Vision Statement 2007-08

It is indeed an honor to have been re-elected President of USA-FEPP and I will once again personally strive with all my energy to further the goals of this wonderful organization of dedicated professionals.

 

While our organization is strong and our strengths diverse, I believe that we must further increase the impact and visibility of USA-FEPP by continuing to help each other and partnering with other organizations that have similar goals. Currently we are partnering with the National Property Management Association (NPMA). I would like to revive our past partnership with the Society of Research Administrators (SRA) and forge new professional relationships to include, for example, the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), and others as well. The challenges we face today are many, especially in these times of restructuring, reorganizations and down sizing, and a strong, unified, collective voice will greatly enhance the success of our current, and future initiatives.

 

I would like to see USA-FEPP increase our membership to insure the continued success of the organization and to increase the impact of USA-FEPP throughout the Federal and State property arena. It seems that our membership has leveled off over the past few years and I am concerned that USA-FEPP has become quiescent.  We need to re-vitalize the organization and increase the energy level in both the current membership and especially with the newer members. I am inviting every person I encounter in my travels to attend the Annual Conference and Professional Development Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2007 and challenge all members to do the same. Please feel free to let me know of anyone that could provide valuable information as a presenter!

 

I am deeply concerned about the recent expansion of the Exchange/Sale Authority under Section 503, Title 40 of United States Code, which was re-emphasized by GSA Bulletin FMR B-13 Personal Property in June 2006. This authority allows currently owned personal property that needs to be replaced to be “exchanged” or “sold” with the proceeds being applied towards the purchase of new items. While this may indeed reduce the cost of replacement property, does this income equal the actual value of the property? Might it not be better to set a “threshold value” on the return? Could not a threshold of 10 percent, for example, of the original acquisition cost be used as a guideline for using the E/S authority? Would it not be better to re-use certain property for several years rather than selling or trading it in for pennies on the dollar? Would this not additionally be more environmentally friendly? There is much to be carefully considered on this topic. 

 

I am committed to working with GSA to derive a method of oversight and management for the incorporation of transfers done under the authority of Public Law P.L 102-245, Section 303, the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, as amended (SWA) into the realm of GSAXcess. Such a merger would open more Federal Supply Groups and substantially increase the amount of property transferred.   

 

I enthusiastically challenge all USA-FEPP members to become more involved. This may be accomplished by simply volunteering for a Committee position. Talk regularly with your leadership and find areas where you can help.  You are our directorate so let us know of your concerns. We are but a telephone call or an e-mail away. It goes without saying that as budgets continue to tighten, the role and importance of FEPP, USA-FEPP and its members will continue to increase. We were all given a voice, make yours heard!

 

Thanks, and Cheers!

Joe Grego