THE ENGINEERING EDGE
EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
Volume 6, Issue 11
November 2014
Engineering Innovative Solutions to Our Customers’ Toughest Problems
Permeation and Analytical Solutions Branch Moves to New Lab Space pg. 2 M3TD to NGCD: An Innovative Approach to Systems Engineering pg. 4-5 Acquisition Logistics Division: Making an Impact Throughout the Acquisition Lifecycle pg. 6
To access the electronic version of this newsletter, visit: http://www.ecbc.army.mil/news/ENG/ APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
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2 | EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:
Permeation and Analytical Solutions Branch Moves to New Lab Space
pg.2|Permeation and Analytical Solutions Branch Moves to New Lab Space pg.2|Ask a Tech Tip: Soap vs. Detergent pg.3|Message from Acting Director Randy Laye pg.3|IT Tip: Get Office 2013 Professional for a Discounted Price!
Testing equipment will be monitored for decontamination before it is moved from the old laboratory.
The new laboratory accommodates modern test equipment with increased safety, and fosters collaboration across teams.
pg.4-5|M3TD to NGCD: An Innovative Approach to Systems Engineering
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pg.6|Acquisition Logistics Division: Making an Impact Throughout the Acquisition Lifecycle
“With all PASB lab operations now under one roof, the new arrangement facilitates teaming among our Division, as well as with the ECBC Research &Technology (R&T) Directorate’s science and technology capabilities,” said Brian MacIver, PASB Chief.
pg.7|Jordanian Armed Forces to Receive Mobile CBRNE Protection Laboratory from JPM-Guardian pg.8|ECBC Engineering and JPMNBC CA Support Navy’s Innovative Missile Defense System pg.8|Engineering Strategic Initiatives: Progress and Path Forward
he Permeation and Analytical Solutions Branch (PASB) in the Engineering Test Division has moved to a more modern surety laboratory as part of the Directorate’s smart-growth infrastructure plan to modernize its facilities to align with the Directorate’s emerging needs. The move to the modernized space ― which became official on Sept. 30 ― expands the Branch’s unique testing and evaluation capabilities and fosters collaboration across teams.
MacIver noted that there is a process in place to ensure all of the testing equipment still located in the old laboratory is safely and securely moved to the new location. “We are working with the ECBC Chemical Biological Application and Risk Reduction Business (CBARR) Unit to monitor the equipment for decontamination before it can be moved to the new location.” The Branch’s new space is collocated with Engineering’s Applied Detection Technology Branch, as well as other R&T Branches. It is equipped with new fume hoods, casework, windows and flooring ― all more accommodating to modern test equipment with increased safety. The relocation also supports existing customers, including several Program of Record efforts such as the Next Generation Chemical Detector, Joint Service Sensitive Equipment Wipe and General Purpose Decontaminant. The PASB’s major capabilities include protective material evaluation and method development for a variety of emerging protective fabrics and materials. The goal is to provide robust testing capability for the material developer that includes large through-put and accurate data. Other test capabilities include testing of detectors, decontamination evaluation and methods development for alternative threat compounds. The Branch also collaborates with R&T and ADT Branch in developing new test capability and analytical methods for existing and alternative threats, and other emerging threats such as toxic industrial chemicals.
Ask a Tech Tip: Soap vs. Detergent This newsletter was published through the Balanced Scorecard. For article suggestions, questions or comments please contact Ed Bowen at edward.c.bowen8.civ@mail.mil.
Mike Kauzlarich, of the Pyrotechnics and Explosives Branch, reveals how the techniques and lessons learned in labs can help you solve your household problems. Submit a question to him at usarmy.APG.ecbc.mbx.engineering-directorate@mail.mil. A reader asked the question, “What is the castile soap that is currently popular in stores?” We’ll answer that in a minute. First, let’s understand what the difference is between soap and detergent. Soaps have been used for hundreds of years. They are generally made from animal fats with an alkali addition that surrounds dirt and oils, allowing them to be washed away. But soaps can leave behind a film known as “soap scum.” Compared to soap, detergent is a relatively new cleaner combined of various chemicals and used primarily for washing the laundry. Most detergents have additives to soften the water, reduce suds, and keep dirt and oil from re-depositing on clothing. It’s a powerful reaction. Try this: Put a teaspoon of powdered laundry detergent in the palm of your hand and add a little water to make a slurry. Feel it get very warm in your hand ― that’s the reaction. Make sure to clean your hands afterwards, please! Now to answer the original question. Castile soap is made from plant-based fats and oils (such as olive oil). It is gentle and moisturizing, and contains no colors, dyes or detergents, so it is great for babies and people with sensitive skin. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
THE ENGINEERING EDGE |November 2014| 3
Message from Acting Director
Randy Laye
“The Center’s strategic initiatives are intended develop the next generation of leaders, hone our technical skills and provide you with the tools and resources necessary to be innovative and responsive to our customers’ needs.”
Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Engineering Directorate leadership, let me first thank the entire workforce for your flexibility and patience during this transition period since AJay Thornton’s retirement. Even more so, we thank you for continuing to put forth your best effort and dedication to the Engineering Directorate’s mission of being the first stop for chemical and biological defense solutions for our customers and Warfighters. The accomplishments of our Directorate this year are notable, and would not have been possible without the unique technical expertise, collaboration with our partners, and excellence in customer service you demonstrated on each project. The Joint Service Ground Mask (JSGM) Team has been supporting the Joint Project Manager-Protection in fielding the M50 mask to Soldiers stationed all over the U.S. and the world, working toward a goal of more than a million masks fielded to protect our Warfighters by 2019. The relationships we have nurtured with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense have allowed us to help shape and move forward their priority programs, such as the analytical laboratory customized for the Jordanian Armed Forces to protect their borders against chemical and biological agent threats. The Advanced Design and Manufacturing Division’s design and fabrication skills were instrumental in the success of the Field Deployable Hydrolysis System.
Science, engineering and operations expertise from across ECBC united in service of this historic and hazardous mission. The success of the mission not only put a spotlight on the critical work that ECBC does for our nation and the world, but it also set the precedent for innovation, rapid-response, and teamwork across the Center and the CBRNE defense community. These are just a few of the many success stories that have resulted from your hard work. Another accomplishment is the outstanding progress made on the Directorate’s Balanced Scorecard strategic initiatives. As Bill Klein said in the Strategic Management Meeting, the significant progress that the initiative teams have made this year is impressive, and the energy you have for solving our organization’s challenges is commendable. I encourage everyone to participate in this process and play an active role in shaping the Directorate’s strategy as the initiatives move forward. AJay set the course for our Directorate’s continuous improvement and Bill continued to move us down that path. As acting Director, it is my intent to stay the course and sustain our momentum while continuing to support the Center’s three strategic goals: People, Customer Service and Innovation. The Center’s strategic initiatives are intended develop the next generation of leaders, hone our technical skills, and provide you with the tools and resources necessary to be innovative and responsive to our customer’s needs. Speaking of innovation, I want to remind all of you to keep an eye out for the next call for proposals under the 219 program.
This presents a unique opportunity to submit your ideas for novel solutions to tackle some of the Army’s toughest problems. The 219 program is not just for basic science and technology projects, but for engineering projects as well; and the Engineering Directorate has a seat at the table in the proposal review process. So put on your thinking caps and don’t be afraid to think outside the box! One of the challenges we still face is with hiring. Leaders from across the Center are tackling this issue together to get relief from the hiring freeze. I am hopeful and excited about bringing new talent on board to contribute to our projects and strategic initiatives. We are also closely monitoring trends in funding, and are constantly looking for opportunities and areas that Engineering can support. It is one of my priorities to make this transition period as seamless and transparent as possible. The “open door” communication policy continues, so please feel free to come to the Front Office with your feedback, insight and concerns. We are interested in what you have to say, and welcome your thoughts on how the Directorate can remain a viable and critical asset to our nation. Thank you again for your hard work and support in achieving the Directorate’s mission and solidifying ECBC as a true center of excellence in chemical and biological defense.
Sincerely, Randy Laye
IT Tip: Get Office 2013 Professional for a Discounted Price! Did you know that DoD Armed Services and government employees are provided a steeply discounted price for Office 2013 Professional? You can now purchase and download this product for the low price of $9.95 ― instead of the current retail price of $399 ― from http:// www.microsofthup.com/hupus/home.aspx?culture=en-US&pcode=lookup&group. Just navigate to the link and provide your DISA email for instructions on how to obtain the software for this special price. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
4 | EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
M3TD to NGCD:
An Innovative Approach W
hat began as a “market survey on steroids” is now informing the test plans and acquisition process for the Next Generation Chemical Detector (NGCD). A team of engineers, scientists and logisticians from the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPMNBC CA) are combining lessons learned from that extensive market assessment with systems engineering methodologies to result in an innovative approach to the acquisition process ― and ultimately a new family of chemical agent detectors for the Joint Warfighter. The NGCD is a family of systems designed to address all phases of matter ― aerosol, liquid, solid and vapor ― with distinct project capabilities: detector alarm (to detect aerosols and vapors); survey detector (to detect liquids and solids); and sample analysis (to provide quantitative and analytical identification). “The NGCD will answer the advanced threat needs of the Warfighter by covering three essential detection capabilities, instead of just one,” said Jeffrey Hofmann, Engineering matrixed employee and Deputy Product Director for Sensors, JPM-NBC CA. “The user will be able to tailor the capabilities they need to meet their mission.” Supporting the NGCD Analysis of Alternatives was the intensive market survey, known as the Multi-Mission, Multi-Threat Detection (M3TD) program, a two-year technology demonstration emerging from the need to examine a wide range of detector systems against advanced chemical agent threats. “With the variety of equipment involved and the number of tests conducted, you could call this a ‘market survey on steroids,’” said Hofmann. In total, 19 equipment contracts were given to 16 vendors as part of the program. The M3TD team was innovative in applying systems engineering to a pre-milestone effort by implementing requirements analysis, design analysis and verification analysis to ultimately provide information necessary to determine if technology was mature enough to enter acquisition. To generate the data, more than 2,500 tests were conducted by teams from the ECBC Engineering and Research & Technology Directorates, while the JPM team managed the contracts and test plans. The M3TD program’s unique test requirements expanded testing to cover toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents and emerging threats. The process also encouraged ECBC to develop a new liquid/aerosol test capability that is now being used for the NGCD program. “There was a two-phase approach to testing,” explained Engineering matrixed employee Juliane Olsen, NGCD Lead Systems Engineer and Team Lead for Systems Engineering Support. “First each system was trained on the chemicals; then blind tests were conducted to see how well each system responded to various compounds, therefore demonstrating the maturity of the system. The industry partners gave us positive feedback on the collaborative testing process and even asked to try new tests ― it was a learning experience for everyone.” The effort generated enough data to support the Milestone A decision for the NGCD in March. “Initially, M3TD was a standalone exercise to understand if vendor technology was mature enough to identify a full spectrum of chemical compounds,” said John Jump, Engineering matrixed employee and Systems Manager, Analytics and Survey Detection.
“With the number of vendors and extensive amount of testing, M3TD was able to provide enough information to decisionmakers in order to successfully meet Milestone A. It proved to be an innovative approach to system acquisition by utilizing Systems Engineering so early, and no new start has ever had this much data to support it.” Now the NGCD is in post-Milestone A stage of technology maturation and risk reduction. To move forward, the JPM team is capitalizing on the success of M3TD by taking positive feedback from customers and vendors, as well as lessons learned, and expanding on the systems engineering approach started with M3TD to the NGCD program. “Systems engineering is a primary area of expertise for our team,” said Olsen. “Using a systems engineering process, the team is constantly looking at outputs and refining the process. It is an iterative cycle of testing and measuring against the requirements, logistical impacts and sustainment considerations.” A key part of this process, Olsen explains, “is not only understanding the equipment and the tests, but what the customer truly wants at the foundation, and to be able to articulate their needs and desires across the team.” This exchange with the customer informs other product teams of performance specifications. Here is when some trade-offs may be considered based on affordability, practicality, ease of use or sustainment of the equipment. “It is our job in this process to make sure the customer knows the impacts of trade-offs,” said Mike Hughes, Engineering matrixed employee and lead for the JPM Sample Analysis Product Team.“The customers like the systems engineering approach because it is iterative and thorough, explores the trade-offs and does so earlier in the acquisition cycle.” The experience gained from the M3TD program has given JPM team members an increased understanding of how the technology works and its intended use for the Warfighter. “We are able to see the differences, advantages and limitations of the technology, and clearly communicate that to the customer,” said Hughes. The systems engineers and logisticians are working the technical and acquisition requirements across all three projects in the NGCD program. “Working in small teams fosters close collaboration and efficiencies in cost, consistency and time-saving, and more experienced team members are mentoring junior employees in test processes and customer interaction.” The team is excited about the progress it is making this early in the technology development stage of the program. “We have really emphasized the importance of engaging across the test community and requirements community, and getting test data and information up front ― between Milestones A and B ― in order to influence the test phase of the program,” said Jump. “By doing this, our team can help our customers meet the goal of a mature engineered product that will only require some minor engineering work to get it into a fieldable condition.”
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THE ENGINEERING EDGE |November 2014| 5
to Systems Engineering
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6 | EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
Acquisition Logistics Division: Making an Impact Throughout the Acquisition Lifecycle
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he decisions made early in the design phase of a system affect operation and sustainment costs for its entire lifecycle. Acquisition logistics experts can advise customers if their system is designed and optimized for supportability. The Engineering Directorate’s resident experts in this type of customer support are the members of the Acquisition Logistics Division (ALD) ― qualified personnel who assist project team leaders in acquiring and producing high-quality logistics planning and products, from concept to engineering development, to production and fielding. The Division offers a wide range of support and services such as maintenance engineering, technical writing, refinement and publication of Department of the Army technical manuals, provisioning support and materiel fielding. Led by Division Chief Mike McKenna, the team participates in the systems engineering process to impact the design of a system from its inception throughout the lifecycle, facilitating supportability to
DR SKO Technical Manual Verification The Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits and Outfits (DR SKO) is a modular, tailorable and sustainable set of equipment for personal protection, hazard detection and identification, decontamination and associated support that will provide the Joint Warfighter with complete capability to perform Marines perform a survey mission their mission. Developed by the in simulated abandoned lab using JPM-NBC CA, the system includes equipment included in the DR SKO. a full spectrum of detection, protection, decontamination and sampling equipment for use against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards and toxic industrial chemicals on the battlefield. The ALD has provided technical writing and logistics support to the DR SKO technical manual (TM) program since 2008. ALD technical writer and editor Deborah Funk oversees and manages the process, and partners with equipment vendors and customers to facilitate TM development. The intensive process consists of pulling together the content for the manual; making sure the information is accurate; communicating and responding to customers; and tracking the progress of the work completed. “In planning the technical manual for the DR SKO, we decided the typical systems approach wouldn’t work best for the user,” said Funk. “What would work best was a modular approach that mimicked that of the system itself.” In this innovative concept, the TM is divided into information modules, each pertaining to a specific equipment component of the system, and including such information as instructions for operating, troubleshooting, and performing preventative maintenance checks and services for that specific component. Much in the way a cookbook is broken down into recipes by main course, side dish, dessert, the TM is divided by components as related to PPE, detectors, decontamination, and support equipment, allowing Warfighters to easily find the information and instructions they need based on the specific equipment they are using to perform their mission. The resulting TM is more intuitive for the Warfighter and easier to update should system components change in the future. “The modular strategy has been well-received by the customer, so we are thinking about how this concept can apply to future projects,” said Funk. “And this pilot concept with the DR SKO TM is helping us prove that out.”
maximize the availability, effectiveness and capability of the system at the lowest cost to the customer. “Our work for the customer starts at contract input,” said McKenna. “We do that by conducting analyses during design phase of the system, while capturing data and documenting logistics information as the design matures.” The Division currently supports approximately 20 projects, with 80 percent of that effort serving the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBC CA) and Joint Project Manager-Protection. Following is a look at two of the Division’s current programs and how the ALD personnel approach their work with technical expertise, an open mind, and an eye on innovation to ensure the customer and the Warfighter receive the most affordable, reliable and maintainable product.
Stryker Sensor Suite Maintenance Engineering The ALD has been a key partner in the development of the Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite on the Stryker family of vehicles. Its mission is to perform nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance Robert McDonel (left) worked on this program with members from the and locate, identify, mark, Combined Arms Support Command, sample and report any contamination on the battlefield. Joint Program Manager Contamination Avoidance (JPM-CA) and Program The ALD has provided Manager Stryker Brigade Combat maintenance engineering Team. support to the NBCRV Sensor Suite since 2004. Maintenance engineer Robert McDonel has been a part of the program for more than four years. McDonel’s recent support to the Level of Repair Review came at a critical time in the program. “The maintenance engineering concept was changing from contractor logistics support to organic support, where the Warfighter does the maintenance on the system,” he said. “To help the customer work through this transition, I listened to them and approached the problem with a fresh pair of eyes.” The Level of Repair Review helped the customer determine that, while in some cases it is more cost-effective to replace a component of the system, in others it makes more sense to repair. “I suggested repairing components versus replacing an entire sub-assembly,” said McDonel. “This increases the availability of equipment, as well as provides a cost-savings to the customer.” Now that Level of Repair Review is complete, the next step in support is performing the Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA). The MTA will develop maintenance procedures, task times, tools and spare-part list that build the updated TM. When defining the role of the Acquisition Logistics Division Mr. McDonel says it best, “The value that our Division brings to the customer is that they can come to one trusted and experienced source for maintenance engineering, logistics, technical data and supply support, as well as training and packaging. We ensure the equipment can be operated, maintained and supplied as needed at the lowest cost to the Warfighter, the Program Manager and, ultimately, the taxpayer.”
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THE ENGINEERING EDGE |November 2014| 7
Jordanian Armed Forces to Receive Mobile CBRNE Protection Laboratory from JPM-Guardian
Engineering’s ADM Division Provides Fabrication and Integration Expertise for this Milestone Capability
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he Joint Project Manager Guardian (JPM-G), within the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD), has fielded dozens of mobile laboratories to the U.S. National Guard and other civilian response organizations for on-site detection and identification of hazardous chemical and biological agents. For the first time, the JPM is fielding this capability to a U.S.-allied nation to provide increased protection of the country’s borders. The effort is led by the Joint Product Manager for CBRNE Analytics and Response Systems (AR&S), with support from the ECBC Engineering Directorate’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing (ADM) Division and the ECBC Directorate of Program Integration’s Chemical Biological Application Risk and Reduction (CBARR) business unit. The Analytical Laboratory Suite (ALS) is a truck, shelter and equipment system that provides mobile capabilities for detecting and identifying chemical, biological, or radiological contamination and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of chembio warfare agents and other toxic materials. “Our team is known as the expert in the ‘total package fielding’ of this system – not just in the materiel solution, but also in its training, sustainment and integration,” said MAJ Cheryl L. Strange, assistant product manager for the Joint Product ManagerAR&S. “We have led the fielding of 64 of these labs to the National Guard, but this is the first international effort – a milestone for the program.” The Jordanian Analytical Laboratory Suite (JALS) supports a critical capability gap within the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). An assessment by U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Cooperative Threat Reduction Proliferation Prevention Program (DTRA CTR PPP) has identified an immediate need for analytical laboratory capabilities on the northern border of Jordan.
The lab features a sophisticated suite of analytical instruments and equipment and has been tailored to the specific needs of the JAF. ADM was instrumental in the integration of the system’s truck, shelter and equipment. ADM engineers and technicians used their construction and fabrication skills to customize the inside of the truck for the laboratory equipment, computers and controls. All of the lab equipment has been shock-mounted for mobility over terrain. ADM also customized the doors and shelter and made specialized cases for securing the equipment during shipping. The lab compliments concept of operations for the Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits, and Outfits (DR SKO) that has been developed by the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBC CA), another project that ADM supports. “ECBC’s resident level of knowledge and expertise in CBRNE materiel and equipment is unmatched,” said Strange. “We have an established relationship with ADM from their work on prior ALS projects, and they consistently bring new ideas to the table to improve upon each one. We work together efficiently, which is not only cost-effective for the government, but also allows for faster fielding of solutions.” Jordan will receive the JALS in FY15. Funding for the JALS is provided by DTRA and includes two years of maintenance and sustainment support. Eight JAF soldiers have already received training on ALS operations at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood, which included instruction on collecting, receiving, processing and analyzing samples. As part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program, the Colorado National Guard will help the JAF support and maintain proficiency with the system. “This is the baseline laboratory for an international partner,” said Strange. “Through this process, we have made improvements to the ALS system and have learned a lot about International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and export control. Those lessons will be applied to systems delivered to international partners in the future.”
The mobile lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of chembio warfare agents and other toxic materials. Jordan will receive the JALS in FY15. Credit: ECBC PAO
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8 | EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
ECBC Engineering and JPM-NBC CA Support Navy’s Innovative Missile Defense System
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CBC Engineering Directorate’s Obscuration and Nonlethal Engineering (ONE) Branch and the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBC CA) have partnered to support a high-tech obscurant capability as part of the Navy’s innovative missile defense system. In June 2014, Troy Johnson, James Landers and Paul Szatmary ― engineers from the ONE Branch and JPM-NBC CA ― supported the U.S. 7th Fleet and Navy Warfare Development Command during the testing of a prototype obscurant generator designed to prevent a missile from detecting and striking its target. The tests were conducted at sea off the coast of Guam. During the test, a shipboard device generated carbon-fibers suspended in air, which can absorb or diffuse radar waves emanating from the seekers and potentially obscure a target from incoming missiles. The two organizations became involved in the exercise in August 2013. “We were approached for our obscuration expertise based on prior work with the customer,” said Szatmary, mechanical engineer with the ONE Branch. “For this effort, we provided technical advice on the capability, as well as planning, logistics and coordination. Since the exercise, we have been providing technical data and reach-back support as the Navy prepares their report.” The experiment brought together civilian experts and Warfighters from the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. “This was a unique experience to work across the Services to provide a much-needed concealment capability to the Joint Warfighter,” said Johnson, a matrixed Engineering employee who leads obscuration programs for the JPM-NBC CA. Landers, Johnson and Szatmary participated in the pre-planning, as well as the at-sea exercise.
Credit: U.S. Navy The USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) test maritime obscurants south of Guam to assess their tactical effectiveness for anti-ship missile defense. “The planning was executed in a very short timeframe ― less than a year ― and required constant contact with the customer and Joint Service team,” said Szatmary. “The direct interaction with the customer during the exercise not only provided immediate customer feedback on the system, but it is also invaluable to the development of future capabilities.” Johnson said it was very beneficial to be on-ship in support of the live tests. “When you are on the ground with the customer, seeing what they are seeing, listening to their feedback ― there is no experience like it,” said Johnson. “You gain a deeper understanding of the Warfighter’s needs and a greater appreciation for their service and their mission.”
Engineering Strategic Initiatives: Progress and Path Forward
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he Engineering Directorate’s 15th Strategic Management Meeting (SMM), held on Sept. 30, kicked off with then-Acting Director Bill Klein and the SMM Board members thanking the workforce for their continued effort in driving forward the initiatives that make up the Directorate’s strategy. Several staff received Balanced Scorecard awards in recognition of the effort and enthusiasm they have brought to the progress of the initiatives in FY14. The Customer Service Initiative Team was honored for significant contributions to Engineering’s Strategic Management System in support of the Directorate’s mission and vision. Team members include Maxine Burgher, Pete Farlow, John Fok, Amanda Mihok, Christine Pan, Anthony Salvatore, John Stortstrom and Chris Waltrip. The team developed the concept of a customer service toolkit with various tools, techniques and processes for employees to use in customer interactions. Specifically, the Customer Service Reference Guide and Customer Interface Toolkit provide Directorate employees with myriad choices for interacting with customers and tailoring their support to the needs of the customer. Members of the Business Development (BD) Initiative Team were recognized for their role in developing, promoting and advancing the Directorate’s BD plan, tools and trainings, including Genna Rowe, for spearheading the BD training program, currently being rolled out through the workforce; Kerrin Dame, for recommending key improvements to the Business Management Too (BMT); and Nichole Mortin, for actively supporting the BD training and BMT development. Additionally, team members Matt Brown, Jason
Gabbard, David Love, Mary McNally and Mike Palko were thanked for serving as peer trainers for the BD training sessions. The agenda continued with Klein noting that Engineering had a good budget close-out this year, with many thanks to the budget analysts who worked behind the scenes. Looking ahead to FY15, he emphasized the importance of aligning the Directorate’s skills and expertise to best support its mission areas and critical capabilities. As usual, the majority of the SMM focused on status updates of each initiative, with each presentation reflecting on the progress made in the past year; noting the accomplishments; and charting a path forward into FY15. Many initiatives made significant progress on the development of plans and tools that the workforce will use to implement the initiatives moving forward. The various planning documents and toolkits are moving from the “draft” phase to leadership approval, and will be fully implemented in the coming months. The SMM Board continued to rave about the enthusiasm the workforce has shown in directing these initiatives, and Klein challenged those present with getting more of their colleagues involved. “The diverse set of participants at today’s meeting means we are weaving the initiatives throughout our organization,” said Klein. “Your dedication to this process demonstrates your ability to lead the Directorate into the future.” The full SMM presentation slides are available on the ECBC SharePoint site at https://cbconnect.apgea.army.mil/ENG/default. aspx in the BSC – Strategic Management Meetings section.
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