Fort Campbell is among eight installations considered as finalists for the Gold, Silver and Bronze level award for the Army Community of Excellence. Last year the installation competed and won in the Most Improved category. It was the first time in seven years the installation had competed.
"Our vision here is to be a world class Army community," said Tracy Mueller, Plans, Analysis and Integration Office plans specialist.
Mueller explained Fort Campbell considers itself to be in the top ten percent of Army installations. By being among the eight finalists, it helps to prove Fort Campbell's vision statement.
"It's just one step closer to proving we are," said Mueller. "We are doing it. There is data behind it; it is a fact-based claim."
Installations wishing to take part in the Army Community of Excellence must assess leadership; strategic planning; customer focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; work force focus; process management; and the results of all those efforts. Once a packet is completed, the Installation Management Command determines which installations will move on as finalists.
Fort Campbell found out it was a finalist in September. This weekend a team of six to seven examiners will arrive at Fort Campbell. They will spend close to a week on the installation and will use the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Criteria to assess the installation. It is named for former Secretary of Commerce Malcolm Baldrige who contributed to improvement in government efficiency and effectiveness.
"They will come prepared with questions to verify our strengths and weaknesses," said Randal Campbell, PAIO plans team leader. "They will also ask questions to clarify anything from the application."
The site visit is the third step toward becoming an Army Community of Excellence. The process began with the Organizational Self Assessment survey in April to May 2009. The application was submitted in August. After the examiners finish the site visit, they will send their findings to a judges panel.
"They won't be able to give us any feedback while they are here," said Campbell. "We'll know the findings [of the assessment] in January."
In May 2010, the winners of the Army Community of Excellence awards will be announced. After winning at the Most Improved Level last year and a finalist for the Gold, Silver or Bronze level this year, Fort Campbell is grateful for the recognition that comes with being considered for the award.
"It's recognition for the work force," said Campbell. "It's validation of what they do every day."
Only 26 installations were invited to submit applications this year. Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Hood, Fort Meade, Schinnen, Daegu and Yongsan were chosen as the eight finalists to have site visits. The eight installations are competing for six prizes. The Gold winner receives $1 million, the two Silver winners receive $500,000 and the three Bronze winners receive $250,000.
For further coverage, go to www.fortcampbellcourier.com
Social Sharing