1. In this issue...
HPO Dispatch
Federal Facilities Division—Monthly Newsletter
FFD—a high performing organization through continuous improvement
ISSUE 1 November 2015VOLUME 8
 AWG WELCOMES ........................ 1
 FROM THE DIRECTOR .................. 2
 GOOD TO KNOW ....................... 3
 SAFETY SPOTLIGHT .................... 4
 ANNOUNCEMENTS ...................... 5
 FFD SHOUT OUT ....................... 6
AWG Welcomes New Branch Manager
Mr. Rodney Abrams joins the
Alterations Work Group (AWG)
with more than 20+ years of
experience in structural
engineering, program
management, and sustainment
of infrastructure. He has worked
in both the private and public
sectors. Mr. Abrams holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in
Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology from
The Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science degree
in Management from the Thomas Edison State College.
Mr. Abrams is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves
(enlisted since 1988). His military education includes the Engineer
Officer Basic Course, Engineer Captains Career Course, Combined
Arms and Service Staff School, and Intermediate Level Education.
Serving as Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Abrams was deployed during
Operation Enduring Freedom (March 2012 – December 2012),
where he was the Chief Engineer of a combined joint brigade-
level Reginal Support Command in Southwest Afghanistan.
Most recently, Mr. Abrams served as Chief of Military Section for
the US Army Corps of Engineers of the New York City District.
Along with responsibilities for the delivery of design and
engineering projects in support of the District’s military program,
supporting customers at US Military Academy at West Point,
Picatinny Aresnal, Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, and Thule
Airbase. Abrams served as Chairman for architect-engineer and
design-build contract selection boards.
Mr. Abrams joined the AWG team on September 8th and looks
forward to continuing the branch’s mission of delivering the best
in construction and alteration services to the tenants in the
Pentagon. He plans to work closely with both customers and
employees in delivering those services.
In his spare time, Mr. Abrams loves to cook, with collard greens
deemed as his specialty. Hamburgers are amongst his favorite
foods, but mayonnaise is not a desired condiment. Abrams is
married to Terriann, and they have one daughter (Brianna).

2. 2
Federal Facilities Division
1155 Defense Pentagon
Room 3B1089
Washington, DC 20301-1155
Phone: 703.695.3472
Fax: 703.692.3253
FFD LEADERSHIP:
R. Adrian Upshur
Director
Robert.A.Upshur.civ@mail.mil
Philip Samet
Deputy Director
Phil.I.Samet.civ@mail.mil
FFD BRANCH MANAGERS:
Rodney Abrams
Alterations Work Group (AWG)
703.697.8312
Michael “Mike” Bryant
Robert Candido (Deputy)
Pentagon Building Management Office
(PBMO)
703.697.7351
Kenneth Gordon
Darryl Diggs (Deputy)
Property Management Branch (PMB)
703.614.1299
Charles “Buster” Hash
Resources, Security, and
Administration Branch (RSA)
703.695.7229
Curtis Houston
Facilities Configuration Management
Branch (FCMB)
703.692.1858
Don Kuney
James Graves (Assistant
Manager)
Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration
Plant (PH&RP)
703.697.4478
Paul Viergutz
Facilities Business Systems Office
(FBSO)
703.614-5210
Federal Facilities Division
1155 Defense Pentagon
Room 3B1089
Washington, DC 20301-1155
Phone: 703.695.3472
Fax: 703.692.3253
This month’s message contains a recent submission to our Innovation
Exchange Program. The Innovation Exchange Program’s mission is to
support FFD’s vision of earning the unquestioned reputation of being
the leader among facilities management organizations by engaging all
FFD employees in continuous improvement through open
communication and collaboration. Most importantly, the program
gives employees the opportunity to offer suggestions for improvement
or ask questions that affect the workplace.
To submit a suggestion or question please visit the FFD Innovation Exchange Share Point site at:
https://whsportal.osd.mil/FSD/FFD/SitePages/Innovation.aspx suggestions can be submitted
anonymously.
Please review this very thoughtful and enlightening commentary from one of our FFD workers,
submitted anonymously.
From the FFD Director, Mr. Upshur
Sincerely,
Adrian Upshur
Mr. Adrian Upshur
FFD Director
To whom it may concern,
The reason I am writing is because we hear
people say that our shop has too many
complainers, I don't think that is true due to
the fact that, the majority of us get along and
work very well together…...We are a small
shop with many people to support, but we do
our best and come through for the most part.
The Supervisor treats us very well and is fair
to all of us, the manager only asks for
everyone to give their best, because that is
what we are getting paid for and we should
take pride in what we do….The other
Supervisor for the most part is fair to us as
well.
I have worked outside of the government for
many years and know that people are going to
complain but some of the other people just
don't get it! Outside of the government, they
would have been let go, or simply told to just
do your job or find employment elsewhere...
Some workers here think that someone owes
them something when in fact they are being
paid to do what is needed.
I would say to those that complain try going
and work for the contractors or move on if
they think the grass is greener! I can say from
just being out there that it is not easy and you
get paid for what you know and some of
those that are complaining wouldn’t get paid
much and wouldn’t last.
I just wanted to say that this is a great place to
work and the people in the shop get along for
the most part; and I know that not everyone is
going to be happy….I just wish that those that
complain would stop, they seem to just
complain about anything they can, and it is
not good for the overall morale.
Thanks for taking the time to read and hope
that it makes some sense.
Sincerely,
One that cares!!!!
Innovation Exchange Submission—Concerned FFDer

3. 3
Good to Know... FFD Employment Opportunities
To apply, you must first have a current resume posted on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Website, USAJOBS. Go to
https://www.usajobs.gov. In order to save your search or post your resume, you must create an account on the web site.
Closing Date Job Title Series & Grade Branch
11/10/2015 General Engineer GS-0801-13 AWG
Hails….
(Welcome to the newest FFD members)
& Farewells
(The following employees have departed...)
Length of Service Anniversaries in November
(Years as a Government Employee, and Current Branch)
Names Branch Years
RICKY D DAWKINS PMB 40
LAWRENCE ERNEST PHRP 36
JEFFERY R HINES AWG 35
CHARLES H ARCHER AWG 34
ANTHONY A TURNER PBMO 32
KELVIN B PRUITT PBMO 30
Names Branch Years
LAMONT FARMER PBMO 29
MCARTHUR RODGERS JR PBMO 26
CARLTON W ALEXANDER PBMO 23
GARY R MOODY PBMO 22
CONRAD BLOCK JR AWG 6
STEVEN M GRAY PBMO 6
Names Branch Years
KYLE L DONALDSON AWG 6
BRIAN S EVANS AWG 6
LAWRENCE R PABLO AWG 6
LESLIE F KIDWELL PBMO 4
LEONARD T SARATAN PBMO 2
MICHAEL L SMITH PBMO 1
AWG
 Rodney Abrams
 Daniel Ginger
 Timothy Hines
HRP
 Abe Elbakkari
 Jason Robb
O&M
 Mark Abels
PBMO
 Davina Fisher
 Gary Hardy
 Rodney Hardy
 Antuan Lee
 Wilfredo Mateo
 Lindon Prince
 Rebecca Schultz
 Edmond Saneaka
AWG
 Kenneth Akehurst
 Anthony Hugel
HRP
 Behzad Dananiani
 Timothy Lowe
PBMO
 Paul Caruso
 Natalie Huber
 Johnny Hudler
 David Jagoda
 Antonio Santiago

4. 4
Contributed by the Standards and Compliance Division, Occupational Safety and Health Branch.
WHS Safety Spotlight
TOOL & MACHINE SAFEGUARDING
Hand and power tools are a part of our everyday lives. These tools help us to perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or
impossible. However, even simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or
maintained improperly. Special attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these
hazards.
Basic Tool Safety
The potential for permanently debilitating injuries exist with many tools and machines. This applies mainly to employees involved
in industrial, maintenance, or construction activities, but similar hazards exist on some office equipment, including printers and
copiers when safeguards are compromised. Washington Headquarters Services has developed policies to minimize the potential
for tool and machine related injuries by ensuring the right tools and equipment are available to do the job.
All employees are responsible for:
 Selecting the right tool or machine for the job
 Inspecting the equipment
 Before each use
 Preventative maintenance
 Returning/reporting damaged tools to supervisor
 Selecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on hazards
 Preparing the work area before use
 Operating equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions
Guarding—Point of Operation
Remember, only use a tool or machine if you have been trained to fully understand the proper usage of the equipment. Training
includes proper machine operation, tool use, hazard recognition, the proper adjustment of adjustable guards, and the use of PPE
as needed. Point of operation guards are often included to help you avoid injury from the working part of the tool, but they rarely
offer perfect protection. You can’t fully guard a saw blade, or it will have no way to cut! It is therefore important to understand
those guards, how they work, and how they may fail to protect you. Always de-energize a machine (unplug it, lock it out) if you
need to reach into the point of operation. Modern power transmission guards are usually more effective and will prevent you
from reaching over, under or through to the hazardous gear, belt or drive shaft, as long as the guard is in proper working order.
Remember these basic tool and machine safety techniques the next time you use a tool or machine. If you have any questions
about Tool & Machine Safeguarding or would like more information about VPP, please contact the Occupational Safety and Health
Branch at (703) 693-3683, your supervisor, or local safety point of contact.
VPP…It's about achieving EXCELLENCE in safety -- by involving you, and every WHS employee

5. 5
Announcements
Training & Development (T&D) Resources:
For up-to-date training opportunities go to the T&D Home Page
on FFD’s SharePoint site. To access the calendar and other re-
sources go to:
https://whsportal.osd.mil/FSD/FFD/TD/SitePages/Home.aspx
To login, select the DoD email certificate and enter your PIN.
The calendar is updated regularly as we find out about oppor-
tunities for FFD employees. (As with any training opportunity,
you will need to gain approval from your supervisor to attend.)
Also available is the DMD Training Calendar located at:
https://whsportal.osd.mil/FSD/DMD/Lists/Calendar/
calendar.aspx or the HRD site at: https://whsportal.osd.mil/
HRD/LDD/SitePages/LDDHome.aspx.
If you have a training opportunity you’d like to have posted, email:
Regina.C.Hicks2.ctr@mail.mil with the details to post on the FFD SharePoint
training calendar.
PERS Workshops:
Training workshops currently offered by the Employee Assis-
tance Program (EAP) Pentagon Employee Referral Service
(PERS) can be found at the following web site:
http://www.dthc.capmed.mil/EAP/SitePages/Training%20and%
20Workshops.aspx The EAP office has moved to Room BE834.
For the monthly Fit-To-Win Clinic Schedules, please call the
main number at 703-692-8898 or go to:
http://www.dthc.capmed.mil/Care/SitePages/FitToWin.aspx
Stop by our info table on the 2nd floor apex of 9 and 10 on 19
Nov. or make an appointment to discuss your options for to-
bacco cessation support.
**Call 703-692-8898 to register for classes. **
And Other Announcements—
Building Circulars—Special Events:
You can find all scheduled special events for FSD listed on the
Pentagon Building Circulars in the WHS SharePoint site. To ac-
cess the circulars go to:
https://customerresources.whs.mil/dfd/PBM/PBC.cfm
If you have a problem connecting to any of the above links, copy
and paste the full address into your browser. If the problem
persists, please call the JITSPP Help Desk at (703) 693-9600.
53rd Annual Combined Federal Campaign:
The Parking Permit Renewal Process has been suspended at
this time.
All November 2015 permits will be valid until further notice,
however no new permits will be issued .
For additional questions or concerns, please contact your
Division Parking Representative and/or the Parking Manage-
ment Office.
Open season this year is
scheduled from:
Nov. 9th — Dec. 14th
For all contact and benefit
plan information, please
here:
www.opm.gov/healthcare-
insurance/special-initiatives/
self-plus-one/
Federal Employees Health Benefits
(FEHB):
The Combined Federal Campaign is underway!
This year, FSD’s goal is $32,000. For information
on donations, organizations, and Branch contacts
visit: http://www.cfcnca.org
Agency ID # 4076013

6. Federal Facilities
Division
1155 Defense Pentagon
Room 3B1089
Washington, DC 20301-1155
Phone: 703.695.3472
Fax: 703.692.3253
FFD HPO SUPPORT:
Erin Murray
Newsletter Editor
Erin.t.murray.ctr@mail.mil
FFD Shout Out—Great Job!
FFD strives to provide exceptional service to all its customers. Thank you for the work you do each
day to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. Customers can submit feedback on services
provided through the Enterprise Voice of the Customer (EVoC) system. FFD Leadership is notified of,
and reviews all of the feedback provided through EVoC. The following individuals and or teams re-
ceived positive comments in October for outstanding work.
Alterations Work Group (AWG) Services
“I would like to recognize the following WHS/SPMD,
WHS/AWG and WHS/Property who played a huge role
in the successful completion of the Under Secretary
for Defense Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
(AT&L) front office carpet replacement and patch/
painting projects. The dedication, devotion to work,
and professionalism exhibited by the entire team,
produced outstanding results, with minimal problems
incurred……..When the project was completed, there
was no sign that any work had been done…….It is for
the reasons stated above that the following WHS
personnel should be recognized for not only a job well
done on this project, but for their support for every
project we submit:
- Craig S. Brian, Deputy Director for Space & Services
(AT&L)
Pentagon Building Management Office
(PBMO) —Building Operations Command
Center (BOCC)
“We would like to thank T. Alexander and C. Bowie
for their quick and friendly service provided to our
office 1E868 (SAF/AARM) on 23 Oct @ 1500. Keep
these two around!” - Anonymous
PBMO —Custodial Services:
“We just moved into the Mark Center. Unlike all
other aspects of our move, this was seamless,
pleasant, and professional. The customer service rep
in the BOCC clearly explained what was needed to get
rid of our boxes, and the custodial staff were on our
floor taking boxes away within two hours. It could be
no more timely than that! The custodial staff was also
very pleasant and professional.” - Anonymous
PBMO—Electrical Power/Lighting
“Immediate service for the Vice Chief of Staff, Army.
Thank you for expediting your response and service.” -
Goerge S. Toves,
PBMO—Heating, Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC)
“I was very appreciative of the patience Tiffany
exercised in providing customer service and answering
all my questions. As a first time user, I was unfamiliar
with rooms having different priorities. I erroneously
gave a room number with a lower priority (as two
room numbers make up our office suite) and thus the
work order took longer to complete. After a day of no
progress, I again spoke with Tiffany and she educated
me on the process, as well as she was able to assist
with the change in priority level. Within minutes a
gentleman came up to make an initial assessment of
the problem and within a matter of a few hours it was
fixed. I was impressed with the efficiency, courtesy,
and professionalism of the staff throughout the
process. I now better understand the process and am
extremely thankful those involved who made a
difference in our support of the senior leaders. Great
work!” - Julie Steward
Don't forget to ask your customers
to fill out a comment card in EVoC
each time you provide a service.
Customers can access EVoC using this
link:
https://ice.disa.mil/whs/
Bagley, Tim McCallum, Brian
Carmargo, Justo Perichi, Gio
Carter, Roland Polyasko, Daniel
Carter, Ron Wagoner, Fred
Hazzard, Tobias Yates, Robert