April 2024

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Good afternoon,

We're excited to share this month's edition of the Capital Assets Management Newsletter to highlight a few key updates across our division for April. CAM is constantly striving to improve transparency and communication to enhance operations across the state. We hope this newsletter can serve as a resource and be an avenue of communication to enhance our partnerships with your respective agencies.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or my team for assistance.

Sincerely,

Nathan Wald
CAM Administrator
Office of Management and Enterprise Services

Fleet Management’s daily rental site at the end of the pedestrian overpass crossing Lincoln Boulevard from the Connors Building has a new fence. The fence was installed to help ensure state vehicles are protected. This is the first of several projects to improve Fleet’s vehicle-sharing experience. 

Soon, an automated key management kiosk will be installed to provide vehicle operators access to pick up or return a daily rental vehicle 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. In concert with the Department of Human Services, Fleet is preparing to pilot a vehicle-sharing capability powered by the Geotab AVL and the existing M5 fleet management information system. Called Tap ‘N Go, this system is expected to create a highly flexible vehicle-sharing capability without requiring extensive investment in infrastructure.

Fleet Management is partnering with the OMES data team to implement newly acquired programming interface to facilitate data retrieval and upload from M5. Future uses for this capability include consolidated reporting, enhanced dashboard capabilities and interoperability between M5 and other information systems. Fleet is also involved in a new project with OMES Human Capital Management to leverage the Workday system for fleet-related purposes, such developing an online Driver Responsibility Certification system, and synchronizing employee, department and other relevant data with the fleet management systems.

As a non-appropriated department, CAP fees are a crucial business model and OMES has been working hard to right-size them. CAP fees will evolve as the CAP department continues to change how we do business. Please be on the lookout for an upcoming announcement regarding changes to the CAP fee structure. As always, please do not hesitate to ask your CAP project manager about any construction project you are a stakeholder in.

Comprehensive assessments of the existing building have been conducted, revealing solid building components to work with but also several small areas that need to be remediated. Facilities Maintenance has helped greatly by supporting the project assessments and by their quick response to a natural gas leak that left the building without heat during the coldest week of the winter. An existing service line outside the building had to be replaced, but the Facilities team ensured there was no damage to the building during this time.

Concurrently, Surplus has identified opportunities for salvaging materials, and the process of capturing that value is underway. The focus is on solidifying the project scope and budget.  Collaboratively, our architect, REES, and construction manager, Flintco, will develop preliminary estimates to ensure alignment with the established budget.

Strategic planning is underway to optimize the project schedule. To expedite project completion, a phased approach, including early packages for demolition and mechanical/electrical equipment procurement, is being explored. The current targeted completion of summer 2026 remains subject to improvement through this phased approach.

Two developments have occurred on the Allen Wright Library Renovation project. The consultant selection process was completed, and the consultant contract was awarded to REES associates architects. Pre-design services are now underway.

Additionally, the selection process for the construction manager was completed, and Manhattan Construction was awarded the contract for the renovation.

n the parking lot of the Hodge building, several cracks that were 2-3 inches wide and 3-4 inches deep were found. Due to concerns brought up by the Department of Education and safety risks, OMES Facilities assisted in patching these cracks. Though the Department of Transportation typically handles the maintenance of parking lots due to statutory requirements, CAM was able to help out with a swift response to ensure the safety of state employees.

Objectionable odors, including air wicks, potpourri baskets and other smell sources, create discomfort for some people and are prohibited in our tenant manual. These items have real-world consequences for workplace health and safety.

Air fresheners and scented items are commonly used in workplaces to create a pleasant environment. However, these products can also negatively affect employees' health and well-being. Listed below are some reasons for the prohibition of these items in state-owned buildings and critical issues to be aware of:

1. Allergies and sensitivities: Many people are sensitive to the chemicals and fragrances used in scented items. This can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, headaches and other health issues.
2. Indoor air quality: Air fresheners can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality. This can exacerbate health problems for employees, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
3. Masking odors: Air fresheners and scented items are often used to mask unpleasant odors in the workplace. However, this approach does not address the underlying cause of the odors, which may be a sign of poor hygiene or maintenance issues.
4. Environmental impact: Many air fresheners contain synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment. These chemicals can linger in the air and contribute to indoor and outdoor pollution.
5. Productivity and morale: Some employees may find strong scents distracting or unpleasant, affecting their productivity and overall morale. Employees may also experience stress or discomfort if forced to work in an environment with overpowering fragrances.

To address these issues, please consider implementing fragrance-free policies in the workplace. Adequate ventilation and good indoor air quality are essential to creating a healthy and comfortable work environment for all employees.

The OMES Outreach team welcomes your feedback. Please take this quick survey to share your thoughts and ideas.

Visit the Capitol Event Reservation webpage to find out more.

Visit the OMES CAM webpage online.