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Region One Hosts Successful PBS Virtual Customer Forum, Part I

*This is part one of a two part recap on the R1 PBS Virtual Customer Forum.


The Public Buildings Service (PBS) has begun hosting forum’s around the country to provide federal real property personnel the opportunity to learn from GSA experts about new and updated policies, programs, and initiatives. Region One hosted their first Virtual Customer Forum in August and presented on topics important to not only our tenant agencies but other federal real property professionals. The event allowed GSA to share a wide range of information in the same space to over 21 different agencies at once in an engaging and collaborative environment where attendees were encouraged to ask questions, interact, and learn from one another.

The event was hosted by Vicki Kwiatek, Regional Service Delivery Officer and Branch Chief, Client Engagement Branch, Portfolio Management and Client Engagement Division and Kelly Morrison, Business Systems Specialist in the Portfolio Management and Client Engagement Division. Both Region One Federal Acquisition Service Regional Commissioner, Joseph Nickerson, and Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner and Acting Regional Administrator, Glenn Rotondo provided welcoming and closing remarks.

COVID-19: Return to facilities and what to expect

Instead of giving a general overview of the GSA Return To Facilities Plan, the presentation detailed exactly what tenants and customers can expect in both federal and leased property. The hosts covered the COVID-19 Region One numbers in comparison to the national statistics. Out of 11,988 incidents reported nationally, Region One has had 524 reported incidents since March 2020. That represents the second lowest number of reported incidents in the nation. All incidents were resolved through employee communication and cleaning protocols within zero to seven days which meets the seven day criteria response threshold in the GSA protocol.

While GSA continues to follow CDC guidelines, Federal facility and Lease Administration managers check the CDC COVID Data Tracker and COVID-19 Integrated view daily in order to keep a pulse on transmission status in local areas.

GSA has also taken the following steps within facilities:

  • Filter fit and MERV (Filter Efficiency) ratings have been verified per system design and manufacturer specifications
  • Building HVAC systems have longer run times, outside air is maximized based on equipment and environmental conditions
  • CDC HVAC recommendations incorporated based on existing equipment and current configuration
  • Created drinking water guidance based on EPA recommendations; and water lines are randomly tested, flushed, and adjusted to maintain water quality
  • Janitorial contracts have been modified for required daily disinfecting of high contact surfaces in common and high traffic areas through September 30, 2021
  • GSA will continue to clean and disinfect any space following a COVID-19 incident within 72 hours of when the affected person was last in the space

GSA has invested in new projects with funding from the CARES ACT to provide additional HVAC upgrades and a National Outdoor Ventilation Study.

The future of workplace

Blue and Orange workplace 2030 mix of services list
The future of work will require an interrelated mix of services

Coined as a “once-in-a-generation-opportunity,” The Future of Federal Work: Workplace 2030 (WP2030), is the vision co-created by over 100 experts hailing from 18 different agencies.

Discussed were the Workplace 2030 guiding principles: work can be done from anywhere asynchronously, real estate will be used to enhance human connection, and technology will be the force that brings our work together.

The Portfolio Management and Client Engagement division spoke about the reality of truly adopting the Workplace 2030 model stating, “GSA understands that all agencies have different priorities and will need a mix of services. GSA committed in supporting the government as a whole to bolster success and overcome obstacles.”

The Workplace 2030 model incorporates a suite of services ranked as having the highest impact:

  1. Home office in a box
  2. Workplace and technology showcase
  3. GSA flex hub
  4. Work support app
  5. Space monitor/feedback loop

GSA has created the Safer Federal Workplace resource site and it includes the Safer Workplace Strategy Book [PDF - 4 MB], a compilation of guidance and considerations to take into account while planning the return to work for employees currently and in the future.

The WP2030 Team has also worked to offer the following services:

  • Return to Workplace Planning Services IDIQ: This IDIQ planning services vehicle will allow agencies to purchase services a-la-carte via a reimbursable work authorization (RWA). Prices are based on location headcount and complexity of the need.
  • Workplace Investment and Feasibility Modeling (WIFM) Tool: WIFM platform is a starting point for agencies to visualize a variety of scenarios and roughly estimate the cost of change.

Check out the Workplace 2030 Overview presentation or contact your regional account manager for additional information.

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Last updated: Sep 17, 2021
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