This is the DPW Internal Newsletter.

1. JOYCE D. CARTER, HARDWORKING CAPRICORN
Robert Bryant, Parking Services Administration
Parking Services Administration has an abundance
of hardworking dedicated employees. For example,
Joyce D. Carter of Abandoned Vehicle Operations
is a first rate example. Ms. Carter started her career
in 1990 as a Parking Enforcement Officer. She
worked in this capacity for three years. “I patrolled
the many streets of Washington D.C. enforcing
parking regulations, making sure there was a free
flow of traffic in the downtown area.” she recalled.
She has now been with PSA for 16 years.
Next, Ms. Carter had a break in service from
1993 to 1994 when she spent a year with PEPCO
working as a special police officer. Eventually,
she realized how much she missed her friends at
PSA and returned a year later as a lot attendant at
Brentwood Impound Lot in 1994. Two years later,
Ms. Carter was promoted to Lead Lot Attendant. determined to take on any challenge that came her way, she explained, “In
this profession you must possess a strong work ethic due to the many challenges you face every day. I love the work that I
do with Parking Services because it has given me an opportunity to deliver
quality service to the residents and businesses in the District of Columbia.
I love the work that I do.” On Thursday, November 9, 2006, Ms. Carter
received an award for participating on the Process Improvement Team. The
purpose of the team was to evaluate standard operating procedures and
make needed changes.
Years earlier, Joyce Carter was born on the day after Christmas in Mount
Vernon, New York and was raised in the nation’s capital. A mother of three
children, she attended Chamberlain Career Center majoring in business and
marketing. In her leisure, Ms. Carter enjoys reading, movies, and jazz. Ms.
Carter is a proud DC resident.
Finally, Ms. Carter, the Supervisory Lot Attendant adds, “I can truly say that
I’m happy to be a part of this team. I plan to make a career with Parking
Services!”
DC Department of Public Works Vol. 6, Number 7 December 2006
In This Issue:
Employee Profile
Director’s Corner
A Quiet Passage into New Frontiers
Recycle - Mini-bin & Multi-ports
Program in the Reeves Center
Procurement Refresher
Are You Prepared?
“Tis the Season to be jolly”
Energy Saving Cooking Tips
New and Notes
Mark Your Calendars
Thought Provoking
Ms.Carter with PSAAdministrator, Teri Adams and colleagues.

2. Director’s Corner
This is the Season for good times, good cheer and celebrations.
Well, DPW has something to celebrate and that is that we are #1
in the CIR rating of DC government agencies performance. Yes,
that is what I said, DPW is #1. Now you might ask, what does that
mean? It means that a the Center for Innovation Reform (CIR) has
taken a look at how agencies performance measures meet their
mission goals and to see whether said agency is achieving their
goals and whether or not said agency is using them. I am proud to
report that DPW is achieving our goals, we are using them and we
are pushing forward to exceed those them. This is also happening
in the customer service area, within the last two quarters, DPW has
consistently been in the top ten positions on the customer service
performance rating. We are continuously raising the bar and
excelling beyond that bar and for that I thank you the employees
that actually make this happen.
As some of you will remember, I reported to you back in April, 2005, that DPW had begun a Preferred Choice Initiative.
Becoming the preferred choice simply means that if our customers were asked who they would like to provide their
sanitation services, they would choose us over our competitors. The Executive Team has been through Phase I and II of
the initiative which entailed us attending sessions to learn more about who we are as managers and supervisors and much
about our work behaviors. We have been learning about how to improve communication between managers, supervisors,
and employees throughout the department. This initiative will allow us the opportunity to insure that when DPW’s internal
and external customers choose service providers; they will consistently make us their preferred choice.
Recently, Phase III of the initiative began. This phase will focus on: One on One coaching of the Executive Team, it will
review the Preferred Choice initiative to prepare us for the next level of the project. During Phase III, all DPW employees
will be asked to participate in a survey so that you can tell us how you view the organization and provide us with vital
information about how managers and supervisors should manage. In this phase, you will get the opportunity to discuss the
results of that survey with managers and supervisors. Your input is very important to assist us in providing you with better
leadership throughout the organization.
I have also, previously, talked about change in this column. Any organization that is moving forward is constantly changing.
There are a number of changes that I believe we should focus on and they are: Changing ourselves which entails us
identifying personal behaviors and practices that we think need to change in ourselves and move forward in adopting those
changes; Changing Others, which talks about identifying behaviors and practices we think others need to change, help
them see those needed changes and encourage them to make those changes; Changing the agency, identify customer
and stakeholder expectations; and change business processes and practices to meet and exceed those expectations. A
commitment to ongoing change and to exceeding customers and stakeholders expectations will keep DPW as the Preferred
Choice. These are our challenges. With this Preferred Choice Initiative, I believe that we will all benefit from what is
learned in the sessions ahead. I am asking for your full cooperation and participation, the success of this initiative depends
on it.
There is another more immediate change that we all will witness in the New Year. That is the change of DC Government’s
leadership. A new Mayor will take the helm. With your dedication to outstanding customer service, the department is
prepared for this change. We will embrace it and continue to improve our services for District residents and visitors who
deserve no less.
I wish you all a happy holiday season.

3. A QUIET PASSAGE INTO NEW FRONTIERS . . .
Wanda Garnett, FLEET
A desire for a better, more accomplished way of life has happened for El Salvadorian Noe Saravia Marchante, a Tow
Operator with Fleet Management’s Towing and Tire Shop. Mr. Marchante, who is originally from El Salvador, La Union Las
Tunas, where his family business and occupation was fishing, has lived in the United States since June 1995.
After Mr. Marchante’s arrival into a new frontier, he saw very quickly that much awaited him in America. He said, “In my
country, you don’t have the opportunities that are available in America.” Shortly after his arrival into Washington in 1995,
he began working at GSI Industries located in Washington, D.C. His work experience and subsequent position as a
Project Manager spanned a period of 7 years until his employment with the Department of Public Works in October 2005.
Mr. Marchante said, “After coming to America, he never thought or dreamed he would end-up working for the District of
Columbia. I am so proud to be working for DC government.” Mr. Frank Hagans, Supervisor for Towing and Tire Shop,
spoke very well of Mr. Marchante. Mr. Hagan said, “Noe is a very dedicated and hard worker. He’s had a very interesting
life and I am pleased he is working in the Tire and Tow Shop.”
Since his employment, Mr. Marchante has acquired his Class-A license. Mr. Marchante not only has reason to be proud of
his new employment and professional accomplishments in his new position but with his new, official U.S. citizenship, which
he received in October 2006. Another accomplishment Mr. Marchante celebrates is becoming a first-time homeowner of a
4-bedroom house on the city’s Northeast side. With all the great opportunities that have materialized since his journey into
a new frontier, Mr. Marchante looks forward to what awaits him in 2007. As far as his work is concern, he looks forward to
learning more, being challenged and providing the best customer service to the District and its residents.
AS A NEW FISCAL YEAR BEGINS, A PROCUREMENT REFRESHER
Tara Sigamoni, Office of Administrative Services
For all of those who wonder what happens to my requisition once I enter it in PASS? Why does it take soooo long? Here is
your answer:
Under the provisions of the “Small, Local, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act of
2005” (the Act), Title II, Subtitle N, of the “Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Support Act of 2005”, D.C. Law 16-33, effective October
20, 2005, the District shall set aside all procurements under $100,000 for Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), certified by
the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). In addition, each agency is required to set aside 50%
of its expendable budget for certified SBEs. For FY 07, DPW’s set-aside target is $16,651,044.
This is what happens when a requisition gets to Procurement for $100,000 or less:
The use of the DC Supply Schedule (DCSS) is mandatory for all purchases of $100,000 or less. A search of the DCSS is
conducted to locate at least 2 SBEs. If at least 2 SBEs are available, the contract specialist proceeds with the procurement.
If not available, the contract specialist conducts a search of the DSLBD website to locate SBEs. If available, the contract
specialist proceeds with the procurement. If not, the contract specialist returns to the DCSS website to locate at least
2 Local Business Enterprises (LBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). If available, the contract specialist
proceeds with the procurement. If not available, then other sources such as GSA, COG or open market are considered.
If a small purchase is not set aside for certified SBEs, the contracting officer must justify in detail why the requirement could
not be met with a SBE.
The above process is also applicable for purchases made using the purchase card.
Mayor’s Order 2006-56 dated May 19, 2006 mandates the use of the purchase card for all purchases under $2,500.
The procurement staff is here to help; it is always a good idea to ask the questions before taking any procurement action
rather than after.

4. DPW LABOR MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP “LABOR AND MANAGEMENT WORKING TOGETHER”
Bertha Guerra, Labor Management
The purpose of the DPW Labor-Management Partnership is for management and labor to work together as full partners to
explore ways to:
Provide a supportive, productive, challenging, high quality work environment in which all employees are treated with dignity
and respect, and are valued for their individual and team contribution; and to
Promote a joint understanding of the unique problems, challenges and opportunities facing DPW, its Unions and
Management, and seek ways to jointly and responsibly address the issues
Labor and Management has committed to a partnership based on mutual respect, understanding and trust. To this end,
we have established a Labor Management Steering Committee consisting of the Director of DPW, the President of each
Union local and an equal number of labor and management representatives of each Administration with Union employees.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
The Committee will improve relations between labor and management by introducing new channels of communication,
providing fair and equitable opportunities for training and environment for all employees by encouraging ongoing and
inclusive participation at all levels.
The main functions of the Committee are to solve problems, facilitate high level, face-to-face communications between
labor and management leaders, gather and share information on issues of mutual concern, build consensus for a focused,
achievable, joint action agenda, research and explore new models and approaches for collaboration and provide leadership
and guidance to other labor-management committees in the agency
The Committee works together as a team of labor and management embodying the principles of teamwork, communication,
and mutual respect as it moves the agency to excellence, while guaranteeing that equity and trust are paramount.
The Committee does not address specific issues related to individual grievances, EEO complaints, disciplinary matters,
corrective/adverse action, collective bargaining agreements and policies set forth in the District Personnel Manual.
On a regular basis, through this newsletter, the Committee will be keeping you informed of what’s happening in the world of
DPW labor-management partnership. Happy Holidays!
DPW EMPLOYEES AT THE REEVES CENTER JOIN THE DC MINI-BIN & MULTI-PORTS PROGRAM
Donald Gibson, Chief, Administrative Services
This month, DPW employees at the Frank D. Reeves Center join
hundreds of DC government employees that are working together to
increase recycling collections in the workplace through an innovative
waste prevention program we call the “Mini-Bins and Multi-Ports
Program”. This waste prevention program has two simple
components: a “Mini-Bin” or trash can designed to hold no more than
3 pounds of trash on a daily basis and a “Multi-Port” or one-stop
sorting center to deposit your trash and recyclables. In his remarks to
employees, DPW Director, Mr. Howland, stated that “…participating
in this program requires only minor changes in our daily routine. --
Employees at the John A. Wilson Building do it; so why not us? DPW
always leads by example. Let’s Make a Difference! ”
For more information on this innovative program feel free to contact
Susan E. Riley, Special Assistant/Government Buildings Recycling
Coordinator or Donald Gibson, the DPW Recycling Coordinator at
the Director’s Office. –And don’t forget that “Together We Make a Difference! –Rethink. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle –and buy
recyclable products.” DPW, LET’S RECYCLE!
Donald Gibson, the DPW Recycling Coordinator
and Susan E. Riley, Special Assistant/Government
Buildings Recycling Coordinator

5. ARE YOU PREPARED?
By Wanda Ellis, Emergency Preparedness Officer
Health organizations throughout the world are in a preparation mode in anticipation for the onset of the Avian Flu and
the Pandemic flu. The Avian (bird) flu also called the H5N1 virus is generally transmitted from infected birds (including
chickens, ducks and turkeys) to other birds. One of the greatest threats is from migratory birds, birds that generally travel
from one area to another. There have been a few documented cases of humans having this strain of the virus transmitted
by infected poultry in other countries but none have been reported in the United States.
There are simple precautions we can take to reduce the likelihood of catching some strains of the flu. One is to get a flu
shot; it is important to note that while current vaccines will not protect you against Avian Flu, you should still get immunized
Remember this information:
l Wash your hand frequently in warm water using soap for at least 15 seconds each time you wash them.
l Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue. DO NOT COUGH OR SNEEZE INTO
YOUR BARE HANDS.
l Clean your work area with mixed water and bleach solution or an antibacterial spray including your telephone at the
beginning and end of your work day.
l When leaving from the restroom, use a paper towel to open the door; do not open with your hands.
l If you get the flu or someone in your household has it, stay home until you are well. We must look out for our co-
workers.
“TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY”
Daniel Harrison, Risk Management
With the holidays quickly approaching, the beauty and elegance of a tree can also be your worst nightmare.
A fire on any day seems bad, but a fire on Christmas seems to be the worst. Some 300 Christmas trees caught fire in one
recent year, with electrical problems the most common culprit. Listed are ways to keep your tree green and your presents
safe:
l When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.
l If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of
water.
l Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use.
Make sure your lights carry certification from a testing laboratory.
l Don’t use electric lights on a metal tree.
l Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Christmas lights are cheap.
l Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.
l Don’t buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your
hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.

6. News and Notes
DPW Finally Gets Search Engine: On the left side of the DPW website – at the bottom of the blue Navigation bar – you
will see something new. It’s a white box with a Go button next to it. Yes, at last, we have our own Search engine!! DPW is
one of only a couple of agency websites that have had this feature added. (We’ve only been asking for a search function
since 2001….) The beauty of this search function is that it only searches within DPW’s site. Give it a try. Coming soon:
the new leaf collection tracking program!
New Online Tool Lets Residents Track Leaf Collection in their Neighborhoods: DPW has added a new feature to its
website, enabling residents to find timely information more easily.
Incorporating geographical information systems (GIS) data, the new online application provides a mapping system that
shows website visitors the progress of leaf collection operations in any given District neighborhood.
To use the online tracker, visit the DPW website at HYPERLINK “http://www.dpw.dc.gov” www.dpw.dc.gov, and select
Seasonal Leaf Collection. The maps are updated after each day’s operations. DPW has used GIS data for other routing
purposes, but this is the first time the agency has incorporated this technology into an online tracking application.
l Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don’t let it run out.
l If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Or if your tree stand is
cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.
l If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.
l Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.
l Try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block
exits.
l When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don’t leave it in your house or put it in
your garage.
l Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp,
breakable and can be swallowed. http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/safetips/christmastree.htm
ENERGY SAVING COOKING TIPS
From the 2006 DC Energy Saving Calendar
To save energy, please use the following energy saving tips:
l Use toaster ovens, crock pots, and microwaves when you are cooking small to medium-sized meals, they use less
energy than the stove or oven.
l Keep the inside surface of your microwave clean. It will cook your food more efficiently.
l Use the smallest pans possible. It takes less energy to heat them.
l Use Lids. They help the food cook more quickly by keeping the steam in the pot or pan.

7. “USE OR LOSE” ANNUAL LEAVE
Venola L. Johnson, Human Capital Administration
Employees who have annual leave in excess of the maximum 240 carryover hours must use any excess leave prior to
January 6, 2007, in order to avoid loss of any excess annual leave hours. However, in the event an employee scheduled
annual leave at least three pay periods in advance of the end of the leave year, and it was approved in writing, and
subsequently denied due to the demands of the public’s business, this lost leave may be restored for later use. Employees
with “use or lose” annual leave hours are to schedule the use of such leave by submitting a D.C. Standard Form 71,
Application for Leave. Employees may also donate their “Use or lose” leave to the Annual Leave Bank Program by the end
of the leave year by completing the Application to Donate Annual Leave to the Leave Bank form.
Executive Service employees may carry over no more than five days (40 hours) of unused universal leave for use in
succeeding years. Any universal leave amount in excess of the 5 days will be lost at the end of the leave year.
If you have any additional questions regarding the “Use or Lose” policy, please contact the DPW Human Capital
Administration Office at 202.671.2400.
DPW EMPLOYEES HEALTH & BENEFITS FAIRS RAFFLE WINNERS
Shadonna Desgraves, Human Capital Administration
DPW held its 2006 Open Season Health & Benefits Fairs in November, 2006. Employees that attended the Fairs had the
opportunity to submit their names for a raffle drawing. The drawing was held on November 21, 2006. Special thanks to
Patricia Miller (OAS) who drew the names of the lucky winners. The drawings took place under the watchful eye of Ingrid L.
Jackson, Administrator, Human Capital Administration. Listed are this year’s winners. If you are a winner and need more
information, please contact Ms. Shadonna Desgraves at (202) 673-6756.
Lunch w/ the Director: Anthony Bowe, FMA
Lunch w/ the Deputy Director: Ronald Minor, SWMA
8 hrs of Admin Leave: Shadonna Desgraves, HCA; Brenda Duncan, FMA; Christian Eze, SWMA; Freddie Mitchell, SWMA
6 hrs of Admin Leave: Cornell Jackson, SWMA; Darnell Jackson, SWMA; Eva Proctor, HCA; Marlene Young, OITS
4 hrs of Admin Leave: Bermisha Hodges, SWMA; Vera Jackson, OD, David Stewart, OAS; Chris Wooten, SWMA
2 hrs of Admin Leave: Richard Cochran, SWMA; Yorjai Chandy, OAS; Venola Johnson, HCA; Franncine Lowe, SWMA
l Clean the burner pans on your stove. When clean, they will reflect head back up to pots and pans.
l Keep conventional oven-preheating time to a minimum. Only preheat if you are baking bread or pastries.
l Don’t Peek! You lose heat every time you open the door or lift the lid.
l Keep racks clear. Foil on oven shelves blocks heat and costs money.
l Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens. They heat faster than metal pans – that’s why brownie recipes call for 350
degrees, but 325 degrees for a glass pan.
l Remember to always take care when cooking. It is the number-one cause of home fires in the United States.

8. KUDOS
The DPW Exchange
is a bi-monthly publication.
Director
William O. Howland, Jr.
Public Information Officer
Mary Myers
Editor
Vera A. Jackson, Community
Relations Specialist
Contributing Writers
Viola McIver, Safety & Risk
Management
Wanda Garnett, Fleet Management
Administration
Robert Bryant, Parking Services
Administration
Venola Johnson, Human Capital
Administration
Deborah Stewart, Office of
Information Technology Services
Adeline Isaacs, Office of
Administrative Services
Your input is important. All
employees are encouraged
to submit ideas/comments to
vera.jackson@dc.gov.
The newsletter committee reserves
the right to edit all materials
submitted. Deadline for submitting
information for the February issue is
January 15.
Thought Provoking
If someone hurts your feelings, it’s unimportant unless you persist on
remembering it. Unknown
Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think
is possible. A West Point Cadet
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
DPW Joins Bread for the Soul
Toys and Books/Monetary donations (cash or checks payable to “Bread For
The Soul”) Collection
Collecting now through Thursday, December 21
Volunteers are needed:
Friday December 22, 2006, 4 p.m. - 7 pm, Blue Plains Plant (To pack food
baskets, books and toys)
Saturday December 23, 2006, 9 a.m. – noon, Blue Plains Plant (To deliver
baskets)
Contact Mike Carter at 202-671-2007.
just For fun
How Smart Is Your Right Foot?
This will boggle your mind and is funny to boot. It will have you trying
to do it over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you
can’t. Try this:
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor
and make clockwise circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number “6” in the air with your
right hand. Your foot’ will change direction.
I told you so. And there is nothing you can do about it. It’s amazing.
Congratulations to Ms. Patricia Boykin, Parking Services Administration,
Traffic Control Officer who nabbed the largest photo on the front page of the
Washington Post Sunday Source, November 26, 2006. Ms. Boykin was one of
five professionals whose line of work hinges on getting you where you need to
be safely. They shared trips, tips and quips. Visit Washingtonpost.com to read
the article.