Photo Caption: AOC’s philosophy of People First, Safety Always sets the tone for its commitment to ensuring safety within its facilities and on the Capitol grounds. In FY 2014, AOC reduced its injuries and illness rate by nearly four percent from the prior year.

The Sustainability and Energy Division manages the per- formance phase of these contracts to include measurement and verification. With the completion of the ESPC projects, future energy savings will be more difficult and expensive to achieve.

AOC received a regional energy award “For Accomplishments on Developing, Organizing, Managing and Implementing an Outstanding Corporate Energy Management Program” at the Association of Energy Engineers’ World Energy Engineering Congress in October 2013.

AOC’s programs to make Capitol Hill more energy-efficient underscore environmental impact, life-cycle cost savings and improved performance. AOC tracks performance using advanced metering and equipment trending, employs energy audits and retro-commissioning, provides technical design guidance and facilitates working groups and training to ensure that the energy savings persist. This year, AOC prioritized energy conservation measures—ranging from electrical and mechanical system improvements to energy awareness training and events. AOC also partnered with the Association of Energy Engineers to benefit from the ongoing education and certification programs they offer in 10 technical areas.

To continue addressing energy stewardship and sustainability, AOC initiated several major energy saving projects. The Sustainability Framework Plan, included in the draft CCMP, outlines AOC’s long-term energy reduction strategies.

AOC publishes an annual Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Report on its progress on meeting yearly efficiency goals as well as its further commitments to sustainability and water efficiency. The latest report is available online at: www.aoc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ basic-page/fy13-Annual-Report-FINAL_0.pdf.

Physical Security of Facilities

Key Challenge: AOC is responsible for the maintenance, care and operation of buildings, grounds and security enhancements supporting the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), wherever located, the Alternate Computer Facility and other AOC operations involving security of the congressional community and its visitors. In addition, AOC provides security support around Capitol Hill for more than 20 special events each year, including the Memorial Day and Fourth of July concerts, which are held on the West Front of the Capitol. The challenge in today’s security environment is safeguarding the facilities from threats such as terrorist attacks and violent crimes, as well as natural disasters and cyber-attacks, without compromising the ability for visitors to experience some of the richest of the nation’s historic treasures. Recent incidents highlight the unique physical security challenges that exist on Capitol Hill. Both incidents, a police chase that entered Capitol Hill and a shooting incident at the nearby Navy Yard, pushed the campus into lockdown.

AOC’s security responsibilities are increasingly challenging to carry out in a constrained budget environment. With responsibilities that include continuity of operations planning, critical infrastructure protection, congressional continuity support, external emergency management, employee and contractor adjudication and suitability, and other sensitive security programs, AOC must adapt to meet the challenge of protecting the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court and other government buildings. Further, in an environment of constantly evolving security threats, AOC’s role in security and resilience continues to grow and evolve. For example, new mission requirements for AOC include support for the Continuity of Government and Reconstitution, in furtherance of Congressional National and Mission Essential Functions. AOC must meet stringent safety, security and accessibility obligations at facilities that remain open for visitors and conducive to congressional operations. Successfully balancing these responsibilities in a constrained budget environment remains a key challenge.

AOC Initiatives: AOC is dedicated to ensuring the security of its facilities and providing a safe and secure environment for Congress, the Supreme Court, staffs and visitors to the U.S. Capitol. AOC has taken several steps during FY 2014 to improve the security of its many facilities for those who work in and visit the buildings and grounds under its care.