Mission focused - Lessons in resilience - Western Area Power Administration
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Lessons in Check your 2020 hydrology Keep a healthy
resilience badge! conditions heart
W E S T E R N A R E A P O W E R A D M I N I S T R AT I O N F E B R UA R Y 2 0 2 1
Mission
focused
Contents
WAPA debuts updated mission, vision statements
The organization refreshed these statements for 2021 and beyond.
1
Statement on Race and Social Justice released
Senior leaders debuted the statement during a Listen-In opportunity.
3
8 WAPA, union leaders issue COVID-19 pledges
Read the pledges to recommit to WAPA’s COVID-19 safety practices.
6
Resilience lessons from Joshua, the monarch, Andy
We can find lessons of resilience where we least expect them.
8
Summarizing 2020 hydrology conditions
Take a look back at last year’s hydrology conditions in each region.
10
Keeping badges up to date is critical
Working remotely, it’s all too easy to overlook a key expiration date.
12
Virtual conferencing can bring international risk
OSEM reminds employees that virtual meetings come with their own risks.
14
14
Take this to heart for your overall health
Every 36 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular illness.
16
Rapid Recaps
• Holiday town hall bids farewell to 2020
18
Brief Transmissions
• Be aware of FY 2021 budget execution and procurement dates
18
VOL. 43 NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2021
Editor: PHILIP REED
Graphic Designer: JOEL KLASSEN
Do you have an idea for a story?
Contact reed@wapa.gov
On the cover
In summer 2020, WAPA
began performing
mechanical vegetation
management along
transmission lines on
National Forest land in
Colorado, Nebraska and
WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION Utah for the first time in
P.O. Box 281213 over a decade. (Photo by
Lakewood, CO 80228-8213 Daniel Borunda)
720.962.7050
www.wapa.gov | publicaffairs@wapa.gov
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS ISSUE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
WAPA
debuts
updated
mission,
vision
statements
I
n 2018, WAPA
debuted its refreshed
set of core values.
The new core values
were intended to serve as a
guide in making decisions
and as a standard for the
organization’s behaviors
and actions. Following the
success of this initiative,
the process of updating the
organization’s mission and
vision statements had begun.
continued on Page 2
February 2021
1
Mission: Safely
provide reliable, cost-
based hydropower
and transmission to
our customers and
the communities we
serve.
Vision: Empowering
communities,
securing a resilient
energy future.
The process was tailored to ensuring reach a highly compelling mission and has demonstrated its resilience amid a
that the updated statements would ac- vision, we led a highly inclusive process series of disruptions including a global
curately and concisely define WAPA’s role which included a WAPA-wide survey, pandemic, a record-setting wildfire season
presently and into the future. employee and council focus groups and and a heatwave-induced energy emer-
“We began the core value refresh external customer and industry partner gency. WAPA expects challenges such as
process through an integrated team effort interviews. All the feedback gathered these to continue to shape future decisions
in 2017,” said Chief Public Affairs Officer informed the senior leadership discus- and innovations.
Teresa Waugh. “At the time, the organiza- sions and ultimately our new mission and Empowering communities with
tion was ready to be newly inspired.” vision.” carbon-free energy means driving
The core value refresh was designed to “Our goal was to have a mission state- economic development, providing a sense
be inclusive, with employees throughout ment that was inclusive of our customers of security and stability and protecting the
the organization providing their insight, and a vision statement that was forward environment.
suggestions and feedback. It was ulti- looking,” added Waugh. “I believe we “The electricity we provide to custom-
mately a big success for the organization. achieved that goal.” ers, who, in turn, deliver it to more than 40
“WAPA’s core values are now deeply With its refreshed mission and vision million Americans, empowers the com-
embedded into our organization and our statements, WAPA is reaffirming its path munities that power the nation,” Gabriel
work,” said Waugh. ahead, clarifying its purpose and engag- said. “Keeping the lights on and the power
Taking a constructive look at WAPA’s ing with the rapid industry changes that flowing to homes, businesses and institu-
mission and vision statements was a will power tomorrow’s world. tions allows Americans to focus on more
natural next step, and the timing worked “We developed our new mission and important things, such as their families
out well. vision statements while reflecting on and improving their prosperity.”
“Over the past couple of years, the our commitment to our core values and The renewed mission and vision state-
industry and our world have been experi- dedication to customers and the com- ments serve as an affirmation of WAPA’s
encing rapid change and we recognized a munities we serve,” said Administrator identity and reflect how its business must
need to revisit our strategic plan prior to and CEO Mark A. Gabriel. “Beginning continue to adapt with a changing world.
our Strategic Roadmap expiring in 2024,” this year with a renewed sense of purpose The energy industry is fundamentally
explained Management and Program helps us refocus our efforts, cuts through changing, from diversified generation
Analyst Stacey Decker, who led the the noise and clarifies who we are as an portfolios to expanded demands on the
refresh with Waugh. “Key to our strategic organization.” power grid.
plan is a clear and compelling mission At the heart of WAPA’s new mission As WAPA adapts and evolves in this
and vision statement.” statement is safety, a cornerstone of the energy frontier, it will be critical for the or-
The refreshed statements are the electric industry. By paying constant ganization to embody strength, resilience,
result of many meetings, focus groups attention to safety, WAPA and its custom- unity and leadership while also being
and rewrites. At each step in the process, ers succeed in fulfilling their respective mindful of its enduring mission, reliability,
the mission and vision statements were missions. regional differences and collaborative
refined and evaluated until they best In terms of the organization’s new culture with customers. n
reflected the organization and its goals. vision statement, resilience and empower- Note: Eric Barendsen contributed to this
“It is important that our mission and ment are the keys. story.
vision speaks to both our workforce and Resilience is the ability to prevent,
our customers as they focus our efforts withstand and recover from disruptive
and guide our decisions,” said Decker. “To threats and events. In 2020 alone, WAPA
Closed Circuit
2
Statement on
Race and Social
Justice released
I
n late 2020, during the Listen-In
portion of the Senior Team Meeting,
Administrator and CEO Mark A.
Gabriel took the opportunity to debut
WAPA’s Senior Statement on Race and
Social Justice.
continued on Page 4
February 2021
3
Listen-In is a program that offers WAPA “In my Juneteenth email to WAPA “On their first day, every federal em-
employees the opportunity to “listen in” to employees, I committed to having difficult ployee takes the oath of office to uphold
the first 60 minutes of senior team meet- conversations and taking action to pro- the Constitution and laws of the United
ings. It also provides senior managers an mote racial equality and advance social States, including those that enshrine
opportunity to bring issues and develop- justice in WAPA,” Gabriel explained. “This civil rights and the dignity of all people,”
ments to the attention of employees tuning is especially important as we continue to said Gabriel. “Proactively combatting
in throughout WAPA’s 15-state footprint. see disturbing events across our nation. racial and social inequity is all of our
In this case, that opportunity was used to As part of my commitment, the Senior responsibility as federal employees and
Leadership Team and I have signed a
discuss the Senior Statement on Race and Americans.”
statement on racial and social justice,
Social Justice. When introducing the statement, which
declaring that all people are welcome at
The Senior Statement on Race and has been signed by each member of the
WAPA and that we will tackle critical is-
Social Justice is a pledge to employees sues surrounding racial equity and social senior team, Gabriel thanked the mem-
that the Senior Leadership Team is justice.” bers of the IDC for their work on these
committed to “tackling critical issues Power Marketing Advisor Rodney important issues and promised employees
surrounding racial and social justice.” Bailey and Senior Vice President and the team would establish and review
The statement is intended to formalize Desert Southwest Regional Manager metrics to ensure they are succeeding in
the organization’s commitment to ensur- Tracey LeBeau, who serve as senior their promise.
ing that all employees receive the same sponsors for the Inclusion and Diversity Members of the senior team chimed in
respect, treatment and opportunity. Committee, helped develop the statement. to voice their personal commitment.
Closed Circuit
4
“We need to find ways to deal with
tough issues like this and improve our or-
The Senior “We want to make sure that everybody
feels comfortable working here,” said
ganization even more,” said Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer
Statement on Race Acting Senior Vice President and Upper
Great Plains Regional Manager Lloyd
Kevin Howard. “We will make it an even and Social Justice Linke. “That is something we really want
stronger organization moving forward.” to be able to do. There is work to be done,
“What I really like about this statement is a pledge to and I support that.”
is that it is very action oriented,” LeBeau Senior Vice President and General
said. “People are looking forward to employees that the Counsel John Bremer also weighed in
seeing some action. Not just out of us, but
out of each other.”
Senior Leadership with support from a legal perspective, and
Michael Peterson, attending the Listen-In
“In my heart I believe that most people
are really good and may offend simply
Team is committed in advance of assuming the role of senior
vice president and chief financial officer in
because of a lack of understanding,” said to ‘tackling critical August, spoke up as well.
“One of the best things you can do for
Bailey. “I hope as an organization that we
can go into the discussions with that in issues surrounding individuals is providing the same op-
mind.” portunity to all individuals across society,”
“I think this topic of social justice can racial and social Peterson said.
be a topic that creates a lot of feelings, but
I feel as a senior team we definitely have justice.’ “There is much work to be done on
increasing racial equity and social justice
to attack this problem,” said Senior Vice at WAPA and, by extension, our communi-
President and Chief Information Officer ties and our nation,” concluded Gabriel. “I
Mike Montoya. “I think all of us have am confident that the outstanding people
unconscious bias, and we can learn a lot appreciate that the seniors have gone of WAPA will rise to the challenge, as you
just by being open minded.” forward with this effort and this discussion. always do, and exceed our expectations to
“Just being safe is not enough,” said I’m looking forward to making it a better create a bright, inclusive, diverse and safe
Senior Vice President and Sierra Nevada place at WAPA for all of us.” WAPA for all.” n
Regional Manager Sonja Anderson. “I
February 2021
5
WAPA, union leaders issue
COVID-19 pledges
W
APA and In two joint statements released continue to evolve, and encouraged
in early December 2020, WAPA’s employees to take personal responsi-
union Western Maintenance Managers bility to reduce the risk of exposure.
leaders Council and both the International The statements are presented
recently Brotherhood of Electrical Workers here, in their entirety, in reinforce-
and the American Federation of ment of the organization’s com-
pledged Government Employees reinforced mitment to employee safety and
to recommit to WAPA’s the importance of following well-being during the ongoing
COVID-19 safety practices. COVID-19 guidelines as they COVID-19 pandemic. n
Subject: Joint Statement of Safety Commitment this is uncharted territory. This pandemic has been
Dealing with COVID-19 one of the biggest tests of our flexibility, ingenuity
and resourcefulness, and we have been extremely
To: All Craft Employees and Maintenance successful in accomplishing our mission. As essential
Supervisors workers, we understand the critical nature of our job as
it leads to the reliability of our nation’s power grid and
COVID-19 cases are surging across a vast part of the safety and security of the citizens of our nation. This
WAPA’s territory with community spread now rapidly is a unique and challenging opportunity to lead by
increasing in rural areas across the WAPA footprint. example, serving as role models for our fellow work-
With the latest data showing WAPA’s footprint overlap- ers, citizens and families, while expanding the safety
ping with the highest rates of infection per capita, both culture that we practice in our workplaces, homes and
Labor and Management issue this joint statement to communities.
amplify our spirit of obligation to our safety responsi- WAPA cannot eliminate the COVID-19 hazard;
bilities while dealing with this pandemic. International however we can manage the risk of exposure to our
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Government employees. This strategy is strengthened by everyone
Coordinating Council No. 1 and WAPA Maintenance playing a part in the process and taking personal
Managers Council leadership are committed to responsibility. As we head into the fall and winter
protecting the health and well-being of ourselves, seasons with predicted infection rates continuing to
our fellow employees and our families. Over the past trend unfavorably, it is more important now than ever to
eight months, WAPA’s craft employees have taken on not let our guards down. We can each contribute indi-
challenges well beyond the scope of normal work vidually to the health of our nation by following WAPA
practices while responding to the COVID-19 crisis. guidelines such as wearing masks, washing our hands
Efforts displayed in response to protecting yourself and socially distancing. WAPA leadership understands
and others are deeply appreciated. your essential role in maintaining the reliability of
IBEW Union and Management leadership continue our nation’s critical infrastructure and commends you
to encourage our craft workers to remain vigilant by for your unwavering dedication and commitment to
staying current with, and following, the COVID-19 safety as we navigate through these challenging and
guidelines as they continue to evolve, knowing that unprecedented times.
Kevin Howard Austin Pfeifer Jack Murray
- Executive Vice President and - IBEW 1759 Representative - Vice President of Transmission
Chief Operating Officer System Asset Management for
Bradford Smith Desert Southwest
- WMMC Senior Sponsor - IBEW 2159 Representative
Paul Eiler Delbert Hawk
Bruce Harrington - IBEW 640 Representative
- IBEW GCC #1 Chairman - Vice President of Transmission
Darren Buck System Asset Management for Will Schnyer
- Vice President of Transmission Upper Great Plains - Director, Transmission and
System Asset Management for Construction for Sierra Nevada
Tom Holmstrom
Rocky Mountain - IBEW 1959 Representative James Hill
- IBEW 1245 Representative
Closed Circuit
6
Subject: Joint Statement of Safety Commitment this is uncharted territory. This pandemic has been
Dealing with COVID-19 one of the biggest tests of our flexibility, ingenuity,
and resourcefulness, and we have been extremely
To: All Operations Employees and Supervisors successful in accomplishing our Mission. As essential
workers, we understand the critical nature of our job
COVID-19 cases are surging across a vast part of as it leads to the reliability of our nation’s power grid
WAPA’s territory with community spread now rapidly and the safety and security of the citizens of our nation.
increasing in rural areas across the WAPA footprint. This is a unique and challenging opportunity to lead by
With the latest data showing WAPA’s footprint overlap- example, serving as role models for our fellow work-
ping with the highest rates of infection per capita, both ers, citizens, and families, while expanding the safety
Labor and Management issue this joint statement to culture that we practice in our workplaces, homes, and
amplify our spirit of obligation to our safety respon- communities.
sibilities while dealing with this pandemic. American WAPA cannot eliminate the COVID-19 hazard;
Federation of Government Employees Locals 3824 however we can manage the risk of exposure to our
and 3807 and Operations leadership are committed to employees. This strategy is strengthened by everyone
protecting the health and well-being of ourselves, our playing a part in the process and taking personal
fellow employees, and our families. Over the last eight responsibility. As we head into the fall and winter
months, WAPA’s dispatch, real-time marketing, and seasons with predicted infection rates continuing to
field employees have taken on challenges well beyond trend unfavorably, it is more important now than ever to
the scope of normal work practices to continue reliable not let our guards down. We can each contribute indi-
grid operation and maintenance activities while vidually to the health of our nation by following WAPA
responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Efforts displayed in guidelines such as wearing masks, washing our hands,
response to protecting yourself and others are deeply and socially distancing. WAPA leadership understands
appreciated. your essential role in maintaining the reliability of our
AFGE Union and Management leadership continue nation’s critical infrastructure and commends you for
to encourage our operations workers to remain vigilant your unwavering dedication and commitment to safety
by staying current with, and following, the COVID-19 as we navigate through these challenging and unprec-
guidelines as they continue to evolve, knowing that edented times.
Jack Murray Jonathan Aust Lloyd Linke
- Acting Senior Vice President - Vice President of Operations - Vice President of Operations
and Rocky Mountain for Rocky Mountain for Upper Great Plains
Regional Manager
Scott Byer Bryan Griess
- PSOC Senior Sponsor - AFGE Local 3807 President - Vice President of Operations
Ronnie Habacon for Sierra Nevada
- AFGE Local 3824 President
February 2021
7
Resilience
lessons from
Joshua, the
monarch, Andy
By Troy Steadman
J
oshua trees are among nature’s most
resilient plants. They only grow in
certain parts of the country. During
the summer months in Joshua Tree
National Park, in southeastern
California, the temperature frequently
flirts with triple digits. Adding to
that, throughout the entire year, the
area only averages four inches of
rainfall.
Closed Circuit
8Despite these harsh conditions, Joshua “I hope your doubts come like mon- Instead, take courage. Be resilient. Do
trees can live for more than 150 years and sters and terrorize your dreams,” he sings. the right thing, every day at each turn.
grow to 40 feet tall. How is it that these “I hope you feel the lonely hopelessness,” Keep your eyes on the horizon. Stumble
plants will not only survive but will thrive he continues. Then he adds, “I hope you if you must, but stumble forward. Dig
in such an unforgiving environment? question whether you ever had a chance deep and find the grit within yourself that
The answers lie in their waxy leaves, at all.” has defined the human era. Pick yourself
which prevent wilting and water loss; in a Eventually he gets to the why: “Your up and put one foot in front of the other.
complex root system, which can both go heart, it grows every time it breaks. I’ve Lead with positivity and hope for a better
very deep and grow horizontally to catch been here before and I just wanna see you tomorrow. If you need help, reach out; we
any rain that may fall; and in a trunk that grow.” weren’t meant to go this alone.
functions as a holding tank for water. Grammer’s message of hoping that Remember these lessons.
In other words, the Joshua tree has you’re torn down so that you can properly Like the Joshua Tree, this harsh environ-
adapted to its environment. grow into a sturdier you, with a bigger, ment can be adapted to, and you will
One of North America’s most beautiful stronger and more powerful soul, reso- come out better for adapting. Like the
insects is the monarch butterfly. It begins nates now more than ever. (Perhaps he monarch, the struggling you are going
life as a caterpillar, then creates a chrysa- knew what 2020 had in store for us!) through will make you stronger. Like the
lis to metamorphosize into the butterfly. What do these three examples have in inevitable pain wished upon all of us by
The struggle that takes place next is common? The lesson of resilience. Grammer, hardship will enable you to
nature’s way of strengthening the insect The past year or so has been challeng- grow in ways you thought impossible,
for the path that lies ahead; it can take up ing in many ways. One might say that the triumphantly resulting in a more resilient
to five days to push, pull and squeeze its environment has been harsh, with warring you. n
way out of its transformative confinement. winds of political uncertainty, racial
Without that struggle, the monarch tensions, national elections, violent riots, Note: Steadman is the Leadership
butterfly is surely doomed. With it, it’s record-breaking numbers of hurricanes, Development Program manager.
literally capable of crossing countries destructive fires, drought and a deadly Brittanie Paquette contributed to this
and thousands of miles as part of a critical pandemic tossing us all about like rudder- story.
species migration. less ships in a turbulent ocean.
For the monarch butterfly, the struggle It would be easy to succumb to the
is the key to survival. intensity as the moments and minutes
For more information, visit myWAPA,
In July 2019, singer-songwriter Andy become months. It would be easy to
Programs, Leadership Development.
Grammer released “Wish You Pain,” a throw one’s hands up and exclaim, “I’ve
Click on Leadership Competency
song in which he throws his usual free- had enough!” It would be easy to opt for
Model Guide or read “10 Habits
flowing, positive lyrics to the wind. It is a negativity, hopelessness and escape via
of Highly Resilient People” at Line
script-flipping, eyebrow-raising song, with unhealthy life choices. It would be easy
by Line- A Non Book Club Book
more than a few punchy one-liners. to bend and then then break under the
Club.
weight of the circumstance.
February 2021
9Summarizing
2020 hydrology
conditions
Editor’s note: The following report summarizes data from WAPA’s Hydropower Conditions webpage
for straight power purchase costs, which are based solely upon hydrology, actual hydropower
generation and related generation shortages. Readers may review all data by visiting wapa.gov,
Power Marketing, Hydropower Conditions
O
ne of the biggest challenges for
hydropower is water variability due to
intermittent drought and flooding. By
definition, hydropower needs water
to generate electricity. Without it,
WAPA must buy power on the open
market from other sources to meet
contractual obligations to its customers. This is referred to
as purchased power.
Water Year 2020
Hydropower Generation
Average vs. Most probable vs. Actual
3500
3000
Megawatt hours
2500
2000
1500
Oct '19 Nov '19 Dec '19 Jan '20 Feb '20 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20
Month/year
Average Most Probable Actual
Closed Circuit
10Net generation
26,985
gigawatt-hours
100.3%
of average
In an ideal year, snowpack around the for WY 2021, but it could be reduced as drought. The Missouri River basin ended
West is average or above average, yield- low as 8.23 MAF. the water year with runoff of 24,400 MAF,
ing snowmelt runoff to recharge reservoirs Desert Southwest’s hydrology is mostly or 105% of average. System storage is 57.8
behind the dams and powerplants dependent on the Colorado River Basin MAF. About 89% of the designated flood
that provide the power WAPA markets. snowpack and precipitation above Lake control storage is available to store runoff
Federal dam owners such as the Bureau of Powell. Precipitation was 36% of average from mountain snowmelt and spring and
Reclamation, the Army Corps of Engineers at the end of September. The region’s summer rainfall events. The region’s most
and the International Boundary and most probable projected purchase probable projection for purchase power
Water Commission move water to federal power expenses were $21,308,920. Actual was $8,715,786. Actual purchase power
hydroelectric powerplants. purchase power expenses were higher expenses were significantly lower at
WAPA markets the subsequent power at $22,548,678, with a cost per MWh of $5,008,937. The cost per MWh was $25.97.
generated to around 700 preference $54.00. Lake Mead ended the water year
customers. Its customers, in turn, sell that with an elevation of 1,083 feet, about 136 Anticipating water year 2021
power to more than 40 million Americans. feet below the full storage level and 133
The Seasonal Drought Outlook pro-
feet above the minimum generation level.
vided by the National Weather Service’s
Water around WAPA in 2020 Lake Mead’s elevation peaked at 1,099
Climate Prediction Center in November
feet in March.
WAPA’s actual generation was 100.3% 2020 predicted persistent drought
In Rocky Mountain, at the end of
of average in water year 2020, for a total throughout most of the western United
September, reservoir inflows were 66%
generation of 26,985 gigawatt-hours. For States. Significant drought development
of average and storage was 107% of
the same period, total purchased power is also predicted in states such as Texas,
average. The projected purchase power
was 2,124 GWh with actual purchase Oklahoma, Kansas and areas of Southern
expenses were $10,116,670, but actual
power expenses of $65,959,195 equating California.
purchase power expenses were higher
to $31.06 per megawatt-hour. The predictions also show drought
at $14,480,376. The cost per MWh was
The Colorado River Storage Project conditions improving in the northwest
$32.37.
Management Center projected most prob- and northeast. Drought development is
Sierra Nevada ended the water year
able purchase power expenses for water anticipated in the southeast.
with 97% of the 15-year average reservoir
year 2020 to be $14,195,307. Actual pur- The NWS emphasized that its predic-
storage for Trinity, 91% for Shasta, 92%
chase power expenses were $16,259,069. tions are made in accordance with
for Folsom and 112% percent for New
The cost per MWh was $28.63. large-scale trends, which are based
Melones. Accumulated inflow for the same
Lake Powell ended the water year with on “subjectively derived probabilities
date was 39% of the 15-year average for
an elevation of 3,596 feet, which is about guided by short-and long-range statistical
Trinity, 63% for Shasta, 57% for Folsom
104 feet below the maximum reservoir and dynamical forecasts.” They emphasize
and 60% for New Melones. The region
level and 106 feet above the minimum caution and regular checking of updated
began water year 2020 with a most
generation level. The storage volume for drought predictions. n
probable projection of purchase power
Lake Powell was 11.4 million acre-feet at
of $3,130,909 but ended with an actual
the end of September, or about 46% of
capacity. Drought conditions persist in the
expense of $7,662,135. The cost per MWh For more information…
was $15.39. Visit the National Weather
Upper Colorado River Basin with below-
Much of the Upper Great Plains service Service’s Climate Prediction
average annual inflow forecasted for Lake
area is experiencing moderate drought Center at cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Powell again in water year 2021. Currently
conditions and small areas in South Dakota
9.0 MAF is the forecasted annual release
and Montana experiencing extreme
February 2021
11Keeping
badges up
to date is
critical
Closed Circuit
12A
s an employee of WAPA
during the COVID-19
pandemic, your badge is
key to working remotely.
What’s more, access to
badging stations, both
internal and external to
WAPA, can be impacted due to temporary
closures, backlogs and limited availability.
If you receive a notification to update matic emails from USAccess will be If you are unsure about a notifica-
your badge, be sure to take action im- sent to the employee’s wapa.gov email tion you received, contact
mediately. Don’t wait until the last minute. address notifying them when to update personnel.security@wapa.gov
Frequently asked questions about their badge certificate. Schedule your
Q: Where does the automatic email
badging at WAPA are reproduced here appointment as soon as possible.
come from?
for your convenience. Be sure to read the Each badge expires five years from
following information carefully. the date it was issued. This expiration A: It is generated by USAccess which is
date appears on the front of the badge. a General Services Administration
Q: Is my badge required to work
As the expiration date nears, the system. This is not a spam email. The
remotely, through the virtual private
employee will be notified via their email is legitimate and requires action.
network, or VPN?
wapa.gov email address with step-by- Here is an example of how it appears:
A: Yes. In order to have full computer step instructions to make an appoint- From: HSPD12Admin@usaccess.gsa.
access you must have an operational ment at a nearby badging station for gov
A badge is required to connect appointment as soon as possible. Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020
to WAPA’s VPN. Employees require a Periodically examine your badge 1:18 AM
badge in order to have full access to and make a note of its expiration date To: NAME
their work files and systems. instead of solely relying on automatic Subject: [External] USAccess -
If an employee does not have an reminders. Remember, two years Credential Ready For Certificate
operational badge, they will not be prior to the expiration of your physical Update
able to fully perform their duties badge, you must update your badge
certificate. Q: How do I report a lost, stolen or
remotely.
Failure to addresses these expira- defective badge?
Q: When does my badge expire? tion periods will cause the badge to A: Report lost, stolen or defective badges
A: Each badge actually has two terminate automatically, rendering it immediately. Contact
expirations. inoperable. It may take several weeks personnel.security@wapa.gov for
Badges have an embedded certifi- to get a replacement badge. assistance. n
cate that expires three years from the Pay attention to your junk email
date it was issued. Well in advance of folder. Occasionally, USAccess email
the expiration date, a series of auto- notifications are sent there.
February 2021
13Virtual
conferencing
can bring
international
risk
Closed Circuit
14The potential for digital
exploitation of the COVID
environment should be expected
because the information
theft objectives of foreign
governments have not changed.
Editor’s note: During the pandemic, virtual conferences have become an essential part at ease and “face-to-face.” Intelligence
of how WAPA continues to accomplish its mission without interruption. However, it officers also still leverage their citizens to
can bring with it its own risks. In November 2020, the Office of Security and Emergency collect information on their behalf.
Management passed along this information from the Department of Energy Office of Online employment interviews mean
Intelligence and Counterintelligence. Closed Circuit presents that material here without that virtual recruitment is a familiar
F
alteration. circumstance. Being asked for additional
personal information, prior publications,
or to review a material is common. These
oreign governments and their techniques can create a sense of bonding
and reciprocity that can then be used by
intelligence services maintain an intelligence officer to request addi-
significant interest in DOE tional sensitive or proprietary data without
raising undue suspicion. Increasing
personnel, technology and reliance on social media, messaging apps,
cloud storage for data and other virtual
research even during a global forums make responding to such requests
pandemic. appear unthreatening. n
Their need for information and the Concerns arise first from the technol-
requirements to collect that information ogy itself. Foreign virtual conferences that
simply adjust as working conditions request the download of specific software
shift. Current restrictions and limitations onto your device in order to participate
on international travel have combined may contain trojans or malware that can
with digital networks to foster increasing compromise your device to gather data
combinations of work-from-home offices without your knowledge, such as search- Helpful reminders
with foreign-sponsored virtual meetings ing stored files, stealing network creden- • Virtual conferences can pose risks
and events. tials, or installing key-stroke loggers to like international travel.
DOE employees and contractors who identify log-in information for your virtual
conduct official travel abroad to sensitive private network connections, messaging • Foreign government intelligence
countries are expected to discuss with apps and cloud-based collaboration collection has not stopped due to
their local counterintelligence office their tools. The software may also provide the COVID-19.
interactions with foreign nationals with means for other individuals to surrepti-
whom they interact. This also extends to tiously eavesdrop via remote microphone • Virtual relationships can be as
participants in foreign-sponsored virtual activation or access discussions within any powerful as interpersonal ones.
conferences and events. built-in chat functions or save messages • Virtual foreign national contacts
When any technology sees its popular- for later use. are reportable information.
ity increase exponentially, the number Second, virtual relationships can be
of potential bad actors taking advantage as powerful as personal interaction, and • Foreign intelligence services
of new users or those unfamiliar with they can be exploited in the same way. exploit all forms of contact.
the tools grows. The potential for digital Intelligence officers trained to spot, assess
• Virtual employment interviews
exploitation of the COVID environment and vet potential sources of information
should be expected because the informa- can perform the same basic tasks virtually create perceptions of normality
tion theft objectives of foreign govern- as they can in person, especially if within a conducive to illicit information
ments have not changed. video conference where participants feel gathering.
February 2021
15Take this
to heart
for your
overall
health
By Paul Robbins
Closed Circuit
16F
ebruary is American Heart
Month and a good time to
remember that small steps
toward heart health can make
a big difference overall.
Most everyone is at risk of heart dis- Administration. This increases blood Contact the Employee Assistance
ease. According to the Centers for Disease pressure and contributes to heart disease. Program
Control and Prevention, one in every four If you read the nutrition labels on food
The EAP can also help. It is free of
deaths is related to heart disease, and products, you might be surprised by the
charge and available to all WAPA employ-
someone dies from cardiovascular illness levels of sodium and calories that you
ees. The program provides information,
every 36 seconds. Men also generally consume. Cut back on salt and saturated
classes and counseling on various topics
suffer from coronary artery disease 10 fats found in beef, pork, cheese and butter.
including mental health, stress reduction,
years earlier than women. Trans fats found in doughnuts, break-
nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation.
fast sandwiches, biscuits, pies and cakes
Don’t feel as though you must improve
Key risk factors are also big threats. Balance your diet by
everything all at once when it comes to
eating more polyunsaturated fats found in
According to the Heart Foundation, heart health. Pick one thing to change and
avocados, fish, nuts and olive oil.
family history, high blood pressure, gradually add to it. Small steps in the right
physical inactivity, cholesterol, obesity and direction are better than doing nothing at
diabetes are all key risk factors of heart Exercise all.
disease. Smoking, drug use and alcohol You don’t have to work out daily to Take this to heart for your overall
consumption can also increase the risk. decrease your chances of heart disease. health.n
If you are in one of these high-risk The CDC suggests starting a simple Note: Robbins is a technical writer
categories, ask your doctor about taking routine such as walking three times a who works under the Cherokee Nation
low-dosage aspirin daily as a blood- week for 15 minutes, then increasing to 30 Strategic Programs contract.
thinning strategy. minutes. If you can handle more, try mod-
erate aerobic exercise five days per week
De-stress yourself for 30 minutes, or more vigorous exercise
three days per week for 20 minutes.
Our lives have become more complex
Being more active burns calories and
during the pandemic and in times of
contributes to decreased sodium levels.
increased political tensions.
A study published in Biological
Exercise does not have to be a chore;
make it fun by choosing something you
Million Hearts Campaign
Psychiatry explains how stress and other
enjoy, such as biking, skiing or hiking. Help prevent one million heart
negative emotions such as depression,
attacks. For more information,
anxiety and anger affect heart functions
and increase heart disease risks. No smoking please visit millionhearts.hhs.gov
In turn, positive emotions can counter- According to the CDC, the chances of
balance the negative. Psychology Today heart disease increase significantly if you
suggests slowing down, cultivating a sense
of humor, meditating, practicing mindful-
smoke.
Quitting will reduce your risk within
For more information
ness and exercising more calmness and one or two years. Other benefits of quit- on EAP:
self-control. ting include reducing the chances of • Call 800.869.0276 24/7 for
stroke and vascular disease. toll-free assistance.
Eating better Quitting is easier said than done, but
there are helpful aids such as medications, • Log in to espyr.com
On average, Americans consume
nicotine gum and patches, counseling and sign-in with the password
50% more sodium daily than recom-
behavioral therapy. DOEFEDEAP
mended, according to the Food and Drug
February 2021
17Rapid Recaps
Holiday town hall bids farewell to 2020
O n Dec. 14, 2020, Public Affairs
hosted the final town hall event
of the year. Unlike previous town halls,
reimbursement benefits. Information
Technology Specialist Ben Nichols
provided pointers to prosper during
this one was created with the primary the pandemic. The town hall con-
intention of nurturing feelings of social cluded with a Q&A session facilitated
connection and fellowship throughout by Chief of Staff Melissa Ardis.
the organization. As a result, it featured The spirit of the season was also
a lighter tone and, overall, lighter celebrated with an ugly holiday
subject matter. outfit competition. The winner of the
Leadership Development Program People category was Transmission
Manager Troy Steadman hosted the Tariff Coordinator Dirk Shulund and
Troy Steadman
event. Administrator and CEO Mark A. his wife, Lisa. The winner of the Pets
Gabriel spoke about resilience, perspective and balance, category was Personnel Security Support Assistant Olga
with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Management Cooprider’s dog, Jackson.
Analyst Jennifer Neville discussed fitness program
Brief Transmissions
Be aware of FY 2021 budget execution potentially more time later in the process, during evalua-
tions or determining contractor responsibility for award
and procurement dates decision. Plan your purchases accordingly and submit as
WAPA’s Procurement team has established the below early as possible.
cutoff dates for new procurement packages. These cutoff Additional information can be found in the Fiscal Year
dates ensure that procurement actions can be accom- 2021 Budget Execution and Procurement Dates memo.
plished this year. Any procurement package received after If you have a procurement action that needs to be
these dates will be handled on a case-by-case basis and accomplished in fiscal year 2021, contact your local
may not be completed this fiscal year. Procurement team as soon as possible.
Remember also that the CIP-013-1 Cyber Security -
Supply Chain Risk Management standard, which became For questions or concerns related to CIP-013, contact
effective Oct. 1, 2020, will add anywhere from 30-40 kschulz@wapa.gov. For questions or concerns related
business days to the front-end procurement process and to procurement, contact your local Procurement team.
Type of procurement Amount Cutoff Date
Source Selection (FAR 15) Under $10 million 4/30/21
Sealed Bid and Construction (FAR 14) Under $10 million 5/28/21
Interagency Agreements (FAR 17) Under $2.5 million 6/1/21
$250,000 to $7.5 million 6/18/21
Simplified Acquisition (FAR 13)
Under $250,000 7/30/21
Orders/calls against existing contracts (non-WAPA) Up to $7.5 million 7/30/21
(FAR 8 and 16) $7.5 million to $10 million 6/1/21
Orders/calls against existing WAPA contracts Under $10 million 8/27/21
Closed Circuit
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