The Executive Team of Mission Committees,Chaired by Rear Adm. Mike Loose, CEC, USN, met at Century House in Alexandria,Va., on June 30 to review 2004-05 Committee work plans.

Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC).

The EAC, chaired by John Selstrom of Metcalf & Eddy Inc., is investigating potential actions to support Homeland Defense. The EAC also is developing white papers on expanding the knowledge base on GIS spatial data standards, environmental data quality standards and contracting procedures.

With a focus on professional development, the EAC is identifying potential environmental certification programs and a potential relationship with the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals.

Awards & Recognition Committee.

Chaired by Tom Delaney of Dewberry & Davis, the committee is updating and revising the Service Medals program, establishing a process to recognize 25- and 50-year members and overseeing the implementation of the new Post Streamer and Society Medals and Awards.

International Committee.

Chair William A. Brown Sr. of PageSoutherlandPage LLP, noted that the committee is supporting the international community through its efforts to conduct an industry partnering meeting in Europe and Japan, sponsor a symposium on Infrastructure Development of the African Continent, and participate in other various international symposiums.

Additionally, the committee is developing a consolidated list of contracts awarded in Iraq and in Afghanistan and an international directory of Sustaining Member firms.

Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC).

Chair Brig. Gen. Gerry Galloway, P.E., (Ret.) of Titan Corp., noted the need to continue support of professional development activities at Post and Regional levels, the development of certification efforts for SAME members in relevant professions and, where appropriate, development of bodies of knowledge for professions relevant to SAME. PDEC also is sponsoring several meetings, including a meeting of Engineer Service School Leaders and a North Atlantic Regional meeting to develop a curriculum for DOD Facilities Professionals.

Strategic Sourcing Committee (SSC).

Chair Suzanne DiGeronimo, FAIA, of DiGeronimo P.A., noted that the SSC is planning to conduct workshops on privatization in October 2004 as well as workshops on "Lessons Learned and Applied to the New A-76" in April 2005.

Small Business Committee (SBC).

SBC Chair Michael Zambrana of Pangea Group, stated that the committee is focusing on increasing membership of small businesses in SAME, increasing small business participation at booths placed at relevant conferences, developing small business tracks at Regional conferences to support education efforts, enhancing recognition of small business at the local level by ensuring that there is a small business award at each Post, and fostering open communications by assigning small business liaisons at each Post and communicating trends and ideas with them monthly.

College Outreach Committee.

Chair Matt L. Metcalf of HNTB, reported that the committee is reviewing the current dues structure for Student Members and their transition to Young Members, developing guidance to Posts for student chapters and mentoring programs to create or strengthen Post college outreach programs, and identifying national engineering related competitions for college students in which SAME Posts can sponsor a team.The focus of these efforts is to broaden SAME's reach into the college/university setting and provide support for engineering students.

Industry Affairs Committee (IAC).

Rick Galloway, Chair,VP, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., noted that the IAC will conduct two Senior Execuctive Committee meetings: one on Nov. 9, 2004 in St. Louis with a tour of Scott AFB on Nov. 8; and a second meeting on May 20 at the 2005 SAME National Education & Training Conference and Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The IAC also is preparing for the Annual Engineering Service Chiefs and Federal Program Briefings that will take place in Washington, D.C. on Apr. 8, 2005. Finally, the IAC will conduct forums at SAME Conferences including "Meet the Chiefs" on May 19 in Louisville, Ky., and a one day workshop on bonding and insurance that will co-locate with the USACE Small Business Conference in late November of this year.

Young Members Committee (YMC).

Anna M. Ross, Vice Chair for Communications, Michael Baker Corp., stated that efforts are being made to support YMC activities at National and Regional conferences as well as special events. Committee members are working with the Academy of Fellows to develop a mentoring award. To enhance communication and keep Posts informed,YMC is producing a bi-monthly YMC Action Flyer and is assisting Posts and Young Members in fulfilling Streamer and Medal criteria.