30.	Now we'd like to ask about the challenges involved in building an NEC overseas. Based on your firm's experience, how much of a challenge are each of the factors listed below when constructing a NEC?

		Not a Challenge	Minor Challenge	Moderate Challenge	Major Challenge
30a.	Logistics (getting labor and materials to the site)
30b.	Finding qualified workers (non-cleared)
30c.	Finding qualified workers (cleared)
30d.	Keeping qualified workers (non-cleared)
30e.	Keeping qualified workers (cleared)
30f.	Obtaining visas for contractor employees
30g.	Obtaining housing for workers
30h.	Dealing with foreign governments (permitting issues, clearing materials through customs, paying tariffs)
30i.	Obtaining reliable information about local country conditions (e.g. requirements to register firm, VAT reimbursement, availability of local workers and materials)
30j.	Resolving instances of differing site conditions
30k.	Conforming to the standard embassy design
30l.	Adapting the standard design to accommodate site conditions
30m.	Obtaining timely design reviews from OBO or DS
30n.	Meeting State/OBO's construction schedule
30o.	Excessive changes requested by State/OBO
30p.	Obtaining approval to use substitute materials
30q.	Obtaining timely response from State/OBO staff on material submittals
30r.	Obtaining timely response from State/OBO staff on requests for information
30s.	Currency Fluctuations
30t.	Obtaining performance bonds
30u.	Obtaining timely response from State/OBO on final commissioning inspections
30v.	Obtaining timely responses from State/OBO on progress inspections
30w.	Timeliness of payment
30x.	Obtaining timely response from State/OBO on accepting site changes
30y.	Other

31.	Of the challenges listed above, which are the three greatest ones in your firm's view?

32.	What recommendations would you suggest to State/OBO to improve its process for delivering NECs?

33.	Do you expect to compete for future State/OBO building projects?
	(Click one.)
	1.	Yes
	2.	No
	3.	Not sure

	If "No" or "Not sure", what is or might be the basis for your decision not to compete?

34.	How does working with State/OBO compare to working with other federal agencies to build projects?
	(Click one.)
	1.	Better
	2.	Worse
	3.	About the same

	What do you like and dislike about doing business with State/OBO? Do you think State/OBO could learn any lessons from other agencies' practices? What do these agencies do better or worse than State/OBO?

35.	What is the one action State/OBO could take to change its NEC program that would encourage firms to expand their participation in or to bring firms back into the program?

Questionnaire Programming Language - Version 5.0
U.S. Government Accountability Office