEO is the first long-term, worldwide research program to 

focus on understanding coastal marine life and its role in maintaining resilient ecosystems 

around the world. By specializing in coastal ecosystems — where marine biodiversity and 

people are concentrated and interact most — this initiative will provide policy makers with 

the science to support innovative solutions and advance management and protection of 

our oceans. The overall research questions are generic at this stage, and will lead to 

improved understanding of a range of marine habitats and the species of plants and 
93

organisms that reside in these locations. The network concept includes monitoring basic 

parameters; i.e., water acidity, temperature, salinity, specific conductivity, dissolved 

oxygen, and chlorophyll, with the intent of making all data available on the Web in real

time. This network and the associated data sets will improve the characterization of 

biodiversity and ecosystem processes. To collect this information, STRI has installed

sensors at MarineGEO sites on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama.

Paleontology and Earth Science

The long history of partnership with the Panama Canal Authority, coupled with a 

STRI leadership eager to seize research opportunities, permitted STRI scientists to take 

advantage of new canal excavations by bringing modern tools to study the geology and 

fossils of the region. This once-in-a-century research opportunity allows scientists to 

better understand one of the great geological events in the history of the planet — the rise 

of the Isthmus of Panama three million years ago, which established a biological bridge 

between the North and South American continents and a land barrier between the 

previously connected tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. 

STRI is important because of its mission, the Institute’s location in the mainland 

tropics on the narrow Isthmus of Panama, and its relationship with the Government of 

Panama. Beyond its mission for the Smithsonian, two examples of collaboration with U.S. 

agencies underscore the important role STRI plays in Panama. The security and facilities 

infrastructure of Barro Colorado Island led the USGS to establish seismic monitoring 

equipment as part of its Caribbean Tsunami Warning System. In addition, the 

Continuously Operating Caribbean GPS Observational Network (COCONet) project, 

funded by the NSF, has partnered with STRI in developing a large-scale geodetic and 

atmospheric monitoring infrastructure in the Caribbean. This new infrastructure forms the 

backbone for a broad range of geoscience and atmospheric investigations and enables 

research on process-oriented science questions with direct relevance to geohazards. U.S. 

and international partner agencies use STRI’s marine station in Bocas del Toro as a 

COCONet site to monitor sea level rise and plate tectonics — the movement of Earth’s 

crustal plates that can trigger major earthquakes.

Marine Invasions

New data are filling gaps in the understanding of the rise of the isthmus and its 

changing role in invasion biology, biodiversity, and global climate. Trade through the 

Panama Canal will increase by approximately 20 percent, starting in 2016, with the 

completion of the canal lock expansion project. STRI scientists and colleagues at the 

SERC in Maryland are documenting the distribution of invasive marine organisms, 

providing an unparalleled platform to understand the biology of invasive species on a 

scale comparable to that of the Great American Interchange of terrestrial organisms that 

occurred when Panama first linked North and South America three million years ago. 

Such research has profound implications for mitigating the problems of invasive species 

in the great seaways of the world, from the Panama Canal to the Great Lakes.

Marine Mammal Conservation

STRI scientists are radio-tracking humpback whales and other marine mammals, 

and recent findings, published in the peer-reviewed literature, revealed that the whales —
94

notably mothers with calves — were at high risk of being struck by ships entering or 

exiting the Panama Canal. With support from Panama’s maritime and Canal authorities, 

the International Maritime Organization approved a traffic separation scheme (TSS) in 

May of 2014, and officially implemented it as international policy in December of 2014, 

with the recommendation that ships should maintain speed of not more than 10 knots 

from August 1 to November 30 every year, through two designated ship traffic lanes 

approximately five miles wide. This type of marine conservation work is a U.S. State 

Department priority and showed that the TSS could reduce potential collisions between 

ships and cetaceans by 95 percent. Additionally, the work has led the governments of 

Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to collaborate with STRI and request the Institute’s

scientific expertise and counsel on this topic. 

The Budget request includes an increase of $178,000 for necessary pay 

for existing staff funded in this line-item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

STRI is the only major research institute to locate modern scientific instrumentation 

and facilities at the edges of tropical forests and coral reefs. STRI staff members lead 

internationally respected research while also assisting visitors with visas, collecting 

permits, transportation, housing, computing, and library needs, and by mentoring students 

from universities across the United States and around the world. Superb Panamanian 

staff and the supportive Government of Panama have fostered Smithsonian research in 

Panama for more than 100 years and STRI has been an exceptional ambassador of 

goodwill for the United States in Panama and throughout Latin America. 

As part of its core mission, STRI will continue to enhance the Smithsonian’s 

platform for long-term research on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the impacts of 

environmental change through novel research, education of the next generation of 

scientists, and the dissemination of those findings to our audiences. 

Global climate systems and life on the planet are in flux. Policy makers and 

scientists need long-term data on fluctuations in the primary productivity of forests around 

the globe, as well as information on changes in the abundance and distribution of 

biological diversity, to distinguish the components of global change that can be ascribed 

to planetary processes from those that may be caused by human activity. The 

Smithsonian Institution is building on its unique research infrastructure to provide the 

required data by expanding its global network of dynamic, long-term tropical forest plots 

into the temperate zone, and by collecting additional data on vertebrates, insects, and soil 

micro-organisms, in addition to the trees that scientists have monitored for more than 

three decades. Smithsonian researchers are answering the following questions: Does 

environmental change significantly alter forest biomass, and does the rate of carbon 

sequestration by forests vary with latitude, hydrological condition, and soil fertility? How 

are the diversity and the relative abundance of forest organisms changing over time and 

space? What components of observed changes are due to human activities? How can 

people modify their behavior and economies to ameliorate any changes detrimental to 

global society? 
95

STRI shares knowledge, experience, and expertise with the next generation of 

tropical scientists. In particular, STRI hosts more than 800 pre- and postdoctoral students 

each year. For many, their experience at STRI is their first real opportunity to be fullfledged scientists. The experience is transformational. As mentors, the Institute’s 

researchers guide these future investigators, encouraging their curiosity and challenging 

them to develop the scientific rigor required to make new discoveries, and to share them 

for the welfare of humankind. 

STRI continues to work with primary school science teachers to inspire wonder 

and critical thinking skills in the classroom. In Panama and through digital partnerships 

with school districts in the United States, STRI continues to explain field and laboratory 

science and make it accessible to teachers and students.

ENABLING STRI’S MISSION THROUGH ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

STRI continues to advance the vision detailed in the 20-year plan for upgrading its 

facilities, many of which date back to the pre-World War II era of Panama Canal defense. 

The 20-year STRI facilities plan represents a spectacular opportunity for the Smithsonian 

to provide its world-class group of tropical scientists with the modernized, sustainable, 

and state-of-the-science facilities needed to face the challenges of the 21st century, when 

biological challenges are playing a central role in global events.

STRI also offers important facility resources for federal agencies and universities. 

For terrestrial research, STRI serves as the headquarters for ForestGEO, and as a base 

for tsunami-monitoring equipment installed by the USGS. The Institute provides the 

Environmental Protection Agency with sites to monitor mosquitoes and their role as 

disease vectors, and assists the NIH with its funded projects to survey birds as carriers of 

avian influenza. For marine research, the two-ocean stage provided by STRI marine 

facilities permits scientists to move between experiments in the eastern Pacific Ocean 

and the Caribbean Sea in a few hours, and represents a principal component of the 

Smithsonian MarineGEO network that extends from the Chesapeake Bay to Florida, 

Belize, and Panama. The recurring two-ocean theme in marine science at STRI has 

resulted in landmark studies of the evolution and ecology of tropical marine species and 

communities, as well as research funded by NSF and NIH for the ecologically guided 

discovery of new pharmaceutical compounds. STRI's MarineGEO site in Bocas Del Toro 

(Caribbean) and the Naos Marine Laboratories (Pacific), provide direct access to two 

oceans, and take on increased importance as experimental platforms for studying the 

impact of climate change and ocean acidification on coastal coral reefs, sea grasses, and 

mangroves.

STRI’s primary research facility on the Pacific coast of Panama is Naos 

Laboratories, which provides easy access to key coastal, marine, and off-shore 

environments. It is situated in a unique location that provides ready access to two very 

different marine ecosystems, in the Gulf of Panama and the Gulf of Chiriqui, including 

areas impacted by human activities. This facility is a key resource for a highly productive 

team of researchers, led by nine STRI scientific staff members working in fields such as 

marine biology and ecology, animal behavior, evolutionary and molecular biology, species-
96

host interactions, species invasions, archaeology, paleontology, and climate change,

among others. It is also mission critical to the Smithsonian’s Marine Global Earth 

Observatories.

STRI is also supported by the Galeta Laboratory. The Galeta Laboratory is the

oldest scientific facility on the Caribbean coast of Panama, hosting a long-term monitoring 

environmental data operation, including the most thoroughly documented recovery from a 

major oil spill. The current infrastructure allows staff scientists and scientific visitors to carry 

out research in coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and sea grass beds, 

and on invasive species, due to its proximity to the Panama Canal entrance. Galeta is also 

home to one of STRI’s more dynamic and successful public outreach programs.

Research conducted at both laboratories has greatly contributed to the increase of 

our understanding of tropical biodiversity. STRI will continue to support scientific research 

at these sites because of a unique and unparalleled opportunity to conduct evolutionary 

and ecological studies in contrasting environments, including comparisons of marine 

habitat, ecosystems, and species dynamics between these two oceans.

Managing growth is an enviable challenge and STRI continues to position itself for 

scientific and educational success by focusing on the need to maintain operational

excellence. FY 2017 will be another year in which STRI continues to more efficiently use 

its available resources while at the same time adapting to work in the ever-expanding 

economy of Panama. STRI’s organizational efforts will include continued upgrading of its 

physical plant by seeking to reduce deferred maintenance and by doing more design 

planning. In addition, STRI will implement its restructured organization, including its 

Information Technology department and Finance and Administration areas, to better meet 

the needs of its scientific computing community as well as the business needs of its 

administrative departments. Lastly, STRI will continue to find innovative ways to allocate 

available resources for novel research that helps the Smithsonian meet the Grand 

Challenge of Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries for a small 

percentage of STRI employees involved in research, public outreach, and fund raising. 

Donor/sponsor-designated funds support specific programs and projects to investigate 

key indicators of global environmental health. 

More specifically, donor-designated support also provides an endowed chair for 

the director of STRI, an endowed staff position in tropical paleoecology, and an endowed 

chair for the director of ForestGEO. The chair in paleoecology currently investigates 

climate change during the last 60 million years, in part by taking advantage of the multibillion-dollar expansion of the Panama Canal, which is exposing new fossils and geology 

during the massive excavations. Donor-designated support also funds postdoctoral 

studies of the relationship between brain size and behavioral complexity, and postdoctoral 

Fellowships in tropical marine biology, using STRI’s Bocas del Toro and Galeta field 

stations in the Caribbean and its Naos Laboratories and Rancheria Island field station in 

the eastern Pacific Ocean.
97

Introduction, Valuing World Cultures

As a steward and goodwill ambassador of cultural connections, 

with a presence in some 145 countries and expertise and collections 

that encompass the globe, the Smithsonian will build bridges of 

mutual respect and present the diversity of world cultures and the joy 

of creativity with accuracy and insight.

RESEARCH Goal: The Smithsonian contributes insights into 

the evolution of humanity and the diversity of the world’s cultures, 

arts, and creativity.

ACCESS Goal: The Smithsonian will inspire audiences to 

explore the cultural and artistic heritages of diverse peoples.

UNITS primarily associated with this Grand Challenge:

 Arthur M. Sackler/Freer Gallery of Art

 Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 

 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

 National Museum of African Art
98

ARTHUR M. SACKLER GALLERY/FREER GALLERY OF ART

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 45 6,049 8 1,516 55 12,164 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 45 6,111 8 2,332 65 14,201 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 45 6,197 8 2,335 65 14,236 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; 

AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 6 1,429 6 1,435 0 6

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 0 20 0 30 0 10

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 3 265 3 265 0 0

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 16 2,144 16 2,164 0 20

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 5 425 5 430 0 5

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

12 1,367 12 1,387 0 20

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

0 35 0 40 0 5

Management Operations

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

1 143 1 153 0 10

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations

2 283 2 293 0 10

Total 45 6,111 45 6,197 0 86
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BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (FSG) celebrate the 

artistic traditions of Asia and hold what are widely regarded as among the most important 

collections of Asian art in the world. The Museums collect, study, exhibit, and preserve 

exemplary works of Asian art, as well as works by Whistler and other American artists of 

the “Aesthetic Movement” as represented in Charles Lang Freer’s original gift. The 

combined resources of the Museums are directed toward programs that advance the 

understanding of the arts of Asia and of the Museums’ collections. 

In FY 2017, the FSG will re-open the Freer Gallery of Art with a public celebration 

after a year-and-a-half-long closure to fully renovate its heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system and reinvigorate its galleries, public auditorium, and visitor 

amenities. The FSG will also build on the excitement generated from the innovative 

exhibitions initiated in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery which contextualize its growing 

permanent collection. International loan exhibitions and complementary public programs 

will provide audience engagement with both historical and contemporary topics, and 

access to some of the finest works of art from Asia. The Museums will also further the 

goal of Broadening Access by realigning resources in FY 2017 to position FSG as a 

world leader in digital collections management initiatives. This will be done by 

maintaining 100 percent digitization as its collections grow, improving the FSG website 

with a new content management system that will allow linkages between thousands of 

different types of records and media, and a new search tool for online collections. FSG 

will continue to increase the digitization of its publications, and enhance the visitor 

experience with new ways to access its research and wealth of assets. The new 

programming effort for the International Gallery in the S. Dillon Ripley Center, managed 

jointly by FSG and the National Museum of African Art, enters its fourth year. This 

gallery, with links to both Museums, allows programmatic collaboration, provides a 

testing ground for new types of exhibitions, and affords new opportunities to achieve the 

Institution’s strategic goals of Broadening Access and Revitalizing Education.

The FSG will achieve the goal of Excellent Research by maintaining its impressive 

record of hosting research Fellows and scholarly visitors, through its publications, and by

searching for new funding sources for research. 

In addition, the FSG will address the strategic goal of Mission Enabling by 

continually assessing and enhancing staff development and oversight of internal controls. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $86,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

To achieve the goal of Broadening Access, the FSG continues to direct resources 

to raise attendance and assert its pre-eminence in the field of Asian art by mounting and 

traveling high-profile exhibitions. In 2017, continuing and planned exhibitions will make 

strong connections to the Museums’ permanent collections and recent important gifts 
100

and bequests. In the fall of 2016, the first major exhibition on the Qur’an in the United 

States — from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul, which holds one of the 

world’s greatest collections — will open with more than 50 sacred texts from the Arab 

Middle East, Iran, Turkey, and North Africa and will trace the history of the Qur’an over 

900 years. The FSG will continue to present important Japanese exhibitions, when, in 

the spring of 2017, three major works by Kitagawa Utamaro will be reunited for exhibition 

for the first time since the 19th century. Smaller exhibitions contextualizing important 

works in the collection within contemporary art (The Power of Red), other creative 

disciplines (Chinese Music), or scientific research (Unveiling the Invisible) will be in 

preparation and/or on view.

Meanwhile, the innovative juxtaposition of contemporary artist Darren Waterston’s 

immersive interpretation of the Freer’s famed Peacock Room, Filthy Lucre, and 

contemporary ceramicist Walter McConnell’s large-scale sculptures evocative of 

Buddhist stupas — the first exhibition in the renovated Sackler north galleries — close in 

the second quarter of the year. Also, planning is under way for a FY 2018 installation of 

Buddhist art, using new interpretive approaches and immersive content, with audience 

testing and research taking place in FY 2017.

Exhibitions drawn from recent promised gifts and bequests to FSG collections are 

slated for national travel in 2017, including the Paul Singer Collection of ancient Chinese 

art, and the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine. FSG continues to develop major research and 

exhibition projects with international scholars and institutional partners in China, Japan,

Korea, Turkey, and India.

Most importantly, in the spring of 2017, the Freer collections will be reinstalled 

after a one-and-a-half year closure for a major capital building project. Old favorites and 

new gems will be displayed in refreshed galleries with new interpretive content that will 

enhance visitors’ understanding of the breadth and beauty of Asian art. The 

reinvigorated Freer Gallery of Art will include more welcoming visitor entrances, careful 

incorporation of digital technology within the Museum, a renovated Meyer Auditorium, 

and increased amenities to offer visitors a more welcoming environment and gallery 

experience. The renovation of the Meyer Auditorium will include simulcast capabilities for 

sharing programs with partners around the globe.

Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan concludes its presentation 

in the Ripley Center International Gallery at the end of the first quarter of FY 2017. This 

exhibition — a bold FSG experiment — aligns with two Smithsonian strategic goals —

Broadening Access and Revitalizing Education — through its use of an immersive 

installation and digital technology to present an inspirational story of the resilience of 

artistic beauty and the human spirit. The exhibition is enhanced by rich public programs, 

with the participation of visiting Turquoise Mountain artisans, to create an emotionally 

stirring experience of the stories presented.

The FSG will further broaden access by reaching new and diverse audiences 

through its groundbreaking educational and scholarly programs on the arts of Asia. 

These involve hosting a series of international conferences and workshops, and 
101

collaborating within the Smithsonian and with outside organizations such as the National 

Museum in Beijing, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Uffizi in 

Florence, Italy, and the British Museum in London.

Enabling the Museums to be the center for public engagement on the arts of Asia, 

the Museums’ website continues to undergo refinements to allow greater access to our 

collections, which are now fully digitized. With the help of a major Getty Foundation 

grant, an online publication of the Pulverer Collection of Japanese books was recently 

launched. In addition, in the past several years, the FSG has collaborated with 

Ritsumeikan University to digitize more than 100,000 images of Japanese books of art.

The FSG will achieve the Institution’s goal of Excellent Research by coordinating 

its own collections more vigorously with researchers in universities in the Washington, 

DC area, as well as internationally, and ensuring that the FSG has appropriate 

distribution, in print and online, of scholarly publications. 

The Museum’s newly formed department of public and scholarly engagement, 

which is responsible for the public-facing activities of the FSG in the areas of public 

programs education, media relations and advertising, will launch new initiatives 

developing effective visitor engagement strategies as a result of a year-long visitor study 

of the Freer. As part of its goal to advance Revitalizing Education initiatives, and to 

provide greater access to high-quality educational resources, the FSG will re-examine 

state, county, and municipal educational mandates to ensure that the Museums’ 

programs support public schools’ curricula. In addition, the FSG will devote more 

resources to develop long-term teaching materials based on the Museums’ worldrenowned collections, and to add more educational content on the FSG website to make 

it the premier online U.S. resource for information on the arts of Asia.

The FSG will achieve the strategic goal of Strengthening Collections by continuing 

to devote resources to its internationally renowned conservation department and 

laboratory. The department is led by a director who is one of the most respected figures 

in the field. In FY 2017, curators and researchers will continue to study and publish new 

research on the collections, including ancient Chinese art from Dr. Paul Singer’s 

collection. With a grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the FSG established an 

endowment for a mid-level position for Chinese painting conservation, and, in 

collaboration with the Mellon Foundation, is building a nexus of institutions in the United 

States, China, and Europe to ensure adequate succession planning in a field where 

many leading practitioners are due to retire within a very few years of each other. 

Additionally, the FSG will continue its research into Nazi-era provenance issues, further 

strengthening international ties developed in previous years. FSG is also collaborating 

with the Carnegie Museum of Art to develop a linked-open-data facility for provenance 

research that is expected to be of major benefit to the entire field.

To meet the goal of Mission Enabling, the FSG will continue to improve its 

administrative efficiencies and reporting mechanisms, ensuring that its workforce is 

efficient and skilled, and to adopt best practices for safeguarding Smithsonian resources.

The FSG continues to dedicate training funds to leadership and supervisory training to 
102

equip our managers and supervisors with the information, skills, and tools to make 

effective decisions. An impressive proportion of senior management has gone to 

leadership training at the Center for Creative Leadership, and more than 80 percent of 

staff have attended project management training. The FSG strategic plan continues 

through FY 2017 and aligns with the Smithsonian’s overall strategic plan in terms of both 

timing and goals. The FSG continues to closely track progress against its strategic plan 

through the use of its management tracking system commissioned from AchieveIT. This 

new system enhances accountability by linking the strategic plans and goals of the 

Museums directly to departmental activities and outputs.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust and donor/sponsor-designated 

funds are generated from memberships, revenue sharing from Museum shop sales and 

the Smithsonian Channel; participation fees from traveling exhibition venues; special 

events; unrestricted and restricted gifts and grants; and endowment income. The 

Museums are highly dependent upon nonappropriated sources of income to provide the 

quality of exhibitions, programs, and publications expected by visitors and scholars, both 

online and on site.
103

CENTER FOR FOLKLIFE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 17 2,503 9 1,724 3 471 5 2,262

FY 2016

ENACTED 17 2,581 14 2,588 7 2,200 0 1,100

FY 2017 

REQUEST 18 3,122 12 1,716 14 5,500 0 500

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 2 435 2 439 0 4

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 120 2 203 1 83

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 6 870 6 1,078 0 208

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 2 217 2 219 0 2

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 2 226 2 456 0 230

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities 0 215 0 217 0 2

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers 0 100 0 102 0 2

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 1 129 1 131 0 2
104

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 1 60 1 62 0 2

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations 2 209 2 215 0 6

Total 17 2,581 18 3,122 1 541

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage (CFCH) is a research, 

collections, education, and public programming unit of the Smithsonian Institution 

with the mission to “promote greater understanding and sustainability of cultural 

heritage across the United States and around the world.” It is the largest of a 

triumvirate of federal offices (with the Library of Congress’ American Folklife 

Center and National Endowment for the Arts,’ or NEA’s, Folk and Traditional Arts 

program) that supports traditional arts and culture in the United States and 

abroad. For nearly five decades, the CFCH has accomplished this mission 

through research, documentation, preservation, presentation, education, social 

enterprise, and publication. It has collaborated with thousands of organizations, 

foundations, and governments in the United States and worldwide. The 

Smithsonian Folklife Festival and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings are its most 

visible products, reaching more than 66 million people each year and earning 

major recognition, including one of the first Best Practice Citizen Diplomacy 

awards from the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy, 26 Grammy Award 

nominations, seven Grammys, one Latin Grammy, and 26 Independent Music 

Awards. 

The CFCH, with its highly qualified staff, nearly one-quarter of whom hold 

doctoral degrees, and first-rate production capabilities for public events, also 

produces multi-media website features and publications, exhibitions, 

documentary films, symposia, print publications, educational materials, and 

more. Ethnographic research and documentation are fundamental to all of its 

products and anchor its active engagement in high-profile international cultural 

heritage policy forums. Its Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections house, 

preserve, and provide access to its world-class collections. Professional training 

efforts offer opportunities for more than 130 interns each year and include 

hosting advanced study Fellows from countries around the world. 

The FY 2017 Budget request is for an increase of $541,000, including 

$28,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded 

under this line item. Additionally, the request includes an increase of $230,000 to 

rent new space that will provide adequate storage for national collections. There 

is also an increase of $200,000 for the annual Folklife Festival to comply with 

rigorous new National Park Service regulations governing the use of the National 
105

Mall. All of the above increases are explained in the Fixed Costs section of this 

budget. The request also includes $83,000 and 1 FTE for digitization.

MEANS AND STRATEGY

Research, production capacity, and entrepreneurial resource leveraging 

are the keys to how the CFCH accomplishes its core mission. Earned revenues 

are used to employ half of its staff, create its public products, and deliver them to 

a broad national and international public of tens of millions. Institutional 

collaboration and major public impact nationally and internationally are also key 

to fulfilling its mission. Institutional collaborations (more than 100 partnerships in 

the past five years), fund raising, and mission-driven business activities leverage 

the Center’s modest federal investment many times over to reach millions of 

people per year.

The CFCH achieves this through the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (with 

4.4 million visitors on site and online), Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (with 

more than 44 million listeners via recordings, radio programs, downloads, and 

audio streams), websites and social media (18 million visits), the Smithsonian 

Cultural Sustainability Initiative, and other products. The CFCH also periodically 

applies its event production capacity to put on other major, national cultural 

events consistent with its mission, such as the National World War II Reunion, 

the First Americans Festival for the opening of the National Museum of the 

American Indian, and programs for the Olympic Games and Presidential 

inaugurations. In 2014, the CFCH finalized a new strategic five-year plan, which 

sets ambitious goals for the future and harmonizes its work with the Strategic 

Plan of the Smithsonian as a whole; this realignment can be seen in the 

reallocation of funds across program categories. As of 2016, the CFCH is making 

remarkable progress at meeting these goals, which include specific metrics for 

publications, reaching new audience members, and partnerships. In 2016 and 

2017, the CFCH will collaborate with at least nine Smithsonian units, 15 nonprofit 

organizations, at least two other federal agencies, and three foreign countries to 

create and deliver programmatic content. 

The summer of 2017 marks the 35th anniversary of the NEA National 

Heritage Fellowships and the 50th anniversary of the Smithsonian Folklife 

Festival. In partnership with the NEA, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will 

present a major program, America’s Living Treasures: Celebrating the National 

Heritage Fellows, to shine a spotlight on the rich array of exemplary individuals 

and groups that have been honored by the NEA’s National Heritage Fellowships, 

the nation’s highest award for excellence in the traditional arts. In addition, the 

Festival will feature two other programs. Circus Arts will tell the remarkable story 

of the immigrant families that carried circus arts to the United States, the unique 

community they forged, and the contemporary renaissance in circus arts; this 

program is being done in a partnership with the Ringling Museum, which is part 

of Florida State University. Cuba: Convergence, Creativity, and Color will 
106

highlight the rich cultural diversity of Cuba, where Iberian traditions have mixed 

for centuries with African, indigenous, Asian, and Arab ways of life to produce 

one of the most vibrant and complex cultures in Latin America. Because the 

National Mall will be reopened after its renovation, the Festival will take place 

once again on the Mall between 7th and 14th Streets.

Also in 2016 and 2017, the CFCH will further harness the power and 

reach of the Web to broaden access to Festival content far beyond Washington, 

DC, through programmatic features proceeding, during, and following the 10-day 

Mall event. The CFCH will accomplish this by further increasing the interactivity

of its websites, aggressively aiming to increase visits to all of its websites by two

million in 2017, for a total of 21 million. The CFCH is also continuing its 

partnership with e-Pals, a social learning platform that provides a course on 

cultural heritage developed by the Center and tied to the core curriculum, to 

reach one million teachers and 11 million students around the globe.

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release more than 100 productions 

in FY 2016, including 100 albums from the UNESCO Collection of Traditional 

Music from dozens of countries around the world. In 2015, it produced a five-CD 

boxed set of Leadbelly’s music. Folkways will continue its African American 

Legacy and Tradiciones/Traditions series of African American and Latino music, 

producing at least six albums of new material. A multi-disc box set on hip-hop 

traditions will be released in 2016 to coincide with the opening of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the CFCH will 

also release a major box set to highlight the enduring musical contributions of 

Pete Seeger.

In addition, Folkways will continue to extend its reach to millions more 

listeners, distributing its 3,000 album titles and 48,000 tracks of audio to 

teachers, students, scholars, and the general public. Digital distribution will 

expand further, opening new horizons for the creation and delivery of the 

Center’s educational content via downloadable audio streams, “podcast” feeds, 

and multi-media video features. Folkways will also bolster its million-plus 

circulation of digital content from non-Smithsonian websites such as iTunes U, 

now available in more than 67 countries. It will expand its collaboration with 

private partners to deliver the entire Folkways collection to more than 560

libraries throughout the continent and beyond. The Musica del Pueblo virtual 

exhibition will expand its offerings of American and Latin American content by 

featuring even more video and audio recordings as well as text from and about

Latino roots musical traditions. This mission-critical content will also generate

additional revenues through online and retail sales.

A third signature program, the Smithsonian Cultural Sustainability

Initiative, invigorates the Center’s long-established commitment to community 

engagement, cultural documentation, and support of cultural vitality. Three new 

five-year programs respond to the urgency of the need to save endangered 
107

languages and cultural expressions and the associated loss of their knowledge: a 

USAID-funded “Integrated Development Program to Preserve Cultural Heritage 

and Improve Sustainable Livelihoods in Ethnic Tibetan Communities in China” 

and “My Armenia,” which is linking cultural heritage preservation with sustainable 

tourism development in innovative ways. The CFCH has also launched a major, 

privately funded initiative for “Sustaining Minority Languages in Europe” (SMiLE), 

which is part of the Smithsonian’s larger Recovering Voices Initiative. 

Center curators and research staff will continue to publish books, articles, 

and Web features, and make professional presentations at gatherings of 

specialists. In addition, we have set aggressive publication targets for the entire 

Center. The CFCH’s cultural heritage policy team will continue its vital 

participation in U.S. and UNESCO cultural heritage policy formulation by 

consulting with the U.S. Department of State, cooperating with UNESCO, and 

collaborating with other national and international organizations. 

The yield from ethnographic research and multi-media primary sources 

will add to the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections’ strategically 

important holdings of music and cultural traditions from the United States and 

around the world. Both the Folklife Festival and Smithsonian Folkways draw from 

and contribute to the world-class holdings of the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives 

and Collections. Containing a dozen record labels, more than a half century of 

documentary research, and extraordinary records of grassroots cultural traditions 

from around the globe, it provides a sine qua non folklife resource for both 

researchers and the public alike. In recognition of its important holdings, 

UNESCO designated the Frances and Moses Asch Collection as part of its 

History of the World in 2015. The Folklife Archives will tackle three main 

challenges in 2017 — receiving a plethora of incoming ethnographic research; 

ingesting the vast collections associated with the acquisition of Arhoolie Records; 

and assessing, cataloguing, preserving, and making available endangered, 

valuable, multi-media holdings through prioritization of delicate and critical 

collections materials. Central funds from within the Institution will further support 

the Rinzler Archives’ digitization and dissemination efforts. 

Through these activities, the CFCH will take major steps to fulfill the 

Smithsonian Grand Challenges of Understanding the American Experience and 

Valuing World Cultures. The CFCH will contribute to the Smithsonian’s strategic 

goals of Broadening Access and Mission Enabling by continuing to improve its 

information technology infrastructure and related project budgeting and planning. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request is for an increase of $541,000, including 

$28,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded 

under this line item. Additionally, the request includes an increase of $230,000 to 

rent new space that will provide adequate storage for national collections. There 
108

is also an increase of $200,000 to comply with rigorous new National Park 

Service regulations governing the use of the National Mall. All of the above 

increases are explained in the Fixed Costs section of this budget. The request 

also includes +$83,000 and +1 FTE for digitization. 

Digitization (+$83,000, +1 FTE) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $83,000 and 1 FTE to 

provide the necessary support to create and sustain a robust digitization 

program. The increase will enable CFCH to: 1) interface with Digitization 

Program Office (DPO) staff in planning and executing mass-digitization projects; 

2) support implementation of the unit digitization plans; 3) provide access to unit 

collections, research, and programs by creating, managing, and promoting the 

museums’ digital assets; and 4) provide responsible stewardship of digital 

assets. The additional funds will increase access to the national collections for 

visitors, scholars, students, and learning communities worldwide. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries 

and benefits of approximately one-quarter of the CFCH’s personnel, and 

revenues from Folkways Recordings pay nearly half of staff salaries and 

expenses. Donor/sponsor-designated funds cover costs related to specific 

projects such as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and several other educational 

programs. With the support of the Smithsonian National Campaign, the CFCH 

has raised $3.79 million (or 94.9 percent) of its $4 million goal to increase private 

funds in support of the Center’s mission. 
109

COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 36 4,755 28 3,712 24 10,886 0 118

FY 2016

ENACTED 36 4,810 29 4,535 21 8,600 0 100

FY 2017

REQUEST 40 5,105 29 4,580 21 8,685 0 100

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 4 342 4 347 0 5

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 104 1 107 0 3

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 1 124 1 125 0 1

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 4 312 4 315 0 3

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 3 257 3 260 0 3

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 7 1,939 9 2,086 2 147

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities 11 1,099 13 1,225 2 126

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 1 168 1 170 0 2
110

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 1 109 1 110 0 1

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations 2 267 2 270 0 3

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments 1 89 1 90 0 1

Total 36 4,810 40 5,105 4 295

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM), in New York City, 

is one of two Smithsonian museums located outside of Washington, DC. CHSDM 

is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to historic and 

contemporary design. Its collection is international in scope and encompasses 

212,000 objects representing 30 centuries of design, from China’s Han Dynasty 

(200 B.C.) to the present. The Museum presents compelling perspectives on the 

impact of design on daily life through educational programs, exhibitions, and 

publications. 

As the design authority of the United States, CHSDM’s programs and 

exhibitions demonstrate how design shapes culture and history — past, present, 

and future. To achieve the Institution’s strategic goals of Broadening Access and 

Revitalizing Education, the Museum will continue its dynamic exhibition 

programming and active roster of educational and public programs, as well as 

expand the number of programs offered in venues outside the New York 

metropolitan area in 2017. Together, these programs will help CHSDM engage 

larger, more diverse audiences, and fulfill its mission to serve as a catalyst for 

design education throughout the nation and internationally. 

The Museum devotes resources to ensure the advancement of knowledge 

in the humanities by fostering a greater understanding of the role of design in 

everyday life and its impact on shaping the built environment of the past, present, 

and future; and to encourage the “by-products” of design thinking — such as 

creative problem solving and teamwork — in other disciplines and areas of life, 

through interactive, engaging, in-person and online experiences. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $295,000. This 

increase includes: $136,000 for two additional curatorial positions; $100,000 for 

two facilities custodial positions; $51,000 for necessary pay and other related 

salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item; and $8,000 to support 

rent costs, which is explained in the Fixed Costs section of this budget 

submission. 
111

MEANS AND STRATEGY

In FY 2017, Cooper Hewitt will continue to transform the Museum visit 

from passive to participatory with the most innovative, educational, and 

interactive exhibitions for the public, focusing on the design process. The 

Museum will present several exhibitions, among them Design with the Other 

90%: USA, the third exhibition in the Design with the Other 90% humanitarian 

design exhibition series and the first to focus on conditions in the United States,

and Jazz Age: Art & Decoration in 1920’s America, the first major museum 

exhibition to focus on the role of the United States on the world stage of design 

and decoration during the exhilarating years of the 1920s. The Museum will also 

produce publications to accompany these exhibitions. 

CHSDM resources will continue to support the strategic goal of Excellent 

Research, ensuring the advancement of knowledge in the humanities through 

exhibition-related scholarly research to create the most innovative and 

educational exhibitions for the public.

To achieve the goal of Strengthening Collections, the Museum expects to 

have completed the digitization of the entire collection by FY 2017. The Museum 

will also continue to support an on-site graduate program with the New 

School/Parsons on the history of design and curatorial studies, which will enable 

students and scholars to access objects in CHSDM’s collections.

CHSDM will achieve the goal of Revitalizing Education by continuing to 

engage and inspire diverse audiences through efforts locally in the Museum and 

through continued national outreach. Cooper Hewitt offers a wide variety of 

educational opportunities and programs, most of which are free. The goal across 

all of the programs is to engage K–12 students in the design process through 

active observation, critical discussion, creativity, and presentation. The programs 

foster collaboration among students, teaching them how to work in teams, and to 

define problems and find solutions, while improving their verbal and written 

communication skills. Cooper Hewitt will welcome students to the Museum and 

continue to bring design workshops into classrooms in New York. The national 

pilot program in Cleveland, Minneapolis, New Orleans, San Antonio, Los Angeles 

and Washington, DC has resulted in collaborations in multiple cities and provided 

data that will help the continued expansion of this program across the country.

The Museum will also continue to offer an expanded Smithsonian Design 

Institute program nationally as well as in New York City. This program is geared 

to K–12 educators, which draws a steadily increasing national and international 

audience each year, and is the core of the Museum’s training model.

CHSDM plans to make its educational opportunities available to a much 

broader audience in FY 2017 through greater use of the Web and fortified 

partnerships across the nation. In particular, the Museum plans to devote 
112

resources to increase the accessibility of educational programs through its 

website for K–12 teachers, (www.educatorresourcecenter.org), expanded

components of the City of Neighborhoods educational programs, and 

Smithsonian Design Institute educational programs, to make program resources 

available to broader audiences. The Educators’ Resource Center is a website 

that uses downloadable lesson plans aligned to national standards to show K–12 

teachers how design-based learning works with diverse learning styles. These 

online tools provide educators with the resources they need to engage in the 

design process and use it effectively in their classrooms. 

To further the Smithsonian’s goal of Mission Enabling, CHSDM will 

enhance its reputation, and that of the Smithsonian, by continuing to secure 

significant media coverage across national and international print and digital 

platforms such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall 

Street Journal, as well as general interest publications and those relating to all 

fields of design, and increase the Museum’s social media presence. Cooper 

Hewitt will maintain and cultivate substantive relationships with the public, its 

existing membership community, state and local governments, children, 

educators, business leaders, and designers.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The budget estimate includes an increase of $295,000. This increase 

includes $136,000 for two additional curatorial positions, $100,000 for two 

facilities custodial positions, $51,000 for necessary pay and other related salary 

costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and $8,000 to support rent 

costs, which are explained in the Fixed Costs section of this budget submission. 

Collections Scholarship (+$136,000, +2 FTEs)

With 60 percent more gallery space in the renovated Museum and 

CHSDM’s ambitious digital initiatives, additional collection support is required for 

collections scholarship and management. These positions will support 

cataloguing, research and publications about the collection objects. The positions 

will support acquisition research and preparation, and provide assistance with 

upcoming exhibitions and gallery rotations with a strong emphasis on digital 

content.

Facilities Custodial Positions (+$100,000, +2 FTEs)

To provide a high-quality experience for visitors to the Museum and the 

renovated garden which is now open to the public, CHSDM requests two facilities 

custodial positions to support the upkeep of the 6,000 square feet of public space 

gained from the renovation, the public garden and the Museum offices.
113

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — Nonappropriated resources support 

70 percent of the Museum’s operating budget. General trust funds are generated 

from memberships, Museum shop sales, admissions, special events, and 

unrestricted contributions. General trust funds support salaries and benefits of 

administrative personnel, development and business activities, and other 

program-related costs. The Museum also raises funds from private sources to 

support research, exhibitions, public programs, and administrative functions. This

includes securing contributions for new exhibitions, educational initiatives, and 

public outreach. Donor/sponsor-designated funds are critical to support 

exhibitions and educational initiatives. In addition, significant endowment gifts 

support research, exhibitions, public programs, and administrative functions.
114

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 37 4,301 3 1,395 20 3,782 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 37 4,414 3 1,676 20 5,939 0 0

FY 2017 

REQUEST 41 4,913 3 1,676 20 5,939 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

2 196 2 199 0 3

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 115 3 403 2 288

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 2 180 2 183 0 3

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 11 1,500 11 1,521 0 21

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 3 328 3 332 0 4

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

7 911 9 1,073 2 162

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers

1 78 1 79 0 1

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

1 95 1 97 0 2
115

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

2 201 2 204 0 3

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

2 160 2 163 0 3

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations

3 387 3 393 0 6

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments

2 263 2 266 0 3

Total 37 4,414 41 4,913 4 499

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG) is a leading voice 

for contemporary art and culture, providing a national platform for the art and 

artists of our time. The Museum seeks to share the transformative power of 

modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and 

understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, 

audiences, and ideas converge. The HMSG enhances public understanding and 

appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and 

public programs, conservation, and research.

The Museum allocates resources to further the Institution’s goals so that 

progress toward one goal advances work toward the others. For instance, through 

its efforts to pursue the goal of Excellent Research, the HMSG has developed a 

deep expertise in conserving time-based media works that are at the forefront of 

contemporary art, and this knowledge enables the Museum to sustain these 

works under the strategic goal of Strengthening Collections, and to display these 

works in compelling exhibitions under the goal of Broadening Access.

The HMSG dedicates a significant portion of its resources to the 

Institution’s goal of Broadening Access, primarily through its presentation of 

insightful, deeply researched exhibitions of modern and contemporary artists, 

many of them with novel thematic interpretations that win critical and public 

acclaim. The HMSG supplements these exhibitions with an active roster of public 

programs, scholarly publications, and carefully selected images in original 

catalogues, and through continued progress in digitizing images of every work in 

the collection and highlighting them on the Museum’s redesigned website. 

The Museum’s extensive collection is central to its purpose, and, pursuant 

to the Institution’s goal of Strengthening Collections, the HMSG dedicates 

another substantial portion of its resources to the preservation of its thousands of 

artworks. These artworks have been highlighted in several collection shows,

such as At the Hub of Things, Le Onde, and In the Beginning in FY 2016. In the 
116

Beginning will continue into FY 2017. The strength of this collection and the need 

to preserve it will be highlighted significantly as the Museum moves into its fifth 

decade, with plans for additional showcases of its unique collection. Moreover, 

the HMSG continues to make these artworks available to museums around the 

country with a very active loan program, and lends staff expertise on 

conservation matters to arts organizations worldwide. 

The Museum contributes to the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education 

with ARTLAB+ and numerous educational programs, including a gallery guide 

program that serves the Museum’s diverse audience and encourages viewers to 

learn about various fields of contemporary culture. The educational programs 

also make strong efforts to bring senior, non-museum education professionals 

into the Museum to expand on the HMSG’s didactic approaches. ARTLAB+ is a 

digital media studio for local teenagers, giving them access to professional 

technology and art, and connecting them to artist mentors who build a community 

of young creators. ARTLAB+ has been a signature achievement of the Museum 

and has received critical acclaim from the broader educational community and 

from one of its primary funders, the MacArthur Foundation, as well as support 

from the Pearson Foundation and the Smithsonian Youth Access Grant. The 

Museum also pursues the goal of Mission Enabling by constantly improving its 

financial and administrative management tools and procedures. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $499,000. This 

increase includes $63,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item, $150,000 for Collections Scholarship, 

and $286,000 for Digitization Support. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

In FY 2017, Excellent Research continues as the Museum further 

develops a major public forum on the intersections of art, design, technology, and 

education, featuring international subject-matter experts and an interactive online 

component, effectively extending participation to audiences far beyond the walls 

of the Museum. Also, the Museum will continue to expand its series of online and 

on-site programs dealing with the role of technology and new media in 

contemporary art, museum culture, and digital education. 

FY 2017 exhibitions will remain at the forefront of the HMSG’s missions to 

broaden access to the arts and, specifically, to increase public understanding of and 

engagement with modern and contemporary art. FY 2017 exhibitions will include: 

 The Museum will open the fiscal year in October 2016 with Ragnar

Kjartansson. Organized by the Barbican Centre in London, this exhibition will

be the first mid-career survey of the Icelandic artist’s wide-ranging projects in

film, performance, painting, and drawing. Kjartansson’s work explores the

boundaries between fact and fiction, as well as myth and identity.
117

 In November 2016, Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford will transform the

Museum’s galleries on the third floor with a special, site-specific 

commission installed along the full 400-foot circumference of the inner 

wall. Referencing a speech written for, but never delivered at, the 1963 

civil rights March on Washington, Bradford’s community-driven work will 

be augmented by complementary public programming being developed in 

partnership with Howard University. 

 In February 2017, the Hirshhorn will serve as the premiere venue for 

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors. Spanning more than five decades of 

creative output, the exhibition, which is anticipated to attract large crowds, 

will focus on the evolution of the Japanese artist’s immersive, multireflective Infinity Mirror Room installations, exploring the meaning of the 

mind-bending works within the larger arc of the artist’s oeuvre, including 

painting, sculpture, and other works. The Hirshhorn is organizing the 

exhibition and developing plans to tour it nationwide.

 Coinciding with the 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s anticipated focus 

on Cuba, and co-organized by the Hirshhorn, the Museum of Fine Arts in 

Houston, the Walker Art Center, and the Cisneros Fontanals Art 

Foundation, Adiós Utopia will be the first major historical survey of postwar 

Cuban art in the United States. The exhibition will bring together more 

than 100 works — painting, graphic art, photography, video, installation, 

and performance — created in Cuba during the past 65 years, shedding 

light on important moments in Cuba’s modern history; from the 1959 

Revolution to the present. 

 FY 2017 will close with the opening of two major projects, yet to be 

announced, which will carry into FY 2018: a thematic exhibition exploring 

the commodification and mechanization of art objects during the 1980s,

and a large-scale, 360-degree projection by a major artist covering the 

façade of the Hirshhorn’s iconic building.

The major exhibitions presented in FY 2017 will be complemented by a 

combination of public tours led by gallery guides and invited specialists, lectures 

and other public programs, as well as brochures, catalogues, and online 

educational resources.

With a redesigned website, the Museum will further the goal of Broadening 

Access by engaging with local and remote audiences as they draw information 

from individualized knowledge portals. The HMSG will also refine its 

communication procedures to diffuse deep knowledge of contemporary art and 

culture, whether presented in the Museum or elsewhere, and not merely describe 

events in superficial terms. The Museum will continue to publish original 

catalogues to complement the viewing of its exhibitions as well as other books 

that examine modern art, design, and cultural shifts of the early 21st century. 
118

The Museum will support Revitalizing Education with a range of programs 

geared toward people with varying levels of art experience and cultural interests, 

and by expanding or revising the concept of a museum as a center of learning.

As in previous years, one or more working artists will lead youth and teacher

workshops for K–12 teachers and students. Artists will also present their ideas 

and inspirations to people of all ages in the “Meet the Artist” programs and “In 

Conversation” interviews and panel discussions. The Museum will draw upon a 

wide pool of artists, researchers, and experts from unexpected fields to provide 

interpretive tours in Friday Gallery Talks. It will present Washington’s most 

thought-provoking film series, portraying art and critical thought from independent 

artists and documentary film makers from around the world. In concert with 

educational foundation sponsors, the HMSG will expand the ARTLAB+ program

throughout the Museum to create an environment where teenagers can attend 

workshops to learn about and explore digital media. The Museum will also 

sustain its “Interpretive Guides” program, which brings advanced art students into 

the galleries to aid visitors’ critical experience with art on display, and which 

develops the students’ own education objectives and teaching skills.

In FY 2017, the Museum’s main action to achieve the strategic goal of 

Strengthening Collections will involve the planning and fundraising effort to 

reconfigure the office and storage space on the fourth floor, and move the 

Conservation Lab from the basement to the fourth floor, where natural light will 

greatly enhance the Lab’s activities. In addition, the HMSG will further develop

itself as a center for research and preservation of time-based media (e.g., film, 

digital video, and audio) artworks, by integrating the work of conservation and 

exhibits to provide leading-edge presentation and responsible stewardship of the 

analog and digital time-based media artworks in the Museum’s collection.

The Museum will also continue its efforts to photograph and catalogue the 

entire permanent collection, bringing more of the collection to the public via 

extensive search features on the HMSG public website.

Under the goal of Mission Enabling, the Museum will continue to pursue 

capital projects that merge the functional with the artistic through the inclusion of 

artists and designers with central Smithsonian engineering staff. The Museum 

will continue to refine its public spaces for visitors who apply mobile technology in 

every facet of life, and expect access to Web-based knowledge and social media 

platforms to enliven their interpretive experience as they explore Museum 

galleries. The HMSG administration will continue to institute long-range program 

planning reviews to improve resource allocation, funds management, and more 

effective cost sharing with outside organizations that help support major 

exhibitions and programs. By identifying and working with partners in the private 

sector, HMSG senior leaders leverage the Museum’s federal appropriations to 

the maximum extent possible.
119

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $499,000. This 

includes $63,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing 

staff funded under this line item. The request also includes programmatic 

increases of $150,000 and 2 FTEs for Collections Scholarship and $286,000 

and 2 FTEs for Digitization Support, as detailed below. 

Collections Scholarship (+$150,000, +2 FTEs) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $150,000 and 2 FTEs for 

additional curators. The Museum’s current curatorial staff has significant gaps in 

their ability to research, interpret, exhibit, and care for the national collections. 

These gaps include critical subject areas, chronological periods, and program 

execution. In recent years, the Museum has lost a significant number of curatorial 

personnel, which has seriously depleted the HMSG’s scholarly foundation. The 

Museum must rebuild its curatorial strength to support excellent research, 

exhibitions, and the digitization of the nation’s vast collection of artifacts. 

Specifically, these positions will fill the highest priority gaps in our scholarly 

foundation. The Museum needs expertise to manage its current collections, expand 

its collections to new areas, and provide the scholarly resources to meet its goals 

for exhibitions, publications, and educational outreach. This investment in rebuilding 

the Museum’s collections scholarship foundation is proposed as a federal-private 

partnership. The Museum is seeking endowed positions, supported by private 

donors, to match the federal investment. 

Digitization Support (+$286,000, +2 FTEs) 

This Budget request of $286,000 and 2 FTEs will provide the necessary 

support to create and sustain a robust digitization program. The increase will 

enable the Hirshhorn to: 1) interface with Digitization Program Office (DPO) staff 

in planning and executing mass-digitization projects; 2) support implementation 

of the unit digitization plans; 3) provide access to unit collections, research, and 

programs by creating, managing, and promoting the Museum’s digital assets; 

and 4) provide responsible stewardship of digital assets.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries 

and benefits of administrative and development personnel, as well as some 

programs and public relations staff, development activities, and exhibition and 

program-related costs. Donor/sponsor-designated funds support development, 

exhibitions, public programs, communications, and marketing. 
120

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 27 4,227 5 1,263 6 1,725 0 0

FY 2016 

ENACTED 28 4,399 4 940 8 975 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 29 4,576 4 940 8 975 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 2 299 2 305 0 6

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 126 1 129 0 3

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 3 514 3 523 0 9

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 8 1,465 8 1,496 0 31

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 4 519 4 531 0 12

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

5 645 6 746 1 101

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

1 198 1 201 0 3

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

4 633 4 645 0 12

Total 28 4,399 29 4,576 1 177
121

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Africa — the cradle of humanity — is part of everyone’s heritage. The 

mission of the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) is to inspire 

conversations about the beauty, power, and diversity of Africa’s arts and cultures 

worldwide. The Museum’s vision is to be the world’s leading center of scholarly 

and artistic excellence on the arts of Africa. The Museum accomplishes its 

mission and vision through effective use of its unparalleled collections, 

exhibitions, programs, publications, and educational initiatives, which are widely 

accessible and strengthened through collaborations with African, diasporic, and 

global arts communities. The Museum collects and exhibits ancient to 

contemporary works of art from the entire continent of Africa and follows best 

practices, including rigorous provenance research, in carrying out this work. The 

NMAfA’s activities and programming support the Grand Challenges of the 

Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan, particularly in the areas of Valuing World Cultures 

and Understanding the American Experience.

To achieve the goal of Broadening Access, the NMAfA dedicates 

resources to the Web and to the Museum’s social media capabilities, integrates 

accessible strategies and digital technology in exhibitions, provides online 

educational resources, and promotes public access to the Museum’s art and 

photographic collections. With the funds requested, the Museum will also 

implement measures to promote diversity and inclusion at NMAfA, at the 

Smithsonian, and at art museums generally. A key component of Museum 

operations is the creation of temporary and semi-permanent exhibitions of 

artworks from its own collection and from other museum and private collections.

In FY 2017, the Museum will continue to present two temporary exhibitions,

which opened in FY 2016. Market Symphony is a sound installation by Emeka 

Ogboh, a contemporary artist from Nigeria, and Senses of Time is a 

contemporary, time-based video exhibition developed in collaboration with the 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where it will also be shown 

concurrently at the Wellin Art Museum at Hamilton College.

In FY 2017, a portion of the NMAfA’s 2014–2016 exhibition Chief S.O. 

Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, Nigeria will open at the 

National Museum in Benin City, Nigeria. The exhibition in Nigeria, which includes 

copies of Alonge photographs, exhibition text panels, and other materials, will 

remain on view indefinitely in Nigeria and involves collaboration with Nigeria’s 

National Commission of Museums and Monuments as well as training of Nigerian 

museum colleagues and outreach to communities in Benin City. The exhibition 

includes a scholarly publication with essays by NMAfA staff and invited scholars.

Selections from the Museum’s permanent collection will also remain on 

view, with periodic rotations, in the Museum’s African Mosaic gallery, which is 

dedicated for this purpose. The Museum revised its popular Looking at African 

Art gallery guide to assist visitors in understanding the forms, materials, and 
122

messages of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts. In addition, in FY 2017, 

the Museum’s Walt Disney-Tishman Highlights exhibition will be reinstalled, 

along with other works from the permanent collection, in the Museum’s gallery. 

The exhibition will feature cross-cutting themes and will include selected open 

storage areas that feature permanent collections. The Museum will also continue 

to present a small exhibition entitled Water, which features aquatic-themed 

artworks from the permanent collection. The NMAfA will also implement a multiyear scholarly publication plan, developed in FY 2016, devoted to artists and 

objects represented in the permanent collection.

The Museum will continue developing an exhibition and publication on 

Ethiopian devotional art, slated for FY 2017 or FY 2018. The Museum will also 

prepare to open a small exhibition on Senegalese jewelry in the NMAfA’s Point of 

View (POV) gallery. It will feature selected works from the Senegalese jewelry 

collection of Marian Johnson, which was donated to the Museum in 2012. The 

NMAfA staff will continue to develop exhibition plans for gallery space that is 

jointly shared with the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

In addition, the Museum will plan for an exhibition focused on African 

contemporary women artists, which may open in late FY 2017 or FY 2018. 

Finally, in FY 2017 or FY 2018, the Museum expects to work with an outside 

institution to host at least one traveling exhibition of African art.

The Museum will develop programming and educational outreach in 

connection with the above-mentioned exhibitions as well as its Teen Ambassador 

Program, in which area teenagers learn about the arts of Africa, engage with 

visitors through tours and outreach, and gain familiarity with museum careers. 

The Museum will present new educational programs online and expand its 

outreach to local communities and underserved or new audiences, particularly 

African immigrant communities and young adult audiences. Expanded 

educational outreach to U.S. schools is planned via videoconferences. Outreach 

to Ethiopian communities is planned in connection with the Museum’s

forthcoming temporary exhibition on Ethiopian devotional arts. In addition, the 

Museum will continue to catalogue objects and images from its collections for 

online access. In keeping with the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan, the NMAfA will 

forge meaningful collaborations within and outside the Smithsonian, and 

strengthen its networking nationally and internationally — particularly on the 

continent of Africa.

The NMAfA will achieve its goal of Broadening Access through 

organizational excellence by continuing to improve information technology (IT) 

operations, staff performance, and media relations and marketing. A 

comprehensive IT plan will integrate all of the Museum’s IT operations. The 

Museum’s website is updated regularly and continues to provide access to 

NMAfA collections, scholarship, and programming. A media and marketing 

strategy, renewed annually, will expand NMAfA’s visibility and membership, and 
123

promote its programs locally, nationally, and internationally. A fundraising plan, 

also renewed annually, will enhance the Museum’s sustainable capacity to offer 

outstanding exhibitions, publications, programs, and outreach activities. 

Furthermore, the Museum will continue to assess its effectiveness in reaching 

out to educators, scholars, and the public by using visitor surveys and other 

performance evaluation tools. 

As a way to establish the staff as stakeholders in the success of the 

NMAfA, the goals of the Museum’s strategic plan and the Secretary’s goals will 

continue to be integrated into the performance plans of all staff members. 

Emphasis will be on public visibility and customer-centered performance. At the 

same time, quality programming and ongoing research will continue to be the 

foundation for all NMAfA programs, including exhibitions. 

The Museum will continue to increase its public visibility and fulfill its 

mission to various stakeholders, including students, teachers, cultural community 

organizations, the diplomatic corps, African immigrant groups, scholars, 

collectors, and volunteers located in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. An 

enhanced Web presence and social media capabilities will expand the Museum’s 

visibility and impact nationally and internationally. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $177,000 and 1 FTE. 

This includes $97,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item and a program increase of $80,000 and 

1 FTE for collections management. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

The NMAfA will achieve the goals of Broadening Access and Revitalizing 

Education by directing resources to activities that will result in consistently highquality programs and larger audiences. The Museum will provide greater Web 

and digital access to NMAfA collections through enhanced navigation features 

via eMuseum and multi-media applications, and by completing additional image 

and object catalogue records for the Museum’s public access database. The 

Museum’s website will continue to add content such as podcasts, blogs, 

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media options, as well as online educational 

resources and activities for teachers and younger audiences.

The Museum will continue to seek visitor feedback on exhibitions and 

programs, and implement performance assessments of its public programs. The 

NMAfA will also continue to engage with our diverse audiences through 

programming and, in particular, through outreach with teachers of primary, 

secondary, and college students, as well as with representatives from the 

Museum’s African Immigrant Advisory Group and local community groups, and to 

seek input from these groups for exhibitions, programs, and activities. These 

efforts will result in more effective planning and development of programs and 
124

services, which will enable the Museum to reach its target groups and expand its 

audience base. In addition, marketing strategies will be reviewed and tested to 

determine the most effective ways to communicate with diverse audiences.

Ongoing educational programs will include musical and dance 

performances, programs geared to younger visitors and family groups, such as 

reading, storytelling, and art-making activities, exhibition-related teacher/student 

workshops and teleconferences, and an annual Community Day. To attract 

mixed-generation and adult audiences, the NMAfA will present lectures with 

scholars and artists, gallery tours, community discussions, and film series linked 

to the ideas and themes explored in the Museum’s current exhibitions and 

reflecting current trends in African-oriented and diasporan scholarship. In 

addition, the Museum will continue its successful Director’s Series, featuring the 

NMAfA’s director talking with leading figures associated with Africa and its

diasporas.

The Museum will continue its quarterly Conservation Clinics to educate 

the public about conservation and the important relationships linking science, 

technology, and art. Ongoing quarterly Curatorial Clinics will continue to provide 

opportunities for members of the public to learn about African art forms, styles, 

materials, and contexts of use as part of museum connoisseurship and object 

quality assessments. To educate casual and serious collectors of African art, the 

Museum’s website will include more helpful tips on object identification, 

assessment, and care.

To achieve the goal of Strengthening Collections, the Museum will 

continue online cataloguing of its art and photographic collections, with a focus 

on recent acquisitions, the Museum’s collection of contemporary art, the Walt 

Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, and the Eliot Elisofon Photographic 

Archives. Digital access to these materials will facilitate research and study by 

students, teachers, scholars, conservators, and the public. The Museum will 

continue to integrate contextual photographs from the Eliot Elisofon Archives with 

related objects in the collection.

The Museum’s Walt Disney-Tishman Highlights exhibition will be 

reinstalled in FY 2017, along with other works from the permanent collection, in a 

major reinstallation in the NMAfA’s gallery. Thematically-organized, self-guided 

tours will be developed by Museum staff to facilitate greater public understanding 

of the arts of Africa. The NMAfA will also continue to use its Looking at African 

Art gallery guide, revised in FY 2015, to assist visitors in understanding the 

forms, materials, and messages of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts.

In FY 2017, the Museum will continue to present Market Symphony, a 

sound installation by Emeka Ogboh, a contemporary artist from Nigeria, and 

Senses of Time, a contemporary, time-based video exhibition developed in 

collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
125

The Museum will continue developing an exhibition and publication on 

Ethiopian devotional art, slated for FY 2017 or FY 2018. The Museum will also 

prepare to open a small exhibition on Senegalese jewelry in the NMAfA’s Point of 

View (POV) gallery. In addition, the NMAfA staff will continue to develop 

exhibition plans for gallery space that is jointly shared with the Freer Gallery of 

Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The Museum will implement a multi-year 

scholarly publication plan, developed in FY 2016, that is devoted to highlighting 

artists and objects featured in the NMAfA’s permanent collection.

In FY 2017, the Museum will also devote staff resources to the planning of 

exhibitions in FY 2018 and beyond, including possible exhibitions on the 

Mechanics of Art, Visionary Leadership, African Minimalism, the Creativity of 

Work, and possible loan shows developed by outside institutions. Staff members 

will also enhance displays of permanent collection artworks, with particular 

attention paid to audience engagement strategies. The Museum’s emphasis on 

selected works from the NMAfA’s permanent collection is cost-effective and 

designed to attract general audiences, collectors, and scholars, as well as local 

school groups that rely on consistently available works of art for their themed 

tours and curriculum projects. The Museum will continue to develop rotating 

exhibitions from the permanent collection for the small Point of View gallery and

an adjacent gallery.

In addition, the Museum will plan for an exhibition focused on African 

contemporary women artists, which may open in late FY 2017 or FY 2018. 

Similarly, in the same time frame, the Museum expects to host at least one 

traveling exhibition of African art developed by an outside institution.

To address the strategic goal of Broadening Access, the NMAfA is 

focusing resources in several areas: IT operations, staff performance and 

accountability, and relations with the media. The Museum’s IT plan has 

integrated information technology functions for administration, collections 

management, exhibitions, and public access. The IT plan will continue to be 

reviewed on an annual basis, with updates made as needed. Museum 

administrators will continue to use the strategic plan and feedback from visitor 

surveys to update NMAfA’s operational plan and ensure quality public programs 

and experiences for all audiences. 

The Museum integrates its strategic goals and operational plans, in 

concert with the Secretary’s annual goals, into the performance plans for all 

NMAfA staff members. In addition, personnel and programmatic management 

responsibilities have been incorporated into the performance plans of all 

department heads to provide more effective review of programs, activities, and 

relevant projects. Educational brochures and special webpages will increase the 

educational value of NMAfA exhibits. Finally, the Museum will continue to forge 

strong relationships with the news media, corporations, foundations, community 

interest groups, and congressional representatives. Museum staff will accomplish 
126

this by expanding the NMAfA’s contact base and distributing more information 

than ever before about Museum activities, events, and programs. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $177,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase includes $97,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs 

for existing staff funded under this line item and a programmatic increase of 

$80,000 and 1 FTE for collections management. 

Collections Management (+$80,000, +1 FTE)

Recent Inspector General audit reports have identified a need to fill highpriority positions to care for and preserve collections, including ensuring full 

inventory control over collections, providing proper protection for collections at 

risk, and supporting a robust digitization program to make collections available 

online to national and international audiences. The NMAfA requires additional 

staff to assist with research and public collections inquiries; expand loan and 

digitization capacities to meet the growing demand for physical and digital access 

to collections; conserve fragile and at-risk collections, including time-based 

media and digital art; research and process new acquisitions and catalogue 

backlogged acquisitions; meet the expanding requirements of preparing 

exhibitions; improve collections emergency management and professional 

development training; and achieve and sustain inventory and preservation 

controls in support of responsible collections stewardship. 

The funds requested (+$80,000 and +1 FTE) will support the hiring of a 

collections information specialist and help the Museum enhance its capacity to 

complete object data records, establish and implement changes and authorities 

regarding terminology and data classification, alleviate a backlog of complete 

object data entry, and identify and correct errors in data entry — all of which will 

enable the NMAfA to achieve the strategic goals of Broadening Access to the 

public and Strengthening Collections in the process. Without this increase, the 

existing backlog will continue to grow and the Smithsonian will continue to fall 

behind in meeting its obligations to be responsible stewards of the national 

collections.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support staff 

salaries, benefits, and travel. Funds raised from individual and corporate donors 

will support the NMAfA’s major exhibition efforts, including exhibition-related 

publications, educational programming, and outreach initiatives. Corporate and 

foundation sponsorships support the planning and development of exhibitions, 

including installation expenses and exhibition-related public programming, travel, 

and curatorial collaborations. 
127

Introduction, Understanding the American Experience

America is an increasingly diverse society that shares a history, 

ideals, and an indomitable, innovative spirit. The Smithsonian will use 

its vast resources across disciplines to explore what it means to be an 

American and how the disparate experiences of individual groups 

strengthen the country as a whole, and to share our story with the 

peoples of all nations.

RESEARCH Goal: The Smithsonian advances and synthesizes 

knowledge that contributes to understanding the American experience, 

particularly with regard to its history, art, and culture, as well as its 

connections to the rest of the world.

ACCESS Goal: The Smithsonian turns knowledge into awareness, 

action, and results, and encourages American cultural vitality.

UNITS primarily associated with this Grand Challenge:

 Anacostia Community Museum

 Archives of American Art

 National Museum of African American History and 

Culture

 National Museum of American History, Behring Center

 National Museum of the American Indian

 National Portrait Gallery

 National Postal Museum

 Smithsonian American Art Museum
128

ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 18 2,093 3 592 0 221 0 136

FY 2016 

ENACTED 19 2,252 3 636 0 155 0 25

FY 2017 

REQUEST 19 2,329 3 651 0 160 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 2 324 2 333 0 9

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 1 139 1 147 0 8

Broadening Access

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 3 404 3 414 0 10

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 3 387 3 399 0 12

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 1 72 1 76 0 4

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national collections 4 429 4 450 0 21

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is customer 

centered and results oriented 2 223 2 230 0 7

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is efficient, 

collaborative, committed, innovative, and diverse 1 90 1 92 0 2

Modernize the Institution’s financial management 

and accounting operations 1 92 1 94 0 2

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media and 

with federal, state, and local governments 1 92 1 94 0 2

Total 19 2,252 19 2,329 0 77
129

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

FY 2017 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Anacostia Community 

Museum (ACM). Founded on September 15, 1967 as the first federally funded, 

community-based museum, ACM has become a valuable cultural resource for 

the region and the country, setting a groundbreaking direction in terms of 

expanding on traditional museological thought and practice. The Museum’s 

mission is to enhance understanding of contemporary urban experiences and 

strengthen community bonds by conserving the past, documenting the present, 

and serving as a catalyst for shaping the future. Its vision is to challenge 

perceptions, generate new knowledge, and deepen understanding about the 

ever-changing concepts and realities of communities. 

The ACM focuses on community engagement and has adapted this 

philosophy in its approach to museum practices. From the Museum’s inception, 

local residents — predominantly African American (currently approximately 

90 percent) — have been concerned with the documentation, preservation, and 

interpretation of history and culture from a community-based perspective. 

Drawing on this background, ACM was the forerunner in developing 

collaborations with different sectors of its surrounding communities, including 

local historical sites, religious institutions, and arts, cultural, and civic 

organizations. Its mission resonates with similar communities throughout the 

region, nation and the world. Museum staff provide technical assistance to help 

community entities organize, document, and preserve their cultural heritage 

through research, exhibitions, education, and training programs.

For more than 10 years the Washington, DC metropolitan area has seen 

subtle but dramatic shifts in local demographics. With input from a broad range of 

stakeholders, the focus of the Museum was revised. The current ACM mission 

moves from a specifically local ethnic focus to one that examines issues 

impacting urban communities from a global perspective. The Museum is focused 

on the documentation and interpretation of the impact of historical and 

contemporary social and cultural issues on communities east of the Anacostia 

River and similar urban communities throughout the region, the country, and the 

world. Although the Museum’s new identity is a return to its original charter as a 

community museum, the new direction focuses on addressing issues such as the 

environment, housing, health, education, urban development, and other crosssections of community life that go beyond ethnicity.

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $77,000 for 

necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff.

.

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

The ACM will continue to work toward accomplishing the Institution-wide 

goal of inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. The ACM will 

also continue to embrace the Smithsonian Grand Challenges and use its 
130

resources, strengthened through collaborative efforts, in research, exhibitions, 

collections, and public and other education programs. Using resources which 

engage the broad range of Smithsonian and external partners, the ACM will draw 

upon specific things that bring groups of people together — social, ethnic, 

religious, geographic, and other commonalities. Specifically, the Museum will 

work with community partners to document and preserve local heritage, identify 

cultural materials at risk, document significant local cultural materials, and 

develop an interpretation and appreciation of them through regionally based 

educational activities, publications, and exhibitions. Through its website, the 

Museum will disseminate information on heritage and community preservation 

projects and provide access to its collections and research.

ACM staff have begun work on two major research projects: “Neighborhood 

Change” and “Unconventional Gateways,” each culminating with exhibitions to be 

mounted in December of 2016 and September 2017, respectively. 

“Unconventional Gateways” takes a comparative look at contemporary 

Latino urban experiences in cities that are not readily associated with large 

immigrant populations. The exhibition will portray Latino urban experiences in 

Washington, DC, Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, and Baltimore, 

Maryland, in terms of urban immigrant gateways, diverging from traditionally 

researched areas of Latino settlement in order to probe contemporary Latino 

urban issues of citizenship, racialization, and civil rights. This project will 

investigate the encounters between and among various cultural groups, 

concentrating on the dynamic human relationships and cultural products that 

emerge from Latino communities within these defined urban spaces. Research 

activities include interviews, oral histories, community meetings, photographic 

documentation, and focus groups, and will result in a Museum exhibition, 

publications, public programs, and other products. 

Leading up to — and marking — the Museum’s 50th anniversary, the 

broad-based “Neighborhood Change” project is a culmination of the ACM’s 

longstanding commitment to researching, preserving, and presenting the history 

and issues of urban communities. The “Neighborhood Change” project will 

examine transformations in the urban neighborhoods and communities of 

Washington, DC from the perspective of residents and various stakeholders. It 

will investigate, document, and present research on how resident-collaborators 

have engaged and are continuing to engage with stakeholders and decision

makers around changes in their immediate urban environment. The ACM will 

bring scholarship and formal research to this inquiry, as well as engage the 

memories and insights of community residents and of others directly involved. 

The Community Documentation Initiative provides the framework for the 

community-based documentation and research efforts for this project and 

includes oral history interviews, community-based collecting, and archival 

research, as well as ongoing collaboration with local civic organizations and 

residents. This initiative is expected to result in an exhibition and the delivery of 
131

collections and research through online media, traditional publications, and the 

creation of ongoing public programs.

The Museum will mount the following three on-site exhibitions in FY 2017:

 Unconventional Gateways will be on view in the main gallery from 

December 5, 2016 through August 6, 2017. 

 The second exhibit, yet unnamed, will complement Unconventional 

Gateways and will be mounted in the ACM Community Gallery. It will 

feature holdings from the Museum’s permanent collection as they 

relate to immigration. It will be on view from October 17, 2016 through 

April 23, 2017. Drawing upon items from the permanent collection will

require additional support for materials processing and preparation. 

 The third exhibition, Neighborhood Change, will be on view from 

September 18, 2017 through September 16, 2018. The content will be 

directly linked to the 50th anniversary project of the ACM Community 

Documentation Initiative (CDI) and will include details of the Museum’s 

history. This exhibition will examine transformations in the urban 

neighborhoods and communities of Washington, DC from the 

perspective of residents and various stakeholders. It will use case 

studies to explore specific community efforts in each quadrant of the city,

and will enhance the capacity of neighborhood groups to recover and 

preserve their community histories by sharing Museum research and 

documentation results through public programs and online media. 

The semi-permanent exhibition, Bridging the Americas, which opened in 

2015, will remain on view in the ACM Program Room through 2018. In addition, the 

outdoor exhibition on baseball’s Negro Leagues is now slated to be installed at 

Washington’s Nationals Stadium prior to the team’s season opener in April 2017. 

The ACM is committed to applying a portion of its resources to 

engagement with the children and youth within the southeast Washington, DC 

community and beyond. Accordingly, the Museum Academy Program (MAP) outof-school-time component will continue for students in the third through fifth 

grades. Currently housed at the Savoy Elementary School, by FY 2017 the plan 

is to replicate this program at the Rocketship Charter School now under 

construction across the street from the Museum. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — FY 2017 general trust and other nondesignated trust funds support the salaries and benefits of the Museum director, 

director of advancement, and development officer. These trust funds also support 

donor cultivation and fundraising activities that assist efforts to reach the ACM’s 

Smithsonian Campaign fundraising goal.
132

ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN ART

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 17 1,859 2 528 17 2,076 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 17 1,880 3 682 14 2,068 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 18 2,005 2 610 13 1,978 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS; STRENGTHENING 

COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 4 390 5 489 1 99

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 2 176 2 177 0 1

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 1 90 1 88 0 -2

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

8 934 8 928 0 -6

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

2 290 2 323 0 33

Total 17 1,880 18 2,005 1 125

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Founded in 1954, the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art (AAA) is the 

world’s pre-eminent and most widely used resource for original papers and other 

primary records documenting the visual arts in the United States. By collecting, 

preserving and making available more than 20 million unique letters, diaries, 

photographs, financial records, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, and the like, AAA 

shares and exemplifies the Smithsonian’s mission for “the increase and diffusion 

of knowledge.” 
133

To achieve the Institution’s goal of Broadening Access, AAA continues its 

ambitious digitization program, begun in 2005, to provide online access to a 

significant portion of its extensive holdings. AAA’s website will continue to improve 

delivery of unprecedented numbers of new digital files, the core of which 

represents AAA’s innovative work to digitize entire archival collections, 

representing hundreds of linear feet of materials, along with descriptive 

information, and provide engaging content, online exhibitions, and robust search 

and reference services. AAA’s Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery in the Donald W. 

Reynolds Center (DWRC) continues to reach new and diverse audiences. 

The strategic goal of Strengthening Collections will be achieved by 

continuing to implement preservation actions based upon results derived from 

comprehensive and systematic collection assessment surveys. Particular focus 

will be on decreasing the backlog of unprocessed collections and audiovisual and 

born-digital holdings. 

AAA will accomplish the goal of Mission Enabling through organizational 

excellence by continually assessing and enhancing staff development and 

maintaining conscientious oversight of internal controls. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $125,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase includes $29,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs 

for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of 

$96,000 and 1 FTE to support the digitization program. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY

AAA will achieve the Institution’s goal of Broadening Access by continuing 

to direct resources to optimize its presence in the DWRC and specifically by 

presenting compelling exhibitions in its Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery. The 

exhibitions planned for FY 2017 include highlights from the Archives’ African 

American collections in conjunction with the opening of the National Museum of 

African American History and Culture; an exhibition focusing on the odd jobs 

artists take to make ends meet; and an exhibition drawn from the papers of 

feminist artists to reflect the culmination of our recent feminist collections initiative. 

In addition, through public programs, professional presentations, online 

exhibitions, and loans to other museums and institutions worldwide, AAA will 

continue to widen its audience and provide the public with a greater 

understanding of the history of visual arts in the United States. 

In FY 2016, the Archives continued to redesign its website with a new 

visual identity using the flexible, open-source Drupal content management 

system. In FY 2017, the website will continue to be enhanced to promote public 

access and engagement. The staff, working with focus groups, will refine the 

collections search and browse interface and social media, incorporating 
134

emerging trends and technologies as well as responsive design. AAA will 

continue to encourage public visits to its website by adding finding aids for 

processed collections; tens of thousands of images of digitized documents; 

transcripts and audio of interviews conducted for the Archives’ Oral History 

Program; audio and video recordings; and online exhibitions. 

Also, in FY 2017, AAA will continue to develop the Terra Foundation 

Center for Digital Collections with ongoing support from the Terra Foundation for 

American Art and other funding streams in the private sector. This effort, in 

combination with digitization completed for reference requests, exhibitions, loans, 

and special projects, will add an estimated 150,000 digital image files and 

continue to bring increased public Web access to AAA collections. In addition, 

AAA will continue developing its internal digitization and Collections Information 

System (CIS) application to ensure proper collections documentation and support 

increasingly complex workflows, including digitization on demand and use of the 

Aeon patron request management software launched in FY 2014 and FY 2015. 

These efforts will enable AAA to track the life cycle of the collections and oral 

histories from pre-acquisition to storage and access. AAA’s investment in the 

digitization of its collections will be preserved by fully participating in the 

Smithsonian’s Enterprise Digital Asset Network (EDAN) architecture, the Digital 

Asset Management System (DAMS), the Smithsonian Transcription Center, and 

other Smithsonian digitization program initiatives. 

In FY 2017, the Archives’ goal will be to process at least 10 percent of our 

backlog, or about 800 to 900 linear feet of materials, resulting in new, fully 

searchable finding aids added to AAA’s website. In addition to preparing collections 

for full digitization and enhancing online finding aids to better support Digitization on 

Demand, this work will include processing numerous previously hidden and at-risk 

audiovisual collections. When possible, staff will continue to apply accelerated 

processing and preservation strategies to diminish AAA’s backlog and digitize new 

accessions within one year of receipt. In FY 2017, a primary goal will be to maintain 

full implementation and documentation of processing strategies to provide 

enhanced access to born-digital content through online finding aids, similar to our 

earlier, successful strategies with audiovisual content.

AAA will continue to strengthen its collections stewardship through its 

ongoing, comprehensive collections assessment surveys, begun in 2004 for 

manuscript collections, and subsequently expanded to include at-risk audiovisual 

and born-digital holdings. Reports generated from this data provide valuable 

information about AAA’s backlog and holdings so that the Archives’ staff can 

make informed decisions about the best way to prioritize and allocate limited 

resources. AAA will take a leadership role in working with the larger Smithsonian

archival community to initiate Institution-wide backlog processing projects that 

result in documented methodologies and tactics, shared contract services, and 

reduction in backlogs at participating units. 
135

AAA will continue to provide researchers with access to its collections and 

microfilm in its Washington, DC and New York City research centers, as well as 

affiliated U.S. research centers, by providing remote reference services through 

its Web-based “Ask Us” form and interlibrary loan program. 

The goal of Mission Enabling through organizational excellence will be 

addressed by continuing to implement the strategic goals of the Smithsonian, 

and by adopting best practices to safeguard and make the most cost-effective 

use of Smithsonian resources. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $125,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase includes $29,000 for necessary pay for existing staff funded under 

this line item and a programmatic increase of $96,000 and 1 FTE to support the 

digitization program. 

Digitization (+$96,000, +1 FTE) 

This requested increase of $96,000 and 1 FTE will provide the necessary 

support to create and sustain a robust digitization program. The increase will 

enable AAA to: 1) interface with Digitization Program Office (DPO) staff in 

planning and executing mass-digitization projects; 2) support implementation of 

the unit digitization plans; 3) provide access to unit collections, research and 

programs by creating, managing and promoting the museums’ digital assets; and 

4) provide responsible stewardship of our digital assets. The added funds will

increase access to our collections for visitors, scholars, students, and learning 

communities all over the world. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support AAA’s 

development office, including salaries and benefits. Donor-designated funds support 

specific programs and projects, including exhibitions, internships, production of oral 

history interviews, collections and media processing, and publication of the Archives of 

American Art Journal. In FY 2017, the Archives will work closely with its advisory 

board to continue to position the Journal as the leading scholarly journal in the field of 

American art history, by working closely with its advisory board to increase the number 

of high-quality submissions and by strengthening its relationship with the University of 

Chicago Press for the distribution and online publishing of the Journal. 

Also in FY 2017, the Archives will continue to develop strategies for sustaining 

its digitization program by building an endowment to support critical staff and 

implementing improved rapid-capture technologies and techniques. Funding from the 

Terra Foundation for American Art supports AAA’s digitization program, new oral 

history interviews, and website development. AAA will continue to participate in the 

Smithsonian Institution’s National Campaign to raise money for digitization, oral 

history projects, collections management, and general operating expenses.
136

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN

HISTORY AND CULTURE

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 139 40,648 11 1,014 8 2,734 0 0

FY 2016 

ENACTED 165 41,347 8 1,012 8 2,171 0 0

FY 2017 

REQUEST 165 41,564 5 790 5 3,315 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION 

ENABLING

 Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 0 65 0 613 0 548

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 32 2,693 32 2,996 0 303

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 9 2,614 9 2,614 0 0

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 15 1,255 15 1,255 0 0

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 11 4,450 11 3,771 0 -679

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 12 1,512 12 1,512 0 0

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 14 4,833 14 4,158 0 -675

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities 5 4,841 5 4,622 0 -219

Security and Safety

Provide a safe and healthy environment 1 88 1 88 0 0
137

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information technology 

systems and infrastructure 11 6,183 11 7,128 0 945

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 12 1,602 12 1,466 0 -136

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 3 711 3 711 0 0

Modernize the Institution’s financial management 

and accounting operations 10 1,640 10 1,578 0 -62

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments 5 1,610 5 1,690 0 80

Modernize and streamline the Institution’s 

acquisitions management operations 5 396 5 396 0 0

Ensuring Financial Strength

Secure the financial resources required to carry 

out the Institution’s mission 20 6,854 20 6,966 0 112

Total 165 41,347 165 41,564 0 217

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) 

was established by Congress to document, collect, conserve, interpret, and display 

the historical and cultural experiences and achievements of Americans of African 

descent. In late 2016, NMAAHC, the first environmentally sustainable, “green” 

museum on the Mall, will open to the public, providing a national meeting place for all 

people to learn about the history and culture of African Americans and their 

contributions to every aspect of American life. This effort will encompass the period of 

slavery, the era of Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the civil rights 

movement, and other periods of the African American Diaspora. The mission of the 

NMAAHC is to help all Americans remember the past and, by remembering, stimulate 

a dialogue about race and to foster a spirit of reconciliation and healing. 

FY 2017 will mark the continuation and expansion in scope of major initiatives 

such as the building of a national collection, the development of the information 

technology (IT) program, making the Museum the first fully digital museum on the 

Mall, and the development and implementation of a robust research and education 

program. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $217,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

As authorized by Public Law 108–184, these funds are requested to remain 

available until expended. 
138

MEANS AND STRATEGY

In FY 2017, NMAAHC’s top priority will be to implement the first phase of its

information technology (IT) program that will make the Museum the first fully digital 

museum on the Mall. For the grand opening, NMAAHC will present an initial phase of 

interactive, online, and mobile offerings that will include innovative and engaging 

content and functionality to connect visitors to collection objects and topics of interest. 

The Museum-Wide Mobile platform will extend the Museum’s digital presence with 

applications that enhance the gallery experience and allow visitors to engage with the 

Museum’s content and themes anywhere, using a variety of devices. Both the digital 

program and the mobile platform will disseminate information, provide outreach to 

wider audiences, preview exhibitions and public and educational programs, and serve 

as the principal platform for the Museum’s national membership program. IT digital 

content management systems and interfaces are being developed in cooperation with 

the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) as models for the rest of the 

Smithsonian Institution (SI) to use in other museums.

Also, in FY 2017, NMAAHC will continue to fulfill its mission of collecting and 

documenting African American history and culture with a special emphasis on 

programs on the African Diaspora, African American innovation and 

entrepreneurship, and faith. With generous grants from the Mellon and Lilly 

foundations, the Museum will establish a Center for the Study of the African 

Diaspora, a Center for African American Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and a 

Center for the Study of African American Religion. These centers will function as 

hubs to provide a critical platform of resources and opportunities to a global 

community of leaders, public audiences, practitioners, and scholars.

NMAAHC’s second priority will be to engage in long-term planning for future 

operations. This will include the following activities: growing domestic and 

international partnerships to further generate support for the Museum; continuing

development of Museum’s interactive, online, and mobile offerings; designing and 

developing traveling exhibitions for display throughout the United States; expanding 

scholarly research in all areas of African American history and culture, along with the

acquisition of historical artifacts, fine art, archival materials, photographs, film and 

other media collection areas; expanding the national collections; and making 

collections with images and contextual information easily available to the public 

online. NMAAHC will establish a robust special events unit to monitor and manage all 

special events within the Museum, as well as co-sponsored events with Museum 

partners. A social media unit will be created to reach out to new and distant 

audiences, as well as to stay connected with current audiences.

During FY 2017, the Museum will finish its capital campaign, including a 

successful national membership campaign, to raise the required matching private 

funds. Strategic plans include fundraising strategies to support the Museum’s

ongoing educational and public programs, exhibition development, and research.
139

To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent Research, the Museum will use its 

resources to build on ongoing areas of research.

In FY 2017, curatorial research will continue to focus on in-depth study of the 

Museum’s historical artifacts, fine art, archival materials, photographs, film, and other 

media collection areas. The Museum will share this research with scholars and the 

public through Web-based platforms; public and educational programs; and 

publications. 

Key initiatives include the following:

 The Museum, continuing collaboration on two separate, major projects, will 

share recent discoveries about the trans-Atlantic slave trade derived from the 

African Slave Wrecks Project and the Gorée Island Archaeological Digital 

Repository. 

 The Museum is building on its collaboration with the National Archives and 

Records Administration and Family Search to digitize, index, and disseminate 

thousands of documents and a searchable genealogical database related to 

the 19th century Freedmen’s Bureau. The records afford unparalleled 

opportunities to research the African American experience during the Civil War 

and Reconstruction eras. In FY 2017, the Museum and Family Search will

complete the genealogical indexing of millions of digital images of the original 

records of the Freedmen’s Bureau. The Museum will provide both on-site and 

online access to one of the largest searchable databases of the names of 

former slaves, and link those names to original Freedmen’s Bureau documents

which contain records on approximately four million individuals.

 In June of 2014, NMAAHC completed its collaboration with the Library of 

Congress to collect 137 video interviews for the Civil Rights History Project, 

mandated by Public Law 111–19, the Civil Rights Project Act of 2009. In 

FY 2017, the Museum will continue to make this material available via its 

Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA), the NMAAHC website, and 

the Smithsonian’s online Collections Search Center. 

 CAAMA will open in FY 2017. A physical and virtual resource, the CAAMA was 

created to encourage the preservation and interpretation of photographs, film,

video, and audio collections, and other media, by and about African 

Americans. In FY 2017, to help celebrate the Museum’s opening, the CAAMA 

will sponsor a citywide African American film series. 

 The Museum continues its active professional internship program to diversify 

the museum profession by providing opportunities for undergraduate and 

graduate students. In addition, the Museum encourages and supports students 

interested in African American history and culture through the Museum’s 

internship program, along with the SI Minority Internship awards, Mellon 

Foundation-funded internships in conservation, Liljenquist-endowed 
140

internships from Stanford University, and internships sponsored at Historically 

Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by the Museum’s Office of 

Community and Constituent Affairs.

 NMAAHC will continue working with the publication series, Double Exposure, a 

multi-volume series featuring selections from the Museum’s photography 

collection. Volume 5, a collection of military photographs, is planned for 

issuance in April 2017 so that all five volumes will be available for the 

temporary exhibition opening of Double Exposure.

 Beginning in FY 2017, the NMAAHC Archives will provide archival reference, 

access, and other public services in the NMAAHC Library. The collection will 

be stored at the Pennsy Drive facility; however, some of the more heavily used 

materials may be kept in the NMAAHC Library on the National Mall for 

extended periods of time.

To achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access, the NMAAHC will direct 

its resources as follows: 

 Digitization and Web Support 

o NMAAHC will continue to create searchable and accessible digital records 

for collection objects and high-quality digital surrogates, especially for the 

wave of acquisitions expected in FY 2017. The NMAAHC plans to make 

thousands of additional high-quality images with contextual records 

available to the public via the Smithsonian’s Collection Search Center 

(http://collections.si.edu/search/) and the Museum’s revamped website 

(http://nmaahc.si.edu/) and offer curated and user-generated selections of 

collections via digital portals in the Museum and on the World Wide Web. 

o NMAAHC will continue to ensure that digital content, both collections- and 

research-based, is properly formatted and tagged for use across all digital 

delivery platforms. The Museum-Wide Mobile (MWM) platform and the 

Web presence will increase access to scholarship and information about 

the Museum’s objects and help translate the inaugural exhibition content 

into engaging and personal experiences. 

o NMAAHC’s Education Department will continue to build upon its website, 

as well as interactive, online, and mobile experiences to promote visitor 

engagement. The Museum will add to its list of gallery-based indoor mobile 

tours, including an outdoor Mall-based tour focused on local African 

American history. The Museum will augment and refine the website so that 

it acts as a full-service communications, engagement, experiential, 

educational, and outreach arm of the Museum.

o In FY 2017, social media technology will be used to inform and transform 

“virtual visitors” into actual or “real-world” visitors, and create and develop a 
141

sense of shared community among users. Social media will be used 

extensively in FY 2017 to expand the boundaries of the Museum nationally 

and internationally.

o The NMAAHC Library will open to the public in FY 2017. The goal of the 

Library will be to provide Museum visitors with contextual materials and 

information about objects seen on display. The NMAAHC Library will also 

provide programming around genealogical research, including orientations 

to genealogical research in the African American community, how to build 

and track family trees, and how to do further research using the resources 

of the National Archives and the Library of Congress.

 

 Exhibitions

In late 2016, permanent inaugural exhibitions documenting, examining, and 

displaying the history of African Americans from slavery to the present will be open to 

the public. Three principal areas of study are:

 History, which includes three exhibitions: Slavery and Freedom; Defending 

Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation; and A Changing 

America: 1968 and Beyond.

 Culture, which includes four exhibitions: Cultural Expressions; Musical 

Crossroads; Taking the Stage; and Visual Art and the American Experience.

 Community, which includes four exhibitions: Power of Place; Sports: Leveling 

the Playing Field; Double Victory: The African American Military Experience;

and Making a Way Out of No Way. 

In FY 2017, NMAAHC will be engaged in maintaining the permanent 

exhibitions. This will include producing new graphics, labels and mounts to 

accommodate object rotations due to the acquisition of new artifacts. The NMAAHC 

design and production department will produce all of this new material, as well as 

maintain all other signage in the building, the 152 media programs in the permanent 

exhibitions, and the low- and high-tech interactive components of exhibits. The 

department will also create and produce a series of smaller changing exhibitions 

within the building, including those in CAAMA, the new acquisition case on the main 

building concourse, the changing exhibition space in the Visual Art and the American 

Experience Gallery, and several small exhibition cases on the second floor. The 

Museum will maintain a dynamic program that rotates all of these smaller exhibitions 

on a regular basis, with designs and products created in-house. NMAAHC will also 

concentrate on preparation and installation of permanent collections to replace

loaned objects on display.

In the spring of FY 2017, NMAAHC will begin developing its first exhibition, 

Double Exposure, to be featured in the Changing Exhibition Gallery. This exhibition 
142

will feature photographs from NMAAHC collections, and will be based on the very 

well-received series of books with the same title and published by the Museum.

NMAAHC is leveraging its role as a national model for collaboration that 

strengthens institutional capacity and sustainability among African American and 

African Diaspora museums and cultural heritage organizations. Charter initiatives 

involve local, domestic, and international stakeholders and constituents. A few 

include:

 The Association of African American Museums (AAAM). NMAAHC was 

selected from a national bid to host the 2017 annual conference of the AAAM

in Washington, DC. The 2017 program is slated to attract the highest 

attendance in the organization’s nearly 40-year history.

 NMAAHC continues to take a leadership role, in collaboration with other SI 

units, to strengthen museum research and professional development 

collaborations with HBCUs, including the launch of an internship Fellowship 

program on site at NMAAHC. 

Internationally, NMAAHC has formed the following partnerships worldwide:

 The Museum is a core partner in the African Slave Wrecks Project (ASWP), 

along with George Washington University (GWU), the National Park Service, 

the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, Southern African Heritage 

Resources Agency, and the Associated Museums of Cape Town, South Africa. 

NMAAHC and ASWP support training of advanced graduate students from the 

University of Dakar (Senegal) in maritime archaeology and archival research 

related to slave shipwrecks associated with the World Heritage Site at Gorée

Island. In FY 2017, the ASWP will operate as a formal center within the 

Museum, with responsibility for fund raising, managerial and fiduciary 

oversight, and global activities with the ASWP’s Operational Leadership Team.

A primary goal of this signature project is to provide strategic leadership in 

modeling collaborations and partnerships.

 The Museum will again be a lead sponsor and presenter for the 2017 

conference Reinventado Nuestros Museos/Reinventing our Museums, along

with the arts organization Fundactión TyPA. NMAAHC continues established 

work on strategic partnership and network development efforts with our 

Caribbean, Central and South American sister organizations, by focusing on 

African Diaspora communities in particular.

To achieve the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education, NMAAHC will build on 

ongoing educational initiatives offered off site for students, educators, and the 

general public, and begin offering programs on site at the new Museum. The 

NMAAHC will: 
143

 continue to produce signature educational public programs in a variety of 

formats (e.g., musical performances, literary works, staged readings, dance 

programs, film series, poetry, food-ways, crafts, etc.) and will be able to host 

both large-scale and more intimate programs on site in the new building. The 

Museum will conduct Family Days and other programs. The Museum will open 

signature public programming to include NMAAHC Live! This program is in the 

style of a hosted variety program featuring public and civil rights leaders and 

provocative topics.

 launch early childhood education programs which will focus on identity 

formation and literacy.

 present on-site and traveling versions of the popular Save Our African 

American Treasures program, which will enable the Museum to continue 

engaging the American public in discovering, collecting, preserving, and 

sharing the material culture of African American heritage.

 offer unique youth programming onsite and via videoconferencing that will 

allow intimate access to the compelling stories highlighted in the exhibitions 

and which challenge young people to be active and productive citizens. The 

Museum will also continue to provide teen school-to-work programs and 

college on-site and virtual internships.

 work with the staff of the Center for Teaching and Learning to build signature 

programming to support educators nationwide. NMAAHC will also build upon 

successful educator programs to include the Learning Together series.

 create opportunities for visitors to engage with the Museum and its content

through visitor services staff and visitor information advocate volunteers. 

Volunteers will be stationed at the Information Desk and strategically 

throughout the Museum. In addition, Smithsonian support staff will distribute 

mobile tour devices, facilitate large crowds, and conduct audience evaluation. 

 launch special programming on race and reconciliation, supported by a 

generous grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies, to educate the public on 

issues of racial equity, in consultation with key actors in the field. A gift from 

Verizon Corporate Resources Group will enable NMAAHC to continue its 

educational public programs in support of its mission and exhibitions, helping

visitors connect and engage with African American history and culture.

To achieve the strategic goal of Strengthening Collections, NMAAHC will use 

its resources as follows:

 The Museum will identify, acquire, and process collections to develop and 

refine its permanent collections. Collections management activities will focus 

on processing general collections not slated for the permanent inaugural 

exhibitions. 
144

 NMAAHC will implement a collection strategy to acquire collections objects to 

replace loaned objects in permanent inaugural exhibitions. 

 The oral history program will be expanded to capture both immediate and indepth recordings from individuals whose stories and reminiscences will 

enhance NMAAHC’s collections and research. 

 As of FY 2016, the Museum has collected more than 35,000 items and nearly 

900 cubic feet of archival collections. Approximately 3,000 collections items 

are featured in the Museum’s exhibition galleries, a selection of archival 

collections are accessible at the Museum, and the balance of collection items 

and archival collections are housed in the Pennsy Drive facility in Maryland. 

With the completion of the Phased Renovation Plan, the facility now contains 

a 7,800-square-foot, multi-purpose conservation lab, and mount-making shop, 

in addition to cold-storage capacity, and a photography and digital imaging 

studio.

To achieve the strategic goal of Mission Enabling, NMAAHC will use its 

resources to continue developing its operating organizational structure and make 

organizational and staffing revisions as necessary to accomplish program goals. This 

includes:

 Information Technology

o The Museum’s newly created IT department will continue to ensure and 

enable NMAAHC’s mission to be a leader in IT, providing accessible digital 

records of collections, interactive exhibitions, education outreach, and 

accessible scholarly research. 

o The Office of External Affairs’ newly created social media unit will develop 

and implement an extensive social media program that will enhance the 

Museum’s status as the premier digital museum on the Mall. Social media 

will enable the Museum to connect its exhibits, programs, research, and 

collections to a worldwide audience.

o IT initiatives will be expanded and continue to grow via a multi-year phased 

program. The implementation of the first phase of the digital program will 

occur in late 2016 as part of the grand opening. During FY 2017, the next 

phases of the digital program will occur, along with the implementation of 

new IT programs, to continue broadening public access to NMAAHC 

resources.

 Management Operations

o The Museum will expand its preliminary work with Smithsonian Enterprises 

to develop mission-related products, publications, and concessions so that 
145

the gift shop and cafeteria are operating at full capacity after the grand 

opening. 

o Facilities maintenance and operations, including mail services, security, 

and safety, will be implemented. 

To achieve the strategic goal of Ensuring Financial Strength, NMAAHC will 

continue to direct resources to support an expanded national visibility campaign and 

leverage fund raising. More specifically:

 A key strategy in FY 2017 is leveraging the opening of the Museum to 

complete the capital campaign. The cultivation and solicitation of donors will 

help the Museum raise private funds to meet the ongoing cost of constructing 

and managing the new building and any remaining building costs. 

 In 2017, strategic goals include planning and development strategies to 

include fund raising for support of Museum programs and research. 

Advancement staff will leverage visibility from the grand opening to motivate 

institutional and individual donors to fund the Museum’s ongoing educational 

and public programs, exhibition development, and other activities. 

 NMAAHC will continue to direct its resources to maintain its national visibility. 

In 2016, the public affairs department conducted an intensified marketing and 

public relations campaign, targeting the media and the general public in major 

cities across the country. In 2017, the Museum will capitalize on the visibility 

campaign locally and nationwide via an emphasis on the Museum website and 

social media. 

 The Museum will continue to expand its national membership program to 

provide ongoing support for NMAAHC after its opening. The membership 

program currently has approximately 90,000 charter members across the 

country.

 In late 2016, NMAAHC will launch a special events unit to manage special 

events within the Museum and a co-sponsored special events program with 

Museum partners.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salary and 

benefit costs of the Museum director. Donor/sponsor-designated funds support staff, 

special events for exhibition openings, and costs related to specific programs and 

projects, including educational programs, donor-related special events, and outreach 

activities.
146

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY,

KENNETH E. BEHRING CENTER

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 158 21,767 25 4,115 61 17,609 0 783

FY 2016

ENACTED 163 22,697 30 4,200 64 9,600 0 300

FY 2017

REQUEST 173 25,022 30 4,300 65 10,000 0 350

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

20 3,300 20 3,381 0 81

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 14 1,659 15 1,806 1 147

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 16 2,024 16 2,076 0 52

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 45 6,462 45 6,621 0 159

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 7 830 7 851 0 21

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

41 5,532 50 7,075 9 1,543

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities

1 180 1 434 0 254

Execute an aggressive, long-range revitalization 

program and limited construction of new facilities

1 230 1 236 0 6
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Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Security and Safety

Provide a safe and healthy environment 1 130 1 133 0 3

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

4 830 4 851 0 21

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

2 350 2 359 0 9

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

3 320 3 328 0 8

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations

8 850 8 871 0 21

Total 163 22,697 173 25,022 10 2,325

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The National Museum of American History (NMAH), Kenneth E. Behring 

Center, inspires a broader understanding of our nation’s history and its people 

through research, exhibitions, collections activity, education, and public programs. 

The Museum’s primary goal is to tell an overarching American story that is inclusive

of and respectful and compassionate to all the peoples in America who were here, 

who came here, and who were brought here. Through incomparable collections, 

rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, the Museum explores the infinite 

richness and complexity of American history; NMAH helps people understand the 

past to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future. Looking 

toward the future, the Museum poses the question: What kind of people do we want 

to be?

More than four million people visit the Museum every year, in addition to 

more than seven million people who visit the Museum online annually, making 

NMAH the most visited history museum in the world. We present our history as 

substantial and challenging, inviting and accessible, inspiring and wonderfully 

human. Together with the American people, we wrestle with the hardest issues 

that we have faced, and do so in an inspirational manner, aiming to make a 

difference in the current life of the nation.

The revitalization of the NMAH continued with the completed renovation of 

the NMAH building’s West Wing in 2015. The revitalization is a multi-phased effort 

that includes constructing new public spaces, redefining the visitor experience,

modernizing and clarifying circulation, providing amenities to visitors, and bringing 

the Museum into compliance with current building codes. The West Wing 

renovation included three public floors and a mechanical room located on the fourth 

floor, totaling approximately 120,000 square feet.

The Museum enriched its presentation of the American Experience with new 

exhibits in the renovated West Wing. Each of the three exhibit floors will be focused 
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on an overarching and inclusive theme representing the ideas and ideals of the 

American Experience. The first floor, which reopened to the public in the summer of 

2015, focuses on the theme of American innovation and enterprise; the second 

floor, reopening in 2017, will focus on two essential American stories — the origins 

of the American people and the evolution of their democracy; and the third floor, 

which is scheduled to reopen in 2018, will provide an examination of American 

identity through our culture. Previously, the NMAH renovated the building’s central 

core and created a new chamber for the Star-Spangled Banner at the heart of the 

Museum, which reopened to the public in 2008. 

The Museum is actively fund raising for the second and third floor West Wing 

exhibits and programs which will captivate visitors with compelling stories, 

invaluable objects, state-of-the-art media, public spaces, and new exhibitions to 

make American History vital, fascinating, and central to understanding and 

embracing the American Experience. The Museum’s private fundraising goal of 

roughly $91 million to $150 million for the West Wing exhibits and programs will 

leverage the federal investment in the building renovation. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $2,325,000 and 10 FTEs. 

The request includes an increase of $563,000 for necessary pay and other related 

salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, $250,000 for rent, and a 

program increase of $1,512,000 and 10 FTEs for new staff: specifically, curators to 

strengthen the Museum’s scholarly foundation and collections management, and 

digitization specialists to broaden access to NMAH collections. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

The NMAH is most closely aligned with the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan 

Grand Challenge of Understanding the American Experience. Through its research, 

scholarship, educational programs, exhibitions, and collaboration, the Museum 

shares with the public scholarly insights and historical views that illustrate the 

richness and depth of the American Experience. The Museum engages people in 

the telling of America’s story — interweaving multiple stories of perseverance, 

triumph, and optimism with those of challenge and struggle. 

The Museum has completed and issued a new strategic plan, establishing a 

vision and strategic direction from the present through 2018. The plan sets four key 

priority goals for the NMAH: 

1. Lead the nation in understanding the American Experience

2. Expand, strengthen, and share our collections

3. Engage diverse national and international audiences

4. Strengthen our staff and Board of Directors, and revitalize our facilities
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Goal: Lead the Nation in Understanding the American Experience

The NMAH places a priority on engaging the public through scholarship and 

quality research in American history. Research is the foundation for our exhibits and 

all of our programs, which portray significant eras and events from American history 

in the context of social, cultural, economic, political, scientific, and technological 

themes. The Museum experiments with innovative ways to think about and present 

American history as an encompassing, multi-faceted story, drawing on many 

strands, and illuminating a multitude of people, ideas, and experiences.

For example, in 2016 the Museum is focusing on the theme of “America 

Participates,” which encompasses citizens’ desires to shape their world through 

giving, voting, and volunteering. Initiatives, programs, and exhibits around these 

themes of civic engagement will open at the Museum throughout the year, including

the following:

 Philanthropy Initiative: The Power of Philanthropy. The NMAH has 

committed to a long-term plan for collecting, researching, documenting, and 

exhibiting materials on the country’s philanthropic history and its role in 

shaping the nation. Highlights of the initiative include an annual symposium, 

an endowed curator position, and a permanent display, Giving in America, 

which will open to the public on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Using 

artifacts and contextual images from the 1700s to today, Giving in America 

will highlight how philanthropy has directly and significantly impacted the 

course of American history. Visitors will learn how major events, social 

movements, and everyday life have shaped and been shaped by men and 

women from all levels of American society engaged in philanthropic pursuits.

 Hooray for Politics! This display will juxtapose historic voting devices with 

contemporary candidate rally signs to encourage our visitors to reflect on the 

relationship between the nation’s democratic traditions and the current swirl of 

election news, and to draw visitors into conversations on the importance of 

civic engagement. Included in this display will be voting machines from the late 

19th century to the more recent Votomatic devices, and an assortment of 19th 

and 20th century voting boxes and rally signs from current candidates.

 The Rewards of Service: Volunteer Firefighting in the 19th Century. This 

exhibit on the history of volunteer firefighting in the United States will open in

August 2016 and will examine how, prior to the Civil War, American 

firefighting was the story of citizen volunteers drawn from their communities 

to protect their neighbors from the ever-present threat of fire. Firefighters 

were feted as heroic models of republican (and manly) virtue but they 

volunteered for practical reasons as well, such as financial benefits, or the 

shared bonds of fraternity that would extend long after the introduction of 

paid fire departments in major American cities.
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In addition, in 2016 the Museum will open a unique exhibit, Norie Atlas and 

the Guano Trade, that will display John Norie’s rare book of sea charts dating to 

the early 19th century. The exhibit will provide the historical context of the guano 

and nitrate trades, in which many of the swiftest and strongest 19th century 

American square-rigged sailing ships sailed. Through the Marine Atlas, as well as 

images and models of American clipper ships and other historical documents, the 

visitor will learn about this important maritime enterprise.

The NMAH will open the second floor of the West Wing in 2017. In 

preparation for that event, Museum staff are engaged in scholarly research, object 

collection and conservation, exhibit development, and fund raising. The new 

exhibitions will examine the American Experience through explorations of our most 

enduring and defining declarations: We the People and E Pluribus Unum. The 

exhibits will affirm the nation’s shared belief in the sovereignty of the people and 

recognize our nation’s rich cultural diversity. The exhibitions include:

 American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Against all odds, 18th 

century Americans declared independence and launched a bold experiment 

to create a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” 

This exhibit will explore how a nation committed to the principles of popular 

sovereignty debated how to make this idealistic vision work, and what living 

in a democracy really means. Covering the American past from the 

Revolutionary War to the present, this exhibition will trace the unfolding of 

Americans’ experiment through the Museum’s rich collections to examine our 

founding political principles, forms of popular political participation, and 

citizenship in a pluralistic society. Objects on display will include Thomas 

Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence writing desk, George Washington’s 

farewell address lamp, the inkstand Lincoln used to draft the Emancipation 

Proclamation, and the table on which Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote the 

Declaration of Sentiments.

 Many Voices, One Nation. This exhibit focuses on the theme of our nation’s 

great search for balance between unity and pluralism by presenting the 500-

year journey of how many distinct peoples and cultures met, mingled, and 

created the culture of the United States. Migrations brought new peoples, 

new languages, new religions, new ideas, and new technological innovations 

into the American experience. The result was a dynamic society embodied in 

cultural and technological innovations. From its earliest beginnings to the 

21st century, this exhibition maps the cultural geography of those unique and 

complex stories that animate the Latin emblem on the Great Seal and our 

national ideal: E pluribus unum, out of many, one.

 Religion in Early America, which will be the inaugural exhibit in the West 

Taubman Gallery. This exhibition will trace the distinctive way that religion 

developed in the early American republic. It will focus on three themes: the 

diversity of religious traditions in early America; the principle of freedom of 
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religion that was incorporated in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 

became a guiding American ideal; and the growth of different religions in the 

new American republic after the nation was formed. The exhibition will 

include a wide array of national treasures related to this topic, including the 

George Washington inaugural Bible, the Jefferson Bible, a church bell made 

by Paul Revere and Sons, manuscript pages from the first Book of Mormon, 

and a portable pulpit used by George Whitefield when he preached in open 

fields during the “Second Great Awakening.”

In addition, the NMAH contributes to the discussion of the American 

Experience through its ongoing scholarship and research. Recently, the Museum 

learned that two publications have been selected by the American Library 

Association as Outstanding Academic Titles for 2015: Time and Navigation by 

Carlene Stephens and First Smithsonian Collection by Helena Wright. In 2016, 

Museum scholars produced more than 12 new publications, including books, 

articles, and musical recordings. Listed below are four examples:

 Paul Johnston. Cleopatra’s Barge in Hawaii. College Station, Texas: 

Texas A&M Press.

 Ellen R. Feingold. The Value of Money. Washington: Smithsonian 

Institution Scholarly Press.

 Arthur P. Molella and Anna Karvellas, editors. Places of Invention. 

Washington: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.

 Robert H. Kargon, Karen Fiss, Morris Low, and Arthur Molella. World’s 

Fairs on the Eve of War: Science, Technology & Modernity 1937–1942. 

Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.

In FY 2017, highlights of scholarly publications will include:

 Margaret Salazar-Porzio and Joan Fragaszy Troyano, editors. Many 

Voices, One Nation: A Material History of the Peopling of America. 

Washington: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.

 William L. Bird, Jr., Lisa Kathleen Graddy, Harry R. Rubenstein, and 

Barbara Clark Smith. American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. 

Washington: Smithsonian Books.

 Margaret Salazar-Porzio. The Edges of Empire: Public Memory in San

Diego. Nevada: University of Nevada Press, Urban West Series.

 Peter Manseau Objects of Devotion. Washington: Smithsonian Books.
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Goal: Expand, Strengthen, and Share Our Collections

The NMAH is committed to sound collections stewardship through 

preservation, accountability, and increased digital access.

In FY 2016, the Museum will continue executing its collection stewardship 

plan by completing collections inventories of 12,500 objects from the Ceramics and 

Glass (7,500) and Musical History (5,000) collections. Also, longstanding concerns 

about collections access and accountability issues, as well as staff health and 

safety concerns in Garber Building 15, will be addressed by remediating lead 

contamination and substandard storage of collections, and NMAH staff will begin 

collections inventory of the approximately 5,000 decontaminated objects. A multiyear plan will be developed to inventory and assess the re-housing and storage 

needs required to move the estimated 50,000 objects that will be displaced by the 

East Wing renovation. Recommendations from the 2015 Collections Review 

Committee report will be prioritized and implementation will begin. Export of 60,000 

Numismatics rapid-capture records to the Enterprise Digital Asset Network (EDAN)

will be completed and 25,000 of those records will be sent to the Smithsonian 

Institution Transcription Center. In addition, 5,000 collection records will be 

exported to the EDAN and the Smithsonian Collections Search Center.

In FY 2017, the Museum will continue several initiatives which were started 

in FY 2016, including implementation of the plan for moving and re-housing the 

50,000 objects that are now in the East Wing, in advance of that space’s 

renovation, and continuing the inventory of approximately 5,000 decontaminated 

objects from Garber Building 15. For FY 2017, the Museum will begin to implement 

the plan to inventory, re-house, and move the estimated 50,000 objects that will be 

displaced by the East Wing renovation. The inventory of approximately 5,000 

decontaminated objects from Garber Building 15 will continue. In addition, a plan 

will be developed to address collections contamination, accountability, and storage 

issues in Garber Building 18. Recommendations from the Collections Review 

Committee report will continue to be implemented. Based on information gleaned 

from the acquisitions digitization pilot project, the Museum will develop a plan to 

fund full-scale, mass digitization of the Museum's acquisition files in collaboration 

with other SI units. In addition, 5,000 collection records will be exported to EDAN 

and the Smithsonian Collections Search Center, although this number may 

increase as a result of Museum initiatives to provide greater access to collections 

information.

Goal: Engage Diverse National and International Audiences

The NMAH engages people of all ages on site and online, encouraging them 

to explore history through objects as well as programs, ideas, facts, and stories.

In December 2015, the Museum opened Wegmans Wonderplace, an early 

learning gallery. The gallery combines age-appropriate activities with Museum 
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collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place for 

children six and under to exercise their curiosity. Wonderplace is the first exhibition 

on the National Mall designed for children aged six and under. This 1,700-squarefoot space provides the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and 

experiences. It has been very well received and operates at capacity.

In 2016, the Museum launched a multi-year collecting initiative, “Latinos and 

Baseball: In the Barrios and the Big Leagues,” to identify artifacts that reflect the 

social and cultural influence of the game on Latino communities. The Museum is 

currently working with 10 partner organizations as well as the Smithsonian Latino 

Center and the National Museum of African American History and Culture to carry 

out the “Latinos and Baseball” initiative. Three 2016 events in California and New 

York will reach out to local communities about preserving baseball history in the 

Latino community. The events are designed to generate interest in the initiative, 

build on community relationships, record oral histories, and identify objects for 

possible acquisition by local historical associations as well as for the national

collections.

Each year the NMAH trains thousands of K–12 teachers to bring American 

history to life by using active teaching methods infused with the Museum’s rich 

collections. Outside evaluation has shown that the Museum’s workshops have had 

a positive, re-energizing effect on history education across the United States. The 

Museum continues to add to its library of thousands of free K–12 interactive 

resources available via History Explorer, the Museum’s acclaimed website for 

teachers. In 2016, the Museum conducted a Massive Open Online Course, or 

MOOC, entitled “Teaching Historical Inquiry with Objects,” with more than 1,700 

registrants. The Museum also launched a Youth Civic Engagement initiative that 

brings local teenagers to the Museum to help plan effective educational outreach 

for their peers.

To encourage conversation and respectful dialogue about the past, the 

Museum expands its activities beyond exhibitions and education through public

programming and outreach.

In FY 2016, the NMAH will explore the themes of participation and civic 

engagement through programs at the Museum and around the nation focused on the 

research and content of its upcoming West Wing exhibitions. The signature event 

kicking off the Museum’s 2016 programmatic theme will be the second annual 

America Now program, an evening of interactive and participatory programming for 

millennial audiences highlighting the various ways young people have participated in 

their democracy. Programs throughout the year will focus around food, music, 

theater, and civic discourse and will continue to explore how Americans participate 

in their democracy. The Museum’s second annual Smithsonian Food History 

Weekend, Politics on your Plate, will explore the relationship everyday Americans 

have with food and politics. Cooking demonstrations and talks will engage visitors of 

all ages throughout the year at the Museum’s new demonstration kitchen in the West 
154

Wing. In addition, NMAH’s music program will explore the impact music has had on 

our democratic society, particularly through its extensive jazz and chamber music 

programs and new Sacred and American Roots music series. The Museum’s theater 

programming will feature the second annual History Film Forum and the premiere of 

a new Smithsonian Channel film, We the People, that explores America’s ideas and 

ideals through a chronological overview of American history. Also, in 2016, the 

Museum will continue to expand its groundbreaking What it Means to Be American

series, a national, multi-platform, multi-city conversation that brings together leading 

thinkers, public figures, and Americans from all walks of life to explore questions 

about how America’s history of migration and democratic traditions have made us 

the nation we are today. 

In 2017, in conjunction with the opening of the second floor of the West Wing, 

Museum programming will focus on the themes of American democracy, immigration,

and migration. Beginning with the commemoration of the Presidential Inauguration, 

the Museum’s signature program offerings, including America Now!, the Smithsonian 

Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society, the 

annual Food History Weekend, the History Film Forum, and the ongoing What it 

Means to Be American series will all explore the American Experience.

The Museum makes special efforts to nurture lifelong learners online and via 

social media where people can contribute to and assess shared understandings of 

the past. In addition to a newly designed, mobile-friendly website, the NMAH offers a 

popular blog and social media channels, with innovative and targeted content that 

encourages people to explore the American Experience by making history relevant, 

interesting, and thought-provoking. Through various forms of electronic and online 

outreach, the Museum expects to continue sharing its resources with more than 

seven million people a year.

Goal: Strengthen Our Staff, Board of Directors, and Facilities

The NMAH values every resource it has and is committed to making every 

expenditure and investment as productive as possible. The Museum is pursuing 

this goal with an eye to the future through careful administrative reviews of 

expenditures and staffing, and by fostering a culture that rewards collaboration, 

inclusion, and creative partnerships.

In November of 2012, the Museum closed its West Wing to allow for the 

construction and upgrade of its HVAC and other utility systems as well as a muchneeded renovation of the West Wing exhibit galleries. This construction is the next 

phase of the Museum’s master plan for renovation and improvement. Design and 

construction is being managed by Smithsonian Facilities. The second floor will 

reopen in 2017 and the third floor will reopen in 2018.

Over time, the NMAH has sustained a serious loss of key staff positions. In 

more than 20 years, the Museum has lost half of its curatorial staff, which has 
155

dramatically reduced the scholarly talent and capability necessary to research and 

explain the broad sweep, chronological and intellectual, of American history to our 

nation. To offset this loss, the Museum has pursued a multi-phased strategy; 

building partnerships to temporarily fill critical gaps; seeking endowed positions with 

funding from generous donors; and, starting in FY 2016, hiring five new curators 

with federal funds targeted for the highest priority topical areas. The Museum has 

built relationships with other Smithsonian units, and partnerships with outside 

organizations, to increase available resources and leverage talents. For example, 

the Museum is collaborating with other Smithsonian units on a major research 

initiative on the movements of peoples and cultures to and around the United 

States, which will result in a new exhibit at the NMAH. Furthermore, the NMAH has 

extremely active internship and Fellowship programs, hosting more than 169 interns 

and 18 Fellows in FY 2015. The Museum is committed to raising funds for endowed 

curator positions as part of its continuing fundraising efforts for exhibits and 

programs, and has successfully supported three new endowed curatorial positions 

in Business History, Philanthropy, and Religion. The increase in federal funds, 

provided in FY 2016, will support five new curators in key areas identified after an 

extensive internal analysis of our chronological, programmatic, and collectionrelated needs. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $2,325,000 and 

10 FTEs. The request includes an increase of $563,000 for necessary pay and 

other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, $250,000 for 

rent, and a program increase of $1,512,000 and 10 FTEs for collections 

scholarship, collections management, and digitization of objects, as detailed below. 

Collections Scholarship (+$980,000, +5 FTEs) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $980,000 and 5 FTEs for 

additional curators, building on the initial phase of this effort started in FY 2016 with 

increased federal funding. The Museum’s curatorial staff has significant gaps in 

their ability to research, interpret, exhibit, and care for the national collections. 

These gaps include critical subject areas, chronological periods, and program 

execution. Over time, the Museum has lost more than half of its curatorial staff, 

which has seriously depleted the Institution’s scholarly foundation. The Museum 

must rebuild its curatorial strength to support excellent research, exhibitions and 

digitization of the nation’s vast collection of artifacts. Specifically, these five 

positions will fill the highest priority gaps in our scholarly foundation. With the funds 

requested, the NMAH would conduct national searches for curators in such areas 

as Women’s History, Photographic History, Life Sciences, Computers and 

Mathematics, and Political History. These are areas in which the Museum needs 

expertise to manage major national collections, conduct research, and develop 

exhibitions and publications. This investment in rebuilding the NMAH’s collections 

scholarship foundation is proposed as a federal-private partnership. The Museum is 
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seeking endowed positions, supported by private donors, to match the federal 

investment and has been successful in obtaining three endowed positions as part of 

this strategy to leverage private funding to enhance federal investment. 

Collections Management (+$426,000, +4 FTEs)

The Budget request includes an increase of $426,000 and 4 FTEs for 

improved management of the national collections. Recent Inspector General audit 

reports have identified a critical need to fill high-priority positions to care for and 

preserve collections. Specific collections stewardship responsibilities include: full 

inventory control over collections; proper preservation of collections; secure 

movement and handling of collections; and assistance with the Museum’s efforts

to digitize the collections. The NMAH has a collections management staffing plan 

and will complete a collections review in FY 2016. Positions will be prioritized and 

filled in accordance with these two extensive analyses. 

Collections Digitization (+$106,000, +1 FTE) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $106,000 and 1 FTE for an 

employee to build capacity to create and sustain a robust digitization program. 

Digitization is the Smithsonian’s initiative to make collections objects available 

online to national and international communities. The increase will enable the 

NMAH to collaborate with the Digitization Program Office (DPO) staff in planning 

large digitization projects, support implementation of the Museum’s digitization plan, 

and increase access to the national collections by creating, managing, and 

promoting the Museum’s digital assets. 

Rent for Collections Storage (+$250,000) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $250,000 for 5,000 square feet 

of leased collections storage space for large industrial artifacts that the National 

Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a Smithsonian 

Affiliate, is returning to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. 

The NMAH does not have space to store the artifacts so sufficient and 

appropriate space must be leased to accommodate them and the specialized 

equipment necessary to move and provide access to them. Smithsonian 

collections care standards require that storage space provide HVAC and humidity 

controls, as well as security and life-safety controls. 
157

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries and 

benefits for 42 percent of NMAH staff — administrative, development, special 

events, program managers, etc. — and other program-related costs. In addition to 

restricted gifts, grants, and endowments, trust revenue sources include donations 

from special events, revenue sharing from business operations, honoraria for 

speaking engagements, and tuition reimbursements. Donor/sponsor-designated 

funds are used to develop, install and promote new exhibitions, fund public 

programs and educational initiatives, and support research, travel and collection 

acquisitions. Donor-designated funds are vital to continuing the renovation of the 

public spaces in the Museum, including the design and fabrication of new exhibits 

on the second and third floors of the Museum’s West Wing.
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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 216 31,444 2 2,281 21 8,965 0 88

FY 2016 

ENACTED 216 31,726 2 2,094 22 4,084 0 150

FY 2017 

REQUEST 218 32,341 2 1,905 22 3,437 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

17 2,532 17 2,572 0 40

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 6 1,078 6 1,089 0 11

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 26 3,393 26 3,440 0 47

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 32 6,047 32 6,109 0 62

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 38 5,026 38 5,086 0 60

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 26 3,672 28 3,941 2 269

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities 15 1,830 15 1,846 0 16

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers 1 125 1 127 0 2
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Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 14 2,336 14 2,365 0 29

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 24 3,495 24 3,541 0 46

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 2 208 2 212 0 4

Modernize the Institution’s financial management 

and accounting operations 8 964 8 980 0 16

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments 2 450 2 455 0 5

Modernize and streamline the Institution’s 

acquisitions management operations 5 570 5 578 0 8

Total 216 31,726 218 32,341 2 615

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is committed to 

advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western 

hemisphere — past, present, and future — through partnerships with Native peoples 

and others. 

The NMAI administers one Museum in three locations: NMAI-DC on the 

National Mall, NMAI-NY in lower Manhattan, and the Cultural Resources Center in 

Suitland, Maryland. The NMAI will focus its resources to support research and 

exhibits concerning the cultures and histories of Native communities and to present 

contemporary works of art to the public. These exhibits, along with educational and 

cultural arts programming, attract nearly two million visitors annually. The offering of 

diverse exhibitions, cultural demonstrations, tribal festivals, educational 

presentations, and scholarly symposia ensures a meaningful visitor experience. Web 

content based on these programs will reach distant “virtual visitors” to the Museum, 

who may not be able to come to the East Coast but who can still avail themselves of 

content developed at NMAI. Through its exhibitions and public programming, the 

Museum continues to present the contemporary voices of Native peoples to educate 

and inform the public while countering widespread stereotypes. 

The NMAI will also focus on the stewardship of more than a million collection 

items entrusted to the Museum’s care — honoring the histories and promoting the 

cultural legacies of hundreds of Native nations throughout the Western hemisphere. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $615,000 and 2 FTEs. 

This includes $391,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing 

staff funded under this line item and an increase of $224,000 and 2 FTEs for 

Collections Scholarship. 
160

MEANS AND STRATEGY

To achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access, the NMAI is directing its 

resources to: 1) activities that will result in increased visitation; 2) public programming 

and exhibits that will encompass information about the indigenous peoples of the 

Western hemisphere and Hawaii (as mandated in the NMAI enabling legislation) and 

that will demonstrate the presence and cultural contributions of contemporary Native 

peoples today; 3) outreach to Native communities, tribes, and organizations through 

programming methodologies that include consultations, Web-based technologies, 

video conferences, internships, seminars, publications, and symposia; and 4) 

expanding access to the NMAI collections online.

Public engagement efforts will continue to bring the Museum and its resources 

to audiences through both traditional and Web media and via innovative outreach and 

training programs. These contacts will link external communities to public audiences 

through technology and involvement in planning and programming.

To achieve the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education, the Museum will 

continue to provide daily exhibit and educational programming about Native peoples of 

the Western hemisphere and Hawaii, thereby providing opportunities to correct 

stereotyping and expand public knowledge. The seven-day-a-week operation will 

include interpretive activities, film and video presentations, cultural arts performances, 

demonstrations, and resource materials about Native American history and cultural 

heritage. The NMAI will continue working with Native educators and cultural experts 

on the Museum’s National Education Initiative, “Native Knowledge 360o,” to create 

exemplary materials that reflect indigenous knowledge, and to develop model 

materials that schools across America can expand upon for their own purposes. To 

promote learning across generations, the imagiNATIONS Activity Center will introduce 

indigenous knowledge about Native peoples’ understanding of the natural world and 

about American Indian civics to a growing audience of school children and Museum 

visitors. In 2017, operations will include an imagiNATIONS Activity Center at NMAI in 

New York City. Various tribal educational resources, including curricula enhancement 

materials, will be made available to teachers. 

In addition, as part of the Excellent Research strategic goal to advance 

knowledge in the humanities, the NMAI will continue to hire and retain the highest 

quality research staff and collaborate with leading institutions of learning and 

community-based scholars. NMAI staff will make research for film, video, audio, and 

photographic content developed for exhibitions available at the Museum and to Native 

American communities and public audiences through the Web, printed materials, and 

collaborative activities with other groups and organizations. 

NMAI staff will continue to oversee group and school tour programs, and 

volunteers, and will also direct presentations in galleries and all public spaces and 

program areas to ensure maximum use of all the educational resources available to 

enhance the visitor experience.
161

Through its ongoing dialogue with Native communities and cultural experts, 

NMAI’s collection stewards and scholars will also continue to advance the strategic 

goal of Strengthening Collections through judicious acquisition, documentation, 

digitization, inventory, preservation, research, security, storage renewal and 

enhancements, as well as increased Web access. 

The strategic goal of Mission Enabling will be addressed by efficiently and 

economically designating resources to meet the mission of the Museum and 

enhancing the collections by acquiring works that document Native experiences and 

expressive cultures, including the representation of modern and contemporary arts. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $615,000 and 2 FTEs. 

The increase includes $391,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of $224,000 

and 2 FTEs for Collections Scholarship, as detailed below. 

Collections Scholarship (+$224,000, +2 FTEs) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $224,000 and 2 FTEs to hire 

additional curators. NMAI’s National Education Initiative has a goal to correct longstanding misconceptions about Native American history and culture and to reinforce 

learning about Native contributions to the American Experience. To achieve this 

goal, NMAI is leading a comprehensive, scholarship-based effort to improve the 

depth and quality of instruction about Native peoples in America’s K–12 schools. 

These two curatorial positions are essential to strengthen the Museum’s scholarly 

capability to meet this goal. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salary and 

benefit costs for the Museum director and other program-related costs. 

Donor/sponsor-designated funds support salaries and benefits for development staff; 

costs associated with reaching NMAI’s National Campaign fundraising goals; 

publications and special events for exhibition openings; costs related to specific 

programs and projects, including educational programs, advertising, production of 

fundraising proposals, and member- and donor-related special events; as well as 

outreach activities. 
162

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 55 5,997 4 815 12 2,673 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 56 6,200 3 1,544 19 3,298 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 57 6,460 3 860 20 3,313 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 3 362 3 366 0 4

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 2 279 2 310 0 31

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 3 489 3 494 0 5

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 18 1,814 18 1,858 0 44

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 8 756 8 787 0 31

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 15 1,811 16 1,950 1 139

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 1 158 1 160 0 2
163

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 1 90 1 91 0 1

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse 1 129 1 130 0 1

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations 2 170 2 172 0 2

Modernize and streamline the Institution’s 

acquisitions management operations 2 142 2 142 0 0

Total 56 6,200 57 6,460 1 260

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery (NPG) inspires visitors from around 

the world by illuminating the American experience through powerful images that 

connect people and their stories.

The NPG strives to bring visitors face to face, literally and figuratively, with 

exceptional Americans and their remarkable stories across time, place, and 

circumstance. The NPG uses diverse approaches in visual biography to focus on 

changing notions of American identity, and to track evolving ideas about who is 

significant and has an impact on American culture. The NPG aspires to be widely 

known as the place that sparks thought and conversation, and includes the audience 

as an active participant in defining American identity through portraiture and 

biography.

The NPG will host a planning conference with select historians from major 

universities to help focus the initial goals for the Center for Visual Biography (CVB). The 

intent of the new center is to highlight the best, most groundbreaking biographical 

research around the country, and become a hub for leading scholars to present public 

programs on major American lives.

The NPG devotes a major portion of its resources to Broadening Access, 

thereby increasing the availability and accessibility of the NPG’s collections through 

exhibitions, public programs, and publications. The exhibitions explore themes in 

history, biography, and art in a way that brings out new meaning and understanding 

of the American experience. Highlights of special exhibitions planned for the 

remainder of FY 2016 include:

 The Outwin 2016: American Portraiture Today — This fourth exhibition 

resulting from the triennial, juried Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2016

will include 43 finalists from the more than 2,500 entrants from every state. 

The dazzling variety of media and diverse approaches to the exploration of 

“self” and “other” reveal that the art of portraiture is not only universal, it is 

thriving and evolving. For the first time, following its installation in Washington, 
164

DC, the exhibition will tour nationally to Tacoma, Corpus Christi, and Kansas 

City.

 Hollywood and TIME: Celebrity Covers — From its beginning in the 1920s, 

Time magazine responded to the public’s embrace of movie stars on and off 

the screen, and its fascination with the glitter of Tinseltown. The exhibition 

features more than 30 Hollywood moguls and celebrities whose vision and 

talents carried us to different eras and exotic places, including studio greats 

Cecil B. de Mille and Howard Hughes, directors Steven Spielberg and Woody 

Allen, and acting luminaries Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Marlon Brando, 

Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, and Dustin Hoffman.

 Double Take: Daguerreian Portrait Pairs — This themed installation highlights

the depth of the NPG’s early photography collection by presenting seven pairs 

of images for Frederick Douglass, Jenny Lind, Zachary Taylor, and others. By 

showcasing two daguerreotypes of each sitter, visitors will consider the ways 

artists approached the same subject, and how different the resulting portraits 

could be.

 One Life: Babe Ruth — An American legend whose name is synonymous with 

baseball itself, this exhibition will explore Babe Ruth the man, the legend, and 

the marketing frenzy his name and image fueled long before the 

commercialization of sports superstars became routine. The exhibition 

includes drawings, prints, and photographs of Ruth, a signed ball and bat, and 

advertising memorabilia endorsed by Ruth. It concludes with a look at the 

baseball greats who chased and broke Ruth’s longstanding records.

 In the Groove: Jazz Portraits by Herman Leonard — Herman Leonard’s 

(1923–2010) photographs of jazz musicians are widely regarded as the 

definitive portraits of many of the 20th century’s greatest artists. His infatuation 

with jazz led him to capture stunning images that soon made their way to 

album covers and the pages of DownBeat and Metronome magazines. This 

exhibition features iconic images of Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Ella 

Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, among many others.

 Bill Viola and the Moving Portrait (working title) — An artist of international 

renown and one of the pioneers of video art, Bill Viola focuses on the human 

body to create searing works about universal themes and emotional 

experiences. The NPG’s exhibition will offer a new perspective of Viola by 

redefining certain aspects of his body of work, as well as our understanding of 

contemporary portraiture. This will be the first NPG exhibition devoted solely to 

time-based media in newly renovated galleries designed for the installation of

time-based artworks.

In addition, the NPG is promoting two traveling exhibitions from its permanent 

collection: Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits, and In Vibrant Color: Vintage Celebrity 
165

Portraits from the Harry Warnecke Studio. Both are proposed to begin traveling in 

2018. 

The NPG uses the Web as well as social media to build its virtual audience 

around the globe. NPG websites receive about 1.7 million visits annually, with new 

content added regularly. The NPG’s Face to Face blog has been viewed by 450,000 

readers since its launch in 2007, and has an annual readership of about 80,000. NPG 

continues its presence on a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, 

YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and Tumblr. Combined, these outlets reach more 

than 85,000 followers, a 40 percent increase over 2014. Currently, the NPG has more 

than 180 videos available, and is adding 25 new works annually, on YouTube, 

iTunes, iTunesU, and ArtBabble; these videos have been downloaded by three

million viewers. The Google Art Project continues to bring highlights of the NPG’s 

collection to a vast worldwide audience. 

The NPG continues its collaboration with the Oxford University Press and the 

online edition of the American National Biography, where the biographical entries are 

supplemented by a wide array of NPG collection images. In 2016, the Museum plans 

to have an enhanced presence in the publication by allowing a greater number of its 

collections to be featured under the terms of fair use. Also in 2016, the NPG will 

expand its initiative to have in-gallery label material available in both English and 

Spanish via mobile applications to include a bilingual audio component as well.

In February of 2016, the NPG will launch a redesigned website that is fully 

scalable and available across all platforms and browsers. The new, enhanced 

website will also democratize access to the NPG’s collections and scholarship with a 

more accessible and user-friendly collections search engine. The search engine that 

will be implemented by the central technology offices will save resources and also 

allow for the download of medium-resolution collection images, a benefit not only for 

visual arts professionals but for the casual user as well. 

The NPG supports the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education by involving 

learners and educators in collaborative programs. Having doubled its size in 2015, 

the Teen Museum Council will continue to grow as it guides teenage students to craft 

education and outreach programs to better connect the Museum with their age 

group’s learning interests and means of investigating American history, art, and 

culture. “For teens, by teens” is the mission of this program. The NPG’s teacher 

workshops, structured around themes drawn from the Museum’s exhibitions, let 

educators from many different regional schools take advantage of NPG collections to 

develop activities which help their students learn American history. Now in its second 

year, the NPG’s Teacher Advisory Board furthers outreach to educators around the 

nation. The board members contribute their professional perspective on new methods 

and students’ interests to enable the NPG to extend its virtual reach across the 

country. The NPG will further integrate into its exhibitions and programs bilingualism 

and the needs of visitors with accessibility requirements.
166

Strengthening Collections is also central to the purpose of the NPG as it 

gathers and preserves the nation’s collection of portraiture of a wide range of 

individuals and in many forms. The overall value of the collection to scholars and the 

public is increased each year by the further creation and distribution of digital images 

of the artworks. The NPG has approximately 9,500 high-resolution images of 

collection objects on the Smithsonian Digital Asset Management System (DAMS), a 

25 percent increase from the previous year, and the NPG is a leader for fully 

leveraging the capabilities of the DAMS. To increase the breadth and depth of 

digitized collection information, object condition reports and images are also being 

uploaded to make this information more accessible to the Smithsonian research 

community. NPG staff will also pursue a project to digitize more than 1,000 prints and 

photographs in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Digitization Program Office, 

using new rapid-capture technologies.

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $260,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase includes $139,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item, and programmatic increases of $121,000 

and 1 FTE for Collections Management.

MEANS AND STRATEGY

In FY 2017, the NPG will continue to concentrate its efforts and resources on 

exhibitions, developing and maintaining its collection, expanding public education 

offerings, and pursuing new research directions.

The NPG will pursue the strategic goal of Broadening Access by making 

its exhibitions more inclusive in subject and content, more accessible through 

translated texts, and more broadly available through development of traveling 

exhibitions. The NPG’s exhibition schedule in FY 2017 will feature the following:

 The Face of Battle: Americans at War, 9/11 to Now — Since September 11, 

2001, the United States has been engaged in multiple wars, and this warfare 

has become normalized into part of the social and cultural landscape; it is 

ongoing yet somehow out of sight, invisible. The Face of Battle will explore the 

first attempts by artists to put a “face” on recent wars by depicting the 

experience of common soldiers. The exhibition will not deal with the wider 

politics, tactics, and controversies associated with post 9/11 political situations; 

it will return the focus to the grassroots level of the ordinary soldiers who 

fought and continue to fight for our nation. A tour of the exhibition is being 

developed.

 One Life: Sylvia Plath — This exhibition will present a visual biography of 

Sylvia Plath (1932–1963), from childhood to her early death, with photographs, 

recently discovered illustrated family letters Plath wrote as a child, schoolbook 

sketches, self-portraits from her art courses at Smith College, and some of her 

personal belongings, including the wooden desk she shared with husband Ted 
167

Hughes. It will be the first exhibition in an art museum to present her life, as 

well as her artwork, in tandem with her manuscripts, letters, and images.

 The Sweat of Their Face: Portraying American Workers — Work has always 

been central to the self-definition of Americans, and continues to be how 

Americans measure their lives and assess their contributions to the wider 

society. This comprehensive, multi-media exhibition will chart the course of 

American labor through more than two centuries of portraiture, exploring how 

artists have illustrated and defined the laboring body. Combining art and social 

history, The Sweat of Their Face addresses the intersection of high and 

popular culture in American history and will portray the diversity of America 

against the backdrop of its economic development and expansion, making an 

influential contribution to the histories of work, working people, and portraiture.

In addition to the special exhibitions, the NPG will conduct a reinstallation of 

the America’s Presidents permanent installation in 2017. The artworks will 

temporarily be installed in our major exhibition space while the permanent galleries 

are refreshed and retrofitted for interactive media elements. The renewed gallery will 

open to the public in the fall of 2017 with updated texts, new media and interactive 

components and an illustrated brochure. The NPG will also continue to develop 

exhibition catalogues and organize shows into FY 2018 and beyond, with a focus on 

the NPG’s 50th anniversary celebration in the fall of 2018.

With effective promotion and increased interactivity, the redesigned 

website will reach a greater and more varied online audience, both domestic and 

international, in the years to come. To become an effective presence in this 

electronic world, the NPG’s website must be made available in a variety of 

languages. Already available in both English and Spanish, in 2017 versions in 

French, Arabic, and Mandarin will be added.

Building off the collaboration in 2015 with both Google and Apple to create 

exterior and interior mapping of the Museum, the NPG in 2017 will update this 

mobile data to enhance way-finding guides on both Apple and Android devices to 

highlight points of interest such as exhibit space, restrooms, and restaurants. 

Visitors will also be able to pinpoint their exact location within the Museum to

within five meters. Also, using this Museum mapping, the NPG will explore 

developing technologies in conjunction with the Google Cultural Institute, 

including online exhibition design, collection apps, and 3D Cardboard exhibitions.

The NPG’s publication projects in FY 2017 will include catalogues 

accompanying The Sweat of Their Face exhibition and the reinstallation of the 

America’s Presidents exhibition, as well as work to make the Museum’s 

permanent collection label texts fully bilingual.

In addition, the NPG will continue Strengthening Collections, further deepening 

its holdings of pre-1825 portraits of individuals, portraits of under-represented 
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minorities, likenesses of significant contemporary figures, and portraiture made in the 

newest digital formats. The NPG will make further progress conserving its permanent 

collection of works on paper, photographs, and paintings; the latter will include 

completing an 18-month conservation treatment of the George Washington 

Lansdowne portrait, and is associated with the reinstallation of the America’s 

Presidents galleries. 

NPG will commence a full-scale rapid-capture initiative for all collection 

objects, beginning with two-dimensional works. Meanwhile, the NPG Catalog of 

American Portraits will be expanded by adding 1,500 portrait records to its research 

database and Web interfaces.

NPG efforts in Revitalizing Education in FY 2017 include more sophisticated 

analysis of different audiences and the identification of and outreach to underserved 

audiences. The consideration of the latter will include non-native English speakers, 

and visitors with physical or learning challenges. NPG’s education department 

specialists will establish stronger relationships with visitors from all backgrounds and 

interests in museum programs to develop education and events that are highly 

tailored to specific audiences. The NPG will continue to partner with its innovative 

learning groups, The Teen Council and the Teacher Advisory Board, and use the 

perspectives and knowledge of these key individuals to extend the educational value 

of the Museum’s collection both programmatically and digitally. Other popular 

programs, including Pop Quiz, films in the courtyard, and Family Days events, will 

continue to anchor the NPG’s educational offerings. In FY 2017, the NPG docent 

corps will be a vibrant and diverse group well versed in the collection and trained in 

inquiry techniques to engage audiences. The NPG education department will have 

tested an 18-month to eight-year-old space designed to help young people explore

portraiture as art and history.

The NPG will work on the Mission Enabling strategic goal by ensuring 

outreach to communities in different forms, both in print and online, to access diverse 

applicant pools for emerging recruitment needs. The NPG will also continue to 

streamline its internal project development process to incorporate innovative thinking 

in programming while also doing a better job of planning for budgetary requirements.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $260,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase includes $139,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item, and programmatic increases of $121,000 

and 1 FTE for Collections Management.

Collections Management (+$121,000, +1 FTE)

The $121,000 and 1 FTE will secure an additional collections manager to 

improve the inventory, conservation, and digitization of NPG’s nearly 16,000 
169

collection objects on paper, including prints, drawings, and photographs, and 

expanding collection of time-based media artworks. The collections manager would 

apply consistent attention to prior intermittent efforts to thoroughly catalogue 

collection objects, including accurately documenting the physical details of each

object, identification of the artist and the work’s provenance, and creating a 

description of the image, all of which are vital to art history and historical research. 

The additional staff member will also coordinate digitization efforts with central 

Smithsonian technology offices and conservation projects with internal staff and 

specialized experts beyond the Smithsonian, the combined result of which will be to 

preserve the collections for study and appreciation. The collections manager would 

also increase the value of the collections by making them more accessible, while also 

assisting with academic research and public inquiries. The enhanced level of 

collections stewardship will ensure that the artworks are increasingly available for 

academic inquiry, exhibition in the NPG galleries, or sharing with sister institutions 

around the nation via an active loans program.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support critical positions 

and help defray costs of special events for exhibition openings, loan exhibition 

development, outreach, fund raising, management, and research. The NPG must 

support exhibitions, publications, public lectures and gallery programs, symposia, and 

some collection acquisitions with donor/sponsor-designated funds. Private donations 

are thus critical to the NPG’s planning, programming, and ability to deliver on its 

public mission. It is through a public-private partnership that the National Portrait 

Gallery achieves its goals and serves the Smithsonian’s mission.
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NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 6 1,073 4 559 2 467 17 3,015

FY 2016 

ENACTED 6 1,109 4 560 2 715 18 3,067

FY 2017

REQUEST 6 1,120 4 560 2 665 18 3,067

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS; STRENGTHENING 

COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 90 1 92 0 2

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 1 158 1 160 0 2

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

4 513 4 520 0 7

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Execute an aggressive, long-range revitalization 

program and limited construction of new facilities

0 343 0 343 0 0

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

0 5 0 5 0 0

Total 6 1,109 6 1,120 0 11

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The National Postal Museum (NPM), with the world’s largest museum 

collection of stamps and postal artifacts, is dedicated to creating visitor experiences 

that educate, excite, entertain and inspire. With more than six million objects, the 

Museum is responsible for the Smithsonian’s second-largest collection. The Museum 

dedicates its resources to developing new and innovative ways to explore the vital 

role of the postal system in American life, and to make its vast philatelic and postal 
171 

collections available to all visitors — both in person and online. The NPM uses its 

collections in exhibits and public programs which educate visitors on the history of 

America, transportation, communication, economics, and commerce. 

In addition to the many activities and programs completed throughout the year, 

the NPM is focused on several major initiatives aimed at increasing visitation to both 

the Museum and its website. These initiatives include the design and fabrication of 

new history galleries; continued enhancements to the increasingly popular, Webbased, collection information system; and new rotating exhibitions in the William H. 

Gross Stamp Gallery. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $11,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, which 

is justified in the Fixed Costs section of this budget submission. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

The National Postal Museum’s primary activities are aimed at meeting the 

Smithsonian’s Grand Challenges of Valuing World Cultures and Understanding the 

American Experience through the prism of postal communications and philately. 

These challenges will be met by Broadening Access to the Museum’s collections, 

programs, and exhibitions; Revitalizing Education through the creation of new models 

and methods of presenting innovative educational programs; Strengthening 

Collections through improved preservation, storage, and enhanced digital imaging; 

and Mission Enabling by working with other Smithsonian units and external partners 

to improve Museum operations. 

In FY 2017, the Museum’s Education Center, part of the William H. Gross 

Stamp Gallery, will enter its fourth year of programming. Focusing on six target 

audience groups and several newly developed programs, the Center’s two education 

spaces provide enhanced learning opportunities that incorporate the newest media 

tools. The space is also used for Institution-wide Smithsonian meetings and provides 

other Smithsonian units with the opportunity to test new ideas for visitor participation, 

using the latest technologies. The second educational space supports the Museum’s

on-site school tours, community engagement activities, and family programming such 

as NPM’s traditional programs, including Stamp Stampede and the Mail Art 

Workshops. The Museum is also in the preliminary stages of developing a new 

initiative to install education hubs in five exhibit galleries. The hubs will provide new 

educational opportunities for children and their families, and are part of the Museum’s 

effort to make its exhibitions and educational offerings more accessible to a younger 

audience and provide new learning opportunities. 

In FY 2017, the Museum will continue to display the one-cent Magenta British 

Guiana stamp, the rarest and most valuable stamp in the world. The stamp is on loan 

to the Museum for a three-year period. The Museum will also open the second half of 
172

the exhibition Trailblazers: 100 Years of the National Park Service. The exhibit will 

feature more than 200 objects from the national stamp collection. 

The NPM’s federal resources are primarily dedicated to improving the 

stewardship of the national collections for present and future generations. In 

FY 2017, the Museum will continue to process new acquisitions, which includes

digitizing and cataloguing collection items using the automated collections information 

system (CIS). Enhanced cataloguing and digital records created for the African 

American exhibition will be placed online for broader access by the public. 

A major initiative to improve accessibility to off-site collections will remain a 

Museum priority. In FY 2017, the Museum will continue to coordinate with the staff of 

the National Museum of American History (NMAH) on the decontamination of NPM 

collection objects stored in Garber building number 15 in Suitland, Maryland. This 

project will remove hazardous lead from NPM collections that have been stored for 

many years in a building that also houses lead-based printing equipment from the 

NMAH collection. The project will eliminate a potential safety hazard for staff and 

make previously inaccessible collection items available for cataloguing and imaging. 

These collection items will subsequently be made available to the public in exhibitions 

and online through the Museum’s collections website. 

Also in FY 2017, the Museum will continue to catalogue, image, and conserve 

the Postmaster General’s (PMG) collection of original stamp art. The Postmaster 

General’s collection, transferred to the Museum from the United States Postal 

Service in FY 2012, represents one of the most important philatelic collections in the 

world. It includes the original artwork, as well as rejected designs and preliminary 

sketches, commissioned for more than 3,000 U.S. postage stamps between 1942 

and the present. NPM will also begin to permanently re-house the Postmaster 

General’s collection of original stamp art as well as implement a comprehensive 

conservation treatment plan. The Museum will also develop a coffee table book, to be 

published by SI Press, Highlights from the Postmaster General’s Stamp Art 

Collection, and will develop a corresponding exhibition at the Museum and online. In 

addition, the Museum will process two new archival collections related to the PMG art 

collection.

In FY 2017, the Museum will begin work on a temporary philatelic exhibition

tentatively titled American Pastime: Baseball as Seen through Stamps. The exhibit 

will open in FY 2019 in conjunction with baseball’s 150th anniversary. Also in FY 

2017, the Museum will replace ARAGO, its award-winning online collections website, 

with a new state-of-the art collections website that will greatly enhance the Museum’s 

online collections experience.

In addition, the Museum will continue to refine the national philatelic collection. 

Collections frequently requested by researchers will continue to be reorganized and 

re-housed to improve public access and long-term preservation. Collection items 

previously deaccessioned from the national philatelic collection will be donated to 
173

other museums or sold for the benefit of the national collection. Deaccessioned 

collection items include duplicate revenue stamps and various postal items, which

either fall outside the scope of the collection or have deteriorated beyond use. 

Finally, the NPM will continue to direct resources toward maintaining the 

Museum’s information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure requirements to 

meet the strategic goal of Mission Enabling. The Museum will continue to replace 

network hardware and software to meet requirements which support programmatic 

and exhibition needs, and to modernize its IT systems. The Museum will also begin 

the process of replacing its popular online collections program, which is now more 

than 10 years old and showing signs of obsolescence. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — The United States Postal Service provides 

the NPM with an annual grant, which supports nearly 75 percent of the Museum’s 

core functions and operational costs. These costs include salaries and benefits, 

utilities, facility maintenance, exhibitions, education, and collection management 

programs. Fundraising initiatives continue to generate increased support from the 

private sector to develop and support new exhibitions, research opportunities, 

educational initiatives, and special events. 
174

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 88 9,474 8 1,403 34 9,721 1 110

FY 2016

ENACTED 89 9,723 10 1,270 40 9,554 1 125

FY 2017

REQUEST 91 10,115 10 1,319 40 8,082 1 125

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS;

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION 

ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 6 685 8 898 2 213

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 9 835 9 851 0 16

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 14 1,482 14 1,512 0 30

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 23 2,451 23 2,500 0 49

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 3 307 3 313 0 6

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections 19 2,265 19 2,310 0 45

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide a safe and healthy environment 1 91 1 93 0 2

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure 2 156 2 159 0 3
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Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 12 1,451 12 1,479 0 28

Total 89 9,723 91 10,115 2 392

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is the nation’s Museum 

dedicated to the arts and artists of the United States from colonial times to the 

present. It is the home of the largest and most inclusive collection of American art in 

the world, and its holdings of more than 42,000 works, spanning three centuries of

the nation’s cultural development, tell the story of America through the visual arts. 

The Museum’s programs make the collection available to national audiences and 

beyond, as well as to those who visit its two historic landmark buildings in 

Washington, DC: the Donald W. Reynolds Center (DWRC) for American Art and 

Portraiture (shared by SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery) and the Renwick 

Gallery, dedicated to American crafts and decorative arts.

To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent Research, SAAM curators and 

research Fellows-in-residence use the collection and other resources to develop 

new insights into America’s cultural and artistic legacy. The resulting knowledge 

informs collections development and serves as the basis for exhibitions, associated 

award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and material for online content 

and educational programs. The Museum’s peer-reviewed journal, American Art,

serves as an additional venue for scholarship in the field. The Museum hosts 

international symposia on topics of relevance in the field of American art.

Broadening Access is achieved through a web of activities. The Museum is 

taking full advantage of the latest technologies (e.g., audio, multi-media, podcast 

tours, tablets, smart phones, and applications) as well as social media to engage 

audiences both online and on site. Three videoconference centers deliver the 

Museum’s programs around the world. Digitization of the collection continues apace, 

allowing the Museum to add new content and features to its online resources.

An ambitious schedule of exhibitions developed in-house and complemented by 

shows obtained from other organizations attracts new visitors and encourages repeat

visits. At the DWRC, large exhibition spaces, shops, and a restaurant greet visitors with 

a broad range of activities to maintain their interest. The Lunder Conservation Center 

provides a window on preservation of the nation’s collections, and the Luce Foundation 

Center for American Art displays 3,500 collection objects in an inviting visible storage 

center. The Renwick Gallery has additional space for exhibitions, public programs, and 

rotating displays of its permanent collection of American crafts. Multiple traveling 

exhibitions organized by the Museum are shared with museums throughout the United 

States, giving the public, direct access to the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.
176

Public programs complement Museum exhibitions and collections through 

activities such as courtyard concerts, family days, heritage month programs, tours 

and gallery talks, scavenger hunts, and craft and sketching workshops. 

Diverse activities advance the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education. 

National education programs directly reach K–12 teachers and students. These 

include adoption of the latest technologies where most effective, as well as 

incorporation of art into core curricula. Resident teacher institutes are supplemented 

by online/on-demand courses for the K–12 community. The Museum regularly 

collaborates with private and public organizations to provide teachers with new tools 

and resources. Students are brought into the Museum as often as possible to 

provide that unique, direct experience with great art. The MacMillan Education 

Center, located in the galleries, benefits students in classrooms across the nation 

and U.S. military bases worldwide, as well as school groups touring the Museum, 

conservators, research Fellows, and educators.

The strategic goal of Strengthening Collections is achieved through multiple 

activities. Scholarship and research help set acquisition objectives. Gifts of art and 

private funds raised through development activities pay for additions to the national 

collection. Conservators obtain new tools and training to preserve the artwork. The 

Lunder Conservation Center is an important locus for conservation training and 

colloquia of interest to the conservation community and the public. Conservation 

Fellowships ensure that experience and knowledge are shared within the larger 

community of conservation practitioners.

Mission Enabling encompasses many activities. A proactive safety program 

ensures a safe and healthy environment for Museum staff and visitors. Information 

technology staff implement and maintain the information framework on which so 

many other efforts depend. This includes the exhibition space screens, kiosks, and 

optimizing online information for mobile devices. Managers carefully plan, promote, 

protect, and conserve the Museum’s resources. 

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $392,000 and 2 FTEs. 

The increase includes $197,000 for necessary pay for existing staff, and programmatic 

increases of 2 FTEs and $195,000 for Collections Scholarship.

MEANS AND STRATEGY

Research on the collections and related topics by curatorial staff continues in 

support of exhibitions and the permanent collection, including five new exhibition 

catalogues scheduled for publication in FY 2017. Endowments and multi-year 

private support have allowed the Museum to hire curators with specialties in 

sculpture, photography, and contemporary crafts. The Museum’s award-winning, 

peer-reviewed journal, American Art, will publish three issues of new scholarship. 

The Museum hosts approximately 20 research Fellows from throughout the country

and internationally, thereby increasing the number of scholars using the collections. 

The resulting discoveries and interpretations by staff and Fellows help Americans 
177

understand and appreciate their rich cultural heritage as well as advance scholarship 

in American art. Research will also feed into educational programs as well as the

Web and new media.

Three-fourths of SAAM’s collection is already online and the Museum 

continues to digitize and post new images and content. The Museum makes images 

and content available through online image- and video-sharing sites and 

collaborative initiatives with other organizations, maintains an active online presence 

via social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube), and hosts the art blog, Eye 

Level. The Museum continues to add podcasts and videos to its online library. All 

these assets are accessible regardless of the device used. In-house video 

production enables the Museum to expand its audience by webcasting events and 

hosting online discussions via instant messaging and blogs. Interactive exhibition 

components are used whenever appropriate to provide a richer, customized cultural 

experience.

Seven exhibitions are planned for FY 2017 at SAAM. Major exhibitions at the 

DWRC include: Gene Davis: Hot Beat; Isamu Noguchi: Archaic/Modern; Nature and 

Spirit: Marsden Hartley’s Mysticism; Down These Mean Streets: Photographing 

Urban Space; and George Catlin’s American Buffalo. The Renwick Gallery reopened

on time and on budget in November 2015 after a much-needed renovation, and has 

since shattered previous attendance records. The Renwick Invitational will be 

running as the year starts, to be followed by June Schwarcz and Peter Voulkos: 

Ceramic Presence. The well-received rotating exhibit Watch This! will showcase 

video and new media art from the Museum’s permanent collection.

As part of its ongoing efforts to make as much material as possible accessible

to the public, the Museum regularly rotates artworks in the permanent collection 

galleries to show the many facets of American art and culture, as well as to 

encourage return visits. In FY 2016, the Museum completed the reinstallation of the 

folk art galleries on the first floor. African American artworks, which had been on 

tour, have been reintegrated into the works on display. The Luce Foundation Center 

for American Art displays an additional 3,500 collection objects in densely installed 

glass cases.

National outreach includes touring exhibitions with Our America: The Latino 

Presence in American Art, which ends it multi-year run. The Irving Penn: The Painter’s 

Eye continues to tour and is joined by Romaine Brooks and Pop Art. Interactive 

exhibition components continue evolving to keep pace with proliferating information 

conduits. In addition, whenever possible, SAAM honors requests by other museums for 

loans from the national collection.

SAAM engages diverse audiences through a range of public programs and 

online resources. The Museum will continue its popular tours, gallery talks, 

demonstrations and workshops, and now offers signed tours for the hearing impaired. 

Individuals may bring in objects and talk with conservators about the proper care and 

handling of family heirlooms. Family Days and heritage month programs continue to
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create and sustain new relationships between the public and their cultural history. Our 

Chinese New Year celebration, held in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy, has 

become a visitor favorite. Public programs in the galleries, McEvoy Auditorium, and 

Kogod Courtyard will be supplemented by new Web content, as well as by making 

such content accessible regardless of the device being used to access it.

Education initiatives expand as the Museum takes advantage of new online 

tools and assets. SAAM continues to develop its highly successful distance-learning 

program that reaches classrooms worldwide. A third videoconference center, within 

the MacMillan Education Center, enables the Museum to serve more students than 

ever before. Partnerships with Government agencies such as the National Park 

Service, National Archives and Records Administration, and the U.S. Patent Office

expand the Museum’s reach to more diverse audiences. The intern program, hosting 

34 students this past year (from 17 states, Washington, DC, and Australia), will 

prepare the next generation of museum professionals. The Museum, as part of its 

educational initiative, again will host two institutes for teachers; last year, 77 teachers 

from 27 states, Washington, DC, Japan, and South Korea attended.

The safe storage and display of collection objects remain a top priority. SAAM

continues to develop public interest in and awareness of preservation issues through 

the Luce Foundation Center and the Lunder Conservation Center and their many 

public programs. The acquisition of new tools and instrumentation will allow more 

complete monitoring of the collection and application of leading-edge conservation 

techniques to preserve the collection. Leased cool-storage space ensures that 

photographic material is preserved in ideal conditions. Artworks will be acquired to fill 

gaps in the collection identified through the Museum’s collections plan. Time-based 

media (i.e., works which exhibit a changing observable state, such as videos or lightemitting diodes [LEDs]) will continue to receive special attention.

The Museum has been a lead partner, with the Department of Energy, in 

developing LED technology for use by museums, which will save the Institution 

thousands of dollars in energy costs. The renovated Renwick Gallery will continue to 

yield important data on the use of LEDs. Information technology and administrative 

procedures will be strengthened through close monitoring of resources and processes,

especially as lean budgets continue. Strong partnerships with Smithsonian central 

offices enable SAAM to provide an end-user perspective on policy changes. Use of 

the Museum’s Wiki and SharePoint websites keeps staff current on the ever-changing 

procedural and regulatory environment. Continual review of work processes and 

conditions will be followed by implementation and use of safer techniques and 

materials for both staff and the Museum environment.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $392,000 and 2 FTEs. 

The increase includes $197,000 for necessary pay for existing staff, and programmatic 

increases of 2 FTEs and $195,000 for Collections Scholarship.
179

Collections Scholarship (+$195,000, +2 FTEs) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $195,000 and 2 FTEs for additional 

curators. SAAM’s curatorial staff has significant gaps in their ability to research, 

interpret, exhibit, and care for the national collection in critical subject areas as defined 

by national educational standards, and program execution. Curatorial staffing levels 

have dramatically declined, seriously depleting the Museum’s scholarly foundation. 

With the requested funds, the Museum will rebuild its curatorial strength to support 

excellent research, exhibitions, and digitization. Specifically, these positions will fill the 

need for a Photography curator and a curator with knowledge of 20th century African 

American art to build the national collection as well as plan future exhibitions. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — Nearly all of SAAM’s non-personnel costs, 

including those for exhibitions, educational and public programs, and additions to the 

national collection, are paid with funds provided by individuals, foundations, and 

corporations. Donor/sponsor-designated funds support specific programs and 

projects. SAAM’s National Campaign continues to put special emphasis on obtaining 

endowments to provide secure funding for these ongoing projects and activities. 

Additionally, trust funds support salaries and benefits for one-third of staff, as well as 

all fundraising activities and related costs.
180

Introduction, Mission Enabling

The backbone of the Smithsonian must remain a dedicated 

workforce of employees and volunteers with 21st century skills and 

perspectives. Strong, responsive support services — such as 

collections stewardship, facilities management, Web and new media, 

audience research, marketing, and financial management — are 

essential to accomplish the Smithsonian’s mission. Finally, we need 

to generate revenue in new ways to ensure that we can fund our 

vision for the future.

UNITS primarily associated with Mission Enabling:

 Outreach

 Communications

 Institution-wide Programs

 Smithsonian Exhibits 

 Museum Support Center

 Museum Conservation Institute

 Smithsonian Institution Archives

 Smithsonian Libraries

 Office of the Chief Information Officer

 Administration

 Office of the Inspector General

 Facilities Maintenance

 Facilities Operations, Security, and Support
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OUTREACH

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 65 9,150 39 6,363 3 4,541 10 5,763

FY 2016

ENACTED 64 9,045 41 6,886 4 3,454 0 420

FY 2017

REQUEST 64 9,214 42 6,705 4 3,334 0 284

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS;

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 3 1,301 3 1,308 0 7

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in 

the humanities 2 995 2 999 0 4

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web 

support 2 250 2 265 0 15

Public Programs

Provide reference services and 

information 1 115 1 120 0 5

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 39 4,555 39 4,622 0 67

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 12 1,387 12 1,456 0 69

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented 5 442 5 444 0 2

Total 64 9,045 64 9,214 0 169

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Broadening Access is a key component of the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan. 

All of the Institution’s outreach activities link the Smithsonian’s national collections, 
182

research, and educational resources with Americans from coast to coast. Its aims 

are to: 1) broaden the audiences who share in the nation’s rich cultural heritage; 2) 

enhance widespread research-based knowledge of science, history, and art; and 3) 

provide opportunities for educators and scholars to further increase and diffuse 

knowledge. 

Smithsonian outreach programs serve millions of Americans, thousands of 

communities, and hundreds of institutions in all 50 states, through loans of objects, 

traveling exhibitions, and sharing of educational resources via publications, lectures 

and presentations, training programs, and websites. Smithsonian outreach programs 

work closely with Smithsonian museums and research centers, as well as with more 

than 200 affiliated institutions and others across the nation. 

This line item includes the programs that provide the critical mass of 

Smithsonian Across America outreach activity: the Smithsonian Institution Traveling 

Exhibition Service (SITES); Smithsonian Affiliations; the Smithsonian Center for 

Learning and Digital Access (SCLDA); the Office of Fellowships and Internships 

(OFI); and the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press (SISP). The Smithsonian 

Associates (TSA) and the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), which 

receive no direct federal funding, are also part of this national outreach effort. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $169,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (39 FTEs and 

$4,622,000) — For 65 years SITES has devoted its mission to sharing Smithsonian 

exhibitions and educational resources with people and places all across the country. 

More than 500 communities in all 50 states host SITES shows in formats ranging 

from large-scale interactive exhibits for mainstream art, history, and natural history 

museums to exhibitions for mid-size museums and cultural centers, and from small 

exhibitions for rural America to poster sets tailored to school classrooms. 

Encompassing subjects that parlay the Smithsonian’s vast collection and research 

pursuits, SITES’ FY 2017 offerings will address such topics as artistic creativity, 

scientific exploration, and the mosaic of diverse cultures that have made America 

the great nation it is today. 

SITES is a national leader in exhibitions that honor and celebrate the cultural 

heritages of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans, 

and the many other peoples who give our nation its unique vitality. FY 2017 

resources will continue to be dedicated to this focus, in addition to generating public 

engagement through such exhibition topics as aeronautics and space exploration, 

world cultures, our biodiverse planet, and the American experience. 
183

SITES’ landmark Museum on Main Street (MoMS) initiative will continue to 

enrich the underserved populations of rural America, whose access to national 

cultural programs is limited. SITES’ newest MoMS exhibits examine the relationships 

between people and water from cultural and scientific perspectives. 

Although the tangible experience is key to what SITES provides to visitors, 

the organization also focuses on ways to extend and engage audiences far beyond 

museum walls via multiple forms of technology, from mobile interactive applications 

(apps) to educator resources. 

While Americans may know the Smithsonian from one-time school trips or 

family visits, the presence of the Institution’s resources in their hometowns has a 

deeper resonance. SITES exhibitions represent the valuable public impact of the 

federal dollar. They are a source of immense local pride, bringing together people 

from diverse ethnic, age, and socio-economic groups to celebrate a shared national 

heritage at the local level.

Smithsonian Affiliations (2 FTEs and $336,000) — Now in its 20th year, the 

mission of Smithsonian Affiliations is to build a strong, national network of affiliated 

museums, educational, and cultural organizations that will facilitate the display of 

Smithsonian artifacts and the dissemination of the Institution’s expertise in

communities across America. By working with both emerging and well-established 

museums of diverse sizes, subject areas, audience bases, and scholarly disciplines, 

Smithsonian Affiliations creates the framework through which visitors unable to 

come to the Institution’s facilities can still experience the Smithsonian in their own 

communities. In addition, the Smithsonian is working closely with affiliated 

organizations to increase their audiences, expand their professional capabilities, and 

gain greater recognition in their local communities. There are currently 208 affiliate 

organizations in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama.

These strategies have resulted in the display of more than 8,000 Smithsonian 

artifacts in Affiliate locations, including such historic and topical items as U.S. 

spacecraft, First Ladies’ gowns, Civil War arms and uniforms, outdoor sculptures, 

scientifically significant collections, and many more. Smithsonian scholars have 

participated in science literacy, American history, and art education programs at 

Affiliate locations. Professional development workshops, internships, and visiting 

professional residencies have given Affiliate staff the opportunity to increase their 

knowledge and skills in areas such as collections management, exhibition planning, 

and museum administration. In addition, the Smithsonian Affiliations’ annual 

conference continues to create a forum for networking, information sharing, and 

future planning. New videoconferencing capabilities have also extended the reach of 

Smithsonian Affiliations. Current Affiliate projects build on and amplify the “Grand 

Challenges” outlined in the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan.
184

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access (SCLDA) (13 FTEs 

and $1,505,000) — Smithsonian educators work with Smithsonian content experts 

to develop products and services that strengthen American education and enhance 

our ability to compete globally. The Smithsonian serves as a laboratory that creates

methods and models of innovative informal education linked to our nation’s formal 

education system. SCLDA venues use a wide range of interactive, Web-based 

technologies; our programs encourage continual educational exploration by learners 

of all ages. To guide these efforts across the Smithsonian, SCLDA has created an 

Institution-wide approach to education that leverages resources, strengthens 

communications, coordinates programming, and rewards innovative thinking and 

collaboration.

Office of Fellowships and Internships (OFI) (6 FTEs and $1,963,000) —

The OFI has the central management and administrative responsibility for the 

Institution’s programs of research, Fellowships, and other scholarly appointments. 

One of its primary objectives is to facilitate the Smithsonian’s academic interactions 

with students and scholars at universities, museums, and other research institutions 

around the world. The Office administers Institution-wide research support 

programs, and encourages and assists other Smithsonian museums, research 

centers, and offices with diversifying and developing additional Fellowships and 

visiting appointments.

The Smithsonian Institution offers Fellowships to provide opportunities for 

graduate students, pre-doctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators 

to conduct independent research in association with members of the Smithsonian 

professional research staff, and to more effectively use the resources of the 

Institution. 

To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent Research and maintain the 

Smithsonian’s level of expertise in the research community, the Institution must 

continue attracting the best scholars. The OFI has increased Fellowship stipends to 

provide awards comparable to other prestigious programs so the Smithsonian can 

maintain a competitive edge. Since funding for stipends has remained flat, the 

Smithsonian has increased the value of each award, but has decreased the number 

of Fellowships awarded. The Smithsonian is trying to raise private funding for the 

Institution’s Fellowships and Scholarly Studies Program so that the Institution has 

the resources necessary to help today’s young scientists become the next 

generation’s top researchers. In addition, the OFI continues to provide current staff 

with the financial support needed to develop new research initiatives, collaborate 

with other scholars, and determine the scope and feasibility of projects.

Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press (SISP) (4 FTEs and $788,000) —

Through the Smithsonian Contributions Series program, continually published since 

1875, SISP publishes and disseminates research conducted by Smithsonian staff 

and their collaborators. The federal funds support the production of first-class 

science results and widespread public distribution to libraries, universities, other 
185

organizations, and the public. The program publishes, in both print and digital

formats online, monograph series in subject areas ranging from art, anthropology, 

botany, and marine sciences to paleobiology, zoology, museum conservation, and 

history and technology, as well as edited collections of interdisciplinary research and 

symposia proceedings. Furthermore, federal resources underwrite the publishing of 

scholarly books written by Smithsonian staff or books closely related to Smithsonian 

collections as well as increased public access to peer-reviewed scholarly 

publications. This advances the Institution’s strategic goals of Excellent Research 

and of Broadening Access to scientific research and the national collections.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds defray the costs of staff 

salaries and benefits, fund raising, exhibition design and production, publications, 

materials, outside specialists, and contractual services. Donor/sponsor-designated 

funds cover costs related to specific projects and programs.
186

COMMUNICATIONS

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 22 2,567 27 4,473 0 75 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 22 2,594 32 4,272 0 75 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 22 2,632 32 4,068 0 75 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 7 628 7 636 0 8

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

1 118 1 121 0 3

Enhance the reputation of the Smithsonian by 

maintaining good relations with the news media 

and with federal, state, and local governments

10 1,345 10 1,365 0 20

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

4 503 4 510 0 7

Total 22 2,594 22 2,632 0 38

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Office of Communications and External Affairs (OCEA) consists of 

four departments: the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), the Office of Government 

Relations (OGR), the Office of Visitor Services (OVS), and the Office of Special 

Events and Protocol (OSEP).

OCEA manages the Smithsonian brand strategy, coordinates brand 

marketing and oversees internal communications. The Office resources support 

the Strategic Plan by training staff about the Institution’s priorities and objectives,

and informing them about important initiatives, thereby enabling the Institution to 

better execute its mission. Accordingly, OCEA is responsible for implementing 
187

the Smithsonian brand strategy, both internally and externally, so that the 

Smithsonian reaches and engages more people with its mission. By improving 

internal communications to more effectively and efficiently inform staff of 

Institution-wide policies, initiatives, and events, OCEA encourages cross-unit 

collaboration. 

The OPA coordinates public relations and communications with museums, 

research centers, and offices to present a consistent and positive image of the 

Institution. The Office supports the Strategic Plan by advancing the Institution’s 

objectives, connecting people with Smithsonian experts, research, exhibitions, 

and public programs, and by working with conventional media outlets and social 

media. The OPA connects to online audiences by overseeing content such as 

Visitor Information, Events, Exhibits, and Encyclopedia Smithsonian on the

Institution’s central website. The Office also administers content on Newsdesk, 

the Smithsonian’s online newsroom, and on the central Smithsonian social media 

accounts. In addition, the OPA works with units throughout the Institution to 

establish and maintain professional communications guidelines and standards.

The OGR is the liaison between the Smithsonian Institution and the 

Federal government. This includes members and staff of the U.S. House of 

Representatives and Senate appropriations and oversight committees and other 

congressional offices, the White House, the Office of Management and Budget,

and various Federal agencies. The Office supports the Institution’s overall 

Strategic Plan by explaining the accomplishments, relevance, and wealth of the 

Smithsonian’s offerings to the Congress and the Administration. The OGR also 

works with other Smithsonian offices, informing them of federal-sector activities, 

tracking legislation pertinent to them, showcasing their exhibits, programs and 

discoveries for interested congressional offices, and managing their requests for 

high-ranking Government officials to participate in official Institution events.

The OVS is the principal Office dedicated to designing, orchestrating, and 

improving visitors’ experiences with the Smithsonian. The Office enables the 

Smithsonian’s mission through its activities as the primary point of contact for 

Smithsonian visitors and volunteers. The Office resources support the Strategic 

Plan by administering products and services that broaden visitor access to 

Smithsonian public programs and services.

The OSEP participates in strategic decision making for advancing the

Institution’s goals by identifying event opportunities which will help the 

Smithsonian achieve its objectives, and also helps plan unusual events to extend 

the reach of the Institution and energize its representation.

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes $38,000 for necessary pay and 

other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item.
188

MEANS AND STRATEGY

The OPA allocates resources for national and international media publicity 

and to expand minority relationships through targeted media outlets. As the 

Smithsonian Office with primary responsibility for extending the Institution’s 

communications message to online audiences, the OPA manages content on the 

central website, Newsdesk, and on the central Smithsonian social media 

accounts. The OPA works with units throughout the Institution to establish and 

maintain professional communications guidelines and standards. The OPA also 

produces Smithsonian Science, an online blog devoted to scientific research.

In addition, the OPA initiates and responds to all media inquiries in a 

timely manner with accurate, concise information, and generates story ideas for 

the media featuring Smithsonian experts, exhibitions, research, and programs. In 

terms of new initiatives, the OPA also has a leading role in coordinating the 

Smithsonian’s “Seriously Amazing” national branding campaign to educate the 

public about the Institution’s mission and many programs, as well as appeals for 

private support.

The OVS designs and administers systems that visitors use regularly to 

plan and enjoy their visits, as well as systems that enable Smithsonian staff to 

better aid on-site visitors. The OVS administers the Smithsonian Information 

Center, the outdoor visitor information kiosks adjacent to all museums and 

galleries, Web applications, and selected publications. In addition, the OVS 

oversees a comprehensive visitor feedback system that includes the general 

Smithsonian email address, a telephone call center, comment cards, and 

surveys. 

The OVS also works with relevant units to deliver products and services 

that help their staff understand and meet the needs of their specific audiences. 

The OVS systematically analyzes visitor behavior, trends and insights, and 

delivers pertinent findings to museum and research center teams whose projects 

will affect how visitors experience the Smithsonian. The OVS recruits and trains 

highly qualified, motivated and diverse volunteers to engage with visitors and 

help Smithsonian staff conduct research projects. The OVS increases retention 

of volunteers by offering personal enrichment and recognition opportunities. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries and 

benefits of personnel and other related costs. In addition, these funds support 

information dissemination, outreach, publications, and general operations.
189

INSTITUTION-WIDE PROGRAMS

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 0 10,505 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 0 14,784 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 0 16,484 0 0 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 0 1,200 0 1,200 0 0

Broadening Access

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 0 2,400 0 2,400 0 0

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

0 8,197 0 9,697 0 1,500

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

0 2,987 0 3,187 0 200

Total 0 14,784 0 16,484 0 1,700

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Beginning in 1993, Congress has approved the creation of the following Institutionwide funding programs:

 Research Equipment Pool

 Latino Initiatives Pool 

 Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund

 Information Resources Management Pool
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In 1993, Congress approved the Smithsonian’s reallocation of funds to create 

two Institution-wide funding programs: the Research Equipment Pool to support the 

units’ needs for state-of-the-art research equipment, and the Information Resources 

Management (IRM) Pool to systematically address information technology (IT) needs 

throughout the Institution. The Institution first received funds in FY 1995 to support the 

development of a third Institution-wide program, this one for Latino initiatives, including 

research, exhibitions, and educational programming. In FY 1998, Congress approved a 

$960,000 increase to the IRM Pool specifically dedicated to collections information 

systems (CIS) needs. The FY 2006 appropriation included an increase of $1 million to 

establish the Collections Care and Preservation Fund (CCPF). The CCPF provides 

resources for the highest priority collections management needs throughout the 

Institution to improve the overall stewardship of Smithsonian collections.

In FY 2016, the Institution established the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool 

to explore and share the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to the American 

Experience. The pool funds competitively selected projects that support research, 

exhibitions, educational programs, collections, digital and media projects, and 

partnerships with local and regional cultural organizations.

This budget request includes an increase of $1,700,000 for the Institution-wide 

programs, including for the Collections Care and Preservation Fund ($1,500,000) and 

for the Information Resources Management Pool ($200,000).

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT — COLLECTIONS CARE INITIATIVE

Collections stewardship is a key component and core priority of the Smithsonian’s 

Strategic Plan. Assembled over 170 years, Smithsonian collections are fundamental to 

carrying out the Institution’s mission and Grand Challenges, serving as the intellectual 

base for scholarship, discovery, exhibition, and education. As recognized by the America 

COMPETES Act reauthorization, the proper management, documentation, preservation, 

and accessibility of collections are important to the nation’s research and education 

infrastructure. Smithsonian collections have a unique and important role in addressing 

scientific and societal issues of the 21st century, enabling researchers to address such 

significant challenges as the effects of global change, the spread of invasive species, and 

the loss of biological diversity and its impact on global ecosystems.

As result, the Institution must substantially improve collections care to ensure that 

Smithsonian collections are properly preserved and made accessible for current and 

future generations to study and enjoy. The volume, characteristics, complexity, and age

of Smithsonian collections, as well as the variety of discipline-specific standards that 

apply to their care, make their management, preservation, and digitization as 

unprecedented, challenging, and complex as the collections themselves.

Currently, Smithsonian collections total 138 million objects and specimens; 

153,000 cubic feet of archives; and 2 million library volumes that include irreplaceable 

national icons, examples of everyday life, and scientific material vital to the study of the 
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world’s natural and cultural heritage, covering subjects from aeronautics to zoology. 

Through its collections, the Smithsonian presents the astonishing record of American and 

international artistic, historical, cultural, and scientific achievement, with a scope and 

depth that no other institution in the world can match. As the steward of the national 

collections, the Smithsonian has the unique responsibility and historic tradition of 

preserving and making accessible its collections that are held in trust for the public. 

Collections stewardship — the systematic development, documentation, 

management, preservation, and use of collections — is not a single process or 

procedure, but a series of components which are interwoven, interdependent, and 

ongoing. The condition of facilities housing collections, the quality of storage equipment 

and preservation tools, and the ability to document collections in manual and digital 

formats directly affect the Smithsonian’s ability to make collections available to scholars 

and the general public worldwide. Collections care, storage, and digitization represent a 

continuum of activities which support the Smithsonian’s strategic goals to strengthen 

collections, broaden access, and revitalize education. Because collections stewardship is 

fundamental to the Smithsonian’s mission, there is a critical need for additional resources 

to accomplish basic collections management activities for accountability, preservation, 

storage, digitization, and accessibility of the collections. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY — RESEARCH EQUIPMENT POOL

The Smithsonian’s ambitious research agenda requires appropriate equipment to 

achieve its goal of Excellent Research. This basic equipment infrastructure requires 

regular maintenance, upgrades, and routine replacement. With the current allocation, the 

Institution will continue striving to prioritize and address the many research needs 

throughout the Smithsonian community. Research Equipment Pool funds have enabled 

Smithsonian museums and research centers to undertake groundbreaking research in 

numerous areas. For example, genomics is offering new opportunities for exploring 

biodiversity. To be successful, biodiversity genomics requires a set of cutting-edge 

genetic technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). Similarly, the 

Institution’s efforts in materials conservation have been greatly enhanced by using highly 

specialized equipment that has enabled conservators to achieve refinements in identifying 

the age and provenance of artifacts as well as improvements in the preservation of fragile 

materials. Investing in equipment and maintenance contracts will allow the Smithsonian to 

leverage its collections and expertise in these important areas of research. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY — LATINO INITIATIVES POOL

To achieve the goal of Broadening Access to Smithsonian research and 

programs, the Latino Initiatives Pool provides funding for projects that support Latino 

programs and focus on U.S. Latino contributions to science, history, art, music, and 

culture. This Budget request reflects the priorities of the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2016, which encourages the Institution to promote “the inclusion of Latino 

contributions in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections, and public 

outreach.” Pool funds have been used to support exhibition and collections 
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development, public and educational programs, research and publications, and 

Fellowships and internships.

Projects are selected on a competitive basis from proposals that demonstrate 

cost-effective deployment of pool funds, as well as coordination with other Smithsonian 

resources and external funding. Since its creation in 1995, the Latino Initiatives Pool has 

provided more than $20.5 million in funding to 450+ Smithsonian programs and projects.

In addition to a Latino Curatorial Initiative, launched in 2010 and designed to 

increase Latino representation and scholarship at the Smithsonian, expanded funding of

the Latino Initiatives Pool will broaden the Smithsonian’s outreach efforts throughout the 

country. This will include an increased number of traveling exhibitions, public and 

educational programs, and institutional partnerships. These funds will ensure that 

Smithsonian content is available to more visitors throughout the country and the world. 

The Latino Initiatives Pool funding will continue to be directed to Smithsonian 

leadership and professional development programs as well. An example of this is the 

Smithsonian Latino Center’s Latino Museum Studies Program (LMSP), which now 

boasts a national alumni network of more than 270 professionals and scholars, some of 

whom are currently employed at the Smithsonian. Programs such as LMSP play a 

critical role in creating an extensive pool of qualified museum professionals and cultural 

specialists who are represented in universities, museums, and cultural centers that also 

collaborate with the Smithsonian. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY — ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN INITIATIVES POOL

To achieve the Institution’s strategic goal of Broadening Access to its mission, 

and promoting the understanding of the full spectrum of the American Experience, the 

Smithsonian proposes creating an Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool. These funds 

would be used in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, which 

encourages the Smithsonian to develop programs and expand outreach in this area to 

“promote a better understanding of the Asian Pacific American experience.” The pool 

will support research, exhibitions, educational programs, collections, digital and media

projects, and partnerships with local and regional cultural organizations. Projects would 

be selected on a competitive basis from proposals that demonstrate effective 

deployment of the pool funds, coordination with other Smithsonian resources, and 

successful external fund raising from the private sector. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY — COLLECTIONS CARE INITIATIVE 

To achieve the strategic goals of Strengthening Collections and Broadening 

Access, the Collections Care and Preservation Fund (CCPF) provides critical resources 

to make targeted improvements in the accountability, documentation, preservation, 

storage, and accessibility of the Smithsonian’s vast and diverse collections. With this 

funding, the Smithsonian has raised the level of collections stewardship in a pragmatic, 

strategic, and integrated manner by prioritizing and systematically addressing 
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collections care needs. The Institution has succeeded with an approach that is based on 

sound collections assessment data, current collections care methodologies, economies 

of scale, and project-driven activities, including collections moves and digitization. 

Holistic collections-level management has enabled comprehensive improvements that 

benefit the greatest number of collection items and collecting units in an efficient, 

practical, and cost-effective way. 

The Smithsonian’s senior leadership acknowledge that an effective strategy for 

addressing collections challenges depends on a coordinated, Institution-wide approach. 

Therefore, the following initiatives inform our strategies, budget request, and allocation 

of resources throughout the Smithsonian community. 

Collections Physical Assessment 

In FY 2010, the Smithsonian conducted an Institution-wide collections physical 

condition assessment. As part of the assessment, Smithsonian collecting units grouped 

and evaluated their collections holdings based on their management and use, and 

characterized the quality of collections’ physical condition, housing materials, storage 

equipment, physical accessibility, and collections space. In FY 2012, the category of 

collections significance was added to the collections assessment methodology. Based 

on the collections’ physical assessment results, the Smithsonian has used the 

centralized CCPF to achieve targeted improvements in the preservation and 

accessibility of collections, ranging from national icons to biomaterials, in the most 

efficient and cost-effective manner possible. 

The National Collections Program has strategically directed central collections 

care resources to specific collections across the Institution to improve substandard 

aspects of collections care to an acceptable level and meet professional standards. In 

addition, these funds have enabled staff to correct specific collections management 

deficiencies identified in the Smithsonian’s Inspector General audit recommendations; 

facilitate collections moves from substandard facilities; and address the Institution’s 

highest priority collections management needs. 

Collections Space Survey and Planning 

During FY 2011, the Smithsonian launched an Institution-wide collections space 

planning initiative to document, analyze, and plan for addressing the Institution’s current 

and future collections space needs in a pragmatic, strategic, and integrated manner. 

With these goals in mind, the Smithsonian established an interdisciplinary Collections 

Space Steering Committee to assess current collections space conditions and needs, 

and develop a framework plan with near, intermediate, and long-term recommendations 

for addressing current and projected Institution-wide collections space requirements. 

As part of this planning initiative, the Smithsonian completed a first-of-its-kind 

survey of existing collections space — representing more than 2.1 million square feet of 

space, or 18 percent of total Smithsonian building space. The survey provided a 
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snapshot of collections space conditions and characterized the quality of collections 

space, equipment, accessibility, environmental conditions, security, and fire safety. 

Subsequently, the Collections Space Framework Plan, issued in FY 2015, serves as a 

roadmap to guide short- and long-term facilities capital, real estate, and collections care 

projects, providing renovation and new construction strategies that address 

unacceptable collections space conditions, allow for decompression of overcrowded 

collections, and anticipate collections growth needs.

To address near-term space requirements, the Smithsonian’s Facilities Capital 

request supports the planning and design of Pod 6 at the Museum Support Center

(MSC); continued remediation of collections currently stored in contaminated conditions 

in Garber Buildings 15, 16, and 18; and various museum revitalization projects which 

will vastly improve collections storage, preservation, accessibility, and space efficiency. 

Construction of Pod 6 will complete the intent of the original 1994 MSC Master Plan and 

initiate the Institution-wide Collections Space Implementation Plan for relocation of atrisk collections from the Garber Facility and several Mall museums. Completion of Pod 

6 is also necessary to maintain the critical path for the National Museum of American 

History’s (NMAH) East Wing public renewal project, which requires both temporary and 

permanent relocation of a significant volume of collections from the Mall building to 

accomplish the renovation.

In FY 2017, the Smithsonian will continue to build on these collections care 

initiatives and follow an action plan for strategically addressing the preservation and 

storage space needs of collections, based on the results of the Institution-wide

collections physical assessment and collections space survey. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY — INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT POOL

Digitization funding directly supports the Smithsonian’s ambition to serve a 

national and international audience online, offering access to important collections that 

are not currently on exhibit, and fulfilling the need to document collections for improved 

inventory control. Creating a portfolio of rapid-capture prototypes to address some of 

the Institution’s most commonly held collection materials will help establish an 

infrastructure for standardized high-throughput digitization that brings the Smithsonian 

one step closer to sharing its vast collections with the world.

IRM Pool funds support network operations and server administration. 

Specifically, the requested funds are used for:

 Upgrades and enhancements to the Smithsonian’s information technology (IT) 

infrastructure

 Contractor support in the Network Operations Center

 Services of Active Directory and desktop migration technicians

 Network hardware/software maintenance

 Digitization of collections information and images

 Public delivery of Smithsonian digital assets
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EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The FY 2017 budget request for Institution-wide programs includes an increase of 

$1,700,000. This includes an increase in the Collections Care and Preservation Fund 

(CCPF) (+$1,500,000) and the Information Resources Management Pool (+$200,000), as 

outlined in the table below. These Institution-wide programs support the Smithsonian’s 

Strategic Plan.

$000s

Program 

FY 2016

Base

FY 2017

Increase

FY 2017

Total

Research Equipment Pool 1,200 0 1,200

Latino Initiatives Pool 2,000 0 2,000

Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool 400 0 400

Collections Care and Preservation Fund 8,197 +1,500 9,697

Information Resources Management Pool 2,987 +200 3,187

Totals $14,784 +$1,700 $16,484

The CCPF directly supports the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan to continually 

improve the quality of collections preservation, storage space, management, and 

accessibility, while also leveraging internal resources to support Institution-wide initiatives 

that strategically address Smithsonian collections care. Collections care funding directly 

supports the Smithsonian’s overarching goal of improving the preservation and 

accessibility of collections which are vital to current and future scholarly research, 

education, and the nation’s scientific endeavors. 

The increases described below will assist in achieving the strategic goal of 

Strengthening Collections by improving collections management, mitigating collections 

deterioration, and supporting Smithsonian initiatives that strategically address the most 

critical collections care needs.

 Collections Care and Preservation Fund (+$1,500,000)

This budget increase (+$1,500,000) will support the purchase of new storage 

cabinetry and the costs of required maintenance for specialized equipment such as 

compact storage units and freezers for safety and operability. The requested 

funding will vastly improve deficient aspects of collections care by replacing 

substandard storage equipment, which is the most effective and efficient way to 

minimize physical and security risks to collections, improve collections 

accessibility, and correct unacceptable collections space conditions where 

equipment is the only deficiency factor putting objects at risk. Furthermore, making 

these improvements constitutes a lasting infrastructure investment for the longterm preservation of Smithsonian collections. The funding will also support a 

special team of personnel who can be deployed to various collecting units to 

improve inventory control, process backlogs, update collections information 
196

records, digitize collections, conduct preservation assessments, and stabilize and 

re-house collections for long-term preservation and accessibility.

In FY 2017, the Smithsonian will continue to take an integrated, strategic, 

and Institution-wide approach to collections care by prioritizing and systematically 

addressing critical collections care needs, based on sound assessment data, 

economies of scale, and project-driven activities, including collections moves. For 

the first time, the Smithsonian has robust Institution-wide data on the state of 

collections, their physical condition, accessibility, and collection space conditions 

as a result of the collections physical assessment and collections space surveys. 

This budget submission requests vital resources to continue to build on and 

implement these important planning initiatives for strategically addressing critical 

collections management and space needs. Without the requested resources, the 

Smithsonian’s progress in strengthening collections care and accessibility will be 

greatly hindered, adversely affecting our ability to ensure the protection, longevity,

and accessibility of the national collections.

 Information Resources Management Pool (+$200,000)

This budget request includes an increase to the Information Resources Management

Pool ($200,000) to expand unit capacity to engage with the large-scale massdigitization project, which will create a greater demand for network, computing, and 

human resources. Specifically, the requested funds will be used for:

o upgrades to the Smithsonian’s information technology (IT) infrastructure;

o digitization project management, asset management, collections 

information management, and collections barcoding;

o digitization of collections metadata and images; and

o public delivery of Smithsonian digital assets.
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SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITS

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 28 2,974 11 198 0 90 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 28 3,009 13 307 0 7 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 28 3,057 13 799 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 24 2,463 24 2,500 0 37

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

4 546 4 557 0 11

Total 28 3,009 28 3,057 0 48

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The mission of the Smithsonian Exhibits (SIE) (formerly, the Office of Exhibits 

Central) is to be a full-service design, editing, and production shop supporting 

Smithsonian public exhibitions; serving units within the Smithsonian that have no 

design, editing or production capabilities; providing the entire Smithsonian exhibition 

community with specialized skills and equipment; and supporting resource-sharing 

among units.

To achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access, the SIE will continue to 

focus on its core mission of designing and producing exhibitions for the Institution. 

Clients with limited or no design or production capabilities can use the SIE for full 

exhibition services, including design, editing, graphics production, cabinetry, model 

making, and crating. The SIE fosters collaboration among units by providing 

consultations, especially in the early stages of exhibition planning. With their broad 

array of skills, the SIE team of experts can network across the entire Smithsonian, 

resulting in more compelling exhibits that connect the American people to their history 

and cultural and scientific heritages. For clients who need specialized services, the
198

SIE will continue to develop its expertise in computer-controlled production and 

automated modeling technologies, such as 3D scanning and printing. In addition, the 

SIE will provide opportunities for Smithsonian colleagues to take advantage of its 

state-of-the-art facility, allowing trained staff to work with its specialized equipment. 

The SIE’s Object Storage Facility (OSF) offers secure, climate-controlled storage for 

artifacts during production. As part of its work to advance the strategic goal of 

Broadening Access to Smithsonian collections, the SIE will continue supporting 

exhibitions in the S. Dillon Ripley Center concourse, as well as in the Commons, 

Schermer, and Great Hall galleries in the Smithsonian Castle. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $48,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

As the Institution’s most comprehensive producer of exhibits, the SIE is 

dedicated to providing its Smithsonian clients with first-class exhibition design, editing, 

production, and installation services. Each year, the SIE designs and produces 

approximately 100 projects, large and small, for almost every office and museum in 

the Smithsonian. 

In FY 2017, most SIE resources will stay focused on achieving the strategic 

goals of Broadening Access and Mission Enabling by: 

 improving the quality of exhibition design, consultation, production, and

installation services;

 increasing and maintaining staff knowledge and expertise in state-of-the-art

technology, techniques, and advances in the exhibition field, and upgrading

equipment to support emerging trends;

 cross-training staff within SIE to share their expertise and maximize

efficiencies;

 providing demonstrations of new exhibition design technologies to Smithsonian

units; and

 playing a lead role in promoting exhibition excellence, unit sharing of resources,

and advancement of exhibitions as an interpretive medium throughout the

Smithsonian Institution.

The SIE will accomplish these objectives by focusing exclusively on exhibitrelated work, freeing up SIE staff with specialized experience to concentrate on the 

SIE’s core mission: the design and production of exhibits. Building on well-established, 

collaborative relationships with other Smithsonian design and production units, the SIE 

will continue to play a strong role in sharing its expertise with other Smithsonian units. 

These initiatives should result in a more informed and expert staff that can do more to 

promote collaboration in the museum community and make the Smithsonian a leader 

in the exhibition field. 
199

MUSEUM SUPPORT CENTER

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 18 1,848 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 18 1,866 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 18 1,890 0 0 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOAL: STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

18 1,866 18 1,890 0 24

Total 18 1,866 18 1,890 0 24

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Museum Support Center (MSC) is the Smithsonian’s principal off-site 

collections preservation and research facility. Located in Suitland, Maryland, this 

facility houses more than 55 million objects, or 40 percent of the Institution’s 

irreplaceable national collections, primarily from the National Museum of Natural 

History (NMNH). Other Smithsonian museums that use MSC are the National 

Museum of American History, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the 

Freer and Sackler Galleries, the National Museum of African Art, the National 

Postal Museum, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the 

National Zoological Park. 

Pod 3 (a collection storage facility) of the MSC, which was renovated in 

recent years, was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design) Silver certification. 

The MSC accommodates collections with a variety of state-of-the-art 

equipment: collections in cabinets; mobile shelving for biological specimens 

preserved in alcohol; meteorites in nitrogen atmosphere; tissues and film in 
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mechanical and nitrogen-vapor freezers; high-bay storage for very large objects 

such as totem poles, boats, and large mounted mammals; and large mobile 

racks for storing art works. 

The facility also houses laboratories for molecular systematics, 

conservation, and other specialized research. The MSC supports contracted 

maintenance services and required calibration for much of the specialty 

collections preservation and laboratory equipment, such as environmental 

chambers, freezers, nitrogen systems, reverse osmosis water systems, and 

oxygen detection systems. The MSC staff provides disaster response and 

management services, including a hazardous response team; construction 

coordination and logistics support; safety and pest control; collections relocation; 

administrative, shipping and receiving services; and computer support services 

for administrative, research, and collections data management needs. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $24,000 for 

necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this 

line item. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

To support the Smithsonian strategic goal of Strengthening Collections, 

the FY 2017 funding will be used to further enhance pest management, improve 

storage of hazardous collection materials, and assist museum staff in improving 

storage of collections at MSC. 

In FY 2017, MSC staff will continue to support maintenance of the 

collections and the research equipment needed to protect staff and collections. In 

addition, the MSC will further prepare for the multi-phased master plan 

renovations at the Center, which will improve and update support systems and 

laboratory spaces at the facility. Staff will also assist in laying the groundwork to 

prepare for the Pod 6, including making plans for the relocation of the Botany 

greenhouse, and will be devoted to a comprehensive review of the Suitland 

Collection Center master plan. 
201

MUSEUM CONSERVATION INSTITUTE 

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 22 3,244 0 19 1 185 0 15

FY 2016

ENACTED 22 3,277 0 16 1 210 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 22 3,320 0 9 1 149 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category 

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Engage in research and discovery 9 1,198 9 1,228 0 30

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 104 1 105 0 1

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 1 135 1 137 0 2

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 1 168 1 104 0 -64

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

6 910 6 992 0 82

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

4 762 4 754 0 -8

Total 22 3,277 22 3,320 0 43
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BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI), located in 

Suitland, Maryland, is the center for specialized technical collections research 

and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections. The MCI 

combines knowledge of materials and the history of technology with state-of-theart instrumentation and scientific techniques to provide technical research studies 

and interpretation of artistic, anthropological, biological, and historical objects. 

Through its Healthy Environments, Healthy Practices, Healthy Collections 

initiative and participation in the Smithsonian’s Cultural Crisis Recovery Center, 

the MCI responds to the threats facing cultural heritage in multiple and complex 

ways, including by analyzing and consulting on preservation environments; 

developing less invasive and damaging storage, display, and conservation 

techniques; and by supporting U.S. agencies and the museum community in 

identifying illicitly trafficked cultural heritage artifacts and objects. For example, 

the MCI works with the U.S. Department of State on a highly successful training 

program at the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in

Erbil which supports the rescue and recovery of Iraqi and regional cultural 

heritage artifacts. 

The MCI, as the only Smithsonian resource for technical studies and 

scientific analyses for most of the Smithsonian’s collections, brings unique 

analytical capabilities to Smithsonian researchers, including a central mass 

spectroscopy instrument core and advanced technological capabilities. These 

services are available to Smithsonian units at no charge. In addition to 

responding to requests for consultations from within the Smithsonian, the MCI 

handles requests from affiliates and outside organizations, such as the White 

House, U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of State, and other 

federal, museum, and academic organizations. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $43,000 for 

necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this 

line item.

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

To achieve the strategic goal of Excellent Research, the MCI will provide 

increased technical and research assistance to the museums and scientific 

research centers. The MCI will initiate, facilitate, and support collaborative 

research projects on biological isotopes and proteomics (i.e., the large-scale 

study of proteins; particularly, their structures and functions), nanoscale analysis 

of museum materials, modern museum and collection materials such as plastics, 

the mechanisms of degradation and biodeterioration, and historical and 

archaeological preservation and research technologies. The MCI will also 

continue using its website, publications, hosted symposia, presentations, 
203

invitation-only seminars, and lectures to disseminate the results of its research 

programs.

The MCI’s technology transfer initiatives (digital and spectroscopic

imaging, proteomics, modern materials, and biodeterioration) will cross all of the 

boundaries between Smithsonian units and support all of the Institution’s Grand 

Challenges and consortia. The MCI’s exploration of new technologies in 

spectroscopic imaging and proteomics will support the Grand Challenges of

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe through its signature project, Discovery 

Tools, and Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet through its 

signature project, BioGenomics, respectively. MCI’s exploration of materials 

science related to modern materials will support the Grand Challenge of

Understanding the American Experience and its signature project on Living in the 

Anthropocene. Biodeterioration research will use technology from Understanding 

and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet to support the Grand Challenge of Valuing 

World Cultures. The MCI’s investigations of historical and archaeological 

materials and technologies will also support Valuing World Cultures and its 

signature project, Preservation of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage.

To achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access, the MCI’s technical 

information office will continue serving the museum and cultural heritage 

management communities, museum studies students, and the public. The 

technical information office answers direct inquiries and distributes general 

guidelines in printed and electronic formats, handling more than 800 information 

requests annually. The MCI also continues to enhance its website to increase the 

impact of the Institute’s research and outreach programs. In addition, the MCI is 

contributing to the Smithsonian’s initiative in digitization and new media by

researching and developing new digital imaging capabilities appropriate for 

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, blogs, mobile applications, and virtual reality

in ways that use social media to broaden public access to collections, exhibitions,

and outreach programs.

As part of this goal, the MCI is developing the Mecklenburg Materials 

Archive to house the valuable wood, fabric, and paint samples prepared and 

studied by Dr. Marion F. Mecklenburg, which he used to investigate the 

mechanical behavior of art materials. The resulting discoveries continue to have

a direct impact on the preventive and treatment efforts of collections 

professionals worldwide. The Archive will also provide researchers with access to 

the raw materials, such as custom-made paints, from which those samples were 

created; the equipment used during the course of Dr. Mecklenburg’s career;

information to help researchers interested in building similar equipment; a library 

of notes; books; publications related to the environmental, lighting, and material 

mechanics research of Dr. Mecklenburg and his colleagues; correspondence 

related to the archived samples; the commercial production of art materials; and 

the application of engineering principles to the study of how different types of 
204

materials in artwork behave over time and under various environmental 

conditions.

The MCI will achieve the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education by 

continuing to promote career development for Smithsonian conservators and 

other collections care providers through Grand Challenge consortia participation, 

colloquia, symposia, and workshops, as well as distance-learning opportunities.

The MCI, in collaboration with Smithsonian museums and affiliates, will offer 

public programs to present the results of MCI research, heighten awareness of 

the problems of preserving cultural heritage, and gain information about the 

nature and scope of problems that the Institute’s clients encounter. The MCI will 

also collaborate with Smithsonian museums and affiliates to offer media events, 

printed and Internet materials, presentations, workshops, and demonstrations to 

reach new audiences, especially those that will be targeted by the Institution’s 

newest museums. The MCI will continue to offer internships for students 

pursuing careers in conservation and conservation science. Through its 

partnership in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage, and Archaeology 

(SEAHA), housed at the University College, London, the University of Oxford, 

and the University of Brighton, the MCI is supporting advanced training for 

museum professionals who want to learn new methods of digital documentation 

for cultural heritage collections and obtain new tools for evaluating museum 

storage environments.

In keeping with the strategic goal of Revitalizing Education, the MCI is 

leading a partnership with the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities 

and Heritage program in Erbil to train Iraqis in the rescue and recovery of 

regional cultural heritage. The current crisis caused by ISIL/ISIS has endangered 

irreplaceable world cultural heritage, and efforts to combat ISIL/ISIS have

diverted funding previously supplied by Iraqi and Kurdish regional governments, 

creating a desperate need for outside support until the situation stabilizes. 

Currently, the partnership, with funding from the U.S. Department of State, 

provides a 20-week basic course for Iraqi cultural heritage professionals. The 

MCI is raising additional funds for operations and expanded programs at the Iraqi 

Institute. Given adequate support, the Institute can become a regional center for 

education in the preservation of cultural heritage.

To achieve the strategic goal of Strengthening Collections, the MCI will

support Smithsonian museums and research centers in their efforts to care for 

the national collections and disseminate that information to the larger museum 

community and the public. The MCI will continue its study of the assessment and 

remediation of collection hazards. In addition, the MCI will focus on developing 

and using less invasive and damaging materials and procedures for collection 

conservation, reflecting the importance of incorporating energy-efficient and 

“green” materials and practices into the Institute’s work. The MCI will pursue 

collaborative conservation treatment projects with other Smithsonian units to

provide conservation guidance and art history technical consultations to the art 
205

and history museums for their more challenging and unique objects. Through 

continuing communication and interaction with museum conservators, the MCI 

will identify special training needs and research projects, and will develop

research and symposia to address the most urgent collections preservation 

needs, such as museum environments (involving light, temperature, and 

humidity), museum hazards (such as pests and pesticides), and collections 

storage.

The MCI’s umbrella theme, Healthy Environments, Healthy Practices, 

Healthy Collections, directly supports the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan priorities 

in all four Grand Challenges, although its primary impact will be in Understanding 

the American Experience and Valuing World Cultures.

To achieve the strategic goal of Mission Enabling, the MCI will use the 

Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan and its own strategic plan to properly allocate its 

budgetary and human resources, and to secure additional financial resources for 

its high-priority programs. Resource allocations will be tracked against 

performance metrics in each of the strategic areas, and against the needs and 

goals of the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers. The MCI will 

encourage staff to participate in budget-performance integration, succession 

management, and leadership development programs. In addition, the MCI will 

continue to implement and communicate efficient, rational, and creative 

operational and administrative practices which enable staff to advance the 

Smithsonian mission in a manner that reflects transparency and the 

Smithsonian’s status as a public trust. The MCI will maintain an efficient, 

collaborative, committed, innovative, and accountable workforce through 

leadership development, evaluation, and support of staff and the recruitment, 

selection, and development of diverse, highly skilled employees. The MCI will 

promote diversity in all aspects of working with the Institution’s employees, 

Fellows, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Finally, the MCI will continue to 

improve communications with internal and external stakeholders in both public 

and private sectors.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — Annually, the MCI receives 

nonappropriated resources from gifts and endowments, grants and contracts, 

discretionary income, and business ventures. These sources provide funds for 

specific programs and projects in research, education, and outreach designated 

by the donor/sponsor and for general activities at the discretion of the director of 

the MCI. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation challenge grant provides a restricted 

endowment of $5 million, with an annual payout of approximately $250,000. The 

funds generated by the endowment will remain in the MCI budget for 

strengthening conservation science research.
206

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION ARCHIVES

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 20 2,167 5 411 0 2 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 20 2,253 5 495 0 0 0 0

FY 2017 

REQUEST 20 2,316 5 510 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

1 163 1 165 0 2

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 3 275 3 285 0 10

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 4 410 5 450 1 40

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

9 995 8 1,001 -1 6

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

3 410 3 415 0 5

Total 20 2,253 20 2,316 0 63

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian Institution Archives (SIA) serves as the institutional 

memory of a unique cultural organization. The history of the Smithsonian, in 

many ways, is the history of scientific enterprise in America, particularly in the 

19th century. SIA supports the Smithsonian community, scholars, and the public 

by acquiring, evaluating, and preserving the records of the Institution and related 
207

documentary materials, as well as by making them accessible online and on site. 

SIA manages the care, storage, packing, and retrieval services for most of the 

Institution’s records. The permanent records are safeguarded and preserved in 

leased facilities in Washington, DC and Iron Mountain in Boyers, Pennsylvania. 

Electronic records are supported on SIA-owned computer servers and at the 

Institution’s data center in Herndon, Virginia. In addition, SIA develops policies 

and provides guidance for managing and preserving the Institution’s vast archival 

collections, offers a range of reference, research, and record-keeping services, 

and creates products that promote understanding of the Smithsonian and its 

history and mission.

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $63,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item.

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

In FY 2017, SIA will continue to focus on capturing, preserving, and 

providing access to research materials on the Smithsonian’s history. SIA will 

continue to support the needs of thousands of researchers seeking information 

from the Archives; provide online access to ever more information from or about 

the holdings via its robust website; collaborate fully with Smithsonian units serving 

broad external audiences (such as The Smithsonian Associates and the 

Smithsonian Affiliations Program); set archival collections-management standards; 

and assist all Smithsonian units with the proper disposition of their records. 

SIA’s major challenge is to balance existing resources with the increased 

costs associated with archiving in a digital world. The costs of maintaining basic 

operations, such as acquiring up-to-date software, properly running servers, and 

renewing mass-Web-capture contracting services, have increased significantly 

over the years. As the Institution’s reach into this ever-expanding realm

continues to grow, it is essential that the Archives be equipped with the 

necessary tools and technologies to continue capturing, preserving, and ensuring 

access to these digital materials, which are a vital part of the Institution’s 

continuing history. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support SIA’s basic 

operational costs, such as office, archival, and conservation supplies; software 

licenses; and maintenance of high-end equipment. Trust funds also support the 

salaries and benefits of archivists and conservators, their work to manage and 

preserve the collections of the Institution, and their efforts to provide professional 

conservation expertise throughout the Smithsonian, to other institutions, and to the 

public. Additionally, general trust funds support SIA’s Web and new media 

outreach program that seeks to expand the awareness, use, and accessibility of 

the SIA’s collections and resources. Greater knowledge about these collections 

and other resources will illuminate the Smithsonian’s catalytic role in American 

history, world cultures, scientific research, and the arts.
208

SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED

86 10,399 10 1,746 7 1,319 1 49

FY 2016

ENACTED

86 10,654 10 1,786 9 1,567 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST

87 11,275 10 1,808 9 1,645 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research 

Engage in research and discovery 18 2,896 18 3,046 0 150

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities 

22 2,684 22 2,840 0 156

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 9 1,152 10 1,296 1 144

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 0 38 0 38 0 0

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 1 38 1 38 0 0

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

27 2,555 27 2,588 0 33

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

1 86 1 86 0 0

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

8 1,205 8 1,343 0 138

Total 86 10,654 87 11,275 1 621
209

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian Libraries (SIL) promotes new ideas through knowledge 

sharing and plays a dynamic role in advancing scientific and cultural 

understanding and preserving America’s heritage. Its expert staff and extensive 

collections are a crucial resource for research and education communities at the 

Smithsonian, within the United States, and around the world. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $621,000 and 1 FTE. 

This increase includes $142,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs 

for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of 

$129,000 and 1 FTE for digitization. Also included is an increase of $350,000 for 

inflationary increases in library subscriptions, which appears in the Fixed Costs 

section of this budget submission. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY 

Smithsonian Libraries’ strategic plan, Focus on Service: Advancing 

Knowledge at Home and Around the World, demonstrates the Libraries’ 

dedication to providing information and creating innovative services and 

programs for the Institution and general public. SIL offers a variety of information 

resources, unique collections, research support services, and discovery tools to 

establish the Smithsonian as a national leader in each of the Grand Challenges. 

In FY 2017, SIL will continue to broaden interactive engagement with users —

through continuing expansion of projects that include digital transcription of 

manuscripts and working with Web-based communities — thereby making SIL 

collections and other Web content available for use by scholars, students, 

teachers, researchers, and interested users worldwide. In addition, SIL will 

continue to expand its use of social media by making more information available 

on mobile and tablet devices and by using blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and 

other emerging social media tools to promote services and broaden access to 

collections. 

SIL will achieve the strategic goal of Broadening Access by offering more 

useful collections information on networked resources. Initiatives include 

implementing Web-based management tools for electronic collections and 

resources management and continuing to add new information to the 

Smithsonian Institution Research and Information System (SIRIS). For example,

through the Smithsonian Collections Search Center, SIL provides access to 

research collections covering more than 460,000 pieces of trade literature and 

commercial catalogues, representing more than 35,000 manufacturers, 

corporations, and companies. The Collections Search Center also provides 

access to at least 2,400 National Postal Museum (NPM) design files; now, when 

searching for the stamp “$2.40 Raising the Flag on Lunar Surface, July 20, 1969

Design Files,” one will see the history of that specific design in the NPM library as 

well as the stamp in the Museum. In addition, SIL provides metadata guidance 
210

and incorporates, as appropriate, emerging national metadata standards on an 

Institution-wide basis for SIL and Smithsonian digital publications and products.

SIL collaborates with other Smithsonian units and external organizations 

in many ways. The Libraries creates and publishes digital research products to 

give scholars in all fields the documentation they need for their research. These 

products include republication of significant out-of-print books and articles, 

original diaries and manuscripts, collections of archival literature, illustrations, 

topical exhibitions, and bibliographic guides and databases. With private funding, 

SIL hosts the Secretariat for the Biodiversity Heritage Library, an international 

project to improve the research process by digitizing and making easily available 

the literature of biodiversity, involving partners in the United States, United 

Kingdom, China, Egypt, the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Singapore, subSaharan Africa, and Mexico. SIL supports these efforts by continuing to digitize

its own biodiversity literature to contribute to this global digital library. In FY 2017, 

SIL will increase digitization projects in history, arts, and culture as part of the 

Smithsonian Libraries initiative — the Cultural Heritage Library. Through these 

projects, the Libraries participates with similar institutions such as the Consortium 

for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine. SIL’s contribution of 

rare/special collections records to the Consortium’s search hub led to wider 

visibility and three new Fellows came to the Smithsonian Institution as a result. 

SIL plans to expand its research audience through similar projects in the arts and 

history fields.

In addition, SIL partners with the Smithsonian Scholarly Press to produce 

the electronic SI Contributions series and other publications, including 

conference proceedings, and also assists the Scholarly Press in meeting the 

public access mandate for federally funded research. SIL constantly expands 

and maintains the Smithsonian Research Online (SRO) database

(http://research.si.edu/), which is made up of the Smithsonian Digital Repository 

(SDR) and the Smithsonian Research Bibliography (SRB), to preserve and 

provide permanent access to the published results of the Institution’s scholarly 

research. Data from SRO are used as Smithsonian key performance indicators;

accordingly, SIL is working to develop additional tools which will provide metrics

on the impact, both scholarly and social, of Smithsonian research. As part of its 

collaborative operations, SIL will continue working with the Institution’s art and 

history museums to expand the content of the SRO system, with the goal of 

eventually providing a complete record of Smithsonian research productivity.

Furthermore, to give Smithsonian authors, researchers, and scientists more 

visibility, SIL is launching a beta version of Smithsonian Profiles to link additional 

work related to Smithsonian scholarly output.

SIL continues to provide scholarly, often rare, material in both print and 

digital forms. This involves acquiring, preserving, cataloguing, and managing 

print and digital collections, with particular attention to Smithsonian research

centers and areas of interdisciplinary research. The staff of SIL’s Book 
211

Conservation Laboratory preserve and stabilize damaged volumes to ensure

their availability for exhibition and future research. Through the Libraries’ expert 

resource-sharing services, SIL also provides information and data directly to 

individual researchers and members of the public in every state and many 

foreign countries.

As a resource for learners everywhere, SIL responds to staff and on-site 

visitor needs through reference services, by integrating librarians into the 

research cycle and redesigning facilities to retain tightly focused, local collections 

in collaborative, congenial spaces. At the same time, SIL relieves overcrowded 

libraries by providing environmentally sound off-site shelving and housing at the 

Pennsy Drive facility in suburban Maryland.

In FY 2017, SIL will open the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture Library. As the first Smithsonian Library to be directly 

accessible to the public, staff are already on board to provide support in 

research, genealogy and archives. Meanwhile, planning will continue for an 

information commons at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 

(SERC) and for a possible relocation of the National Air and Space Museum’s

Library to the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. 

By helping to advance the strategic goal of Excellent Research, the SIL

Resident Scholar Program builds collaborative partnerships worldwide with 

scholarly programs and individuals who find the Libraries’ collections vital to their 

research. An active internship program amplifies work experiences for emerging 

library science professionals, as well as undergraduates in other fields of study,

and exposes them to the research library environment. 

Also, in FY 2017, SIL will continue to provide programming to augment the 

new exhibition Color in a New Light. The exhibition takes visitors on a marvelous 

journey through the colors we see every day, in an entirely new way, using the 

collections of the Smithsonian Libraries — from dye books to paint catalogues,

and from colorblind tests to camouflage. All of the Libraries’ exhibitions have an 

online component to reach a larger audience and allow staff to keep the 

exhibitions updated for future learning. Late in FY 2017, the Libraries will open 

Cultivating American Gardens, to address the intersection of innovation in plant 

cultivation with the growth of interest in creating beautiful surroundings. Both 

exhibitions will have new educational content created for them through SIL’s new 

education and outreach unit.
212

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $621,000 and 1 FTE. 

The increase of $142,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic increase of $129,000 and 1 

FTE for digitization, as detailed below. Also included is an increase of $350,000 

for inflationary increases in library subscriptions, which appears in the Fixed Costs 

section of this budget submission. 

Digitization (+$129,000, +1 FTE)

The digitization total includes $129,000 and 1 FTE to create and sustain a 

robust digitization program. The increase will enable: 1) planning and executing 

mass-digitization projects; 2) supporting implementation of unit digitization plans; 

3) providing access to the Libraries’ collections, research, and programs by

creating, managing, and promoting the Libraries’ digital assets; and 4) 

responsible stewardship over the digital assets. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds help defray the 

costs of providing information services to Smithsonian units and support 

publications, public programs, and fundraising efforts. In FY 2017, SIL will 

continue its efforts to raise funds through the Smithsonian’s comprehensive 

national fundraising campaign. As a new fund raising priority, SIL will establish a 

comprehensive education program, with special emphasis on creating content for 

K–12 learners. This will be added to established priorities: acquisitions, 

conservation, digitization, internships, Fellowships, and exhibitions. 
213

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 93 48,929 18 3,575 0 212 0 0

FY 2016 

ENACTED 95 50,462 18 3,425 0 0 0 0

FY 2017 

REQUEST 97 54,641 18 3,472 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS AND MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category 

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 9 3,241 11 4,461 2 1,220

Mission Enabling

Information Technology

Modernize the Institution’s information 

technology systems and infrastructure

86 47,221 86 50,180 0 2,959

Total 95 50,462 97 54,641 2 4,179

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) provides vision, leadership, policy, 

and oversight associated with managing and operating information technology (IT) for the 

Institution’s many museums and research centers. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $4,179,000 and 2 FTEs. The 

increase includes $248,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing 

staff funded under this line item; $661,000 for increased communication costs, which is 

further explained in the Fixed Costs section of this budget submission; and $3,270,000 

and 2 FTEs in programmatic increases for digitization and IT infrastructure. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY

The OCIO will use best practices in the management and operations of 

information technology to enhance the “increase and diffusion of knowledge” and 

achieve the Institution’s strategic goals of Broadening Access and Mission Enabling. 
214

The following strategies are cross-cutting and central to the Smithsonian’s mission of 

connecting Americans to their history and heritage, as well as to promoting innovation, 

research, and discovery in science: 

 Use state-of-the-art, secure information systems to modernize financial, human

resources, facilities management, collections, education, and research

processes;

 Replace network equipment, servers, desktop computers, and scientific

workstations on an industry best practice life cycle to increase reliability and

improve the security of information systems and the data that they contain;

 Leverage commercially available technology to enhance existing IT systems at

the Smithsonian so that they will increase public access to and use of digital

surrogates of collection objects and research data; and implement an Institutionwide Digitization Strategic Plan that addresses the creation, management, and

use of these digital assets;

 Maintain the Institution’s telecommunications infrastructure to provide reliable,

secure, and cost-effective voice and data communications systems that support

Smithsonian missions;

 Meet federal requirements for providing timely and accurate financial information;

and

 Improve the Institution’s ability to integrate financial and performance

management systems as part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) effort.

Digitization Assessment and Planning 

The Smithsonian has implemented the first-ever Institution-wide digitization 

strategic plan that includes a framework of digitization policies; made assessments to 

account for the state and progress of digitization; and clarified digitization priorities to 

guide resource allocation and planning. The FY 2015 Digital Assessment showed that 

the Smithsonian has prioritized 13 million objects for digitization and completed 2.5 

million objects (or 19 percent) of this task to date. In accordance with Smithsonian 

Directive (SD) 610, Digitization and Digital Asset Management Policy, Smithsonian units 

have articulated their implementation of Institution-wide priorities in unit digitization 

plans (UDPs) and created foundational digital asset management plans (DAMPs) to 

ensure that the Smithsonian can effectively manage the digital content created as part 

of digitization activities as well as for scientific studies. 

The Smithsonian has strategically invested in creating a standard massdigitization process that enables replicable, cost-effective, high throughput, and highquality digitization for all Smithsonian priority collections. Digitization efforts to 

implement this process have resulted in digital images for more than 400,000 collection 

objects in 2015 alone, thereby doubling the rate of digitization at the Smithsonian. This 

Budget request will accelerate the Institution’s digitization progress by turning more 

time-limited mass-digitization prototypes into production projects and finishing entire 

collections. In addition, the launch of the Smithsonian X 3D pilot project has established 

the Smithsonian as an international leader in 3D digitization of museum collections. 

The effort provides compelling evidence that 3D data enhances the effectiveness of 
215

curators, educators, scientists, and conservators in fulfilling the Smithsonian’s mission.

As a result, the Smithsonian’s initiative has captured the imagination of educators, 

learners, and policy makers around the nation by providing access to 3D printable data 

of priceless collection objects. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes an increase of $4,179,000 and 2 FTEs. 

The increase includes $248,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for 

existing staff funded under this line item; $661,000 for increased communications costs; 

and $3,270,000 and 2 FTEs for the digitization program and IT infrastructure. The pay 

and other related salary costs and communications increase requests are justified in 

the Fixed Costs section of this budget submission. 

The programmatic summary of $3,270,000 and 2 FTEs for the requested budget 

increase is described in greater detail below: 

Digitization (+$1,220,000, +2 FTEs) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $916,000 to continue implementing 

cost-efficient models for digitizing Smithsonian collections. The requested funding 

increase will unlock economies of scale, build on the established standard massdigitization workflows and methodologies, and target digitization of collections, all of 

which are crucial to accomplish broader Smithsonian strategic objectives. Pervasive 

implementation of the mass-digitization process at the Smithsonian will ensure the 

maximum return on investment for Smithsonian digitization funding. The increase will 

also strengthen the Institution’s capacity for applying 3D technology to collections 

digitization. This increase builds on the significant progress the Smithsonian has made 

in this area through high-profile public/private partnerships, and ensures a basis for 

future fund raising. 

The Budget request also includes an increase of $304,000 and 2 FTEs to design 

safe, scalable, and expedient object-handling workflows in support of the standard 

mass-digitization process (which will be shared with the National Collections Program) 

and to develop policies and provide guidance to units regarding the long-term 

preservation of digital assets. 

Information Technology Infrastructure (+$2,050,000) 

The Budget request includes an increase of $2,050,000 to support the upgrade 

and replacement of the aging IT security infrastructure at the Smithsonian. The request 

includes funds for security monitoring, incident response, assessment, and 

maintenance of seven web sites; the replacement of the Internet firewall and outdated 

and inadequate intrusion-detection systems; recurring funds for maintenance of the 

replacement systems; and funds for the replacement and maintenance of outdated Web 

proxy servers. 
216

The requested funds will also enable the Smithsonian to replace the voice/data 

communications of 6,000 Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) telephones that are more 

than 10 years old; replace network switches and routers that are several years beyond 

their life cycle; and replace the uninterrupted power source system and battery which 

are also more than 10 years old.

Any failure to replace and upgrade the firewall, intrusion-detection, and Web 

proxy hardware will put Smithsonian servers and workstations at risk of attacks from 

malware and expose systems to increased vulnerabilities. Failure to replace VoIP 

telephones will impact the reliability of the communications network and expose it to 

security vulnerabilities.

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries and 

benefits costs of personnel and other related costs of the OCIO.
217

ADMINISTRATION

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 181 34,067 193 37,214 4 2,873 1 760

FY 2016

ENACTED 181 34,773 224 37,977 5 4,126 4 1,103

FY 2017

REQUEST 196 37,526 209 38,429 6 3,720 5 1,220

STRATEGIC GOALS: EXCELLENT RESEARCH; BROADENING ACCESS; 

REVITALIZING EDUCATION; STRENGTHENING COLLECTIONS; AND 

MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Excellent Research

Research

Ensure the advancement of knowledge in the 

humanities

1 170 1 174 0 4

Broadening Access

Digitization and Web Support

Provide improved digitization and Web support 1 120 2 224 1 104

Public Programs

Provide reference services and information 1 200 5 596 4 396

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 1 123 2 274 1 151

Revitalizing Education

Education

Engage and inspire diverse audiences 0 82 0 84 0 2

Strengthening Collections

Collections

Improve the stewardship of the national 

collections

2 309 3 488 1 179

Mission Enabling

Security and Safety

Provide a safe and healthy environment 1 200 1 204 0 4

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

42 7,477 48 8,723 6 1,246
218

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Ensure that the Smithsonian workforce is 

efficient, collaborative, committed, innovative, 

and diverse

57 11,051 59 11,483 2 432

Modernize the Institution’s financial 

management and accounting operations

44 9,110 44 9,276 0 166

Modernize and streamline the Institution’s 

acquisitions management operations

31 5,931 31 6,000 0 69

Total 181 34,773 196 37,526 15 2,753

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Smithsonian Institution Administration program provides vision, 

leadership, policy, and oversight associated with managing and operating the 

Institution’s museums and research centers. Administration includes executive 

leadership provided by the offices of the Secretary; the Under Secretary for 

Museums and Research/Provost; the Under Secretary for Finance and 

Administration/Chief Financial Officer; the Assistant Secretary for Education and 

Access; and the Deputy Under Secretary for Collections and Interdisciplinary 

Support. Administration also includes the central activities of human resources, 

diversity, financial and contract management, and legal services. 

The FY 2017 Budget request includes a net increase of $2,753,000 and 

15 FTEs. This request includes: 

 +$411,000 for necessary pay and other related salary costs for existing

staff funded under this line item, +$60,000 for audit fees, and -$303,000

for Workers’ Compensation, which are all justified in the Fixed Costs

section;

 +$342,000 and +3 FTEs in program increases to raise the number of

Latino programmatic staff;

 +$300,000 and +3 FTEs in program increases to raise the number of

Asian Pacific American programmatic staff;

 +$173,000 and +1 FTE in program increases to strengthen collections

emergency management and training, and to support the Smithsonian’s

collective effort to protect cultural heritage around the world;

 +$338,000 to support a federally mandated supervisor training program;

 +$289,000 and +2 FTEs in program increases to conduct regular and

comprehensive audits of Smithsonian units to identify barriers to Equal

Employment Opportunity and to ensure the use of small disadvantaged

businesses in the Institution’s procurement and contracting operations;

 +$1,143,000 and +6 FTEs in program increases to expand internal control

processes in the areas of privacy, risk mitigation, litigation, cybersecurity,

ethics, international activities, and complex business transactions.
219

MEANS AND STRATEGY

The Smithsonian will use best practices in management to enhance its 

mission for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge” and to achieve the 

Institution’s goals while translating James Smithson’s 19th century vision into a 

modern 21st century reality. The following strategies are cross-cutting and 

central to performing the Smithsonian’s mission and also help promote

innovation, research, and discovery:

 Ensure the financial strength of the Smithsonian and provide the Institution

with effective and efficient financial, contracting, and management support

services, including reliable financial evaluation, auditing, and reporting.

 Provide oversight of the Smithsonian budget process as it is developed and 

executed to support the operating and facilities capital programs of the 

Institution, establish and enforce budgetary policies and procedures, and 

ensure that sufficient resources enable the Institution to achieve its goals.

 Provide leadership and guidance for Institution-wide collections initiatives, 

policies, and programs to ensure the proper stewardship of the national 

collections.

 Support the Institution’s Board of Regents and its committees.

 Develop and implement necessary internal controls as recommended by the 

Board of Regents’ Governance Committee, which involves strengthening noncollections property management and meeting increased demands for 

acquisition of goods and services.

 Provide legal counsel to the Institution on various issues, including museum 

administration, intellectual property, collections management, contracts, 

employment, ethics, conflicts of interest, and requests for information.

 Manage human resources, foster diversity, hire a skilled workforce in a timely 

manner, and align human capital with the Institution’s goals and performance 

objectives. Conduct ongoing workforce and performance gap analyses, 

strengthen training policies, develop succession planning, and evaluate and 

improve assessment tools for human resources performance.

 Provide leadership and oversight for all policies, programs, and activities of 

the Institution’s museums and research centers by attracting, recruiting, and 

retaining leaders with superior talent.

 Increase the Latino Center’s public and educational outreach locally, 

regionally, and nationally in collaboration with Smithsonian units and affiliated 

institutions by developing exhibitions and programs on Latino culture, history, 

art, and scientific achievement; support Latino research, collections, 

exhibitions, publications, Web-based content, and related projects at 

Smithsonian museums and research centers; promote the leadership 

development of Latino youth and the professional development of emerging 

Latino scholars and museum professionals; and continue innovation in new 

media, including the Latino Virtual Museum, social media, mobile 
220

applications, educational games, and other strategies that use rapidly growing 

and accessible technologies that permit expanded delivery of programs. 

 Support the Smithsonian’s commitment to teaching Americans about their rich

heritage by increasing the capacity and resources of the Asian Pacific American

Center (APAC) to produce exhibitions and programs on Asian Pacific American

history, art, and culture; continue innovative online initiatives that provide

educational, programmatic, and outreach materials nationwide; and form national

partnerships with museums and research centers to enrich the Smithsonian’s

collections, research, and activities relating to Asian Pacific Americans.

 Establish and maintain partnerships with the various Administration agencies

and initiatives related to under-represented groups, such as Asian Americans

and Pacific Islanders, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black

Colleges and Universities, the American Association of University Women,

and Tribal Colleges and Universities, and perform the necessary public

outreach to enhance the Smithsonian presence in these communities.

 Coordinate efforts among the Secretary’s executive diversity committee,

Office of Human Resources, and Office of Equal Employment and Minority

Affairs to ensure compliance with federal Equal Employment Opportunity

Commission mandates, promote the Smithsonian’s Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) and workforce diversity policies, and advocate for the use

of small and disadvantaged businesses throughout Smithsonian operations.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE 

The Administration Budget request includes a net increase of 15 FTEs 

and $2,753,000, which includes $411,000 for necessary pay and other related 

salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, $60,000 for audit fees, 

and a decrease of $303,000 for Workers’ Compensation. These amounts are 

justified in the Fixed Costs section of this budget submission. 

The programmatic summary of an additional 15 FTEs and $2,585,000 for 

the requested budget increase is described as follows: 

Latino Center (+$342,000, +3 FTEs)

The Latino Program requires additional funding to increase the number of 

programmatic staff specializing in the history, art, and culture of Latino/Hispanic 

Americans, the fastest growing population in the United States. Both 

Appropriations Acts for 2015 and 2016 encouraged the Institution to promote “the 

inclusion of Latino contributions in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, 

collections, and public outreach.” These personnel will help the Smithsonian join 

networks of Latino cultural, scholarly, and educational organizations across the 

United States, and will help leverage increased private support for related 

programmatic initiatives. 
221

The Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan highlights the need to respond to 

growing public demands in the areas of Latino studies and cultural recognition. 

Recent outreach efforts have revealed multiple requests for the Institution to 

collaborate with more outside Latino and Latino-oriented institutions nationwide. 

Specifically, the requested increase (+$342,000 and +3 FTEs) will provide 

the salaries and benefits for one exhibitions manager, one public programs 

manager, and one public affairs specialist, as well as funds to support research, 

development, production, and evaluation of public programs conducted in 

collaboration with other Smithsonian units and affiliated institutions.

Asian Pacific American Center (+$300,000, +3 FTEs)

To achieve the Institution’s strategic goal of Broadening Access to its 

mission and promoting the understanding of the full spectrum of the American 

experience, the Smithsonian requests additional positions to support the Asian 

Pacific American Center’s (APAC) strategic plan. Both Appropriations Acts for 

2015 and 2016 encouraged the Smithsonian to develop a more robust program in 

this area, “which will promote a better understanding of the Asian Pacific 

American experience.” 

Accordingly, the strategic plan intends to transform APAC into a leading 

voice on the Asian Pacific American experience, and the new staff positions will 

leverage private fund raising to achieve this goal. APAC will showcase 

experimental programming and increase the Center’s capacity to collaborate 

internally and externally. It will include a series of pop-up events in various U.S. 

cities and feature an online presence to highlight two main themes: Cultural 

Intersection and Cultural Activism.

In keeping with previous congressional recommendations, the requested 

increase (+$300,000 and +3 FTEs) will provide the salaries and benefits for one 

associate program director, one curator for Asian Pacific studies, and one 

education coordinator.

Collections Management (+$173,000, +1 FTE)

The requested budget increase to the National Collections Program (NCP) 

office (+$173,000 and +1 FTE) will strengthen collections emergency management 

and collections management training capabilities to protect and preserve Smithsonian 

collections, which will also directly benefit the Smithsonian’s collective efforts to 

provide assistance with cultural heritage preservation and recovery around the 

country and the world. The increase supports the recommendations of the 

Smithsonian Collections Emergency Management Working Group and the 

Collections Advisory Committee for improving Smithsonian collections emergency 

management and collections management professional development, which are both 

Institution-wide priorities. This NCP employee will provide: (a) program development, 
222

management, and coordination of the Smithsonian’s collections emergency 

management program, serving as chair of the Preparedness and Response in 

Collections Emergencies (PRICE); and (b) program development and coordination of 

the Smithsonian’s collections management professional development program, 

providing Smithsonian staff with technical training and continuing educational 

opportunities to ensure the successful and consistent application of Smithsonian 

collections management policy standards and professional best practices.

Training (+$338,000)

This funding request supports a comprehensive, centrally funded, 

mandated training program (as required by 5 United States Code [U.S.C.] 

§4121), which includes initial and follow-up supervisor training to comply with 

the myriad rules, regulations, and policies involved in employee supervision. 

Currently, courses are funded on a cost-recovery basis (via unit 

reimbursements) that presents a growing unit challenge of prioritizing funding to 

meet their most critical training needs. By having a centralized training fund, the 

Institution will ensure compliance with federal regulations, increase employee 

engagement, and mitigate costs.

The centralized training program will also provide training for required skills 

(competencies) at different levels for specific positions. The request includes funding 

for executive and GS-15 programs. Centralized funds would make sponsorship less 

budget-driven and ensure that training is based more on need (e.g., succession 

planning) than on available resources. Course topics would include the critical 

competencies required at the lower levels and would focus on more strategic and 

Institution-wide concepts at the GS-15 and senior-level positions.

Diversity (+$289,000, +2 FTEs)

Diversity is one of the expressed values in the Smithsonian Strategic Plan. 

The Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs’ (OEEMA) Supplier Diversity 

Program (SDP) advocates for the use of small disadvantaged businesses in the 

Smithsonian’s procurement and contracting operations. This program demonstrates

support for and commitment to the use of small, disadvantaged, women- and 

veteran-owned businesses. In order to achieve its supplier diversity goals, the 

Institution is requesting permanent funding for an SDP specialist (+$134,000). This 

position will assist with administrative duties and in advocating for unit managers to 

achieve their SDP goals. 

In addition, OEEMA requests one affirmative employment specialist 

(+$155,000) to conduct regular and comprehensive audits of Smithsonian units to 

identify barriers to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in the Institution’s hiring 

and promotion practices. The specialist will also focus on employee retention,

develop internal policies and practices regarding leave and telework, and 

implement a comprehensive barrier analysis protocol that will report on findings
223

and recommend appropriate actions. Taken together, these measures will 

strengthen the Smithsonian’s commitment to ensuring a diverse workforce.

Internal Controls (+$1,143,000, +6 FTEs)

This funding request provides for a privacy specialist (+$143,000 and +1 FTE) 

to deliver essential support to the Smithsonian community. This position will serve as 

a privacy professional to: (a) mitigate the risk of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 

disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII); (b) facilitate Institution-wide 

compliance with Smithsonian Directives on privacy issues; and (c) develop and 

implement a privacy training and awareness program. As incidents of privacy

breaches increase, this position will enable the Institution to investigate incidents as 

well as continue training to help prevent and respond to potential future breaches. 

In addition, the Office of the General Counsel requests more resources 

(+$1,000,000 and +5 FTEs) to address the Smithsonian’s current need for

advice, representation, and education to support internal controls, and to manage

increasing activities in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, litigation, risk 

management, ethics, international activities, and complex business transactions.

These essential resources will address the areas of privacy and 

cybersecurity; agreements for projects conducted in other countries; the increase

in complex litigation, including cases in the Office of Special Counsel and Merit 

Systems Protection Board (which often involve time-sensitive electronic 

discovery assignments); expanded activities at the Smithsonian Tropical 

Research Institute and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; the need for

timely ethics guidance; and the significant risks inherent in construction projects.

The positions requested include a senior-level attorney to oversee the areas 

noted above and to manage assignments, coordination, and oversight of other 

attorneys; two Assistant General Counsels (one in litigation and one in ethics); and 

two paralegal positions to focus on ethics and on litigation, public records, and tort 

claims. The added staff would strengthen the Institution’s internal controls by 

increasing the capacity to implement best practices and lessons learned from 

litigation outcomes, and would enable the Office of the General Counsel to provide

more leadership, consistency, and education on ethics. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries and 

benefits of personnel and other related costs. General trust funds are also used to 

support administrative activities, information dissemination, outreach, publications, 

and fund raising. Donor/sponsor-designated funds support costs related to programs 

and projects such as scientific research.
224

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL 

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR 

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED

24 3,416 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED

24 3,451 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2017 

REQUEST

24 3,499 0 0 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOAL: MISSION ENABLING 

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category 

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Mission Enabling

Management Operations

Strengthen an institutional culture that is 

customer centered and results oriented

24 3,451 24 3,499 0 48

Total 24 3,451 24 3,499 0 48

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, requires the Office of the 

Inspector General (OIG) to conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating 

to programs and operations of the Smithsonian Institution (SI) that are, in the 

judgment of the Inspector General, necessary or desirable. 

The OIG fulfills its mandate by engaging in audits of SI operations and 

programs, and by conducting administrative and criminal investigations. The OIG’s 

audits include annually required reports, such as the quality assurance review of the 

Smithsonian’s annual financial statement audits and Federal Information Security 

Management Act (FISMA) reviews. The OIG also conducts audits and reviews as 

listed in its annual Audit Plan. 

The FY 2017 budget estimate includes an increase of $48,000 for necessary 

pay and other related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item. 

The Inspector General Act also requires that the Budget request detail the 

amount of funds requested by the OIG for staff training and to support the Council of 
225

the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). The OIG has requested 

$40,000 for training and to support CIGIE, which is funded in the base resources.

MEANS AND STRATEGY

The resources requested will be used to fund salaries, benefits, and support 

costs for staff engaged in audits, investigations, and other activities necessary to 

accomplish the OIG’s mission. To balance its oversight responsibility with available 

resources, the OIG selects mission-critical areas for evaluation that:

 figure prominently in the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan and annual 

performance plans and reports;

 are the focus of congressional and executive branch attention;

 have high public interest or large dollar outlays; and/or

 have known performance or accountability risks.

The OIG’s annual Audit Plan includes three mandatory audits: (1) the annual 

audits of the Smithsonian’s financial statements, which the OIG oversees; (2) the 

assessment of the Smithsonian’s information security program under FISMA; and (3) 

an audit of the travel of the Regents, which is conducted at their request to fulfill a 

statutory requirement. In addition, the OIG audit staff conducts audits in areas such 

as: collections care; animal care and safety at the National Zoological Park; the 

deferred maintenance program; controls over purchase orders; employee background 

reviews; and grants management at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

The investigative staff conducts administrative and criminal investigations, 

resolves complaints, and proactively engages the SI staff to detect and prevent 

waste, fraud, and abuse. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — The Office of the Inspector General does 

not receive any nonappropriated funds.
226

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015 

ENACTED 382 71,403 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 399 73,877 0 0 0 0 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 422 89,227 0 0 0 0 0 0

STRATEGIC GOAL: MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Implement an aggressive and professional 

maintenance program 399 73,877 422 89,227 23 15,350

Total 399 73,877 422 89,227 23 15,350

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The mission of Smithsonian Facilities (SF) is to provide world-class 

services and stewardship by building, operating, maintaining, and ensuring a 

safe, secure, and healthy environment to enhance the Smithsonian experience 

for all visitors. More than 28 million people visit the Smithsonian annually.

The Facilities Maintenance program within SF is responsible for the 

maintenance and repair of an infrastructure of more than 12 million square feet of 

owned and leased buildings and structures, and 43,000 acres. This includes 19 

museums and galleries, nine research centers, and the National Zoological Park 

(NZP). The buildings and structures range from the well-known museums to 

supporting structures such as guard booths, animal shelters, and hay barns.

Facilities Maintenance focuses on facility preservation activities and encompasses 

the upkeep of property and equipment. This work is necessary to realize the 

originally anticipated useful life of facility assets.

As new and renovated museum and research spaces open, maintenance 

requirements rise due to increased square footage, technological advances, and
227

an increase in the number of systems supporting the Smithsonian’s 

infrastructure. For example, the renovation of the Elephant House at NZP

resulted in a 30 percent increase in the number of assets requiring maintenance 

in that facility.

SF undertakes an ongoing number of initiatives to increase maintenance

efficiencies, including auditing services. SF benchmarks its maintenance staffing 

levels with other museums and professional organizations to ensure that 

resources are being effectively deployed. These include the Leadership in 

Educational Facilities (referred to as APPA), the International Association of 

Museum Facility Administrators, and the International Facility Management 

Association. The Smithsonian is a past recipient of the prestigious Award of 

Excellence from the APPA in recognition of the Institution’s excellence in facilities 

management and its efforts to establish measurable maintenance performance 

standards and staffing levels. The well-documented goal is to maintain 

Smithsonian facilities at APPA’s Level 1 standard for building maintenance, 

which is referred to as “Showpiece Facility.”

To do this, the National Research Council (NRC) recommends an annual 

maintenance budget in the range of 2 to 4 percent of a physical plant’s aggregate 

current replacement value (CRV) to avoid adding to a deferred maintenance 

backlog. The CRV for the Smithsonian at the end of FY 2014, which did not yet 

include the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the 

Gamboa Lab, was $7.06 billion. These requirements have been validated 

through the Facility Condition Assessment process and Reliability Centered 

Maintenance (RCM) analysis. While the FY 2016 Maintenance budget represents 

1 percent of the CRV, the Smithsonian’s goal is to achieve a maintenance 

funding level of 2 to 4 percent of the CRV for the Institution’s facilities, in 

accordance with the NRC recommendations.

The FY 2017 budget request includes an increase of 23 FTEs and 

$15,350,000. The increase includes $850,000 for necessary pay and other related 

salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic 

increase of 23 FTEs and $14,500,000. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY

To support the Institution’s goal of Mission Enabling, SF continues an 

aggressive, long-range facilities maintenance and minor repair program, using 

the RCM approach. The RCM approach is a widely accepted industry philosophy 

that incorporates a cost-effective mix of predictive, proactive, preventive, and 

reactive maintenance practices. With existing resources, the Smithsonian will 

operate at the lower end of APPA’s maintenance Level 3 “Managed Care” 

service, which provides a minimal level of preventive maintenance and building 

system reliability to ensure that proper conditions are maintained for collections 

and public expectations are met.
228

The Smithsonian’s goal is to reduce its maintenance backlog, currently 

estimated at $809 million, through the coordinated efforts and appropriate 

funding of its maintenance and facilities capital programs. Proper maintenance

funding prevents the accelerated degradation of building systems and 

components that would increase the number and cost of major repairs. Through 

proper preventive maintenance and by addressing deficiencies in a timely 

manner, the Institution can realize the originally anticipated useful life of facilities 

systems and avoid the accelerated degradation of its infrastructure, and the 

associated costs, mentioned above. 

Smithsonian Facilities will continue to identify efficiencies in managing its

existing resources to improve its current level of maintenance service in the most 

cost-effective manner possible. In addition, SF will continue to improve electronic 

security systems and physical security measures which protect the Institution’s 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and volunteers.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The FY 2017 budget request includes an increase of 23 FTEs and 

$15,350,000. The increase includes $850,000 for necessary pay and other related 

salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and a programmatic 

increase of 23 FTEs and $14,500,000 to support high-priority maintenance

requirements, provide security systems maintenance, and fund the maintenance 

program for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture

(NMAAHC). The specific increases are detailed as follows:

 Facilities Maintenance (+$11,400,000, +14 FTEs) — As stated above, the 

Smithsonian’s goal is to achieve APPA Level 1 maintenance for all of its 

facilities. To improve the current low Level-3 rating, the Smithsonian requests 

$11,400,000 and 14 FTEs to support maintenance of existing facilities and 

systems. The Institution’s facility footprint has increased by more than three

million square feet during the past 15 years, which has included the addition of 

new, technically sophisticated systems. Increased funding is requested to attract 

additional skilled maintenance workers who will maintain and restore the 

expanded and more complex maintenance systems used throughout the 

Institution’s facilities.

This budget request includes funding for three utility systems repair operators, 

three electricians, two engineering technicians, two pipefitters, and four 

maintenance mechanic helpers. The new staff will help improve the Institution’s 

preventive maintenance program and slow the increase in deferred maintenance. 

The request also includes funding to address the most urgent Smithsonian 

hardscape repairs and to expand the roofing repair program. Collectively, the 

Institution’s roofs are in the worst condition of the eight building systems 

tracked by Facility Condition Assessments, which generate Facility Condition 

Index ratings. The preliminary overall rating for the Smithsonian’s four million 
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square feet of roofs was 88.6 percent at the end of FY 2015. A rating under 

90 percent is considered poor. The state of the roofs poses a risk to staff and 

visitor safety and the preservation of collections. The funding will begin to 

address the more than one million square feet of roofs in the greatest need of 

repair. Facilities in greatest need of roof repair include the Udvar-Hazy 

Center, Natural History Museum, National Zoological Park (NZP, including the 

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute or SCBI), the Smithsonian 

Tropical Research Institute (STRI), and the Museum Support Center. The 

roofing repair program will also advance the Institution’s efforts to comply with 

federal initiatives on energy efficiency and sustainable buildings.

 Support for NMAAHC (+$1,600,000, +6 FTEs) — The 400,000-square-foot 

National Museum of African American History and Culture is slated to open in

2016. The Smithsonian requests $1.6 million and 6 FTEs to fund the

maintenance program for the new Museum. The request includes $813,000 

and 6 FTEs to annualize positions included in the Smithsonian’s FY 2016 

enacted level, and $787,000 for contractual support, supplies, and equipment.

 Massive Land Management (+$1,500,000, +3 FTEs) — The Smithsonian is 

steward to several large areas of environmental acreage that cannot be 

properly managed with existing resources. Therefore, the Smithsonian 

requests $1.5 million and 3 FTEs to establish the Massive Land Management

(MLM) program. The purpose of these resources is to begin year-round 

management of large occupied areas of environmental lands that include 

Smithsonian facilities and research centers. The MLM areas are located at 

NZP, SCBI, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Suitland 

Collections Facility, the Udvar-Hazy Center, and STRI. The MLM program will 

ensure comprehensive and systematic management of perimeter/ fences (70 

miles), roads (100 miles) and shorelines (15 miles), large acreages of land 

and trees, storm water drainage, erosion/sediment control, integrated invasive 

flora and fauna control, and pollinator/wildlife habitat and restoration 

programs. The MLM effort will begin to address restoration and sustainment 

of important and valuable environmental spaces. These open spaces, woods, 

roads, fences, and paths serve a research purpose, just as our facilities do, 

and they require maintenance. The FY 2017 request, which includes funding 

for three maintenance mechanics, is a first step toward helping to reverse the 

degradation of Smithsonian acreage.

Adequate funding is essential to provide the maintenance coverage 

required to keep facility systems performing in accordance with their mandated 

design criteria and to ensure that land areas are useful for research purposes 

and safe for visitors. Through diligent maintenance of the Institution’s facilities 

and systems, the Smithsonian can prolong the operational life of the equipment 

while maintaining reliable output to protect the national collections. Additionally, 

the proper maintenance of the equipment reduces the potential for unplanned 

equipment shutdowns which would negatively affect the Institution’s visitors, 

staff, and collections.
230

FACILITIES OPERATIONS, SECURITY, AND SUPPORT

APPLICATION OF OPERATING RESOURCES

FEDERAL 

APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL 

TRUST

DONOR/SPONSOR

DESIGNATED

GOV’T GRANTS

& CONTRACTS

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

FY 2015

ENACTED 1,476 197,879 17 2,207 5 355 0 0

FY 2016

ENACTED 1,494 203,690 15 2,200 4 700 0 0

FY 2017

REQUEST 1,543 228,136 16 2,300 4 400 0 0

STRATEGIC GOALS: BROADENING ACCESS AND MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/

Program Category

FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Broadening Access

Exhibitions

Offer compelling, first-class exhibitions 4 460 4 460 0 0

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Improve the overall cleanliness and efficient 

operation of Smithsonian facilities

693 130,986 720 146,597 27 15,611

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection for Smithsonian 

facilities, collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers

757 66,146 777 74,601 20 8,455

Provide a safe and healthy environment 40 6,098 42 6,478 2 380

Total 1,494 203,690 1,543 228,136 49 24,446

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The mission of Smithsonian Facilities (SF) is to provide world-class 

services and stewardship by building, operating, maintaining, and ensuring a 

safe, secure, and healthy environment to enhance the Smithsonian experience 

for all visitors. The Smithsonian receives more than 28 million visits annually. 

The Facilities Operations, Security, and Support (OSS) program within SF

operates, secures, and supports the Smithsonian’s physical infrastructure in 

partnership with Smithsonian program staff. SF provides operational security and 

support services for approximately 12 million square feet of owned and leased 
231

facilities, including 19 museums and galleries, nine research centers, and the 

National Zoological Park. 

Resources within OSS support facilities operations, including activities 

such as custodial work; fire protection; building system operations; grounds care 

and landscaping; snow removal; pest control; refuse collection and disposal; fleet 

operations and maintenance; security services; and safety, environmental, and 

health services. Resources also support facilities planning, architectural and 

engineering design, as well as postage, utilities, and central rent costs.

The FY 2017 budget request includes an increase of 49 FTEs and 

$24,446,000. The increase includes $1,880,000 for necessary pay and other 

related salary costs for existing staff funded under this line item, and $7,026,000

for utilities, postage, and rent, all of which are justified in the Fixed Costs section 

of this budget. The request also includes programmatic increases of 49 FTEs 

and $15,540,000 to address high-priority operating, safety, and security 

requirements. 

MEANS AND STRATEGY

SF will achieve the Institution’s strategic goal of Broadening Access by

continuing to develop exhibits and public programs for horticulture, architectural 

history, and historic preservation.

To achieve the Institution’s strategic goal of Mission Enabling, SF’s base 

resources will focus on meeting the growing operational requirements of the 

Institution’s facilities. SF will continue to efficiently use its resources to operate 

and secure facilities and grounds, and to provide safe, attractive, and appealing 

spaces to meet program needs and public expectations. In addition, SF will 

continue benchmarking the Institution’s custodial staffing and service levels with 

other museums and professional organizations, including the APPA: Leadership 

in Educational Facilities (referred to as APPA). As a past recipient of the 

prestigious APPA Award of Excellence, SF is committed to measuring 

performance and staffing levels to ensure that the highest affordable levels of 

appearance and cleanliness, as well as efficient operations, are maintained. 

The Institution is committed to achieving APPA’s appearance Level 2 (out 

of 5) cleaning standard, referred to as “Ordinary Tidiness.” This level of 

appearance will provide an acceptable level of cleanliness that meets public 

expectations. With current resources, on average, SF achieves appearance 

Level 3, “Casual Inattention.” This level of appearance ensures a generally clean 

and odorless environment. 

Just as SF is committed to providing the highest levels of facility care, it is 

equally committed to providing the highest levels of security. In support of that 

goal, SF’s Office of Protection Services (OPS) is conducting a staffing analysis to 
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identify the number of security and law-enforcement staff necessary at each of 

the major Smithsonian Institution facilities. The analysis also includes pay levels, 

training/skill requirements, armed versus unarmed coverage, and the appropriate 

mix of employed officers versus contract staff. OPS is partnering with leadership 

at the museums and collections and research centers on this phased effort.

SF continues its commitment to ensure that Smithsonian employees have 

a safe and healthy workplace by creating a culture that embraces and promotes 

zero injuries; provides professional services promoting a culture of health and 

wellness; and ensures that all Smithsonian facilities comply with local building 

codes, environmental regulations, and best practices. 

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The budget request includes programmatic increases of 49 FTEs and 

$15,540,000 to address the highest priority operating, safety, and security 

requirements. The increase will fund high-priority needs, including resources to 

annualize support for facilities and security operations for the new National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The request will 

also provide additional support for facilities operations, security, and disaster 

preparedness, as detailed below:

 Facilities Requirements (+$5,000,000, +9 FTEs) — The Smithsonian’s 

ultimate goal of achieving APPA cleanliness Level 2 requires a substantial 

increase over the current investment. The Institution requests 9 FTEs and 

$5,000,000 to augment existing staffing and funding shortfalls in facilities 

operations. The funding request will allow the Smithsonian to make progress 

toward a solid Level 3. Clean, sanitary, safe and accessible spaces are 

inviting conditions that improve the visitor experience. However, the facilities 

operations budget has grown little in recent years, losing ground to 

inflationary pressures. At the same time, the Smithsonian’s operations and 

physical footprint have evolved and grown, creating additional, unfunded 

requirements. This budget request includes funds to hire seven building 

service workers and two building service supervisors.

 Support for NMAAHC (+$4,465,000, +38 FTEs) — The 400,000-square-foot 

National Museum of African American History and Culture is slated to open in 

late FY 2016. Accordingly, the Smithsonian requests $4,465,000 and 

38 FTEs to complete funding for facility operations and security for the new 

Museum. The request includes $4,085,000 and 36 FTEs to annualize facilities 

and security positions included in the Smithsonian’s FY 2016 enacted level. In 

addition, the request includes $380,000 to fund the hiring of two occupational 

health nurses and supplies for a NMAAHC first-aid station. The Smithsonian’s 

addition of a national museum creates a tremendous operational 

responsibility. The NMAAHC will be a major Museum, with high traffic and 

major security responsibilities. 
233

 Security Requirements (+$6,075,000, +2 FTEs) — As the physical footprint 

of the Smithsonian has increased and as facilities are revitalized, the 

Institution’s security and law-enforcement needs have also grown. This has 

caused a steady degradation in the security base budget. Additionally, recent 

increases in violent extremist and lone wolf active shooter attacks in the 

United States have highlighted the need to improve the Smithsonian’s ability 

to respond quickly to these types of potential incidents. To evaluate the 

effectiveness of existing security resources versus the current requirements, 

the Smithsonian is conducting a phased security staffing analysis for each of 

its major facilities. The facility analyses completed to date have confirmed that 

the Smithsonian needs to fill its currently unfunded security positions and also 

add contract staff to provide a higher level of security around building 

perimeters, primarily including visitor screening, and also in interior public 

spaces such as galleries. Also, the Smithsonian’s security operation has no 

criminal investigators and cannot provide required support in the areas of 

personnel and administrative disciplinary investigations, workplace violence 

threats, and potential criminal behavior. In addition, the Smithsonian’s 

disaster management program is understaffed and consists of just two 

disaster management specialists. 

Consequently, the Institution requests $5,765,000 for existing unfunded 

security positions and to begin the first phase of adding contract security 

officers to allow the Smithsonian to institute full-time magnetometer screening 

and bag searches, and to provide additional security in galleries and other 

public spaces. The first phase will address needs at the Smithsonian’s 

highest risk facilities, which are the National Museum of American History,

National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, and 

the National Museum of the American Indian. In addition, the request includes 

$310,000 and 2 FTEs to fund the hiring of a disaster management specialist 

and a criminal investigator. 

NONAPPROPRIATED RESOURCES — General trust funds support salaries

and benefits, and other related costs. Donor/sponsor-designated funds cover 

costs related to Smithsonian programs, such as horticulture operations, and 

architectural history and historic preservation projects.
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235

FACILITIES CAPITAL

FY 2015 Enacted $144,198,000

FY 2016 Enacted $144,198,000

FY 2017 Request $163,000,000

STRATEGIC GOAL: MISSION ENABLING

Federal Resource Summary by Performance Objective and Program Category

Performance Objective/ FY 2016 FY 2017 Change

Program Category FTE $000 FTE $000 FTE $000

Mission Enabling

Facilities

Execute an aggressive, longrange revitalization program 

and limited construction of new 

facilities 

48 134,098 48 95,350 0 -38,748

Security and Safety

Provide world-class protection 

for Smithsonian facilities, 

collections, staff, visitors, and 

volunteers

0 2,400 0 9,850 0 7,450

Provide a safe and healthy 

environment

0 7,700 0 7,800 0 100

Subtotal 48 144,198 48 113,000 0 -31,198

National Air and Space 

Museum — Udvar-Hazy Center 

Collections Storage Module

0 0 0 50,000 0 50,000

Total 48 144,198 48 163,000 0 18,802

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Facilities Capital Program underpins the Smithsonian’s mission and 

represents an investment in the long-term interest of the nation. It is intended to help the 

Smithsonian provide modern facilities that satisfy public programming needs, facilitate 

world-renowned research efforts, and house our priceless national collections. 

In the Facilities Capital Program, revitalization involves making major repairs or 

replacing declining or failed infrastructure to address the problems of advanced 
236

deterioration. Once completed, these projects will enable the Smithsonian to avoid the 

failures in building systems that can create hazardous conditions for visitors and staff, 

harm animals, damage collections, and cause the loss of precious scientific data. 

The Institution uses the National Research Council (NRC) Facility Condition 

Assessments (FCAs) to calculate a Facilities Condition Index (FCI) rating. The FCA is 

the industry standard for the analysis of the condition of a facility or group of facilities 

that may vary in terms of age, design, construction methods, and materials. The FCI is 

calculated by dividing the total assessment scores of the eight building systems (roofs, 

electrical, plumbing, HVAC, conveyance — elevators and escalators, interior, exterior, 

and structure) by the Current Replacement Value (CRV) of the facilities. The current 

overall FCI rating for Smithsonian facilities is 88.8 percent, which is considered “poor.” 

The NRC’s recommended goal is to have a rating equal to or greater than 95 percent. 

To achieve that standard, the Smithsonian requests $163 million for its Facilities 

Capital Program.

Funding for facilities’ routine maintenance and minor repairs is included in the 

Institution’s Salaries and Expenses request. These resources are applied to realize 

the intended design life and full economic value of Smithsonian facilities and to protect 

the Institution’s investment in revitalization.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGE

The Institution requests $163,000,000 and 48 FTEs for the Facilities Capital 

Program in FY 2017. Major renovation efforts will continue at the National Zoological 

Park and other priority areas, including revitalizing the National Museum of Natural 

History and the National Museum of American History. This request also provides 

funding for pre-construction activities in preparation for the building systems and 

envelope renovation project at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and for 

constructing the Collections Storage Module adjacent to NASM’s Udvar-Hazy Center in 

Chantilly, Virginia. Other priorities include funding for: security and exterior 

improvements at the National Museum of the American Indian — New York; restoring 

the building envelope and systems at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; 

repairing earthquake damage at the Museum Support Center; renovating the Homestead 

House at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center; infrastructure upgrades at 

the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; swing space for collections 

decontamination at the Suitland Collections Facility; repairing the sidewalk, canopy, and 

exterior façade at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; and mitigation of 

safety and security hazards throughout the Institution. 
237

The chart that follows summarizes the Institution’s full request for the highest priority 

FY 2017 projects. 

Federal Trust* Federal Trust* Congress Trust*

Received Estimate Received Estimate Request Estimate

$Millions

REVITALIZATION 

Major Projects

Anacostia Community Museum 1.2

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 4.6 2.7

Freer Gallery of Art 6.0 4.0

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 4.5 1.0

National Air and Space Museum 1.0 3.0

NASM Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 1.8

National Museum of American History 18.5 10.5 11.3 5.0

National Museum of the American Indian 2.5 0.3 4.7 8.6 2.1

National Museum of Natural History 22.9 3.0 19.1 10.4 19.1

National Zoological Park 15.8 1.8 17.0 2.4 26.0 5.1

Renwick Gallery 7.5 7.5

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 1.7

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 2.0 4.9 1.5

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 1.7 0.8 2.8

Collections Space & Support Program (Multiple Locations) 2.5 0.8 1.7 0.5 4.3 0.5

Multiple Site Projects and General Capital Support 18.3 13.2

Other Revitalization Projects 26.8

Facilities Planning and Design 22.6 51.4 29.4

SUBTOTAL 109.6 31.9 144.2 34.0 113.0 5.6

National Museum of African American History & Culture 24.0 40.8 11.7

Collections Space & Support Program (Multiple Locations) 0.3 50.0

SUBTOTAL 24.0 40.8 0.0 12.0 50.0 0.0

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Museum Support Center & National Air and Space Museum 10.6

TOTAL PROGRAM 144.2 144.2 163.0

FY 2015 – FY 2017

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Federal Facilities Capital Program Summary

CONSTRUCTION

FY 2016 FY 2017

CATEGORY

FY 2015
238

SUMMARY TABLES 

REVITALIZATION

Investment in revitalization projects provides for the replacement of failing or 

failed major building systems and equipment, and for major renovation projects to 

preserve the buildings. It primarily includes the exterior envelope, heating, ventilation, 

and air-conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and other utility systems at the older 

buildings. Projects also entail modifications to ensure compliance with life-safety

regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other code compliance, 

restoration of historic features, and modernization of the buildings to support current 

program requirements and to sustain the viability of the Institution’s physical plant. 

Items listed on the Multiple Locations line are projects that cover multiple museums 

or where the total cost of the museum projects is less than $1.0 million. These 

projects usually involve capital repair or replacement of individual systems or 

components. 

Facility Project $000

National Museum of Natural History Revitalize Public and Non-Public Spaces 19,100

National Zoological Park Renew Bird House

Upgrade Life-Safety and Infrastructure 

Systems 

Renovate Police Station

10,000

 

14,100

 1,900

National Museum of American History Roof Repairs and Improvements

Correct Lights in Center Core & 2W Gateway

3,500

1,500

National Air and Space Museum Revitalize Building Envelope and 

Infrastructure 

3,000

National Museum of the American Indian Modernize Electronic Security, GGHC 

Upgrade Lighting Automation Systems

Exterior Improvements 

1,000 

550

500 

Anacostia Community Museum Upgrade Site Security & Landscaping 1,200

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Restore Entrance Canopy & Conservatory

Miller/Fox Façade Repair

Stabilize Mansion Sidewalks

1,000

1,000

700

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Restore/Repair Building Envelope, Systems 

& Plaza

1,000 

Museum Support Center Earthquake Damage Repairs 2,250
239

Facility Project $000

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Install Guardrails, Mt. Hopkins Road (AZ)

Repair/Improve Roads, FLWO (AZ)

Upgrade Electronic Security (AZ) 

Install Storage Mezzanine (HI)

Enhance Fire-Protection & Alarm Systems 

(AZ)

Install Safety Access Platform on the SMA 

Roof (HI)

450

400

300

250

200

150

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Site Infrastructure/Renovate Homestead 

House

1,500

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Renovate and Replace Facilities at Galeta 

Revitalization of Bldgs. 332, 352, & 359 Naos

Upgrade BCI & Bocas Physical & Electronic 

Security

Upgrade Fire Protection, Phase 2 Completion

Ancon Site Revitalization

750

750

500

500 

350

Suitland Collections Facility Construct Collections Storage Swing Space 2,000

Multiple Locations Building projects less than $1,000,000 6,500

Construction Supervision Administration 6,750

TOTAL, REVITALIZATION PROJECTS $83,650

FACILITIES PLANNING AND DESIGN $29,350

New Facilities Design/Construction

National Air and Space Museum — UdvarHazy Center Construct Collections Storage Module 1 50,000

TOTAL, NEW FACILITIES $50,000

FY 2017 TOTAL REQUEST $163,000
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REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: Revitalize Public and Non-Public Spaces

INSTALLATION: National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars):

Continue HVAC/Utility System Replacement and $19,100

Building Renovation

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $292,502

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING:

Ongoing HVAC Replacement and Code Improvements $274,002*

Total $585,604

* Does not include funding in Planning and Design account to complete future design of revitalization projects.

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The NMNH building opened to the public in 1910. The East and West Wings were 

added in the early 1960s. Two infill buildings were constructed in the original building’s 

East and West courtyards in the late 1990s. The gross interior square footage of the 

building is approximately 1.5 million square feet. The building includes 300,000 square 

feet of public museum space, with collections, laboratory, office, and building service 

spaces filling the remainder. The NMNH is one of the most visited museums in the world 

and hosted more than seven million visitors in FY 2015. 

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The building’s mechanical and electrical systems were installed in the early 

1960s. At more than 50 years of age, they need major replacement. Breakdowns of the 

mechanical systems are frequent, repair parts are often difficult to find, and the system 

does not provide the air quality necessary for visitors or collections. The reliability of the 

electrical system is compromised by the deteriorated condition of the building’s three 

main electrical switchgears, and the antiquated distribution system poses a safety 

hazard. Windows in the original portion of the building have deteriorated and do not 

comply with current security standards. The main entrance to the building is not 

accessible to visitors with disabilities and the chemical storage space below the entrance 

steps has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer code compliant.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Based on the master implementation plan completed in 1987, and revised in 2006, 

the Institution is slowly completing a comprehensive renovation program in the NMNH 

building, which will replace the HVAC equipment, ductwork, electrical equipment and 

wiring, piping systems, and windows of the main building. Asbestos and lead will be 

abated or encapsulated; the fire-protection, communications, alarm, and emergency 

power systems will be upgraded; and storm-water systems and a hazardous-chemical 

control facility will be installed. 
241

The Institution requests $19.1 million in FY 2017 to continue the building-wide 

renovation. Specific work will include continuation of renovations in Halls 2–6 ($15.1 

million) and the start of renovations to the South Entrance ($4 million). 

PROGRESS TO DATE:

Recent projects completed include the renovation of the East Wing ground floor;

the area is now being used as the staging and conservation space for the paleontology 

exhibit. Completion of the renovation of the southeast Main Building ground floor is 

anticipated in 2016 and, with it, the building will benefit from a full upgrade of its primary 

utility substation, featuring new switchgears, transformers, and network protectors. 

Renovation construction started in September 2015 on the major project at the Museum, 

the Dinosaur Halls, Halls 2–6, a 27-month project. A general contractor was selected 

for the replacement of the East and West Wing roofs; the roof work will be implemented 

in the 2016 roofing season. Additionally, feasibility studies for upgrading the South 

Entrance and the Baird Auditorium will be completed in January and February 2016, 

respectively. An upgrade to the short-circuit analysis, a survey of the building’s electrical 

systems, is under way, and pre-project planning has started for two future design 

projects to upgrade building humidification and upgrade sewage system and rain 

leaders. The NMNH master plan provides the basis for prioritizing future infrastructure 

renovations.

IMPACT OF DELAY:

If funding is delayed, building systems will continue to deteriorate and 

environmental conditions required for the Museum’s collections and the visiting public 

cannot be maintained. In addition, the Museum’s exhibit re-installation program would not 

proceed according to the planned schedule, causing the continued closure of several 

important exhibition areas to the public and diminishing the Museum’s ability to keep its 

promises to donors.
242

PROJECT TITLE: Renew Bird House

INSTALLATION: National Zoological Park (NZP)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $10,000

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $0

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $46,300

Total $56,300

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The NZP’s Bird House was designed by architect Albert Harris and opened in 

1928, with an addition completed in 1938. In 1965, Daniel, Mann, Johnson, & 

Mendenhall renovated and modernized the Bird House by removing the roof, ornate 

entries and elaborate brick decorative details and replacing them with simple concrete 

and glass. The flight cage was added and connected to the building, using a sleek, 

modern concrete bridge, in sharp contrast to the Harris design. In the 1970s and beyond, 

the bird plateau site received multiple exterior animal exhibits, holding facilities, ponds, 

boardwalks, and asphalt sidewalks. 

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

With the exception of relatively recent upgrades to fire-suppression systems, the 

infrastructure is well beyond its lifespan and most of the failed or failing equipment and 

systems date back to the 1970s. This project renews the Bird House and great flight 

cage, with a new Marvelous Migrations exhibit emphasizing the global importance of 

migration to species survival by using innovative conservation-based education. Using 

$10 million in leveraged donor funds, along with federal appropriations, and following the 

approved master plan, facility improvements will include new site utilities, as well as total 

replacement of failed chillers, beyond life-span HVAC equipment, obsolete storm and 

waste water management systems, and animal/human life-safety, life-support, electrical, 

plumbing, security and data systems. Additionally, the Bird House needs upgrades to its

primary and secondary bird containment systems due to recent increases in animal 

escapes. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project will renew the deteriorating and failing building systems, equipment, 

bird-holding, and habitat spaces of the Bird House with a complete building renovation 

that includes total demolition of the non-historic fabric, a new roof, new life-support 

systems for the living collections, new HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, life-safety and 

animal life-support systems, and significant improvements to the Great Flight Cage. 

During the first phase, interim outdoor and indoor bird-holding swing space will be 

erected. Additionally, this project will renew the congressionally established Smithsonian 

Migratory Bird Center to educate the public and encourage visitors to help save wildlife 

and habitats across the globe. The Smithsonian requests $10 million in FY 2017 to begin 

construction.
243

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

Design is 35 percent complete. A formal value engineering exercise was 

conducted in July of 2015, followed by a formal risk assessment and constructability 

exercise in August. The final project definition rating index (PDRI) will be performed in 

the spring of 2016. 

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

Delaying this project will result in continued increased costs of maintaining and 

operating the failed and failing systems, excessive energy consumption and costs for 

water and power, and increased risk to the living collection’s captive habitat. Additionally, 

the National Zoo’s leaders and scientific experts are concerned about the potential 

negative impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and new regulations and 

requirements being imposed by the Zoo’s regulatory agency, the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Failure to revitalize this facility 

could jeopardize the National Zoo’s mission of saving species. Also, failure to fund this 

project will delay the construction of the swing space required to house the living collection 

during the renovation. 

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade Life-Safety and Infrastructure Systems 

INSTALLATION: National Zoological Park (NZP), Rock Creek and Front Royal

LOCATIONS: Washington, DC and Front Royal, Virginia

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $14,100

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $55,350

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $46,400

Total $115,850

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

Much of NZP’s current utility, safety, and fire-protection infrastructure is obsolete and 

failing, and does not meet the needs of the National Zoo to protect and support the safety of 

animals, staff, and visitors. Correcting deficiencies in water and electrical service mains and 

distribution is crucial to provide fire-suppression systems in many of the unprotected areas of 

the Zoo, and to supply adequate water for the animals. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This work includes upgrading utility, water, sewage, and storm-water management, 

as well as the power distribution system and security infrastructure; correcting structural 

and vertical transportation deficiencies; installing smoke-evacuation equipment in areas 

where animals are kept; improving animal holding/containment systems; and improving 

safety conditions. The Smithsonian requests $14.1 million in FY 2017 to upgrade fireprotection and life-safety systems, and improve visitor safety and animal containment 

systems at both the Rock Creek Park and Front Royal, Virginia facilities.
244

PROGRESS TO DATE:

The 2008 NZP comprehensive facilities and utility master plans are used to 

coordinate work at the Rock Creek Park and Front Royal locations by directing 

implementation in priority order of essential infrastructure and safety projects. Through 

FY 2015, many infrastructure and fire-protection projects have been completed with federal 

funding, including the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. To build on this progress, 

work has begun on smoke control/evacuation systems in the Great Ape House in early 

2016. With close schedule coordination between SI Facilities and the Zoo’s Animal Care 

Sciences unit, projects are in the pipeline for the Panda House, Think-Tank and Lion/Tiger 

House. Design for the lower Zoo electrical substation is at the 35 percent stage and the 

contract will be awarded in FY 2016. Replacement of steam lines in the lower Zoo is under 

way, and, with Phase One complete, the temporary truck-mounted steam plant was 

removed in FY 2015. In addition, work is continuing on electronic security and emergency

mass-notification systems at both Rock Creek Park and Front Royal facilities.

IMPACT OF DELAY:

A delay in completing this work would endanger the animals, visitors, and staff, and 

would hamper the care, safety, and security of the live animal collections.

PROJECT TITLE: Renovate Police Station

INSTALLATION: National Zoological Park (NZP)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,900

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $7,000

Total $8,900

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The Police Station was originally designed by the Department of Buildings and 

Grounds of the Government of the District of Columbia, and opened to the public on 

March 15, 1956 to house the Zoo police, public restrooms and gardener’s storage. 

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The building infrastructure components, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, lifesafety, and security systems, have failed and/or are failing, and are beyond their 

anticipated life expectancy. In particular, the upper floor contains the only public 

restrooms in the lower half of the Zoo. The restrooms are outdated and undersized 

relative to the millions of visitors the Zoo receives each year. The plumbing waste and 

vent pipes are severely deteriorated beyond the point of further maintenance repair and 

are in need of complete replacement due to constant sanitation leaks into the police 

offices, ready-room, locker rooms, and support rooms on the lower level. Additionally, 

the Zoo’s staff Health Unit is located on the lower level, and the leaks frequently disrupt 

and displace the operations of the Health Unit. The existing stair that connects the two 

levels is a non-code-compliant metal spiral stair. The project will allow relocation of the 

Zoo’s security control room back into the Police Station.
245

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project will renovate and upgrade the building core, shell, and systems to 

provide new public restroom facilities and revitalized space for police operations and the 

Health Unit. This project is consistent with the Zoo’s current comprehensive facilities 

master plan (2008) and implementation strategy. Combined with a planned $1 million 

(private donation) project to raze and rebuild the dilapidated, adjacent Great Cats gift 

shop, these improvements will facilitate a more efficient layout of visitor amenities. The 

Police Station renovation will include a new elevator and code-compliant egress stair to 

connect the two levels. The project requires continued, uninterrupted availability of public 

restrooms at the lower half of the Zoo, and uninterrupted Zoo police and Health Unit 

services for the safety and health of the staff, volunteers, and the visiting public.

Therefore, temporary swing space for these three essential Zoo operations is also part of 

this project. The Smithsonian requests $1.9 million in FY 2017 to continue the 

renovation.

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

The Police Station design is currently approaching 65 percent. It will be completed

in mid-FY 2016 and the construction contract awarded before the end of the year.

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

Delaying a multi-year funded project already under construction would result in 

termination of the contract for the convenience of the Government, which would result in 

a claim or lawsuit, or both, and an incomplete, unusable building. This would then cause 

increases to the costs of the temporary swing space for the Police Station and Health 

Unit and loss of use of all the lower Zoo restroom facilities. Such a delay would have a

substantial impact, potentially costing the Smithsonian millions of dollars in claims and 

lost revenue.
246

PROJECT TITLE: Roof Repairs and Improvements

INSTALLATION: National Museum of American History (NMAH)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $3,500

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $6,600

Total $10,100

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

Built in 1964, the National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring 

Center (NMAH) is one of the Smithsonian’s most visited museums. This modern, 

classical building (752,000 gross square feet) houses a variety of exhibitions that explore 

America’s technological, scientific, cultural, and political history. The collections on 

display include the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired Francis Scott Key and is the focal 

point of the completed center core renovation. In the first three months after the center 

core renovation, NMAH hosted more than one million visitors, and the Museum is 

attracting more than double the attendance it had prior to its closure. The revitalization of 

the Museum’s public spaces continues with the renovation of the West Wing, begun in 

late 2012 and reaching the first stages of completion with the reopening of the 

innovation-themed first floor in July of 2015. The second and third floors of the West 

Wing, which will feature themes of democracy and American culture, will reopen to the 

public in 2017 and 2018.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

In recent years, breaches in the building roof and terrace systems exposed 

valuable collections to water damage from leaks, and damaged stone terrace pavers 

created tripping hazards. In addition, the roof and terrace levels lack adequate 

fall-protection for maintenance staff and contractors, posing a life-safety risk, and the 

existing lighting and security cameras do not provide adequate coverage, thereby 

creating a security risk. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The NMAH building is rectangular in shape with a series of terraces and roofs 

over levels one, four, and five, and the mechanical equipment penthouse. The 

Smithsonian requests $3.5 million in FY 2017 for Phase 2 of the project for repairs and 

improvements at the fourth floor roof/fifth floor terrace level, fifth floor roof, and 

penthouse roof, to fix leaks, improve drainage, and eliminate tripping hazards from 

broken terrace pavers, as well as add security cameras and fall protection.

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

In 2014, a study was completed, documenting the results of a survey of the 

condition of roof, terrace, and drainage materials and systems, itemizing the repairs and 

improvements needed for these systems, as well as including recommendations to 

provide fall-protection, lightning protection, additional security camera coverage, and 

electrical service infrastructure repairs, along with associated cost estimates. Design for 

the recommended repairs and improvements began in FY 2015 and construction 
247

documents will be completed in early calendar year 2016. Funds were requested for 

Phase 1 construction (first floor roof/second floor terrace repairs and improvements) in 

FY 2016. 

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

Should repairs to the roof and drainage system be delayed, the building will 

continue to experience numerous and increasingly frequent leaks during major rain and 

snow events, exposing valuable artifacts in exhibits and collections storage areas to 

water damage. Delays in installing a fall-protection system and repairing roof terrace 

pavers to address tripping hazards will continue to endanger terrace occupants and 

maintenance contractors and staff. Likewise, delays in improvements to the electrical 

infrastructure and additional security camera installation will leave the roof and terrace 

areas without adequate security coverage.

PROJECT TITLE: Correct Lights in Central Core and Replace Vestibule Doors 

Gateway

INSTALLATION: National Museum of American History (NMAH)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The lighting fixtures surrounding the central core atrium openings provide 

insufficient light and many cannot be used due to an existing electrical hazard. Also, the 

frameless, glass, vestibule doors, which serve as the main public entrances to the 

Museum, break down on a regular basis as a result of heavy usage. These deficiencies 

create safety hazards for visitors and staff. The project will replace perimeter light 

fixtures in the central core to improve the available lighting. The frameless vestibule 

doors on the north and south public entrances will be replaced with heavy-duty framed 

doors to better accommodate frequent usage from high public visitation.
248

PROJECT TITLE: Revitalize Building Envelope and Infrastructure 

INSTALLATION: National Air and Space Museum (NASM) — National Mall Building

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $3,000*

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $0

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: TBD

Total TBD

* Does not include funding in Facilities Planning and Design.

BUILDING BACKGROUND: 

NASM was built in 1976 to memorialize the national development of aviation and 

space flight. The 516,688-square-foot building (including approximately 161,145 square 

feet of exhibit galleries) preserves and displays artifacts, aeronautical and space flight 

equipment, significant historical data, and related technologies. The exhibit galleries hold 

the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world and, in recent years, the 

Museum has received an average of more than seven million visitors annually.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The exterior Tennessee Pink Marble façade of the NASM building is a feature of 

the original construction and forms the primary exterior weather seal for the envelope on 

all surfaces other than at the roofs, terraces, skylights, and window walls. The panels are 

porous, and are beginning to show signs of aging and, in some cases, damage through 

visible cracks. The current marble primary weather seal assembly does not provide a 

continuous vapor barrier across the entire façade and the R-value is not consistent with 

current sustainable best practices and energy conservation. There is no secondary 

weather seal on the marble wall assembly. This has created additional condensation and 

energy conservation problems.

NASM’s mechanical systems are original to the 1976 building and have exceeded 

their useful lifespans. The mechanical systems are further burdened by the deteriorated 

condition of the exterior façade, which allows moisture into the building. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The multi-year, multi-phase building systems and envelope renovation project will 

replace the building’s marble façade, improve the Museum’s blast and earthquake resistance, 

upgrade the energy efficiency of the exterior envelope, replace the mechanical systems, and 

provide more secure access and egress. A primary goal for the planned HVAC replacement 

portion of the project is to provide the collections area and all occupied spaces with 

appropriate temperature and humidity controls. Accordingly, the Smithsonian requests $3 

million in FY 2017 to fund pre-construction activities and the award of contract(s) for continued 

design-assist, constructability reviews, estimating, and preparations for early procurement of 

long lead items, such as stone cladding, artifact protection, and swing space preparation for 

collections and staff.
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PROGRESS TO DATE: 

Design work began in June of 2014 with the award of the concept/schematic 

design contract. Schematic design was completed in May 2015. With the award of the 35 

percent design contract in May of 2015, the design continues to proceed. The estimated 

timeline to complete design is 20 months. The budget, scope of work, and 

implementation schedule will be further refined as design work progresses.

To protect against the possibility that the exterior stone panels may fail, the 

Smithsonian erected a temporary covered walkway around vulnerable portions of the 

building in January of 2015. The covered walkway will remain in place until the façade 

replacement is done. 

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

If funding is delayed, NASM’s stone façade and building systems will continue to 

deteriorate, and the environmental conditions needed to safeguard the Museum’s 

precious national collections and the visiting public cannot be maintained.
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PROJECT TITLE: Modernize Electronic Security 

INSTALLATION: National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI-NY)

LOCATION: New York, New York

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,000

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The collection storage areas, gallery infrastructure and public/staff separation 

areas of the NMAI’s George Gustav Heye Center (GGHC) facility do not comply with the 

Smithsonian’s security design criteria. The result is a lack of adequate electronic and 

physical security to protect the staff within the facility and the collections housed in these 

storage areas. Security modernization will include access control, collections and library 

storage and processing security, and Museum perimeter protection.

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade Lighting Automation Systems 

INSTALLATION: National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI-DC)

LOCATION: Washington, DC 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $550

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Current Lutron lighting automation systems at the Museum operate on a Windows 

XP system, which is now obsolete and unsupported by the Office of the Chief 

Information Officer (OCIO) or the broader information technology (IT) industry. Replacing 

controllers and introducing back-up capability will correct this deficiency and ensure that

code-required minimum light levels are maintained at all times.

PROJECT TITLE: Exterior Improvements

INSTALLATION: National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI-DC)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

Due to construction methods and environmental conditions, blue-green algae has 

developed and stained projecting areas of masonry on the façade of the building. This 

effect appears to visitors as black mold and has negatively affected the aesthetic of the 

Museum. Methodologies for remediation are currently being evaluated and tested to 

develop a long-term solution that minimizes algae growth. Maintenance procedures for 

the proper care and cleaning of the stone have been developed and have partially 

reduced recurring staining. Long-term processes for non-destructive interventions to 

minimize future algae growth have been identified (e.g., zinc strip installation), but will 

need to be combined with a cyclical treatment plan (i.e., biocide). Unless this project is 

implemented, algae growth will continue at an increasing rate and could result in a major 

failure of the exterior stone façade.
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Additionally, the front doors of the Museum have failed to protect the building from 

air and pest infiltration, and need to be replaced to better control the environment as well as 

limit exposure of the collections to adverse effects. Equally important, current security 

devices and design considerations cannot be incorporated into the existing doors, and 

replacement will improve physical security of the building perimeter. Testing of various 

treatments and products is under way and the first phase of cleaning and installation of 

biological inhibitors is planned to begin in late FY 2016 or early FY 2017. Front door 

replacement is on a staggered schedule and is likely to begin in the second quarter of FY

2017.

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade Site Security and Landscaping 

INSTALLATION: Anacostia Community Museum (ACM)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,200

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Museum building has an assortment of code and safety deficiencies, including 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility issues. This project will provide site 

analysis services, existing conditions surveys, concept design, and construction 

documents for ACM site security and design upgrades. Work items are expected to 

include repair/replacement of parking facilities, circulation, paving, landscaping, exterior 

lighting, utilities, and safety/security devices, and will also include correcting some minor 

code deficiencies in exterior doors and stairs. 

PROJECT TITLE: Restore Entrance Canopy and Conservatory

INSTALLATION: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM)

LOCATION: New York, New York

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,000

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $1,850

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $3,500

Total $6,350

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The 64-room Carnegie Mansion, designed by the architectural firm of Babb, Cook 

& Willard, was built between 1899 and 1902. It was the first private residence in the 

United States to have a structural steel frame and one of the first in New York to have a 

residential Otis passenger elevator (now in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National 

Museum of American History). The Mansion was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1972 

and the Museum opened there in 1976.
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PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The copper and leaded glass canopy (designed in the style of Louis Comfort 

Tiffany) at the front entrance to the building is an original element of the building. It was

last restored in the mid-1970s and now many of the structural elements, fasteners, and 

drainage systems are failing. The Conservatory, another original building element, was 

most recently repaired in the mid-1990s. However, the acrylic dome element and laylight 

structures do not provide sufficient support, the ventilation system is inefficient and 

failing, and the drainage system does not perform properly. In order to prevent failure of 

the compromised ceiling laylight supports and attachments, the glass elements have 

been removed, salvaged and stored. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project will completely repair and/or restore all historic glass metalwork 

elements of the canopy off site, repair exterior drainage structures, and replace existing 

lighting with new energy-efficient fixtures. The Conservatory work will restore all historic 

fabric, repair structural elements so that the laylights can be re-installed, replace exterior 

acrylic panels with new glass, and upgrade environmental conditions to reduce 

condensation and improve gallery HVAC performance. The Smithsonian requests 

$1 million in FY 2017 to continue repairs on the canopy and Conservatory.

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

Canopy design was completed in July of 2015, including lighting designs that 

were the result of a mock-up reviewed in March of 2015. The Conservatory schematic 

design was completed in August of 2014. The canopy restoration project will be ready for

bid to pre-qualified contractors for construction in FY 2016. The solicitation will include 

the option for a follow-on contract for the Conservatory work, if funding permits.

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

A delay in performing this work will lead to continued deterioration and ultimate

failure of the historic fabric contained in each of these structures. Environmental 

conditions in adjacent galleries will be negatively affected by substandard conditions in the 

Conservatory, limiting what can be displayed. The salvaged laylight, an integral part of the 

historic Conservatory ceiling, will continue to be stored in crates off site, and visitors will 

continue to experience this unique, historic space in an unfinished, unrestored state.

PROJECT TITLE: Miller/Fox Façade Repair

INSTALLATION: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM)

LOCATION: New York, New York 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,000

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Masonry and metals in various locations on the Miller/Fox building façade are 

failing. In brief, the work scope will include masonry repointing, parapet reconstruction, 

and repair/replacement of windows and their associated flashings. This work is needed 

to ensure structural stability as well as a sound building envelope that is free of water 
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infiltration. Additionally, this project will include remedial repairs to interior finishes that 

have been damaged over time as a result of building envelope failures.

PROJECT TITLE: Stabilize Mansion Sidewalks

INSTALLATION: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM)

LOCATION: New York, New York

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $700

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Stone slab sidewalks around the site perimeter have become uneven, with 

exposed edges that pose a safety hazard, and also show signs of increasing edge 

damage as a result of being exposed to various equipment and environmental elements. 

The stones require flame refinishing to provide a more even surface, and resetting to 

meet accessibility standards for disabled visitors. This work must be completed in 

FY 2017 to comply with a grant agreement with the City of New York. 

PROJECT TITLE: Restore/Repair Building Envelope, Systems and Plaza

INSTALLATION: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG)

LOCATION: Washington, DC

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,000

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $1,000

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $22,300

Total $24,300

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Smithsonian’s Museum of 

contemporary art, opened to the public in 1974. The building is a cylindrical shape raised 

14 feet above the ground on four massive concrete piers. At the center of the concrete 

drum is a large oval courtyard, containing a large, shallow, bronze fountain. The 

featureless outer shell is contrasted by the walls of the inner courtyard, which are divided 

into equal, glazed cells, which light the interior sculpture galleries. The building has four 

aboveground stories and a basement that sits below the plaza surrounding the building.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The building shell performs poorly with respect to moisture infiltration and thermal 

performance, with the problems increasing as the building ages. A comprehensive 

analysis of the building envelope performed in FYs 2015 and 2016 is identifying major

renewal needs, but there is also an immediate need to address active leaks and other

vulnerabilities, including failing concrete retaining walls, the aging roof, and water 

intrusion into the galleries from the shallow balcony on the Mall side of the building.
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Smithsonian requests $1 million in FY 2017 to address the most essential 

repairs: the prevention of water infiltration that involves the paving, glazing, and exterior 

walls of the galleries; and the repair or reconstruction of failing concrete retaining walls in

the Sculpture Garden. 

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

The comprehensive envelope evaluation, begun in FY 2015, and detailed studies 

of areas of leakage or failure, and of the options for installing fall-protection devices, will 

form the basis for final decisions about the project scope.

IMPACT OF DELAY:

Continuing leakage endangers the building fabric and the collections. Water 

intrusion during heavy rainstorms increasingly interferes with public access. Inadequate 

fall-protection poses a danger to staff and contractors who require access to the roof, 

windows, and perimeter walls.

PROJECT TITLE: Earthquake Damage Repairs

INSTALLATION: Museum Support Center (MSC)

LOCATION: Suitland, Maryland

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $2,250

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING (including funds for NASM): $10,600

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $3,750

Total $16,600

BACKGROUND:

The earthquake of August 2011 damaged multiple Smithsonian buildings. Along 

with building damage, various collections in each were also damaged due to floor and 

wall movement. MSC and the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) were especially 

hard hit by the earthquake, with either major building envelope breaches or structural 

damage. The MSC is the main collections storage location for many Smithsonian 

museums. Three of the five concrete reinforced collections pods, due to the method of 

constructing interior floors using steel structures, have experienced large movements of 

structural steel footings and slippage of the main girders holding the roofs. Their current 

condition, although safe for present use, requires repairs and seismic upgrades to 

prevent future damage. The damages to the building envelope have left it with many 

leaking skylights, wall connections, rain leaders, and façade joints. The NASM repairs 

have been fully funded.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

At MSC, engineering surveys of the structure have demonstrated an immediate 

need for repairs that entail a seismic upgrade of the existing structure and roofing 

systems. Footings have been ripped from their anchors and roof beams slipped up to 
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four inches away from their initial support seating. Although the structure performed as 

designed during the earthquake, with damages instead of failure, this movement has 

compromised the original seismic design criteria for the structure. This is similar to an 

automobile that protected its occupants during a crash, but then requires repairs to 

enable it to perform that function again. In addition, the structure must be upgraded so 

that, if another earthquake occurs, collections damages will be reduced.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The MSC repairs require reseating the roof beams and interior structural floor 

systems of the pods, seismic upgrading for the connections of both the roof beams and 

the floor systems, to secure them to the main building structure, and repairs to sections of 

the roof and walls that were damaged or may have to be rebuilt during the work. The 

Institution requests $2.25 million in FY 2017 to complete the MSC repairs and structural 

upgrades, and will request $3.75 in FY 2018 to repair roofing damage. 

PROGRESS TO DATE:

Damage surveys, pre-project planning, and cost estimates have been completed to 

help assess the specific repairs and necessary seismic upgrades. This information was 

used in design efforts in FY 2012. The Smithsonian redirected funds during FY 2012 to 

cover minor stabilization and design costs. The MSC earthquake damage repair design 

was completed in January 2015, and the contract was awarded in September 2015. This 

project was 30 percent complete as of December 2015. 

IMPACT OF DELAY:

The MSC pods, although considered safe in their present state, have had 

structural damages and must be restored to current local seismic code criteria. Without 

this work, the structure may be even more severely damaged in a future earthquake, 

resulting in the major loss of the national collections.

PROJECT TITLE: Install Guardrails, Mt Hopkins Road 

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $450

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

The only access to the 8,500-foot elevation Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory is 

via a single-lane, 20-km-long combination dirt, crushed rock and occasionally paved 

roadbed with significant switchbacks, blind corners and extremely steep drop-offs to the

canyon floor below. Much of this road, which is open to the public, lacks guardrails. While 

Smithsonian staff use radio communication to alert staff of upwards and downwards traffic, 

the public does not have access to this information, which adds greatly to the safety 

concern. Numerous accidents have occurred, with some vehicles sliding off the roadway. 

This project will install replacement and new guardrail sections on a prioritized schedule to 

increase pedestrian and vehicular safety for the public and Smithsonian staff.
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PROJECT TITLE: Repair/Improve Roads, Fred L. Whipple Observatory (FLWO)

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $400

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Access to the 8,500-foot elevation Observatory from the base camp is via Mt. 

Hopkins Road, a single-lane, 20-km-long combination dirt, crushed rock and occasionally 

paved roadbed. Maintenance and repair of the roadbed is paramount in maximizing the 

overall safety of the road. The road requires routine re-grading, pavement repair and 

replacement as well as storm-water management and culvert work. In addition, the 

existing direct-burial 13.4 kilovolt (KV) power line traverses above and below the existing 

metal culverts, which require frequent clean-out operations to maintain a proper road 

surface. Proximity of the power line to the conductive culverts requires that power to the 

mountain be shut off during these clean-out operations.

This multi-year project involves designing and constructing replacements for the 

remaining 70–75 metal culverts, with non-conductive material, repairing drainage 

systems, including outfalls and gabion headwalls, and replacing pavement road sections.

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade Electronic Security

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $300

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory is located in Amado, Arizona, 

approximately 30 miles from the Mexican border, which is considered a major drugtrafficking corridor. There have been reports of suspicious persons on the base camp 

grounds; however, there are insufficient means to secure the semi-darkened Observatory

site at night from pedestrian access. Observatory staff cannot use security lighting without 

compromising their telescopic nighttime sky viewing, and science and research activities. 

This project will add perimeter security fencing and enhanced exterior door security 

hardware to better protect SAO staff and their valuable scientific equipment. 

PROJECT TITLE: Install Storage Mezzanine at SMA Control Building 

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Mauna Kea, Hawaii

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $250

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

 SAO’s Submillimeter Array (SMA) control building is located atop the 13,756-foot 

summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This location is subject to extreme climactic conditions,
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including significant icing and wind gusts reaching 130 mph. SMA’s operations require onsite maintenance of extremely sensitive equipment that cannot be stored outside due to 

these conditions as well as a prohibition on any outside storage by the Office of Mauna Kea 

Management (OMKM). Since the interior of the SMA Control Building is very small and it is 

routinely used for large antenna maintenance, options for storage are limited. Construction 

of a mezzanine will allow operations and maintenance to be unhindered, enable

compliance with local regulations, and alleviate concerns about safety egress paths being 

blocked due to tight storage conditions.

PROJECT TITLE: Enhance Fire-Protection and Alarm Systems Site Wide, FLWO

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona 

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $200

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) is located in the Coronado 

National Forest in southern Arizona and is subject to an extremely high wildfire risk. In 

2005, a wildfire consumed 23,000 acres and came within a mile of the facility. In

response, a site-wide fire alarm and radio notification project was completed to 

communicate fire hazards on site. However, communication to local firefighting support 

responders is hampered by the lack of a reliable microwave link. This project will provide 

a stable microwave reporting link from the Observatory to Tucson.

PROJECT TITLE: Install Safety Access Platform on the Submillimeter Array (SMA) 

Roof

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

LOCATION: Mauna Kea, Hawaii

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $150

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

SAO’s Submillimeter Array (SMA) Control Building is located atop the 13,756-foot 

summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This location is subject to extreme climactic conditions,

including significant icing and wind gusts reaching 130 mph. The SMA’s weather station 

is located on the roof of the Control Building and requires access for repair and 

calibration. Presently, there is no safety access platform to accomplish that work. This 

project will provide a safety platform, railings, access ladder and fall-arrest harness 

points on the roof.
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PROJECT TITLE: Site Infrastructure/Renovate Homestead House/Security

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)

LOCATION: Edgewater, Maryland

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $1,500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

As outlined in SERC’s Comprehensive Facility Master Plan, SERC’s 

5,000-square-foot Homestead House will serve as the Center’s “front door” and will firmly 

establish this essentially needed central security presence for those entering the site. 

This will help rectify a longstanding security concern regarding unauthorized access to 

SERC’s 2,650-acre site. The Homestead House, dating back to the early 1700s, was the 

primary residence for the owners of the Contee Farm and its significance in colonial 

archaeological, local and cultural history is well established. Renovations of the 

Homestead House will include new security offices in the structure, adjacent to a new

security gate. Interior renovations will include new lighting, HVAC and plumbing, as well 

as refurbished period finishes and handicapped-accessible facilities for visitors. New 

exterior infrastructure elements will include a rebuilt driveway, well and septic system, 

and accessible parking.

PROJECT TITLE: Renovate and Replace Facilities at Galeta Marine Station

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

LOCATION: Panama

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $750

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $4,700

Total $5,450

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

The Galeta Marine Station is located near the Caribbean terminal of the Panama 

Canal and the city of Colon. It serves as a laboratory, marine and wetland environmental 

monitoring station, as well as an education and outreach center for STRI. The site 

includes several small dormitories.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

The buildings at Galeta Marine Station are located directly on an eroding 

shoreline, placing the buildings in jeopardy, as well as causing sea water infiltration 

during high tides and windy conditions. In addition, the existing laboratory and 

dormitories are located in old, outdated buildings that are not compliant with current 

building codes. Among other deficiencies, they do not have fire-protection sprinklers. 

Also, the existing lab cannot be configured to allow for an efficient use of the space. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

As part of STRI’s Facilities Master Plan, the existing dormitories and laboratory 

will be replaced with code-compliant structures to safely host the research, education 
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and outreach activities at Galeta. Additionally, as part of the implementation of safety 

standards throughout the Smithsonian Institution’s facilities, a fire-protection system will 

be designed to provide full sprinkler coverage to new and existing buildings. For Phase 1 

of this project, the Smithsonian requests $750,000 in FY 2017 to start the construction of 

the new dormitory and fire-protection system.

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

The contract for design services for this project was recently awarded, with a kickoff meeting to discuss project parameters held in January 2016.

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

The Galeta Marine Station requires major renovations at many essential facilities,

including the laboratory, administration building, and dormitories. Delaying this project 

will increase maintenance costs, impair STRI’s ability to conduct research and 

educational programs at Galeta, and potentially endanger visitors and staff.

PROJECT TITLE: Revitalization of Naos Laboratory Buildings 332, 352, and 359

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

LOCATION: Panama

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $750

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $10,300

Total $11,050

BUILDING BACKGROUND:

Located in Panama City, the Naos Marine Laboratory site provides facilities for 

Pacific Ocean marine research, intertidal zones behavioral research, archaeology, and 

evolutionary speciation of terrestrial plants and animals. The laboratories house a 

seawater system that uses molecular biology tools to study marine organisms, their 

behaviors, ecology, and physiology, and their interaction with invasive species. Among 

many other research activities, environmental monitoring programs study the impact of 

human activities on coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

Upon renewal of the Contract with the Nation of Panama, STRI will be able to 

occupy the Naos current facilities for an extended period of time. Current facilities 

planning at Naos calls for the renegotiation of the Contract with the Nation, which, in 

order for STRI to fulfill its mission, requires renovations and overhauls, and systems 

brought up to date or replaced entirely. With the requested funds, unoccupied or unused 

structures will be refurbished to serve new purposes such as for swing space, offices,

and storage.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This project will perform major revitalization to existing laboratory buildings 352

and 359, as well as to their support and storage buildings. Additionally, the project will
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fully renovate existing aquarium building 332, with a portion of this facility being 

converted into a swing space for the revitalization projects at buildings 352 and 359 and 

another section of the space to be used for storage of scientific samples. Finishes and 

electromechanical systems will be replaced or overhauled. Electronic security will be 

included in the project. The Smithsonian requests $750,000 in FY 2017 to start the 

refurbishment process in building 332.

PROGRESS TO DATE: 

The design contract will be awarded in FY 2016.

IMPACT OF DELAY: 

The long-term presence of STRI at Naos demands proper revitalization and 

modernization of the existing buildings’ spaces and electromechanical and electronic 

systems. Additionally, building 332 requires revitalization and partial reconstruction. 

While solutions are being provided to refurbish this building’s roof and sidings, a full 

renovation is required to use the spaces to their full potential and develop those spaces 

for specific functions.

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade BCI and Bocas Physical and Electronic Security Systems

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

LOCATION: Panama

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The physical and electronic security systems for Barro Colorado Island (BCI) and

Bocas Del Toro do not comply with Smithsonian security design criteria. The result is a 

lack of adequate electronic and physical security to protect the staff within these sites. 

The upgrade of the physical and electronic security will include access control, intrusion 

detection, closed-circuit television, and perimeter and other boundary protection.

PROJECT TITLE: Upgrade Fire Protection, Phase 2, Bocas Del Toro

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

LOCATION: Panama

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

Until recently, the Bocas Del Toro Station lacked a fire-protection system. In 

phase 1, STRI installed one 25,000-gallon tank, a fire pump and underground pipes, and 

connections to some of the buildings. However, some of STRI’s facilities are still not 

protected by the system. This next phase of the project will provide additional fireprotection installations at the research station by installing an additional tank and 

underground piping, connecting more buildings to the system, and installing sprinklers in 

areas where future buildings are planned. 
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PROJECT TITLE: Ancon Site Revitalization

INSTALLATION: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

LOCATION: Panama

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $350

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Upon the renewal of the Contract with the Nation of Panama, the permanency of 

STRI at Ancon will be extended for many years. Currently, the Ancon site houses the 

Center for Tropical Paleoecology and Archeology (CTPA) as well as a dormitory building 

that is located near Tupper Center in Panama City. The site’s buildings require 

revitalization to allow current functions to operate for the long term. Finishes and 

electromechanical and electronic systems will be renovated or modernized at the 

laboratory and the dormitory building. Enhanced security will be provided at the parking 

lot and an electric generator will be provided for the dormitory. The Smithsonian requests 

$350,000 in FY 2017 to start the first stage of the Ancon revitalization project with the 

installation of an electric generator at the dormitory.

PROJECT TITLE: Construct Collections Storage Swing Space

INSTALLATION: Suitland Collections Facility

LOCATION: Suitland, Maryland

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $2,000

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $8,030

FUTURE-YEAR FUNDING: $2,000

Total $12,030

BACKGROUND: 

An exhaustive evaluation of the Smithsonian’s collections storage space has 

identified the Suitland Collections Facility, specifically the Garber collections storage site, 

as having almost half of the Smithsonian’s below-acceptable collections space. Much of the 

more than 230,000 square feet of space is either not up to code requirements for structural 

support or is compromised by hazardous materials in and around the collections. 

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

Buildings 15, 16, and 18 contain asbestos and/or lead, and the collections therein 

have been contaminated. Encapsulation and containment fields of heavy polyethylene 

sheeting, which are more than 11 years old, are failing, further contaminating the 

collections. The August 2011 earthquake and Hurricane Sandy exacerbated this problem 

by causing the sheeting to split in many locations. Only a few highly trained and qualified 

Smithsonian staff are permitted in the buildings. Otherwise, they are closed and locked, 

and the collections within the three buildings are not available for research, exhibition, 

display, or loan, and are off limits to academia and the public. In addition to hazmat 

concerns, the structural designs of the buildings have been evaluated and found to be 
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structurally inadequate to withstand current code-required combination wind and snow 

loads. This project will provide swing space, permitting cleanup and temporary storage of 

collections, and allow for remediation and removal of the contaminated facilities. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

The first phase is to create swing space to store cleaned collection items, by 

erecting a temporary, pre-manufactured 20,000-square-foot building on the adjacent 

concrete pad of the recently removed Building 21. The next step is to build a 

decontamination chamber within Building 15, and begin the process of decontaminating the 

collections. This labor-intensive process includes accounting and inventory assessments, 

stabilizing the collection, and moving cleaned collections into the new temporary swing 

space at Garber. This swing space will serve as the area for emergency conservation and 

treatment, packing and crating, and will be the new shipping and receiving hub for Garber.

Phase II and Phase III will repeat this process for Buildings 16 and 18. The Smithsonian 

requests $2.0 million in FY 2017 to continue with the decontamination of objects in 

Buildings 16 and 18.

PROGRESS TO DATE:

Construction of the pre-manufactured temporary structure was completed in 

December of 2015. The decontamination work for Building 15 has been contracted and 

will commence in January 2016. The contract documents for Building 18 

decontamination will be developed in early 2016, with contract award by the end of FY

2016.

IMPACT OF DELAY:

Temporary fixes to these three buildings, which were originally constructed as 10–

to 15-year temporary buildings in the 1950s, continue to be applied to these collections 

storage spaces. The temporary fixes are holding the facilities stable, but to be prudent 

stewards of the national collections, action must be taken to protect, preserve, and 

provide access to these trapped collections before the facilities are further contaminated 

or the structures collapse and potentially spread hazmat contamination in the 

surrounding area. Aside from the risk to the public that this situation presents, the 

Smithsonian cannot proceed with the remainder of the master plan improvements at the 

Garber and Suitland facilities without this first phase being completed.
263

PROJECT TITLE: Building Projects Less Than $1,000,000 

INSTALLATION: Multiple Locations

LOCATION: Institution-wide

FY 2016 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $6,500

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This request includes smaller, individual projects of less than $1 million each, 

which usually involve capital repair or replacement of individual systems or components. 

Projects include work at the Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle). In addition, 

this supports other Smithsonian operations, such as reprographic and library services, 

guard services, collections upgrades, conservation studies, and unplanned emergency 

repairs.

PROJECT TITLE: Construction Supervision and Administration

INSTALLATION: Multiple Locations

LOCATION: Institution-wide

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $6,750

PRIOR-YEAR FUNDING: $7,000

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This request includes costs for permanent cost-estimating staff, the construction 

management staff required to supervise and administer construction contracts, as well as 

term and temporary staff required to perform specialized work associated with 

revitalization projects. A total of 48 FTEs will be funded from the $6.75 million. The 

construction managers directly supervise construction contractors to ensure that quality 

work is performed safely. In addition, they resolve issues that arise during construction, 

negotiate change orders, approve payments, and perform other administrative functions 

as contracting officers’ technical representatives (COTRs). These necessary “owner 

functions” are essential to ensure that quality work is completed safely, on time, and within 

budget. 

This request also funds five contract specialists who support all aspects of the 

procurement process for acquiring the necessary contract services to execute the 

Capital Program. These five positions provide essential expertise to ensure the timely 

award of planning, design, and construction contracts for the Capital Program.
264

FACILITIES PLANNING AND DESIGN 

Feasibility studies, needs assessments, and design for capital projects are 

required before site work can take place. This category includes all costs for contract 

facility master planning, preliminary and final design for all revitalization and construction 

projects, special studies, and a small amount for facility engineering, capital leveraging, 

and research activities, similar to operations at the Department of Defense and the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The funding will enable 

development of project baselines, including costs, scope, and schedules, prior to 

receiving funds to perform the work. 

In order to plan and design ahead of Capital Program execution, funding of 10 to 

15 percent of the following year’s program is required each year. The funding 

requested for FY 2017 will provide necessary planning and design to the 35 percent 

stage for most projects included in the planned FY 2019 program, and will complete 

design for projects planned for FY 2018. This will move the Institution closer to meeting 

the National Academy of Public Administration’s (NAPA) recommendation that firm 

baselines be established before funding requests to provide more accurate cost 

estimates and to enable timely award of construction contracts upon receipt of futureyear funding. 

The Institution requests a total of $29,350,000 for planning and design in 

FY 2017. These funds will be used to design several major revitalization projects at the 

Smithsonian Institution Building (SIB) ($4.8 million); National Museum of Natural History 

($3 million); National Zoological Park ($2.5 million); National Air and Space Museum 

($4.5 million); and Pod 6 at the Museum Support Center ($5.5 million). Also included is 

funding to prepare designs for numerous smaller revitalization projects, including security 

upgrades and master planning ($9.05 million). This Budget request will also enable the 

Smithsonian to prepare comprehensive master planning studies to guide future facilities 

decisions, and other studies to ensure more effective use of existing space. 
265

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: Construct Dulles Collections Storage Module 1

INSTALLATION: National Air and Space Museum (NASM) — Udvar-Hazy Center

LOCATION: Chantilly, Virginia

FY 2017 COST ESTIMATE (Thousands of Dollars): $50,000

BACKGROUND: 

An exhaustive evaluation of the Smithsonian’s collections storage space has 

identified the Garber collections storage site, originally constructed as 10- to 15-year 

temporary buildings in the 1950s, as having almost half of the Smithsonian’s unacceptable 

collections space. Much of the more than 384,700 square feet of space at Garber, of which 

approximately 233,000 square feet houses NASM artifacts, is either not up to code 

requirements for structural support or is compromised by hazardous materials in and 

around the collections.

The expansion of collections storage space at the Smithsonian’s Dulles site 

establishes a permanent facility to take collections from the aging buildings of the Garber 

facility, which are being phased out after 60 years of service. Two three-story collections 

storage modules for medium and large-size objects, and one single-story collections 

storage hangar for air and spacecraft, are proposed for construction adjacent to the NASM 

Udvar-Hazy Center (UHC) in Chantilly, Virginia.

 

These are the first modules of a larger Dulles Collections Center (which will total 

approximately 237,000 gross square feet), and will enable NASM to move a significant 

number of its remaining collections out of the Paul E. Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland, 

as well as provide improved collections storage facilities.

 

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:

As NASM proceeds with the move of collections out of Garber in accordance with 

its long-term strategy for collections consolidation at the Dulles site, it has determined that 

the Museum will run out of space for medium-size objects in the existing Udvar-Hazy 

Center in 2017.

 

Construction of the first storage module of approximately 124,000 gross square feet 

is required to support the continued move out of Garber. Furthermore, in the near term, 

the first storage module will also serve the immediate need for temporary collections swing 

space during the upcoming NASM National Mall Building (NMB) Envelope and 

Infrastructure Revitalization project (projected for FYs 2018–2023).

The April 2015 feasibility study for collections swing space identified a critical need 

for at least 40,250 net square feet of off-site space for exhibit collections for the duration of 

the NASM-NMB Envelope and Infrastructure Revitalization project. Relocation of artifacts 

off site significantly reduces the risk of damage to the collections during the building-wide 

renovation. The strategy also minimizes the number of collections that would require 

expensive “protect-in-place” enclosures during the renovations. 
266

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

The Smithsonian requests $50 million in FY 2017 to construct Storage Module 1. 

The new facility (approximately 124,000 gross square feet) will provide approximately

108,000 square feet of collections storage space within an energy-efficient building 

envelope, with the appropriate temperature and humidity controls meeting Smithsonian 

standards for collections storage.

PROGRESS TO DATE:

Design work began in February of 2015 and the 35 percent design stage was 

reached in August of 2015. The design documents are due in September of 2016.

IMPACT OF DELAY:

Delaying construction of this essential collections storage facility would have a 

two-fold impact. First, it would delay the start of the NASM-NMB Envelope and 

Infrastructure Revitalization project. As stated earlier, the Dulles Collections Storage 

Module 1, in the near term, will serve the immediate need for temporary collections 

swing space during the upcoming NASM-NMB Revitalization and is on the critical path.

Secondly, such a delay would halt the ongoing relocation of NASM collections out of the

Garber facility to more appropriate and accessible storage space. 
Board of Regents

Secretary

General Counsel

Office of the Regents

Inspector General

Under Secretary for 

Museums & Research/Provost 

Under Secretary for Finance & 

Administration/Chief Financial 

Officer

Assistant Secretary

Education & Access

Assistant Secretary

Communications & External 

Affairs

Assistant Secretary

Advancement

Director, Equal Emp. 

& Minority Affairs

Coo

H

National 

N

S

Sm

S

Contracting & Personal Property Management

Finance & Accounting

Human Resources

Information Technology

Investments

Planning, Management, & Budget

Policy & Analysis

Smithsonian Enterprises

Smithsonian Exhibits

Smithsonian Facilities

Sponsored Projects

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

*IFVYEV]

267
268

VISITS TO THE SMITHSONIAN

FYs 2011–2015

MUSEUM FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

MALL

SI Castle 1,599,986 1,453,220 1,405,651 1,158,617 1,103,499

A&I Building1 0 0 0 0 0

Natural History 6,768,580 7,378,612 8,281,983 7,047,560 7,049,730

Air and Space/ 

Silver Hill 

7,283,019 6,907,969 7,167,075 6,377,840 6,902,206

American Indian 1,326,457 1,605,547 1,444,279 1,260,756 1,307,568

Freer Gallery 542,792 567,183 401,101 357,282 389,113

Sackler Gallery 373,800 400,950 225,053 192,132 155,998

African Art 369,635 405,441 227,547 180,608 226,743

Ripley Center 447,224 519,878 226,052 140,701 156,318

American History 4,588,853 4,764,131 4,978,559 3,971,987 4,100,718

Hirshhorn 617,751 722,008 717,663 514,922 658,312

OFF MALL

DW Reynolds 

Center (AA/PG)

1,080,177 1,078,774 1,063,299 1,075,866 1,265,223

Anacostia 50,785 37,952 37,611 37,440 32,983

Cooper Hewitt

2 233,732 328 0 0 218,840

American Indian3

(Heye Center/CRC)

352,463 422,665 602,056 554,063 514,527

Renwick4

National Zoo 

161,765

1,825,329

175,183

2,237,922

138,951

2,092,824

17,199

2,304,129

0

2,194,194

Postal 334,039 325,571 284,971 363,802 401,124

Udvar-Hazy Center 1,198,873 1,324,297 1,366,322 1,214,284 1,529,293

TOTAL 29,155,260 30,327,631 30,660,997 26,769,188 28,206,389

1 The Arts and Industries (A&I) Building closed to the general public in January 2004.

2 The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum closed to the public in October 2011 for phase two of the 

Carnegie Mansion renovation project and reopened in December 2014.

3

Includes the George Gustav Heye Center in New York City and the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, 

Maryland.

4 The Renwick Gallery closed to the public in December 2013. 
269

TRUST FUNDS

In addition to support provided by federal appropriations, the Smithsonian

Institution receives and generates trust funds to expand and enrich its programs.

Trust funds are used to leverage the Smithsonian’s research capacity through 

partnerships with federal agencies, universities, non-Governmental 

organizations, industry, and other private organizations, both national and 

international. Trust funds will also be raised to meet the Institution’s funding 

commitment with Congress to build and open the new National Museum of 

African American History and Culture. In addition, trust funds will be used to 

renovate and modernize exhibits throughout the Institution. The following 

provides an overview of the current sources of trust funds.

The Institution’s trust funds include general trust funds with limited or no 

restrictions on their use, funds restricted by the donor or sponsor, and 

Government grants and contracts. Projections are subject to the uncertainty of 

the size of donations, grants, and contracts; to fluctuations in visitor attendance;

and to the volatility of the economy, which together directly affect the return on 

the endowment, short-term interest income, and donor giving, as well as 

restaurant, magazine, catalogue, and museum shop revenues, memberships, 

and other business activities. The Institution’s gross operating revenue, less the 

expenses of the auxiliary activities, represents the net operating revenue 

available for programmatic and related purposes. The following table 

summarizes the sources of trust operating funds.

(Dollars in Millions)

FY 2014

Actuals

FY 2015

Estimates 

FY 2016

Estimates

General Trust 79.6 89.0 94.1

Donor/Sponsor-Designated 240.3 244.0 240.6

Government Grants and Contracts 124.2 143.2 150.0

Total Available for Operations $444.1 $476.2 $484.7

SOURCE AND APPLICATION OF TRUST FUNDS — The following sections 

describe the sources of each category of trust funds as well as a general account 

of how they are used.

General Trust Funds — The sources of general trust funds are 

investment income; payout from unrestricted endowments; net proceeds from the 

museum shops, catalogues, and food service concessions; sales of Smithsonian 

books, records, and other products based on designs and objects in the 

collections; theater/planetarium operations at the National Air and Space 

Museum and the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater in the National Museum of 

Natural History; licensing fees from the Smithsonian Channel and student travel 

programs; rental of exhibitions of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition 

Service; membership programs (including subscriptions to Smithsonian and Air 
270

and Space magazines); the sale of posters, exhibition brochures, catalogues, 

and other publications; and admission fees. Projected sources of FY 2016

general trust funds total $94,100,000. These funds are used to support 

administrative programs such as central management, legal counsel, accounting, 

personnel, contracting, and budget, as well as fund raising, education, research 

and public programs, scholarly studies, and exhibitions.

Donor/Sponsor-Designated Funds — Designated trust funds include 

gifts, grants, and earnings on endowments from individuals, foundations, 

organizations, and corporations which specify the purpose of the funds. 

Designated funds in FY 2016 are projected to total $240,600,000. Generally, 

these funds support a particular exhibition or program, or are used to manage the 

Smithsonian collections and/or support research projects in accordance with the 

Institution’s mission.

Government Grants and Contracts — Various Government agencies 

and departments provide grants and contracts for specific projects that align with

the Smithsonian’s expertise in a particular area of science, history, art, or 

education. For FY 2016, Government grants and contracts are projected to total 

$150,000,000. Of this amount, $95,000,000 would be available for astrophysical 

research and development programs carried out by the Smithsonian 

Astrophysical Observatory.
271

APPROPRIATION LANGUAGE AND CITATIONS

The Act of August 10, 1846, codified within 20 U.S.C. §§ 41–70, established 

the Smithsonian Institution “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” and provided 

the organizational structure for the Institution’s administration. The mission of the 

Smithsonian Institution has remained unchanged throughout its 170-year history, 

although additional authority for many of the Institution’s programs and operations has 

been enacted over the years. Selected provisions of those statutes, along with 

selected provisions of the Smithsonian charter and prior-year appropriations acts, are 

cited below as authority for the Smithsonian Institution’s FY 2016 appropriations

language. 

Appropriation: Salaries and Expenses

1. For necessary expenses of the Smithsonian Institution, as authorized by law, 

including research in the fields of art, science, and history;

20 U.S.C. § 50 provides that “...all objects of art and of foreign and 

curious research, and all objects of natural history, plants, and geological 

and mineralogical specimens...shall be so arranged and classified...as 

best to facilitate the examination and study of them...” 

20 U.S.C. § 53a provides that “Appropriations are hereby authorized 

for...the making of solar observations at high altitudes...” 

20 U.S.C. § 69 provides that “The Secretary of the Smithsonian 

Institution is hereby authorized...to continue independently or in 

cooperation anthropological researches among the American Indians 

and the natives of lands under the jurisdiction or protection of the United 

States...” 

20 U.S.C. § 75b(b) provides that “The [National Portrait] Gallery shall 

function as a free public museum for the exhibition and study of 

portraiture and statuary depicting men and women who have made 

significant contributions to the history, development, and culture of the 

people of the United States and of the artists who created such 

portraiture and statuary.” 

20 U.S.C. § 76bb(c) provides that “The Joseph H. Hirshhorn Museum 

and Sculpture Garden...shall be used for the storage, exhibition, and 

study of works of art...” 

20 U.S.C. § 77a provides that “Said national air and space museum 

shall...provide educational material for the historical study of aviation and 

space flight.” 
272

20 U.S.C. § 78 provides that “The Secretary of the Smithsonian 

Institution is hereby authorized to cooperate with any State, educational 

institution, or scientific organization in the United States, for continuing 

paleontological investigations...” 

20 U.S.C. § 80m(a)(3) provides that “(a)...the Board [of Regents] may--

...(3) conduct programs of research and education [in the Museum of 

African Art]...”

20 U.S.C. §§ 80q-1(b)(1) & (3) provide that “(b)The purposes of the 

National Museum [of the American Indian] are to-- (1) advance the study 

of Native Americans, including the study of language, literature, history, 

art, anthropology, and life;...(3) provide for Native American research 

and study programs...”

20 U.S.C. § 80r-2(b)(1) provides that “(b) The purpose of the [National] 

Museum [of African American History and Culture] shall be to provide 

for-- (1) the collection, study and establishment of programs relating to 

African American life, art, history and culture that encompass [certain 

periods of the African American diaspora]...”

2. development, preservation, and documentation of the National Collections;

20 U.S.C. § 50 provides that “...all objects of art and of foreign and 

curious research, and all objects of natural history, plants, and geological 

and mineralogical specimens...shall be delivered to such persons as 

may be authorized by the Board of Regents to receive them, and shall 

be so arranged and classified...as best to facilitate the examination and 

study of them...” 

20 U.S.C. § 50a provides that “The Smithsonian Institution is . . . 

authorized to include in its estimates of appropriations such sums as 

may be needful for the preservation and maintenance of the [John 

Gellatly art] collection.” 

20 U.S.C. § 59 provides that “All collections of rocks, minerals, soils, 

fossils, and objects of natural history, archaeology, and ethnology...when 

no longer needed for investigations in progress shall be deposited in the 

National Museum.” 

20 U.S.C. § 69 provides that “The Secretary of the Smithsonian 

Institution is hereby authorized...to continue independently or in 

cooperation...the excavation and preservation of archaeological 

remains.” 
273

20 U.S.C. § 75e(1) provides that “...the Board [of Regents] may-- (1) 

purchase, accept, borrow, or otherwise acquire portraiture, statuary, and 

other items for preservation, exhibition, or study.” 

20 U.S.C. § 76c(b) provides that “...the Regents are hereby 

authorized...to acquire (by purchase or otherwise) and sell contemporary 

works of art or copies thereof...” 

20 U.S.C. § 76cc(a) provides that “There is established in the 

Smithsonian Institution a Board of Trustees...which shall have the sole 

authority (i) to purchase or otherwise acquire (whether by gift, exchange, 

or other means) works of art for the Joseph H. Hirshhorn Museum and 

Sculpture Garden...” 

20 U.S.C. § 77a provides that “Said national air and space museum 

shall...collect, preserve, and display aeronautical and space flight 

equipment of historical interest and significance...”

20 U.S.C. § 80a(a) provides that “...the Smithsonian Institution shall 

collect, preserve, and exhibit military objects of historical interest and 

significance.” 

20 U.S.C. §§ 80m(a)(1) & (2) provide that “(a)...the Board [of Regents] 

may-- (1) purchase, accept, borrow or otherwise acquire additional 

works of art or any other real or personal property for the Museum [of 

African Art]; (2) preserve, maintain, restore...or otherwise hold any 

property of whatsoever nature acquired...” 

20 U.S.C. § 80q-1(b)(2) provides that “(b) The purposes of the National 

Museum [of the American Indian] are to--...(2) collect, preserve, and 

exhibit Native American objects of artistic, historical, literary, 

anthropological, and scientific interest...” 

20 U.S.C. § 80r-2(b)(3) provides that “(b) The purpose of the [National] 

Museum [of African American History and Culture] shall be to provide 

for-- ...(3) the collection and study of artifacts and documents relating to 

African American life, art, history, and culture...”

20 U.S.C. § 81 provides that “The National Zoological Park is placed 

under the direction of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, who 

are authorized to transfer to it any living specimens, whether of animals 

or plants, in their charge, to accept gifts for the park...[and] to make 

exchanges of specimens...” 
274

3. presentation of public exhibits and performances;

20 U.S.C. § 75b(b) provides that “The [National Portrait] Gallery shall 

function as a free public museum for the exhibition and study of 

portraiture and statuary...” 

20 U.S.C. § 76c(b) provides that “In order to encourage the development 

of contemporary art and to effect the widest distribution and cultivation in 

matters of such art, the Regents are hereby authorized to...conduct 

exhibitions...” 

20 U.S.C. § 76bb(c) provides that “The Joseph H. Hirshhorn Museum 

and Sculpture Garden...shall be used for the storage, exhibition, and 

study of works of art...” 

20 U.S.C. § 77a provides that “Said national air and space museum 

shall...collect, preserve, and display aeronautical and space flight 

equipment of historical interest and significance...” 

20 U.S.C. § 80a(a) provides that “...the Smithsonian Institution shall 

collect, preserve, and exhibit military objects of historical interest and 

significance.” 

20 U.S.C. § 80m(a)(2) provides that “(a)...the Board [of Regents] may--

...(2)...display...any property of whatsoever nature acquired [for the 

Museum of African Art]...” 

20 U.S.C. § 80q-1(b)(2) provides that “(b) The purposes of the National 

Museum [of the American Indian] are to--...(2) collect, preserve, and 

exhibit Native American objects of artistic, historical, literary, 

anthropological, and scientific interest...”

20 U.S.C. § 80r-2(b)(3) provides that “(b) The purpose of the [National] 

Museum [of African American History and Culture] shall be to provide 

for-- ...(3) the collection and study of artifacts and documents relating to 

African American life, art, history, and culture...”

4. collection, preparation, dissemination, and exchange of information and 

publications; 

20 U.S.C. § 53a provides that “Appropriations are hereby authorized 

for...preparation of manuscripts, drawings, and illustrations for 

publications.”
275

5. conduct of education, training, and museum assistance programs;

20 U.S.C. §§ 65a(a)(1),(3) & (4) provide that “(a)The Director of the 

National Museum under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian 

Institution shall-- (1) cooperate with museums and their professional 

organizations in a continuing study of museum problems and 

opportunities, both in the United States and abroad;... (3) prepare and 

distribute significant museum publications; (4) perform research on, and 

otherwise contribute to, the [development of] museum techniques....”

20 U.S.C. § 77a provides that “Said national air and space museum 

shall...provide educational material for the historical study of aviation and 

space flight.”

20 U.S.C. § 79a provides that “The purpose of setting aside such an 

area [Barro Colorado Island] is to preserve and conserve its natural 

features...thus providing a place where duly qualified students can make 

observations and scientific investigations for increase of knowledge, 

under such conditions and regulations as may be prescribed by the 

[Smithsonian Institution].”

20 U.S.C. § 79e provides that “There are authorized to be appropriated 

annually...such sums as are necessary for the administration of [the 

Canal Zone Biological Area] ... and for the maintenance of laboratory or 

other facilities...”

20 U.S.C. § 80m(a)(3) provides that “(a)...the Board [of Regents] may--

...(3) conduct programs of research and education [in the Museum of 

African Art]....”

6. maintenance, alteration, operation, lease agreements of no more than 30 

years, and protection of buildings, facilities, and approaches;

20 U.S.C. § 53a provides that “Appropriations are hereby authorized for 

the maintenance of the Astrophysical Observatory and...for repairs and 

alterations of buildings and grounds occupied by the Smithsonian 

Institution in the District of Columbia and elsewhere...” 

20 U.S.C. § 76ee provides that “There is authorized to be 

appropriated...such additional sums as may be necessary for the 

maintenance and operation of such [Hirshhorn] museum and sculpture 

garden.” 

20 U.S.C. § 79b(c) provides that “The ...[Smithsonian Institution] 

shall...(c) be responsible for the construction and maintenance of 

laboratory and other facilities on the area provided for the use of 

students authorized to carry on studies within the confines of the area...” 
276

20 U.S.C. § 80m(a)(2) provides that “(a)...the Board [of Regents] may--

...(2) preserve, maintain...any property of whatsoever nature acquired 

[for the Museum of African Art]...” 

20 U.S.C. § 81 provides that ”The National Zoological Park is placed 

under the direction of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, who 

are authorized...to administer and improve the said Zoological Park for 

the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the 

people.” Public Law 101-512 making appropriations for the Department 

of the Interior and Related Agencies for the fiscal year 1991 extended 

the maximum term for federal leases from ten years to thirty. 

7. not to exceed $ for services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109;

5 U.S.C. § 3109(b) provides that “When authorized by an appropriation 

or other statute, the head of an agency may procure by contract the 

temporary (not in excess of 1 year) or intermittent services of experts or 

consultants or an organization thereof, including stenographic reporting 

services.”

8. and purchase, rental, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for employees,

5 U.S.C. § 5901(a) provides that “There is authorized to be appropriated 

annually to each agency of the Government of the United States...on a 

showing of necessity or desirability, such sums as may be necessary to 

carry out this subchapter. 

40 U.S.C. § 6306(c) provides that “The employees designated as special 

police under subsection (a) [covering the Smithsonian Institution] may be 

provided, without charge, with uniforms and other equipment as may be 

necessary for the proper performance of their duties...”

9. $_______, to remain available until September 30, 2017, except as otherwise 

provided herein;

Wording added by the Congress in Public Law 111-88 making 

appropriations for the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 

for fiscal year 2010 to extend the availability for the Salaries and 

Expenses account from one year to two years unless otherwise 

provided.

10. of which not to exceed $________ for the instrumentation program, collections 

acquisition, exhibition reinstallation, the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture, and the repatriation of skeletal remains program shall 

remain available until expended; 
277

Wording added by the Congress in Public Law 100-446 making 

appropriations for the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 

for fiscal year 1989 to permit the Institution to establish no-year funding 

within the Salaries and Expenses account for the development of major 

scientific instrumentation. Public Law 101-512, making appropriations for 

the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies for fiscal year 1991, 

allowed no-year funding to be used for the instrumentation program as 

well as purchases for museum collections and the repatriation of skeletal 

remains. Public Law 108-447 making appropriations for the Department 

of the Interior and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2005 allowed 

additional no-year funding for exhibition reinstallation; and the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture. 

31 U.S.C. § 1301(c)(2) provides that “(c) An appropriation in a regular, 

annual appropriation law may be construed to be permanent or available 

continuously only if the appropriation--... (2) expressly provides that it is 

available after the fiscal year covered by the law in which it appears.” 

11. and including such funds as may be necessary to support American overseas 

research centers:

Wording added by the Congress in Public Law 99-190 making 

appropriations for Other Related Agencies for fiscal year 1986. 

12. Provided, That funds appropriated herein are available for advance payments 

to independent contractors performing research services or participating in 

official Smithsonian presentations.

31 U.S.C. § 3324(b)(1) provides that (b) “An advance of public money 

may be made only if it is authorized by-- (1) a specific appropriation or 

other law...”

Appropriation: Facilities Capital

1. For necessary expenses of repair, revitalization, and alteration of facilities 

owned or occupied by the Smithsonian Institution, by contract or otherwise, as 

authorized by section 2 of the Act of August 22, 1949 (63 Stat. 623),

20 U.S.C. § 53a provides that “Appropriations are hereby authorized...for 

repairs and alterations of buildings and grounds occupied by the 

Smithsonian Institution in the District of Columbia and elsewhere...”

20 U.S.C. § 81 provides that “The National Zoological Park is placed 

under the direction of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, who 

are authorized...to administer and improve the said Zoological Park for 

the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the 

people.”
278

Public Law 108-108, making appropriations for the Department of the 

Interior and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2004, established the 

Facilities Capital appropriation. The appropriation includes activities 

formerly financed through the Repair, Restoration and Alteration of 

Facilities appropriation and the Construction appropriation.

2. and for construction,

20 U.S.C. § 53a provides that “Appropriations are hereby authorized...for 

repairs and alterations of buildings and grounds occupied by the 

Smithsonian Institution in the District of Columbia and elsewhere...” 

3. including necessary personnel,

Wording added by Congress for clarification in Public Law 108-7 making 

appropriations for the Department of Interior and Related Agencies for 

fiscal year 2003.

4. $ _________ to remain available until expended,

31 U.S.C. § 1301(c)(2) provides that “(c) An appropriation in a regular, 

annual appropriation law may be construed to be permanent or available 

continuously only if the appropriation--... (2) expressly provides that it is 

available after the fiscal year covered by the law in which it appears.”

5. of which not to exceed $ shall be for services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 

3109,

5 U.S.C. § 3109(b) provides that “When authorized by an appropriation 

or other statute, the head of an agency may procure by contract the temporary (not in excess of 1 year) or intermittent services of experts or 

consultants or an organization thereof, including stenographic reporting 

services.”
Adjustments for FY 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)

Reorganizations and Reprogrammings

FY 2016 

Appropriation

Collections 

Scholarship \1

Permanent 

Transfers 

FY 2015/16

FY 2016 

Adjusted Base

Unit $000s $000s $000s $000s

MUSEUMS AND RESEARCH CENTERS

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

National Air and Space Museum 18,937 272 0 19,209

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 24,141 0 0 24,141

Major Scientific Instrumentation 4,118 0 0 4,118

Universe Consortium 184 0 0 184

Subtotal, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe 47,380 272 0 47,652

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet

National Museum of Natural History 48,503 0 0 48,503

National Zoological Park 26,382 0 0 26,382

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 3,956 0 0 3,956

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 14,166 0 0 14,166

Biodiversity Consortium 1,523 0 0 1,523

Subtotal, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet 94,530 0 0 94,530

Valuing World Cultures

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery/Freer Gallery of Art 6,111 0 0 6,111

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage 2,581 0 0 2,581

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 4,810 0 0 4,810

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden 4,414 0 0 4,414

National Museum of African Art 4,263 136 0 4,399

World Cultures Consortium 284 0 0 284

Subtotal, Valuing World Cultures 22,463 136 0 22,599

Understanding the American Experience

Anacostia Community Museum 2,116 136 0 2,252

Archives of American Art 1,880 0 0 1,880

National Museum of African American History & Culture 41,347 0 0 41,347

National Museum of American History, Behring Center 22,013 684 0 22,697

National Museum of the American Indian 31,726 0 0 31,726

National Portrait Gallery 6,064 136 0 6,200

National Postal Museum 1,109 0 0 1,109

Smithsonian American Art Museum 9,587 136 0 9,723

American Experience Consortium 595 0 0 595

Subtotal, Understanding the American Experience 116,437 1,092 0 117,529

TOTAL, MUSEUMS AND RESEARCH CENTERS 280,810 1,500 0 282,310

279
Adjustments for FY 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)

Reorganizations and Reprogrammings

FY 2016 

Appropriation

Collections 

Scholarship \1

Permanent 

Transfers 

FY 2015/16

FY 2016 

Adjusted Base

Unit $000s $000s $000s $000s

MISSION ENABLING

Program Support and Outreach

Outreach 9,229 0 (184) \2 9,045

Communications 2,594 0 0 2,594

Institution-wide Programs 14,784 0 0 14,784

Smithsonian Exhibits 3,009 0 0 3,009

Museum Support Center 1,866 0 0 1,866

Museum Conservation Institute 3,277 0 0 3,277

Smithsonian Institution Archives 2,203 0 50 \3 2,253

Smithsonian Libraries 10,654 0 0 10,654

Subtotal, Program Support and Outreach 47,616 0 (134) 47,482

Office of the Chief Information Officer 50,400 0 62 \4,5,6 50,462

Administration 34,554 0 219 \2,3,4,7 34,773

Office of the Inspector General 3,451 0 0 3,451

Facilities Services

Facilities Maintenance 73,985 0 (108) \5 73,877

Facilities Operations, Security, and Support 205,229 (1,500) (39) \5,6,7 203,690

Subtotal, Facilities Services 279,214 (1,500) (147) 277,567

TOTAL MISSION ENABLING 415,235 (1,500) 0 413,735

GRAND TOTAL, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 696,045 0 0 696,045

Footnotes for FY 2016 Appropriation:

\1 Realignment of $1,500,000 from Facilities Operations, Security, and Support (Utilities Account) to unit curatorial staffing to provide optimal care for the National collections.

\2 Transfer of $184,000 from Outreach to Administration for operational support.

\3 Transfer of $50,000 from Administration to Smithsonian Archives to fund expenses for commercial records management and retrieval services.

\4 Transfer of $100,000 from Administration to Chief Information Officer to return funding previously provided for an Information Technology (IT) position.

\5 Transfer of $108,000 from Facilities Maintenance and $50,000 from Facilities Operations, Security, and Support to Chief Information Officer to support an IT Specialist.

\6 Transfer of $196,000 from Chief Information Officer to Facilities Operations, Security, and Support for additional leased space.

\7 Transfer of $185,000 from Facilities Operations, Security, and Support to Administration for operational support.

 

280