A-76 Process Moves Forward

With the date for initial job offers by Lockheed Martin rapidly approaching, it appears the reality of the competitive sourcing contractor selection has set in for Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) employees.

“This is a critical time for affected employees,” said Sadie Alvarado, an employee relations specialist from the Southwest Region. “They are facing many decisions and it can be overwhelming.”

Contests were filed by the Most Efficient Organization (MEO) and National Association of Air Traffic Specialists and a ruling is expected in June. The Office of Dispute Resolutions for Acquisition, an impartial party, denied the MEO request to suspend phase-in activities, so those continue on schedule.

FAA and Lockheed Martin are conducting site surveys to review inventories and meet with potential employees. On May 1, they will begin to make job offers. Affected employees are reminded that they must submit applications in order to be eligible for employment by Lockheed Martin. For those employees seeking more information, visit the Office of Human Resources website at www.faa.gov/ahr.

Meantime, FAA’s Human Resources employees have been visiting flight service stations to answer questions about retirement annuity assessments, the transition to Lockheed Martin and other issues.

“Our goal is to be able to answer each question no matter how specific it may be, and to provide the right level of support to each and every employee,” said Alvarado, who has visited Albuquerque, N.M.; San Angelo and Fort Worth, Texas; and De Ridder, La. “Employees need information now to make their plans.”

Alvarado noted that some of the younger employees feel optimistic and seem to have a positive attitude about dealing with the situation, while some of the veteran controllers — especially those closer to retirement — feel let down by the agency.

“Employees are very appreciative of the time we spend with them — it’s one-on-one, quality time, and there’s no replacement for having all the facts,” Alvarado added.