rain, sleet, or snow

SPECPRO SPOTLIGHT

SPECPRO GROUPBADGER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT

S P O T L I G H T

Cover photo submitted by Delbert Davis, BTS Senior Program ManagerBadger Army Ammunition Plant, Baraboo, WI

April 2014

BTS WORKS THROUGH THE DEAD OF WINTERRAIN, SLEET, OR SNOW

STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHTSTARS ARE SHINING BRIGHT THROUGHOUT THE SPECPRO GROUP

BTS AFUO WINS

AIR FORCE LARGE TEAM AWARD!

SPECPRO SPOTLIGHT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the Desk of the President ..................3

Shareholder Update ....................................4

Chris’ Corner ...............................................4

Gold Standard Award ..................................5

Employee Recognition ................................5

Air Force Large Team Award .......................6

BTS on Lake Wisconsin ..............................6

BTS “Road Warrior” ....................................7

New Employees ..........................................8

Blast from the Past ......................................8

Aloha from Hawaii .......................................8

ERDC, Vicksburg, MS .................................8

Thank You! It’s great to spread the word about the amazing work taking place in the SpecPro Group! Thank you for your articles and photos! Please send items for the next issue to

[email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you!

Felicia EckertGraphic Artist, Editor-in-ChiefSpecPro Group Spotlight

Snapshots

Congratulations to New Case Processing Analysts (May 17, 2013)From Left to right: Kris Mena (Team Lead), Will Williams (Director), Elias Abdi (New CPA), Nena Smith (Shareholder, New CPA), Laura Elibri (DC PM), Scott Jackson (New CPA)

Leadership and Management Strategic Planning Session

L-R: Rowan Lake, June Coleman, Jennifer Gunter, Tia Lance (standing),

Kali Billingslea and Bill Smith

Winning TeamBack Row L-R: Dan Mitchell, John Reeder, Regina Monroe, Ben Gamble, Will Williams; Front Row L-R: Laura Elibri, Laurie Grams and Tia Lance

Cover Photo: Badger Army Ammunition Plant, Baraboo, WI. BTS performs buoy system checks on the Lake Wisconsin.

SPECPRO SPOTLIGHT

From the Desk of the President…

Over the past few months, we have seen an interest from BBNC in our documented processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all levels of the organization. The Group did an excellent job responding to these requests in every case, and I am

reminded of the value and importance such documentation lends to any business. There are several reasons why it is critical for every manager to ensure they have well-written SOPs and policy documents for areas under their purview. These include:

Performance ManagementSince we just finished the latest BBNC fiscal year, this came immediately to my mind. Establishing SOPs throughout your work area makes it easier to conduct performance appraisals because it provides everyone with target output levels for each deliverable in their job descriptions. Although managers don’t have to include all procedures each employee performs, appraisals can focus on the ones most crucial to each individual’s job, particularly those that affect the Group’s bottom line. It’s also easy to compare the performance of employees who perform the same SOP as a component of their jobs.

RoutinesWell-written SOPs can explain workflows and responsibilities using graphics, tables, and charts, which make them more easily digestible to people in a work area. This creates more predictability for everyone, and employees are then free to hone their skills on each task to raise their overall performance levels, which always benefits the Group.

Quality ControlOur customers expect our products and services to be of a certain minimum quality. SOPs help us reduce the errors that occur when producing our deliverables, and they also increase the kind of predictability our customers like to see. This tends to lead to better performance reviews from those customers, which in turn enhances the Group’s reputation and helps us win new work.

Replication and GrowthOrganizations will expand or contract operations depending on our customers’ requirements. Whether we’re growing or realigning ourselves, SOPs help us replicate processes throughout the Group and create a baseline of performance standards.

Ultimately, having thorough and well-written SOPs make it easier for all of us to do our jobs, no matter what our individual contributions may be. I urge our managers to examine your work areas’ processes and ensure we have established clear, concise SOPs. In addition, I recommend regular reviews of existing SOPs to ensure they remain up-to-date and relevant. Together, we will take the SpecPro Group to the next level of operational excellence.

Kind Regards,John S. ReederPresident/CEO and BBNC Member Representative

| |

SPECPRO SPOTLIGHT | |

Chris’ CornerPlan your career path

Now is the perfect time to ask yourself (if you haven’t already): “Where do I want to be in the SpecPro Group one year from now? Three years from now?” If you do not have answers to these

questions, it is a good idea to think about these things before it’s time for your performance appraisal. The purpose of the employee appraisal is to evaluate performance over the last year, setting the stage for the coming year. When it’s time for your appraisal, take the discussion a bit further. Discuss the future needs of your business line or department and the role you will play—especially if you can attend additional job-related training. The SpecPro Group values its hard-working employees. We are in the “people business.” And if everybody can follow a career path more or less of their choosing, the happier our people will be.n

In order to provide the best Shareholder Employment Program, the SpecPro Group has sent a team to talk to each Shareholder

individually. The first official visit was the first of March to the Department of Labor (DOL) worksite in Atlanta, GA. The second visit in mid-March, was to the worksite in Chicago, IL. Ms. Chris Vargas and Ms. Patsy Cannon visited each site to discuss the Shareholder Program. Their goal is to get feedback from all Shareholders, answer questions and listen to their feedback.

The SpecPro Group currently has 13 Shareholders in corporate and government contracting positions. The 13 Shareholders have been relocated from the villages of Alaska to the lower 48 states. The SpecPro Group’s relocation policy tailors itself to each individual based on his or her personal requirements.

Once a Shareholder is hired by a company in the SpecPro Group, a support team is in place at the corporate office to make certain each relocation is a success. The management team at the Shareholder’s new location is responsible for setting up lodging and sponsorships to ensure Shareholders feel welcome and transition smoothly into their new environment. While this process is constantly evolving, we feel that we have established a strong program.

The last week of March, Chris and Patsy traveled to Washington, D.C. for their final visit with Shareholders. Once they return

to headquarters, they will reevaluate the Shareholder Employment Program based on feedback and suggestions they received. Chris and Patsy enjoyed meeting with Shareholders and look forward to making the SpecPro Group Shareholder Employment Program the best it can be. This is one more way that the SpecPro Group is going the extra mile to exceed our company goals!n

L-R: Teron Sorenson, Tessa Hermeling, Tasha Stepanoff, Chris Vargas, Patsy Cannon, Kristy Tugatuk, Denise Coopchiak and Jacob Fast

Shareholder UpdateCorporate representatives travel to meet with Shareholders

There are no secrets to success. It is the result

of preparation, hard work, and

learning from failure. — Colin Powell

L-R: Chris Vargas, April Hostetter, and Alexa Moore (David Eli Jones not shown)

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

Neena Smith

Lindsey Dean

Washington, D.C.

Megan Heyano

Matthew Smith

SPECPRO SPOTLIGHT

Laurie GramsCorporate HQ

L-R: Regina Monroe and Laurie Grams

Adariea VaughnHQ DEA

Joel StarrettDOL OFLC

L-R: Joel Starrett and Tia Lance

| |

The Gold Standard Award winner for the third quarter (BBNC fiscal year) is Ms. Teretha Jones. Ms. Jones joined the SpecPro Group in 2009 and is a Security Specialist at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Headquarters in ISP Security Programs. Her responsibilities include being the customer service registrar for personal identification verification (PIV) cards as well as processing credentials and badges.

Because of Ms. Jones’ ambition and excellent communication skills, she has consistently been recognized by the customer’s management and contract task monitor as the “go-to” person. On December 10, 2013, Ms. Jones was acknowledged by the customer

Since the inauguration of the Gold Standard Award in June 2013, five people have received the

prestigious award. Each quarter nominees are submitted by their managers through the SpecPro Group website. The nominees are adjudicated by the SpecPro Group Executive Panel in a rigorous evaluation process that assesses each nominee’s specific accomplishments and achievements. The awardee receives a gold bar engraved with his or her name and date of presentation along with a monetary award. Each Gold Standard awardee is also commemorated on an engraved plaque that hangs in the entrance way of the SpecPro Group Corporate Office in San Antonio, TX.

Exemplary Performance RecognizedWith the Gold Standard Award

Stars are Shining Bright throughout the SpecPro GroupEmployees recognized with spot bonuses for exceptional performance!

for her performance and professionalism in completing a high-visibility task for DEA management. Ms. Jones’ achievements demonstrate the exemplary performance necessary to receive the Gold Standard Award. Congratulations Teretha!n

Nena SmithDOL OFLC

L-R: Laura Elibri, Nena Smith, and Kris Mena

Janaka Clark and Melissa JonesHQ BLS

L-R: Joel Lucas, Janaka Clark, Melissa Jones, and Will Williams


Kudos go out to the BTS Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO) for winning

the Air Force Large Team Award for Aircrew Performance Branch (ASC/WNUV)! Their win allows them to move on to the next level of competition: Directorate. The BTS team worked in seamless efforts with the subcontractor (Battelle) and government employees to provide exemplary support. Some of their accomplishments are listed below. Keep in mind these are only “highlights” of their success—many more achievements can be cited.

• Executed Safe-to-Fly for the Massif Cold Weather Ensemble

- Saved $384K and still met requirements - Currently serve over 6,000 aviators

• Improved Configuration Control Board process by creating diagrams and flowcharts to reduce timelines and save money

• Upgraded contract actions for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) by base-lining four specifications and supporting documents to enhance test procedures and eliminate inconsistencies

• Generated first Organizational Systems Engineering Plan detailing processes to perform Systems Engineering within the AFUO

Badger Technical Services (BTS) Air Force Uniform Office TeamWins Air Force large team award for work on cold weather, other clothing

• Authored the first Performance Specification for the Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS)

• Originated a Memorandum of Agreement with United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine for the execution of thermal manikin testing and modeling events for CWAS

• Reduced product-development timelines by expediting evaluation of critical equipment

• Created first AFUO webpage soliciting worldwide feedback from airmen to track uniform-fit issues

The Pump and Treat System used at Badger Army Ammunition Plant discharges into Lake Wisconsin and

creates a thin-ice condition, thus creating a safety hazard for ATV and snowmobile use on the frozen lake. Badger Technical Services, LLC (BTS) is responsible for setting up and monitoring the buoy thin ice warning system on the Wisconsin River. BTS checks the buoy system with a hovercraft made to traverse on the ice and water. This activity occurs even in the dead of winter.

The hovercraft, also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, is a craft capable of travelling over land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces

Buoy System ChecksOn frozen Wisconsin River

both at speed and when stationary. The hovercraft uses blowers to produce a large volume of air below the hull that is slightly above atmospheric pressure. The pressure difference between the higher pressure air below the hull and lower pressure ambient air above it produces lift, which causes the hull to float above the running surface. For stability reasons,

• Representatives on Shade Council of Colonels and Captains; defining objectives/tasks for resolving shade issues and new processes

• Improved sustainment and support for clothing / textiles apparel and products

• Chief of Staff USAF directed effort –provided premium service dress uniform enhanced fabric for comfort and appearance

• First Special Measurement Order focal point for Air Force customers worldwide—previously handled by Army

• Established an in-house Engineering 339 Process; developed tool to receive, respond, and track workload/costs

• Aided in release of solicitation to allow open competition and continuous improvements

• Continuous Improvement – identified top uniform items with fit/performance issues users corrected—will lead to reduced costs in garment maintenance, reduction in alteration, and availability of right-sized uniforms

BTS AFUO staff helps ensure that Air force personnel are properly clothed for their global mission.n

the air is typically blown through slots or holes around the outside of a disk or oval-shaped platform, giving most hovercraft a characteristic rounded-rectangle shape. Typically this cushion is contained within a flexible “skirt”, which allows the vehicle to travel over small obstructions without damage.n

Front (L-R) Tracy Roan, Julie Ratcliffe, Stacey Butler, Valerie Thorn; Back (L-R) Kris Dodds, Jamee Zeek, Andrea Pardue, Matt Warner, Danny Weng

Inspection of the buoy system on Lake WisconsinBTS staff Jim Erickson drives the hovercraft across Lake Wisconsin to check buoys with Jon Schouten

The Air Force Large Team award win allows them to move on to the next level of competition: Directorate.


Travel light, freeze at night. BTS industrial hygienist (non-certified) and technical editor Martin Kufus

often heard that maxim years ago while serving in an Army special-operations unit. In other words, a lighter rucksack was easier to carry—but when night and cold arrived, you might wish you had packed that bulky sleeping bag.

Nowadays, savvy planning also helps a BTS “road warrior” keep a tight schedule of inspections at widely located, federal sites—even in the dead of winter. As field personnel from San Antonio, Texas, fan out across the United States in support of our client (Federal Occupational Health), careful preparation precedes the air and ground travel that moves a BTS technician with personal luggage and approximately 100 pounds of inspection equipment and tools on assignments sometimes lasting weeks.

Between Jan. 20 and Feb. 8, a variety of fieldwork—asbestos inspections or re-inspections, indoor-air sampling, and/or water sampling—occurred in 13 Social Security Administration offices in Utah, Colorado, and South Dakota. On a not-unusual BTS itinerary, Kufus first flew to Salt Lake City, rented a small car, and worked in an SSA office in Ogden and one in Salt Lake City; then, packed up, flew over the snow-covered Rocky Mountains to Denver, rented another small car, and worked in six SSA offices downtown in the Mile High City. Next, the real challenge: staying a step ahead of severe weather in the land where the buffalo roam.

“From Denver, I drove to an SSA site in Fort Collins, just south of the Wyoming line,” Kufus said. “The asbestos-air sampling in that last Colorado office took just over half a day, allowing me to drive north to Cheyenne before nightfall. After that, it was about 875 miles and several days of driving to SSA offices in South Dakota: Rapid City, Pierre, Aberdeen, and lastly Sioux Falls.”

In the dead of a harsh winter, ground travel through sparsely populated areas has an additional risk. An unseen patch of ice can

send a vehicle off the road; impassable roads can prevent timely help.

“I know better than putting all of my trust in a cellular phone,” Kufus said. “Even if I called for help—the highway patrol and a tow truck, say—on a lonesome stretch of Wyoming or South Dakota, it doesn’t guarantee anything.” Thinking worst-case scenario, he had packed

some survival items, in addition to heavy winter clothing and boots, in case he had to “overnight” in a stranded rental car in below-freezing temperatures:

• Food – Two Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) and several protein and carbohydrate sports bars.

• Water – Aside from any store-bought water, a stainless-steel bottle kept full of tap water but suitable for refilling later with fresh snow (to melt indoors) or stream water; and, water-purification tables.

• Signal – A bright-orange safety vest to wear (while changing a flat or hiking to a nearby truck stop) or emplace on the car. Also, a high-intensity flashlight with extra batteries; a signal mirror with which to aim reflected sunlight; and, a whistle on a lanyard with which to catch ground rescuers’ attention.

• Fire/Heat – A box of water-proofed matches; also, a small candle and holder with which to keep the car interior’s temperature bearable (with a window kept slightly open for ventilation). Two risks with idling the car’s engine to run the heater overnight: You run out of fuel; or, heavy snow accumulates around the car, trapping exhaust fumes and sending carbon monoxide into the cab.

• Tools – A Swiss Army knife or Leatherman-type multitool for small tasks; a small shovel for bigger. One of the best entrenching tools on the market is Cold Steel’s “Special Forces Shovel.” (Kufus said he has chopped tree limbs, extinguished grass fires, and killed a rattlesnake in Texas with his.)

• Shelter – The car’s interior is exterior shelter, but a metallic/nylon emergency blanket and any other compact comfort item helps.

• Navigation – A GPS device is standard equipment on Badger’s FOH road trips. However, the devices give only a limited picture of the countryside—and require electricity. A hard-copy map purchased at a service station provides information for a “human override” of a computer’s selected route—which usually is the shortest—in favor of a different one on highways more likely to get the snowplows. Also, have a handheld compass (and the skill to use it). As is often the case, this survival “kit” never had to be used, but is something you don’t want to be caught without, Kufus said.n

Badger Technical ServicesBravely goes where the buffalo roam…

Savvy planning helps a BTS “road warrior” keep a tight schedule of inspections at federal sites—even in the dead of winter.

View of outside road conditions in the northern United States where BTS “road warrior” Martin Kufus sets out on an asbestos inspection trail that leads him through harsh winter weather.


BTS WelcomesNew Program Manager

Lloyd French is the Program Manager for BTS’ Continental Steel Superfund Site contract with the Environmental

Protection Agency and pursues environmental services business opportunities. He is a retired Air Force leader from the Air Force Technical Applications Center (nuclear treaty monitoring) with seven years of industry program- management experience covering software development, range modernization operations, and environmental services. Mr. French is a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service volunteer and was awarded the Department of the Interior Conservation Service Award in 2000. He’s married to the former Michelle Rostosky from Satellite Beach, FL; they have three children: Lindsey, Nick, and Christina.n

Van ArmstrongKevin BarrMarie Benovil

On February 27, 2014, TekPro Services was awarded a competitive SPAWAR contract in Hawaii. TekPro service

installer, Dustin Chuberko is hard at work installing the 25th Infantry Division DRSN secure phone capability to Commanding General and Deputy Commanding General offices in Oahu, HI. TekPro's tele-communications capabilities include installation, termination, and testing of: Protective Distribution Systems (PDS) drops, new NIPRNET and telephone

Dustin Chuberko installs secure phone lines at the Army base in Hawaii

New EmployeesDecember 2013 - March 2014

Aloha!from the SPAWAR contract

Blast from the PastDid you know…

From 2008 to 2010, BTS assisted the life sciences equipment laboratory at Brooks-City Base in San Antonio, TX

through collaboration with Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) in the cultural and historical identification of remains of missing U.S. military service members. JPAC has identified nearly 1,500 remains. The laboratory and staff:

• Analyzed 156 cases and accounted for the whereabouts of 172 missing servicemembers and the causes of disappearance; and

• Utilized advanced DNA and forensic analysis procedures and laboratory techniques to examine, assess, and document obtained artifacts and associated relevance.n

Equipment Analyst examines glove to help determine identity of missing servicemen

Attention, All Managers!!

Davita HodgeKamia McLendonAmber Ubinger

Submissions for the Gold Standard Award are due July 07, 2014. The nomination form is found on your company’s website.

connections to support the growing demand of daily IG office operations and SIPRNET cable infrastruture in buildings.n

Steve Veale, Henry Thornton, Stu Goerhing, Steve Alexander, Lloyd French, and Ben Gamble visited the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS. Approximately 34 BTS employees support ERDC research in

specialized areas including nanotechnology, water modeling, genomics and computational biology, and toxicology. Henry Thornton, ERDC Project Manager, has been involved in the ERDC program since 2000 and has managed SpecPro and BTS staff in Vicksburg for 11 years.n

L-R: Steve Veale, Henry Thornton, Stu Goerhing, Steve Alexander, and Lloyd French prepare for ERDC tour.

Executives “Suit-up” ERDC, Vicksburg, MS

rain, sleet, or snow

Documents