15 FAM 770
Office of cultural heritage (obo/ops/ch)
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
(Office of Origin: OBO)
15 FAM 771 SCOPE, APPLICABILITY, policy, and authorities
15 FAM 771.1 Scope, Applicability, and General Policy
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. The Office of Cultural Heritage, Operations Directorate, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO/OPS/CH) is responsible for developing and implementing a stewardship program for the care of the U.S. Department of State's culturally, historically, and architecturally significant properties and collections through research, conservation, educational programs, exhibit design, and appropriate maintenance protocols.
b. This policy pertains to movable and immovable heritage properties and assets of historic, cultural, architectural, and archaeological interest. This includes archaeological sites and items, landscapes, buildings, structures, architectural elements, fine and decorative art, furnishings, works on paper, archival documents, and other cultural heritage items. Additionally, this policy includes the acknowledgement and protection of cultural practices, rituals, traditions, and other forms of intangible heritage valued by host nations and communities abroad. For additional information, see the OBO/OPS/CH SharePoint site: Office of Cultural Heritage (sharepoint.com).
15 FAM 771.2 Authorities
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
· 54 U.S.C. 306102 “Preservation Program”
· 54 U.S.C. 307101, National Historic Preservation Act Section 402
· Executive Order 13287, “Preserve America”
· Statement of Federal Financial Accountability Standards (SFFAS) 6 - Accounting for Property, Plant, and Equipment
· SFFAS 29 - Heritage Assets and Stewardship Land
· SFFAS 42 - Deferred Maintenance and Repairs: Amending Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards 6, 14, 29, and 32
· Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
· 36 CFR Part 68, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
15 FAM 771.3 Definitions
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
Contributing resource: A landscape, site, structure, building, monument, or object that adds to the historic association, feeling, or sense of place, architectural or artistic importance, or archaeological value of an overall property, diplomatic post, or host community. The resource in question must have been present during the defined historic or significant period and must physically retain the features representing that era.
Cultural asset manager (CAM): Locally employed staff members (OBO/OPS/CH FTE paid by OBO/OPS/CH) credentialed and professionally trained to manage and care for significant properties and heritage assets at posts abroad. There are currently four CAMs posted in Buenos Aires, London, Paris, and Rome.
Culturally significant property (also known as a real property heritage asset): Buildings and sites with unique cultural value that are declared heritage assets are included on the OBO List of Significant Properties, have a protected status by the host-nation and/or the U.S. Government, or are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List .
Heritage asset: The Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standards 29: Heritage Assets and Stewardship Land Standards 29: Heritage Assets and Stewardship Land (SFFAS 29) provides the legal definition for heritage assets as property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) that are unique for one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Historical or natural significance;
(2) Cultural, educational, or artistic (e.g., aesthetic) importance; and
(3) Significant architectural characteristics.
Heritage assets consist of (1) collection-type heritage assets, such as objects gathered and maintained for exhibition (e.g., museum collections, art collections, and library collections) and (2) non-collection-type heritage assets, such as parks, memorials, monuments, and buildings.
Heritage collection (also known as personal property heritage asset): Antiques, works of art, and other cultural objects with historic importance, antiquity, rare quality, or intrinsic value. These include decorative arts such as textiles, antique furniture, clocks, sterling silver hollowware, porcelain, and ceramics; fine arts such as paintings, sculpture, and unique or limited-edition prints; architectural features/finishes such as wood paneling, plaster ornament, hand-painted wallpapers, light fixtures, and fireplace mantels; and other cultural property such as musical instruments, rare books and manuscripts, and items associated with cultural practices or traditions.
Noncontributing resource: Any aspect of a site, property, or post not associated with the historically/culturally significant resource, because it is newer, unrelated, altered, or has otherwise lost its historic integrity or character-defining features.
15 FAM 772 Historic Preservation of Significant Properties
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
OBO/OPS/CH manages, protects, and preserves historically, architecturally, and culturally significant U.S. Government property owned or leased abroad by the Department of State. OBO/OPS/CH implements a stewardship program compatible with international standards for preservation and conservation of Department of State-owned and leased resources abroad. All work (whether maintenance, renovation, or new construction) should follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and respect host-country laws and procedures for handling architectural and cultural heritage property.
15 FAM 772.1 Identification and Documentation
CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/CH is responsible for identifying and documenting culturally significant properties on an ongoing basis, including due diligence research for existing cultural resources at planned or newly acquired properties and identifying and documenting potential heritage properties during the decommissioning process (see 15 FAM 512.5, 15 FAM 532, and 54 U.S.C. 307101, National Historic Preservation Act Section 402).
b. OBO/OPS/CH maintains OBO's List of Significant Properties, which serves as the Bureau's inventory of buildings, landscapes, and sites that require enhanced stewardship to protect their unique cultural value. The list is continuously reviewed to determine which buildings, sites, and landscapes are to be included in the list.
c. The OBO List of Significant Properties includes properties that are:
(1) Eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places by virtue of their age, association with significant historic events or persons, important architecture and/or architect, distinctive theme or assembly, unique visual features or characteristics, or archaeology;
(2) On the UNESCO World Heritage List;
(3) On or eligible for inclusion on another country’s register equivalent to the National Register of Historic Places;
(4) Locally protected in a country’s historic district or architectural overlay zone; or
(5) Listed or eligible for listing on the Secretary of State's Register of Culturally Significant Property.
NOTE: Assets from the UNESCO World Heritage List or on the applicable country's equivalent of the National Register are automatically included in the inventory.
d. OBO/OPS/CH prioritizes properties on the OBO List of Significant Properties for documentation. OBO/OPS/CH reviews and updates documentation priorities annually based on significant OBO-identified undertakings planned for a post or based on requests from post.
e. OBO/OPS/CH conducts Cultural Significance Studies to create stewardship data for OBO’s List of Significant Properties. OBO/OPS/CH also conducts, obtains or commissions Historic Structure Reports (HSRs) and Cultural Landscape Reports (CLRs) to serve as guides for the treatment and use of historic structures and landscapes, respectively. OBO/OPS/CH identifies appropriate treatment zones for each area encompassed by the building, landscape, or site that serve as the theoretical framework for design and management decisions.
f. OBO/OPS/CH provides advice and administrative support for activities of the Cultural Heritage Resources Committee, a multi-disciplinary working group that identifies historically, architecturally, and culturally significant property abroad and recommends to the OBO Director properties to be considered for application for the Secretary of State's Register of Culturally Significant Property. Every two years OBO announces, via an ALDAC, a call for nominations for additions to the Secretary of State’s Register of Culturally Significant Property. Posts that are interested in nominating property/properties should consult detailed procedures located on the OBO/OPS/CH intranet site.
g. Plaques and the OBO List of Significant Properties:
(1) OBO/OPS/CH provides a heritage plaque of standard size, material, and inscription for properties inscribed on the Secretary of State’s Register of Culturally Significant Property at the time of designation. The heritage plaque is installed by post in a location approved by OBO/OPS/CH and the plaque is added to the annual inventory conducted by post (15 FAM 737).
(2) Post may request a heritage plaque for a property inscribed on the OBO List of Significant Properties to support ongoing conservation efforts in the acknowledgement of the designation by the Department of State or of contributors to a restoration initiative or both. OBO/OPS/CH will consult with post and determine whether such a plaque is appropriate, and if so, OBO/OPS/CH will provide a template for the design of the plaque and draft content for the inscription. Acknowledgement of contributions to a restoration initiative shall be limited to one plaque rather than individual plaques. OBO/OPS/CH will determine the location of the heritage plaque in consultation with post.
(3) In collaboration with OBO’s Office of Acquisitions and Disposals (OBO/PRE/OAD), OBO/OPS/CH identifies decommissioned properties appropriate for commemorations (15 FAM 531.1-1).
(4) The installation of commemorative or donor plaques other than identified above is generally discouraged at heritage properties. To be permanently commemorated at a diplomatic post is a high honor, affording a degree of recognition that implies national importance. Further, the excessive or inappropriate use of commemorative works—especially commemorative naming—diminishes its value as a tool for recognizing people or events that are truly noteworthy. This situation can also divert attention from the important diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange Embassy or Consulate visitors and staff experience. Therefore, the Department of State will discourage and curtail the use and proliferation of commemorative works at heritage properties except when there is compelling justification for the recognition, and the commemorative work is deemed the most suitable acknowledgement by post and the person, group, event, or other subject being commemorated. Placement of such commemorative items will be determined in concert with OBO/OPS/CH. Following this policy, post will refrain from installing plaques that designate a VIP overnight visit or meeting.
15 FAM 772.2 Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM)
CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. For all significant properties, OBO/OPS/CH must review and approve any undertaking beyond basic maintenance (i.e., emergency repairs, preventive, and other regularly scheduled maintenance to critical equipment and systems, and housekeeping such as vacuuming, dusting, etc.). OBO/OPS/CH provides a housekeeping manual for the routine care of properties. If OBO/OPS/CH identifies any possible adverse effects on the property from that endeavor, post must propose mitigating measures (54 U.S.C. 307101, National Historic Preservation Act Section 402). Failure to notify OBO/OPS/CH of planned work will result in withholding of funds (see 15 FAM 634.2).
b. OBO/OPS/CH with the assistance of post facility managers, cultural asset managers, and other OBO offices, develops the SRM plans for heritage properties which should follow best practices for the building conservation profession, including preservation before replacement and replacement in-kind. OBO/OPS/CH consults with OBO/OPS/FAC and Facility Managers to develop sustainment (i.e. maintenance), restoration, and modernization plans for critical equipment and systems when necessary. Post should refer to the Resources - Historic Conservation page and the Historic Facilities Maintenance page within the OBO/OPS/CH intranet site.
15 FAM 772.3 Capital Construction Projects and Renovations
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/CH reviews the potential impact of all capital construction projects and major renovations on culturally significant properties, identifies adverse effects, and proposes and/or approves proposed mitigation (54 U.S.C. 307101, National Historic Preservation Act Section 402).
b. For any project including excavation work, relevant host nation laws and regulations shall be considered and adhered to when applicable. Such regulations may include permitting, survey and supervision by a professional archaeologist in advance of and/or during the course of the work, and proper handling and preservation of archaeological materials. Post must notify OBO/OPS/CH and local authorities immediately if any archaeological sites or materials are unearthed during construction. All such sites must be protected, and they must be comprehensively and professionally documented and stabilized before construction continues.
c. OBO/OPS/CH develops and coordinates design criteria for U.S. cultural heritage properties and cultural heritage assets; and assists in the preparation of scopes of work, cost estimates, solicitations, and negotiations for the acquisition of architecture and engineering services, supplies, and other contract providers.
15 FAM 772.4 Occupant Responsibilities
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
Occupants of residential properties are personally responsible for the proper stewardship of U.S. Government property while serving at post. The occupant bears personal financial responsibility for repairs or restoration, outside of normal wear and tear, resulting from:
(1) Unapproved alterations of any kind;
(2) Unapproved relocation of cultural heritage assets;
(3) Damage to structures, grounds, or furnishings by the occupant’s family members, personal guests and their families, and/or pets; and
(4) Damage as a result of blatant disregard for proper care (see 15 FAM 245).
15 FAM 773 Heritage Collections
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/CH identifies and preserves all of the Department's antiques, works of art (excluding CSCP permanent art collections designated by OBO/OPS/ART or domestic heritage assets managed by the Bureau of Administration), and other cultural heritage objects. OBO/OPS/CH guides, supports, and funds the evaluation, care, conservation, and monitoring of the Department's heritage collection.
b. OBO/OPS/CH may add/accession cultural heritage assets to the Department of State's heritage collection through occasional acquisitions, accepted gifts and donations from host nations, individuals, and advocacy partners, as well as through periodic evaluation of the Department's existing holdings.
c. Post must report any potentially significant objects including a gift that may fit the criteria for a heritage asset (see 15 FAM 771.3) to OBO/OPS/CH for evaluation. If the object is a work of art and is a gift, post must initially report it to OBO/OPS/ART for evaluation. The OBO Art Committee, chaired by the Director of OBO/OPS/ART, vets and votes whether to recommend acceptance of donations. OBO/OPS/CH determines their merit for inclusion in the Heritage Collection (see 15 FAM 740).
d. At posts with known or potential heritage asset collections, OBO/OPS/CH professionally assesses the condition, provenance, and value of antiques, works of art, and other cultural heritage objects. Post’s property management officers must provide OBO/OPS/CH with copies of the following records:
(1) Names of artists or makers;
(2) Historic associations and biographies;
(3) Donor letters;
(4) Bills-of-sale with purchase dates and sources;
(5) Annotations regarding related published information; and
(6) Photographs.
Post must maintain originals of these records. OBO/OPS/CH staff will provide post with additional information to support the maintenance and preservation of heritage items.
NOTE: The regional security officer (RSO) must clear all photographs with items in the background to ensure they do not depict (a) classified information or (b) physical/technical security infrastructure.
e. Post must follow OBO/OPS/CH guidance concerning the placement, routine care, environmental monitoring activities, moving, and storage of antiques, works of art, and other cultural heritage objects. To obtain item-specific instructions for routine care, environmental monitoring, and placement, contact OBO/OPS/CH. OBO/OPS/CH must approve the removal of heritage objects from buildings. See 15 FAM 762 for guidance on removal and storage and:
(1) To ensure the preservation of antiques, heritage collection artwork, or other cultural heritage objects, do not obstruct or move any item from the point of installation without first consulting OBO/OPS/CH; and
(2) Do not refurbish or otherwise alter any heritage asset without coordinating with OBO/OPS/CH; and
(3) All heritage assets are to be kept on display unless removal is approved and coordinated with OBO/OPS/CH. Post must store all heritage assets removed from U.S. Government facilities in a secure climate-controlled warehouse in coordination with OBO/OPS/CH. If U.S. Government facilities at post are inadequate and/or not climate-controlled, post must store the items in a secure non-U.S. Government climate-controlled warehouse at their own expense or at the expense of the occupant in the case of residences. Project-related temporary storage requirements are funded by the project budget.
f. Property management officers must report damage or deterioration of antiques, works of art, and other cultural heritage collection objects to OBO/OPS/CH. Post should not attempt to remedy a problem without prior approval. OBO/OPS/CH staff will provide direction for selecting qualified professionals, soliciting quotations, evaluating treatment proposals, and ensuring satisfactory project completion. OBO/OPS/CH will direct to OBO/OPS/ART notifications and requests from post concerning damage, movement, or displacement of any artwork that originated from OBO/OPS/ART.
g. OBO/OPS/CH will periodically evaluate heritage collection items for deaccession from the collection. Post can also submit deaccession requests to OBO/OPS/CH. Post must not sell or otherwise dispose of damaged or unusable items without OBO/OPS/CH approval. All sales must be documented with Form DS-0132, Property Disposal Authorization and Survey Form, sent to OBO/COMP/FM/CB and OBO/OPS/CH. Post must deposit proceeds from sales or exchanges in the account specified below for Department of State, OBO/OPS/CH to fund future conservation efforts. Once assets are sold, post must send a Form OF-158, General Receipt, to OBO/COMP/FM/CB and OBO/OPS/CH:
|
Appropriation: |
19___X0535000R |
|
Allotment: |
1030 |
|
Function Code: |
7361 |
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Revenue Source Code: |
AAAC |
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Project Code: |
XJZMPT03 |
h. Inventories: Post must inventory antiques, works of art, and other cultural heritage collection assets annually, paying particular attention to the condition assessment (see 15 FAM 777).
15 FAM 774 Training
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/CH develops and conducts training programs and workshops for the care and preservation of buildings, antiques, and other cultural objects.
b. OBO/OPS/CH provides online courses (FSI course PA479) and in person instruction on the regulations and policies related to cultural heritage assets to post personnel responsible for the direct care, maintenance, repair, and management of heritage assets.
c. OBO/OPS/CH provides virtual and in-person practical and technical advice, training, and support to post personnel responsible for the maintenance and conservation of heritage assets.
d. OBO/OPS/CH provides orientation training to incoming general services officers and facility managers through FSI and upon request.
15 FAM 775 Loans of Department-Owned HERITAGE ASSETS
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
The Department of State lends Department-owned heritage assets only in unusual circumstances. The Director of OBO must approve special loans based on the Department’s diplomatic interest and the Ambassador’s recommendation regarding local, legal, or logistical issues. Loan terms must adhere to local laws and regulations. A loan must include a binding agreement that the borrower covers all costs and will provide a certificate of insurance for the replacement value of the heritage asset. Post must contact OBO/OPS/CH for details.
15 FAM 776 CLOSINGS and Evacuations
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
Before closing or evacuating, post must take appropriate measures to protect and transfer heritage assets, as is necessary and safely feasible. Post’s Emergency Action Plan should contain appropriate steps to safeguard these objects in the event of an emergency (see 12 FAH 1). Post may request additional guidance on appropriate measures and/or support from OBO/OPS/CH.
15 FAM 777 Procedures for Annual Inventories
(CT:OBO-147; 04-29-2024)
a. Annual inventories of U.S. Government-owned (GO) items are an integral part of property accountability systems, as specified in 14 FAM 414. OBO requires each post to submit annual inventories of all cultural heritage collection assets. Post must submit annual inventories using the Integrated Logistics Management System’s (ILMS) DS-6051B Inventory by Location report. Antiques, works of art, and other cultural heritage collection objects should be flagged as ‘H’ in ILMS inventory lists. Post may obtain a current H-flagged inventory by conducting an asset search in ILMS:
(1) Post must conduct and submit yearly inventories of the complete cultural heritage collection no later than March 15th to OBO/OPS/CH;
(2) Annual inventories should contain a complete description of each antique, work of art, and any other cultural heritage object. Descriptions should include artist/manufacturer, title of artwork, date, medium, size, pattern, color, condition, acquisition cost, and in-service date. Post must list items by building and room location using Form DS-6051B Inventory by Location report. Post must also provide the RPA Property ID for each building;
(3) The accountable property officer (APO) and the Ambassador must both sign the inventories;
(4) Post must report lost or missing items from the previous inventory on Form DS-0132, Property Disposal Authorization and Survey Report. Post must also report transferred items from the previous inventory on Form DS-584, Property Transaction. OBO/OPS/CH must approve these changes prior to disposal or transfer; and
(5) Every two years post must upload current (new from the previous submission) photographs of each cultural heritage collection item to OBO-Media/CH SharePoint. Photographs should be clear, focused, well-illuminated images and only show the item in its entirety with supplemental detail photographs as needed. Post must not submit the same image multiple times for different assets (dining room chairs for example). Post must upload cultural heritage asset pictures using the following instructions:
(i) From the OBO/OPS/CH SharePoint homepage, click on Media Library from the menu on the left side of the page, then select Office of Cultural Heritage from the Libraries dropdown menu;
(ii) Select the corresponding Region from the left menu; locate and select Post;
(iii) Open folders labeled Collections/Inventory;
(iv) In the Inventory folder, select the current FY folder and upload inventory pictures as JPEG files (200KB max per file); and
(v) The following filename format should be used for the pictures:
Post Name–Tag Number–Object Description
(For example: PARIS–AA1234A–Biedermeier Chair)
NOTE: Use dashes to separate text, avoid special characters such as &\""#,).
NOTE: The RSO must clear all photographs with items in the background to ensure they do not depict (a) classified information, or (b) physical/technical security infrastructure.
b. OBO/OPS/CH will not process requests for conservation funds until receipt and review of a complete current annual inventory, including individual photographs of each heritage asset when applicable.
15 FAM 778 and 779 unassigned