AOC’s Strategic Goals and Strategic Objectives

AOC’s Strategic Vision outlines four strategic goals that support the organization’s mission. The objectives under the first two goals focus on promoting a culture of integ- rity, teamwork and accountability. The final two goals guide principal program areas related to operational sup- port, project delivery, preservation of heritage assets and historic structures, and client and visitor services. Table 5 identifies the relationship between AOC’s strategic goals and the objectives that support them.

For a copy of AOC’s Strategic Vision, please visit the AOC website at: www.aoc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/basic-page/AOC-strategic-vision.pdf.

One Team, One Mission

AOC’s goal of One Team, One Mission is designed to foster a culture of learning, sharing, cooperation and teamwork that improves efficiency and effectiveness throughout the organization. Three objectives support this goal:

• Cultivate an Organizational Culture of Learning, Sharing and Support. Deliver results and strengthen AOC’s reputation for excellence by increasing collaboration and cross-functional teams across the agency and with external partners to share solutions to common challenges.

• Utilize AOC’s Resources Efficiently. Expand the adoption of best practices, streamline internal operations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness and maximize the effectiveness of financial information in the decision making process.

• Collaboratively Develop and Implement Standardized Processes, Policies and Programs. Create and engage in proactive risk management processes, establish and implement a program that drives quality improvement and build a consistent data framework to efficiently manage knowledge and drive productivity.

Innovative and Empowered Workforce

AOC’s goal to promote an Innovative and Empowered Workforce helps the organization attract, develop and retain exceptional employees. AOC empowers its work-force to be innovative and advance new programs and processes to serve AOC’s clients, preserve its national treasures and inspire memorable experiences. Three objectives support this goal:

• Treat People as the Cornerstone of Our Success. Enhance employees’ opportunities for personal and professional growth and continue to strengthen programs and strategies to attract and retain outstanding employees.

In Focus Cogeneration at the Capitol Power Plant

The Capitol Power Plant was built in 1910 and, today, uses an efficient energy system to heat and cool 23 facilities on Capitol Hill, including the Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, and the Supreme Court Building. While natural gas is the plant’s primary fuel source, two of seven boilers have the capability to use coal as a backup when extraordinary circumstances warrant (e.g., extraordinarily cold conditions, natural disaster, or federal emer- gency). The plant currently uses coal for approximately four percent of its steam production.

As part of the AOC’s 2009 Strategic Long-Term Energy Plan, cogeneration technology was identified as an energy-efficient and cost-effective means to meet future energy requirements by generating on-site electricity to power the plant. In addition, the steam produced would be used to heat Capitol Hill facilities. Cogeneration would allow the plant to use natural gas 100 percent of the time.

AOC received permits to construct a cogeneration plant, which includes the installation of cogeneration units and the associated equipment and infrastructure upgrades in the East Refrigeration Plant.

The project’s design and construction will be financed via a Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC). The UESC does not require an upfront capital investment, but will be paid back over time out of the verified savings on energy costs. AOC’s role includes ensuring construction is properly managed and providing for third-party review and commissioning services.

More information is available at www.aoc.gov/projects/cogeneration-addition-capitol-power-plant.