|
NASA
Staffing Algorithm and Computer Model
For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), ICF International recently developed a comprehensive
algorithm and computer model allowing NASA managers
and executives to determine the optimal number
of civil servant and contractor staff to carry
out all significant environmental management activities
at each NASA location. Working with NASA headquarters
and field center personnel, we defined 17 core
areas of environmental management activity, the
specific tasks within them that need to be accomplished
to comply with the law, minimize financial liabilities
and project delays, accomplish the agency's environmental
performance goals, and further the NASA mission,
and the key variables that influence optimal staffing
levels. We then quantified the importance of each
variable and compiled these relationships into
a user-friendly computer model (in Microsoft Excel)
that allows for user input and scenario testing,
displays results in tabular and graphical form,
and compares optimal and current staffing levels.
This model has been used by NASA senior management
to evaluate and adjust its staffing of the environmental
function at NASA headquarters.
Environmental Benchmarking
ICF International conducted a benchmarking of NASA's
environmental management structure and operations
relative to those of leading analogous private
sector organizations. During the course of this
ongoing project, ICF International developed criteria
for selecting appropriate corporate benchmarks,
identified and screened candidates using these
criteria, developed a comprehensive organizational
profile template, interviewed corporate EH&S
executives and managers, directed the preparation
of a series of standardized organizational charts,
and drafted summary findings. The results of this
work were used to confirm the appropriateness
of NASA's current environmental management structure
at agency Headquarters.
Market Transformation of Commercial
Energy Use for EPA
During the development phase of this market transformation
program, ICF International conducted market research
and technology assessments, and defined strategies
for launching various programs. In addition, ICF International assisted EPA with marketing and publication
efforts to raise industry and consumer awareness
of newly developed programs. Since 1991, ICF International
has been the leading contractor assisting EPA
in the development and implementation of the Green
Lights, ENERGY
STAR® Buildings,
ENERGY STAR
Homes, and ENERGY
STAR Labeling programs,
including ENERGY
STAR Office Equipment,
Home Electronics, and Residential Light Fixtures.
ICF International developed marketing, implementation,
communication (public awareness), and evaluation
strategies for these programs. ICF International
also developed various tools such as training
seminars, marketing materials, software, consumer
awareness materials, and technical and implementation
management materials.
|
Environmental-Business Strategy
Review for Naval Air Station
ICF International has completed several related initiatives
at the United States Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent
River to address environmental and operational
impacts from both base realignments and reductions
in congressional funding for the Department of
Defense (DoD). The objective of these initiatives
was to help the station to position itself as
a viable and competitive resource for the Navy
while promoting responsible environmental stewardship
within both the planning and operational functions
of the station. Specifically, the NAS instituted
an Environmental Review Process (ERP) to promote
sustainability of NAS activities while increasing
the awareness of environmental and regional issues
in the planning and execution of research, development,
test, and evaluation activities at the NAS Patuxent
River and its ranges. Additionally, the ERP has
been designed to streamline and integrate operational
environmental compliance and management requirements,
and to provide an interdisciplinary approach to
beyond-compliance capabilities for NAS.
ICF International designed the ERP to accomplish
several distinct but related goals: (1) obtaining
the commitment of both host and tenant organizations;
(2) establishing an environmental review board;
(3) developing and using environmental and operational
performance indicators; and (4) integrating corrective
action measures with business planning. Together,
these components allow for an efficient means
to assess operational, environmental, regional,
and business objectives and effectiveness in meeting
them. The approach that we used in establishing
a process for operational environmental review
parallels the guidelines set forth within the
ISO 14001 standard. Although NAS has not currently
chosen to become ISO 14001 compliant, the EMS
that we have helped to create at the NAS has followed
the ISO guidelines. In doing so, we have helped
NAS to establish an environmental policy for NAS
operations, incorporate elements of the policy
into NAS operational planning, provide a means
for checking and implementing corrective actions,
and set forth actions for management review.
|
