Facility managers ‘First Stop’ for CE mission support Published Sept. 28, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Minnette Mason 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- "People generally spend one-third of their lives at work," said Cliff Otto, the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations support superintendent. "Offices, hangars, training facilities, customer service areas and retail sales venues are just a sample of where the installation workforce spends eight to 10 hours a day, including numerous facilities that operate 24/7." Fairchild has more than 4,000 military members and 750 civilian employees. Personnel with the 92nd CES have the responsibility of supporting the workforce by maintaining this small city. The squadron relies heavily on unit representatives designated as Facility Managers, or FMs, Otto said. "They assist the daily effort of keeping Fairchild facilities operating safely and securely," he added. Facility managers are appointed by their respective squadron commanders to act on their behalf in the care and protection of Air Force property assigned to the organization. While organization commanders are ultimately responsible for their assigned assets, FMs are the liaisons between their organizations and the 92nd CES customer service unit. Why is it important for building occupants to know who their facility manger is? Facility managers are the only persons authorized to submit work requests to Customer Service. In addition to being liaisons, FMs are also encouraged and occasionally required to perform minor maintenance tasks that don't require specialized skills. According to Otto, some examples include replacing light bulbs in non-hazardous locations that are under 10-feet high, plunging stopped-up toilets, oiling door hinges, enforcing energy and water conservation requirements, replacing broken or cracked wall outlet plates and maintaining a secure building. Also, organization personnel rely on FMs to resolve maintenance, health, safety and security issues, including anti-terrorism and force-protection concerns. Although viewed as an additional duty, both FMs and 92nd CES customer service personnel recognize that this is often a full-time job and absolutely essential in maintaining and protecting Air Force assets. What kind of training does the 92nd CES provide to facility managers? The customer service unit oversees the facility management program. Organization commanders designate newly assigned FMs by appointment letters, which are submitted to customer service personnel. Facility managers are then provided instruction and guidance to determine when situations are beyond their capability. In which case, FMs must contact the customer service unit to submit a work request. "[Civil engineer] craftsmen often schedule recurring service maintenance for most building systems and utilities," Otto said as he emphasized their importance. FMs identify and report all new requirements as their primary responsibility. In addition, when building occupants identify a requirement, they should notify their facility manager to determine if the work required is routine or an emergency, in accordance with the Facility Manager's Handbook, Air Force Pamphlet 32-1004. "If the work required is an emergency, or detrimental to the mission, occupants should attempt to notify their facility manager first and if unsuccessful, call the customer service unit immediately," Otto added. If the work is not an emergency, building occupants would coordinate with the facility manger to submit a formal work request. "It's important for the members to call the facility manager first, since they know their duties," said Airman 1st Class Stellah Biingi, a 92nd CES customer service unit operations manager. "[This also] helps eliminate multiple calls about the same issue." "The more specific the caller is about the issue, the better it is for us," she added. "Then, we know exactly what to tell the [foremen]. It also helps us determine how to categorize the issue." While most facility work is maintained by 92nd CES personnel, other work requirements are accomplished by base contractors, such as custodial services. Occupants are encouraged to contact their facility managers to determine what services are covered by contract services. FMs have the option to submit work requests as self-help projects. According to the handbook, "Self-help is an excellent way to do some important 'people projects' normally received at a lower work request priority than [facility mangers] would like." These requests must still be approved by 92nd CES personnel to ensure the work does not create a fire or safety hazard and conforms to Air Force standards and regulatory requirements. The next facility manager training session is scheduled for October-November timeframe. For more information or to attend an upcoming session, e-mail the customer service unit at CESCustomer.Service@us.af.mil.