When I came here, the first order of business was to meet the employees of what was then called the Interior Service Center. With the exception of maybe a handful of people, I sat down individually with all 180 employees to not only understand the scope of each person’s responsibilities, but also to start and get to know a little bit about each person.

Challenges
There have been many challenges along the way… who said this would be easy? But you know these challenges, along with obstacles and even roadblocks, are some of the reasons the NBC has ascended so far. One of the many amazing traits of this organization has been the desire to constantly improve. And isn’t that a big part of life itself… life-long learning and constant improvements? I know it seemed that as soon as we were done with one reorganization another one was right on its heels. Certainly we all strive for stability, but all of these structural changes were based on efforts to re-engineer ourselves to further efficiency and productivity. I was always very thankful for your patience during those seemingly endless changes.

Challenges… where do I begin? Fires, asbestos and concerns about anthrax in the Main Interior building. As you know, the MIB is considered one of the Department’s critical infrastructures, and for obvious reasons. Standing in front of the Washington media and explaining why the Interior complex (MIB and SIB) would be closed is not something necessarily you train for – but we all get through it and at the end of the day the Interior leaders grew more and more confident that the NBC would consistently rise to the occasion… especially during the most difficult of times. Another challenge was the internet shutdown. The NBC’s Denver data center is the nerve center for the Department. The data center also provides critical support for business operations to dozens of non-Interior agencies. Incredibly, there was no interruption in processing payroll or providing critical financial information. NBC employees in Denver worked countless hours during nights and weekends to make certain operations were still at a high level for our customers. The sense of pride, passion, loyalty and commitment to the job and to the Government by NBC employees has always amazed me. Then the worst disaster we have ever witnessed occurred with 9/11. Once again, NBC was at the forefront to see that our operations were running smoothly and most importantly, securely and there was no compromise in any of our critical financial data. In addition, the many physical security requirements instituted were put in place by the NBC. The general evacuation and shelter in place drills and overall emergency preparedness have proven to be the model for the rest of the Federal government. Once again, the true fabric and character of our employees was put on display during the most tense, stressful and difficult of times and the NBC rose to the challenge as impressively as ever. No one has ever shied away from these trying circumstances when it would have been easy to do so.

Accomplishments
The accomplishments I have watched everyone achieve are seemingly endless… what a nice problem it is having to try to remember them all! Before I mention some of them, I believe it is important to point out that one of the things the NBC Leadership Team has always tried to do is remain mindful of constantly linking the goals we established for the NBC with the high overarching goals the Department and this Administration. Our on-going efforts to: strengthen fiscal accountability; tighten internal controls and reporting; introduce enterprise architecture; make certain IT security is understood as everyone’s responsibility; and, accomplish all these goals while performing in our agile, nimble and entrepreneurial environment presented additional challenges and even at times conflicted with one another. Nevertheless, because of your willingness and my encouragement (it didn’t take much) to be innovative and creative, we were able to improve significantly in each of these areas while adding more customers than ever before. You also did this while we linked budget and performance, improved financial performance, lead the Department in competitive sourcing, and improved human resources and quality of life for all employees and lead all cross service providers throughout the federal government in e-gov. Amazingly, while doing all these things, our commitment to customer service remains unparalleled. How did you all do it? There are a few milestones in no particular order but as they come to mind.

• Established DOIU
• Established HR Office
• Established Southwest Procurement Office (Ft. Huachuca)
• Established Appraisal Services Directorate
• Established Planning, Performance, and Oversight Office
• Established Accessibility Technology Center
• Created our own NBC campus in Lakewood
• Implemented support for two new financial systems business lines – Momentum and Oracle Financials
• Added over 50 new customers in the last five years
• Web Development – redesigned the DOI web site, U.S. Coral Reef, Lewis & Clark, and numerous Web-based training web sites
• Enhanced FPPS with FPPS datamart and web FPPS
• DOIU awarded Governmentwide Acquisition intern program
• Data Center Consolidation – USGS data center migrated to NBC
• Completed physical security enhancements throughout Interior complex
• Aviation Management Directorate enhanced safety while providing support during heaviest fire season ever
• Completed Phase I of the $200 million MIB modernization
• Server relocation to Enterprise Service Center
• Top DOI completion rate by NBC FOIA staff
• Achieving unqualified audit opinion for Departmental offices
• Developed and implemented Activity-Based Cost Management
• Selected by OMB/OPM as one of four e-payroll providers for the Federal Government

Memories
The many challenges you have faced and overcome are perhaps the single most impressive trait of this organization. I watched how folks in Denver rallied around each other after the tragic Columbine incident (which directly impacted some of our employees and was so close to the NBC campus). I also watched the NBC family in Denver put together a Support the Troops program that again demonstrated the caring and selfless nature of our employees and exemplifies public service at its very best. NBC employees in all locations have contributed time and personal involvement with local charities and schools. The NBC adopted school, the School for Educational and Evolutionary Development in Washington, D.C., is another great example of giving back to the community. The NBC provides mentoring, park and science tours and other educational opportunities for these young adults. This is a great partnership that we hope will last for many years to come.

Looking back to 1997 and where the NBC stands today is almost unbelievable. You have been innovative and creative thinkers. You have been the first to volunteer. You are the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. You lead by example and set the tone for the rest of the Department. I want to thank the NBC Leadership Team for your unwavering support each day. Your Directorates are self-sustaining businesses in themselves – you, in effect, are CEO’s in your positions. I wish you continued success.

And, of course, the engine of the National Business Center is our employees. I am thankful and grateful for your tremendous efforts over the years. The personal sacrifices you have made in performing your duties at the very highest level are so admirable… almost too difficult to put into words. It has been an honor to serve you, to learn from you; although I have chosen to move on to a new phase in my life, I will forever cherish my seven years as Director of the National Business Center.

Timothy G. Vigotsky
NBC Director