The Washington times., 1908-08-02
Best Equipped Office in World
Has Uncle Sam S Boss Architect
Strenuous Licks These Days-Descrption of
Work Department is Doing.

fnent for ali contracts, which in sone
years number over 206 and involve the
payment OF many millions of dollars
Best in the World.
All Of these divisions, working IN har-
mony and reporting through their chief
direct to the supervising architect. con-
stitute the largest and best equipped
architectural Office in America. and
probably in the world.
The most satisfactory method Of Civ
ing comprehensive account Of ths
complicated workings OF the Office IL to
follow the natural course Of a hypo-
theticai case Congress makes an APP
preparation for a public building. at the
same time authorizing and directing the
Secretary OF the Treasury TO erect the
same. The cost Of the building Is Inn
lied. and usually the amount to be paid
for the site is also specified. In soma
cases Congress merely authorizes ths
purchase Of the site, leaving for subse-
quent legislation the authority TO erect
the building. The Secretary OF the
Treasury determines the size ana IOCa.
ton OF the site and secures tenders or
proposals through public advertising. a
representative Of the supervising archi-
tect's office is then detailed to Eatbsv
all necessary information, keeping in
mind the best interests OF the Depart
msnt in making the selection.
Investigates Titles.
AfttT a proposal is accepted, il is re-
ferred TO the Department of Justice for
investigation as TO the validity OF the
title and other related legal questions
Payment for the land is made after the
validity of the title is established. I'm
I'll the title to the land is actually vested
IN the Government. no preliminary
work can be done on the building, even
TO the extent OF drawing plans.
After the site has been obtained
sketch plans and estimates of cast are
submitted Tor approval to the Secretary
Of the Treasury, the Postmaster Gen
eral, and the Secretary OF the Interior.
The estimate OF cost must, of course, In
each case be within the limits OF the
appropriation. When approved the
sketch plans are returned TO the draft
ing division for the preparation OF scale
working drawings, which have 10 give
In complete detail all parts OF the con-
structinn and finish Of the building,
both internal and external. These are
then passed from the tracers to the
photographers for copying. and at the
same time 10 the cOmputer's division
for detailed Office estimate OF cost, and
for advertisements for bids
At the appointed time an proposals
are publicly opened by the Supervising
Architect, his assistant, and the CHIEF
OF the computing division. A full rec
ord of the bids is made and transmitted
to the Secretary, with a recommended
ton TO award the contract to the lowest
responsible bidder.
Upon the approval OF the Secretary OF
the Treasury. the successful bidder is
notified. ard the contracts, with FIVE
sets OF bonds. are prepared by the law
and records division. and sent 10 HIM
After the contract is signed ana
voucbed for by the proper Governments
official, It is returned TO the Depart
ment. where it is examined and passed
upon by the Solicitor of the Treasury
Department II no irregulsrity is
found, the work is started.