PUBLIC LAW 107-217—AUG. 21, 2002 116 STAT. 1163 (2) EXCEPTION. —The Administrator may lease space with respect to which paragraph (1) appHes if the Administrator— (A) decides, for reasons set forth in writing, that leasing the space is necessary to meet requirements which CEinnot be met in public buildings; and (B) submits the reasons to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (g) DOLLAR AMOUNT ADJUSTMENT. —The Administrator annually may adjust any dollar amount referred to in this section to reflect a percentage increase or decrease in construction costs during the prior calendar year, as determined by the composite index of construction costs of the Department of Commerce. Any adjustment shall be expeditiously reported to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. § 3308. Architectural or engineering services (a) EMPLOYMENT BY ADMINISTRATOR.—When the Administrator of CJeneral Services decides it to be necessary, the Administrator may employ, by contract or otherwise, without regard to chapters 33 and 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, civil service rules and regulations, or section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5), the services of established architectural or engineering corporations, firms, or individuals, to the extent the Administrator may require those services for any public building authorized to be constructed or altered under this chapter. (b) EMPLOYMENT ON PERMANENT BASIS NOT PERMITTED.—A corporation, firm, or individual shall not be employed under authority of subsection (a) on a permanent basis. (c) RESPONSIBILITY OF ADMINISTRATOR.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administrator is responsible for all construction authorized by this chapter, including the interpretation of construction contracts, approval of materi^ and workmanship supplied under a construction contract, approval of changes in the construction contract, certification of vouchers for payments due the contractor, and final settlement of the contract. § 3309. Buildings and sites in the District of Columbia (a) IN GENERAL. — The purposes of this chapter shall be carried out in the District of Columbia as nearly as may be practicable in harmony with the plan of Peter Charles L'Enfant. Public buildings shall be constructed or altered to combine architectural beauty with practical utility. (b) CLOSING OF STREETS AND ALLEYS. —When the Administrator of General Services decides that constructing or altering a public building under this chapter in the District of Columbia requires using contiguous squares as a site for the building, parts of streets that lie between the squares, and alleys that intersect the squares, may be closed and vacated if agreed to by the Administrator, the Council of the District of Columbia, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Those streets and sdleys become part of the site. (c) CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO ACQUISITIONS.— (1) WITH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION.—The Administrator must consult with the House Office Building Commission
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