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AFSPC releases new Facility Excellence Guide
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Space Command has revised, and completed the 2009 AFSPC Facilities Excellence Guide to meet the most up-to-date Air Force standards.
Every other year, the Facilities Excellence Guide is updated so it can be used as a reference for all Air Force installations within AFSPC.
The guide acts as the standard for base architects in the construction of first-class facilities by creating highly sustainable, energy-efficient and attractive facilities. In addition, the guide recommends innovative, eco-friendly trends, which ultimately make the best use of the taxpayer's money.
"We use the guide as a tool and it shows in our standards," said Bob Griswold, the 30th Civil Engineering Squadron Facility Excellence element chief. "We are advocates for quality of life projects and we always look to make improvements to our standards and how things are going to be done at Vandenberg."
The updated guide focuses on five areas in which installations can make improvements. These areas include landscaping and grounds; fences, screens and enclosures; signage; anti-terrorism and force protection requirements; and installation planning and sustainable design.
Even though a new guide has been issued, operations will not heavily affect the overseers of Vandenberg projects.
"This is what we have been pushing for and doing all along," Mr. Griswold said. "We maintain the Facility Excellence standards and review base projects to make sure they meet those standards."
The Facility Excellence staff meets, and even exceeds, the guide's standards; however, one obstacle always remains - funding.
"Because of the size of Vandenberg and all of the activity that takes place here, the funding often does not leave enough money to do all of the facility-type improvements we would like to do," Mr. Griswold said.
Regardless of financial barriers, the Facility Excellence staff remains actively involved in providing Vandenberg with quality facilities and environments that are both functional and safe for all base personnel to live and work in.