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January Asset Ambassador:  Patrice Baker, CPPM, CF
by Cathy Seltzer, CPPM

Congratulations to Patrice Baker, Asset Ambassador for January 2010!  Patrice, a CPPM, is a Supply Systems Analyst working in the Purchasing and Property Governance organization of Bonneville Power Administration. 

Patrice came to Property Management by way of procurement.  She spent 14 years as a Contracting Officer, working property details from that perspective, before taking the plunge into full time property management.  Patrice very much enjoys being in the property arena and being a member of the NPMA.  She believes NPMA has a unique vision and is a truly amazing organization.  She equates it to a tightly knit family filled with people who are very passionate about their jobs, experiences and their opinions.

With so much passion, experience and knowledge then, Patrice finds it frustrating that often it is difficult for us to help people “outside” the family understand the genuine joy that is property management.  She feels that we in NPMA, are still in our infancy, learning how to reach out to the big world outside our playpen.  Patrice is proud to be a part of that out-reach effort and she does so by teaching, listening and networking.

One of the accomplishments Patrice is most proud of is the implementation of the new property control system at Bonneville.  When she began work in the property arena at Bonneville, there was no system to speak of.  She was a part of the team that determined the system requirements, assisted in the implementation, and she was a member of the team responsible for teaching the new system to all the required users!  Wow!  Patrice found it especially satisfying when she was teaching property management to the system users and could actually see the light of understanding come on for them.

Patrice is also doing great things for and within NPMA.  She is currently serving as the acting VP of Certification and as such, she has gotten a group of people together, hammered out a mission statement and some by-laws, and presto, NPMA now has a Certification Governing Board.  This Board will be responsible for reviewing testing materials and will also be working toward the eventual accreditation of the NPMA certification program.

If there were one thing Patrice could change within the field of property management, it would be to impress upon all users of property the importance and significance of property management.  Good stewardship of property should be a daily topic of discussion, as much as safety on the job, security and ethics.

Patrice, we congratulate you on your many accomplishments to date and we look forward to hearing great things from you in the future!  That is why you are the Asset Ambassador, January 2010!

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President Barrack Obama’s Call for Responsible Draw Down of Military in Iraq
Lessons Learned from the Vietnam Era – The Plan Then vs. The Plan Now

By Duke Montgomery, Government Property Administrator

I am the Government Property Administrator and Facility Maintenance Contract Officer Representative (GPA/COR) for the 2^nd Battalion, 401^st Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) in Kuwait. I provide contract oversight for government property (GP) in the possession of defense contractors for the Global Maintenance, Supply and Services (GMASS) and Care of Stock/Supplies in Storage (COSIS) Field Level Maintenance to US Army Vessels contracts. The mission of the 401^st AFSB is to execute regional wide logistics operations and provide technical support to sustain readiness of United States and coalition forces in Southwest Asia. We provide the strategic logistics link from the national industrial base to the tactical Commander and Soldier in the field. We also provide Army Sustainment Command and its Materiel Enterprise partners a forward presence to assist in managing sustainment maintenance and installation field maintenance.  Our missions include: new equipment fielding of the Mine Resistant Armor Protected (MRAP), Self Protective Adaptive Roller Kit Fragmentation Kit 7 (FRAG Kit VII), Gunner Restraint System & Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (GRS/AFES), Operation Enduring Freedom build up of forces (Kandahar Air Field Expansion), Army Prepositioned Stocks, deployment/redeployment of units, Theater Provided Equipment, partnering with Army Program Managers, and the Logistics Assistance Program.

President Obama’s Call for a Responsible Draw Down
Our primary mission in response to the Commander and Chief’s call for a responsible drawdown is the retrograding of GP back to the continental U.S.  My role is to assist my Command in retrograde planning and provide guidance to senior Army leaders on the distinct differences between Army and contract property management, their methodologies and application. The Army Material Command (AMC) website defines the retrograde process as “…the movement of government equipment and materiel from a deployed area to a Reset (replace, recapitalize, or repair) program or to another area of operations to replenish unit stocks or satisfy stock requirements. Equipment is redistributed in accordance with area priorities to meet mission requirements within areas of responsibility and thus DoD requirements worldwide.  AMC is the Army’s executive agent for retrograde.”  Then, Candidate Obama and Secretary of Defense, Honorable Robert Gates visited our Battalion and was briefed on our retrograde process.

Process Analysis
Through Lean Six Sigma initiatives, we conducted a detailed analysis of our current processes, and strengthened our processes by establishing the matrix, triggers, and controls to eliminate potential choke points and lag times.
 
Testing of our processes revealed weaknesses in our transportation process.  One of which would have ultimately created a backlog at the Iraqi/Kuwaiti borders. Through coordination with the Kuwait Ministry of Defense and dialog with in-theater Military Commands, operations were synchronized which eliminated trouble spots for a seamless flow of GP out of Iraq.  Lag time was discovered in our wash rack process and extensive analyses were conducted on wash rack capacity and throughput. An outcome from the analysis required facility and infrastructure upgrades that would provide for efficient around the clock washing capabilities.

We fine tuned our equipment/materiel receipt to tag time process and strengthened our accountability through the use of Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) on all capital assets. We increased our storage capability by expanding our real estate and segregating our storage lots according to disposition instructions, and tightened our controls on frustrated GP.  Frustrated cargo is defined as “…any shipment of supplies and/or equipment which while en route to destination is stopped prior to receipt and for which further disposition instructions must be obtained."

The Plan Then

The Case-Church agreement in 1973 brought an end to the United States involvement in a Cold War, and military conflict and occupation of Vietnam that lasted over 14 years. Throughout the 14 year campaign, billions of dollars in materiel and GP, which accompanied our forces were lost, damaged, or destroyed. Richard Nixon’s Vietnam policy for withdrawal did not support a responsible evacuation schedule of personnel and GP out of South Vietnam. Thousands of American viewers tuned in to the nightly news and watched in disbelief as GP was tossed overboard into the sea by US soldiers.

The Plan Now
The Agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq on the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq, dated 17 Nov 2008, describes the plan in which America intends to responsibly withdraw all combat forces and property out of Iraq. This can be viewed by many property professionals as a “property management plan.” 

My organization’s planning and analyses were done to ensure GP was not abandoned or irresponsibly left behind. To ensure the Government gets a return on investment other initiatives are in place such as Foreign Military sales and redistribution of serviceable/economically reparable equipment to fill shortages in Afghanistan.  To apply lessons learned from withdrawals from previous conflicts, it became the goal of my organization to comply with the President’s call for a responsible drawdown from Iraq through stringent property management controls. 

As we embark on this extraordinary event in history, it is imperative for all property managers involved, whether Army or contract property management, to be ever cognizant of our responsibilities as property professionals and trusted stewards of US tax dollars.

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Book review

Free Money “They” Don’t Want You to Know About
By Kevin Trudeau

ISBN: 978-0-9819897-0-9
Equity Press Copyright 2009

Book Review by Terry Rochelle, CPPM, CF

This may seem like a book that has nothing to do with “property” but I think you will see it differently when you read it.  And who amongst us can’t use a little extra cash?  I found myself highlighting several things knowing I would want to go back and delve into them when I have time. 

So how do I tie this to “property”?  The first thing I did was to get on the internet (http://www.unclaimedassets.com/) and search the US Savings Bond page.  You see, several years ago, I was buying bonds – one per month.  But somehow in all my moves, I have lost track of them.  So I filled out the online form.  Within about three weeks I received an email that my SSN shows that I have unclaimed funds due to that SSN, but they needed to do more research to make sure they had the “owner” of the bonds.  I sent back an email with my previous names not sure which one they were under.  So very soon, I expect a small windfall – (LDD’s) what they call unclaimed assets. To file the claim for lost bonds, you submit a Form PD F 1048, Claim for Loss, Stolen or Destroyed US Savings Bonds (www.savingsbonds.gov/indiv/tools/tools_treasuryhunt.htm).  And that was just the first night I started to read the book! 

I learned that each state has an Unclaimed Property website for funds that companies, agencies, banks, insurance awards, deposits, etc. were unable to provide to the owners, due to inaccurate or changed addresses.  They have exhausted their ability to find the owner, so it goes onto this list.  I actually found that my dad, long deceased, had a dividend check from REI and all I had to do was fill out the form and provide a copy of the death certificate.  Not sure yet how much it will be, but it is more than I have today. 
In the appendix of the book each state’s website and contact information is listed.  You can start your search at www.unclaimed.org/what/.

There are many, many more topics that I have found of interest and highlighted for future searches.  One thing that most of us are unaware of are all the grants available to anyone asking for them!  There are a few that have income limitations but for the most part, just about anyone can get a grant of some sort.  I can’t wait to start working on that chapter in detail! 

So to tie this to property – many of the chapters deal with abandoned, unclaimed, lost or damaged property.  YOUR property!  For me, this is like a puzzle – looking for the next piece to try.  It has been fun to send emails to friends and family members and alerting them to money they have coming to them that they had no idea was there.  One cousin had about 12 to apply for!  And I looked up The Boeing Company and can’t wait to tell someone there about all the ones they have coming.  Amazing!  So if you want to read something that is fun and very interesting, as well as providing free money – this is the book!  You could probably get it at the library, but I think you will want your own copy  so you can mark up what you want to try.  Now, where is that chapter on grants?

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A Leadership Lesson from ...GEESE!
Author Unknown 
Submitted by Jerri Proszek, CPPM, CF
 
How often do you hear people speak with envy about companies with "real heart"? Companies like Nordstrom, FedEx, Ben and Jerry's, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, and The Container Store to name a few. Outsiders are constantly looking for their "secrets" to success. Fact is, the secret lies in the hearts of their employees. These companies create connected teams and, as a result, build dominant businesses by acting like geese. Like geese? Yes, like GEESE!

If you ever happen to see (or hear about) geese heading south for the winter - flying along in "V" formation - you might consider what science has discovered about why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew by itself. Any goose that falls out of formation suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into position to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the set and another goose moves up to fly point. And the geese in the back honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen teammate until it is able to fly or it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own - or with another formation - to catch back up with their group.

The lesson: Like geese, people who share a common direction and sense of community, who take turns doing demanding jobs, and who watch out for one another, can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of their teammates. Geese are defined by how they stay connected with one another. Successful teams - and excellent leaders - are defined the same way. 

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SIG’s
By Kim Doner, CPPM

The NPMA SIGs are off and running!  Most have completed their charters and a few are actively using the forums to discuss items of importance.  The Government Contract Property SIG has forum discussions going in everything from “Title to Government Property” to How to Develop a Property Plan”.  The University & College SIG is also using the forum to ask and answer questions and they have their Charter and Leadership Team Meeting Minutes posted on their forum site.  The Property Inventory Management SIG and the State & Local Government SIG also have initial postings to the forums.

The Federal Property Management SIG is gearing up to form workgroups.  Initial workgroups include:

·  Standard Staffing Models
·  Alternate fuel green sourcing
·  Excess, disposal and retire of property
·  Federal property terminology

The Excess & Disposition Property Management SIG has their charter posted on the forum and have issued two newsletters to their members.

You can learn more about the SIGs by logging on to the NPMA website and clicking on the “Online SIG Forums” link.  From there you can also join a SIG or participate in a forum discussion. 

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An Appreciation of Lyle Hestermann’s Contributions

to Property Management Standards

By Jim Dieter, CPPM, CF

A small core of people including Lyle, John O’Shaughnessy, Steve Michelsen, Curtis Johnson, and me, with the help and support of the NPMA Executive Board, got the Property Management standards ball rolling in 1998. Things took off in 2001 when NPMA agreed to partner with ASTM to develop standards for Property Management.  Our friend and colleague Lyle Hestermann was a critical part of these early stages, as Steve Michelsen lead the effort to pass the initial group of standards and establish the E-53 Committee.  Lyle always mentions as one of his proudest achievements having lead the Task Group that developed the Loss, Damage, and Destruction Standard – the first ASTM Property Management Standard.

Lyle has been Chair of ASTM Committee E-53, Property Management for the last four years.  During that time Property Standards have come of age, leading to acceptance and use in numerous environments, notably initially in the State of Texas, in GSA Policy guidance, and as a critical foundation concept in the  long delayed revisions to the Property Management provisions of the FAR.  We’ve progressed from around 7 active standards to over 20.  Processes for vetting, reviewing, renewal ballot requirements, and improving terminology have been implemented and operationalized. 

Committee E-53 has been the fastest growing committee of ASTM for two consecutive years.  Active participation in the committee activities has blossomed, and active subcommittee chairs are now an important part of the process.  The circle of active contributors has grown continuously – and that trend continues.  The NPMA Standards classes and related Standards Certification developed under Lyle’s leadership and with his active participation as a curriculum developer and instructor, have helped develop a growing cadre of experts in the content and implementation of the Property Management Standards.

As term limits signal an end to Lyle’s term as E-53 Chair, he has prepared for the future of the effort by involving an excellent new leadership team, headed by Bob Holcombe as Chair and Bill Franklin as Vice-Chair, with Tara Miller continuing as Membership Secretary, and Jerry Howse joining the leadership team as Recording Secretary.  Just as Lyle helped solidify and establish the NPMA Foundation as its chair, Lyle has opened the door for further widening of acceptance of ASTM Property Management Standards, and greater participation in the development process.  Each year when E-53 recognizes the Task Group leads that have successfully lead a standard through the development and balloting process, the satisfaction of those individuals in having lead the development of a recognized international standard is a testament to opportunity engendered by Lyle’s excellent work as leader of E-53.  Lyle - Thanks from all of us!

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As a Property Manager, I would like to incorporate Risk Management into my property management practices.  After doing some research, I discovered that risk-based property management involves five steps.  I can remember four steps; Identification, Control, Analysis and Administration.  What is the 5th?

The Digest is published monthly for the members of NPMA.  If you have news or information for The Digest, please email your articles/comments/questions to Kim.Bowley@ManTech.com