Military Installation

PRIDE Industries Gets a Sensitive Military Forensic Lab into Pristine Condition

Located in the Gillem Enclave in Forest Park, Georgia, Fort Gillem is home to the Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC), the Department of Defense’s premier forensic center. At the DFSC, scientists and technicians examine and analyze crime scene evidence for the Army, DoD entities, and federal agencies. Center services include specialized forensic training, research and laboratory analyses, and management of the DoD Convicted Offender DNA Database Program. Since 2016, PRIDE Industries has provided facility operations and maintenance support to the DFSC, maintaining 150,000 square feet of building space. Over the last several years, we have improved the site mechanics through ongoing maintenance and added improvements.

Situation

In 2016, the Defense Forensics Science Center (DFSC) was seeking a contractor who could meet their unique needs and was up to the demanding task of keeping this vitally important lab in peak condition. Due to the exacting nature of the lab’s work, which includes handling delicate forensic evidence for the U.S. military, the DFSC must maintain a pristine environment at all times. After a thorough search, the DFSC chose PRIDE Industries to take on the crucial work of ensuring that key infrastructure elements, such as HVAC and video gate controls, were in working order. There were also important repairs to be made. In one mechanical room, for example, a series of leaks had caused water to pool on the floor.

Solution

PRIDE Industries systematically addressed each of the issues that were preventing the lab from operating at peak efficiency. Actions taken included:

Cleaning and repairing all broken systems
Documenting all center assets and implementing preventative maintenance protocols
Ensuring that HVAC temperature and humidity controls were functional and accurate
Optimizing the facility’s up-time

PRIDE Industries employed an inclusive team to make repairs and improvements. Today, this team ensures that critical systems are properly maintained. By working with PRIDE Industries, the DFSC is able to meet its diversity goals as it reaps the benefits of a proven workforce with statistically high retention rates and low turnover.

Services Provided

Repair and maintenance of HVAC systems
Repair and maintenance of gate and video gate controls
Repair of pipe leakage
Documentation of assets
Implementation of preventative maintenance protocols
Ongoing maintenance of laboratory’s critical mechanical systems
Pest control
PH monitoring
Sign making
Appliance maintenance
Grounds maintenance

Results

Assurance of laboratory-optimal environmental conditions
Maximization of up-time
Meeting of inclusivity goals
Consistent service provided by a proven, reliable workforce
Positive community impact resulting from the employment of nearly 50 local subcontractors

Highlights

150,000 sq. ft.

of building space maintained

“PRIDE Industries solved a long-term generator malfunction that had plagued the facility for years. Working side by side with the generator’s manufacturer, they were able to document and troubleshoot each failure—eventually discovering a minor manufacturing wiring assembly problem. In correcting this, PRIDE Industries relieved the DFSC of a chronic issue.”

— Fort Gillem Customer

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Keeping an Important Army Installation in Top Shape

Since 2009, PRIDE Industries has provided Base Operating Support Services to Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) and the Joint Readiness Training center (JRTC). We manage 2,243 buildings, over 1,000 miles of roads, and more than 238,000 acres of land at this Vernon Parish, Louisiana site. To deliver these crucial services, PRIDE Industries relies on an inclusive workforce that includes many people with disabilities—an employee group with proven high retention rates and low employee turnover.

Situation

Fort Johnson features modern barracks, comfortable on-post housing, bustling offices, and sophisticated service facilities—all of which require regular maintenance. In addition, Fort Johnson contains an entire mock town where soldiers practice fighting. As a result, the town’s features must be constantly rebuilt. Because of Fort Johnson’s location, it is also subject to occasional hurricane damage and freeze events—necessitating rapid recovery protocols. The fort also requires regular upgrades, like the stone path we built that leads from the barracks to the commissary. In addition to original construction projects like the path, PRIDE Industries provides repair, cleanup, and rebuilding services. These services keep the buildings and grounds of Fort Johnson in peak condition, ensuring the health and comfort of the 8,000 soldiers and 13,000 family members who call Fort Johnson home.

Solution

Starting in 2009, PRIDE Industries’ inclusive workforce has provided all of the following solutions in a timely, cost-effective manner:

Servicing of paved and unpaved surfaces
Implementation of facility improvement strategies and procedures
Ongoing reconstruction of all doors, windows, and plywood that get damaged during fighting practice
Rapid recovery from hurricanes and major freeze events
Building the morale-increasing Geronimo trail, linking barracks to commissary
Providing consistency with a workforce that boasts high retention rates and low turnover
Down-time minimization

Services Provided

Building management
Paved surfaced area maintenance
Grounds and landscaping
Servicing unpaved roads, bridges, ranges, and railroads
Range support maintenance and repair
Preventative maintenance
Facilities improvement
Minor construction
Hurricane and storm recovery
Freeze event recovery

Results

145 local residents employed
70 persons with disabilities employed
13 military veterans employed
PRIDE Industries is consistently highly praised in Contractor Performance Assessment Reports
Based on previous performance, PRIDE Industries was awarded a significant modification to the contract in 2016
8K troops and 13K family members supported

Highlights

2,243

buildings managed

>1,000

miles of roads maintained

>238,000

acres of land maintained

employees with disabilities

"PRIDE Industries’ unwavering support during all three storms was invaluable. Their ability to listen to and anticipate the Government’s requirements have allowed them to offer sound and timely solutions to several complex problems."

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Cutting Grounds Maintenance Costs at the World’s 2nd Largest Military Base

In 2014, PRIDE Industries began providing grounds landscape support services to Fort Campbell, a U.S. Army Installation located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. When we began, we were one of three contracted service providers. However, in time, Fort Campbell asked us to step in and take over all of the facility’s landscaping needs. In doing so, not only have we provided excellent service, we have also helped Fort Campbell fulfill its commitment to inclusion through the employment of people with disabilities—all while saving time and money.

Situation

Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division, whose soldiers played a key role in the Gulf War. Equipped with thousands of acres of improved and semi-improved grounds, the fort’s needs include landscape installations, pest management, mowing, trimming, edging, vegetation control, mulching, aerating, fertilizing, seeding, and parking lot maintenance. Additionally, in keeping with the federal government’s commitment to hire people with disabilities, Fort Campbell wanted the benefits of this workforce—including their statistically-demonstrated high retention rates and low turnover. Finally, Fort Campbell wanted one reliable contractor, rather than three.

Solution

PRIDE Industries provides all management, supervision, labor, equipment, vehicles, and materials to maintain more than 6,200 acres of grounds at Fort Campbell—including the Kentucky cantonment area and parade grounds.

Services Provided

Landscape installations
Pest management
Mowing, trimming, and edging
Vegetation control
Mulching and aerating
Fertilizing and seeding
Parking lot maintenance

Results

Reduced site expenses by providing all required landscaping services
92% of PRIDE Industries employees who work at the base have a declared disability
PRIDE Industries consistently employs multiple military veterans on the contract

Highlights

2nd

largest military base in the world

6,217

acres maintained

Cost Savings

through one provider

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Maintaining the Army’s Largest Installation for More Than 15 Years

The US Army Garrison at Fort Bliss, Texas, is the largest installation in FORSCOM (United States Army Forces Command) and is the site of America’s Tank Division. The Army post is also home to nearly 40,000 active-duty military personnel and contains a number of state-of-the-art training facilities.

Situation

In 2007, Fort Bliss leadership sought an AbilityOne provider that could provide a broad range of facilities maintenance services and lower their Total Facilities Management costs.

Solution

As an AbilityOne provider, PRIDE Industries hires, trains, and continuously supports employees with declared disabilities, giving them valuable job skills and an independent life. The company also has a long history of serving military customers, and has the facilities management expertise needed to handle every facet of operations support at a military installation. These traits made PRIDE Industries a natural fit for the work at Fort Bliss.

Services Provided

Facility Operation & Maintenance (O&M)
Between Occupancy Maintenance (BOC)
Glass, grounds, and street maintenance
HVAC and appliances
Pest control
Materials warehouse
Sign making
Solar panels
Vehicle wash facilities
Self-Help/U-Do-It services
Call center operations

Results

>100% increase in the installation’s service requirements since 2007
2020 renewal of contract
$6M in procurement value savings
452 team members employed
70% of team members have a documented disability
230 Subcontractors and vendors employed though the contract
>85% are local

Awards

Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Veterans Commission for Commitment to Veteran Employment
AUSA Business Partner of the Year
Texas Governor’s Annual Employment Award
Texas DARS Business of the Year

Highlights

452

team members employed

$6M saved

in procurement costs

70%

of workforce with a documented disability

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Case Study:

Los Angeles Air Force Base

PRIDE Industries Reduced Operating Costs by More Than 65 Percent

The Los Angeles Air Force Base (LA AFB) is home to the Space System Command Center (formerly the Space and Missile Systems Center), a subordinate unit of the United States Space Force. It is the center of technical excellence for research, development, and the acquisition of military space systems. The center is responsible for on-orbit checkout, testing, sustainment, and maintenance of military satellite constellations and other space systems. The installation spans six locations: the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA; Fort MacArthur, Pacific Heights and Pacific Crest in San Pedro, CA; Camp Parks Communication Annex in Dublin, CA; and the Defense Contract Maintenance Agency in Carson, CA.

Situation

In 2007, when the leadership of L.A. Air Force Base was seeking a contractor to perform repairs and implement a comprehensive maintenance program, they turned to a facilities management provider who was up to the challenge—PRIDE Industries.

At the start of the contract, PRIDE Industries focused on the most critical repairs: large air handlers which had corroded; landscaping that was not drought-tolerant; a base pool which had been closed due to safety issues; and upgrading the grounds at the Child Development Center, where outdoor gravel posed a choking hazard for children.

The base also needed support in its environmental and engineering departments, including coordination with regulatory agencies, design layout, inspection, real property management, and base-asset tracking. To ensure the smooth operation of these and other maintenance functions at the base, PRIDE Industries devised new management processes and timetables.

Solution

In PRIDE Industries, the Los Angeles Air Force Base found a partner that could meet their rigorous maintenance requirements in operations, engineering, and environmental services. Since 2007, our excellent work has resulted in completion of critical repairs, implementation of optimal maintenance processes and timetables, the meeting of engineering and environmental requirements, and four contract renewals. Our work has included:

Replacing the rusted air handlers with updated models that are designed to withstand local conditions
Xeriscaping the grounds throughout the base, replacing green areas with desert-friendly flora
Repairing and refurbishing the pool to make it safe and fully operational
Replacing the gravel around the Child Development Center with large stones rated as safe for children
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) asset tracking
Real property management
Regulatory compliance assurance with federal, state, and local entities
End-to-end project development, including design, implementation, and inspection
Vibrational analyses on critical equipment
Ongoing preventative maintenance

Services Provided

Building manager programs
CADD Services
Community planning
Grounds and landscaping
Construction design review
Construction management and inspection
Energy management
Environmental compliance
Estimating
Fire chief services
GIS database management
IT support services
Maintenance engineering services
Pest control services
Project budgeting and programming
Real property management
Recycling services
Reliability-centered maintenance
Roads and grounds maintenance
Space allocation
Utility system services
Warranty program services

Results

Since 2007, our contract with LA AFB has been renewed multiple times.
The scope of the original contract work has expanded by more than 100%.
In 2013, the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) facility in nearby Carson was added to our service area.
In 2015, we began providing engineering and environmental services to the 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron, which is responsible for all engineering design, construction, renovation, pollution prevention, environmental restoration, compliance, and conservation programs.
PRIDE Industries now provides landscaping and facilities management services for 40 acres and 68 buildings at the LA AFB, including two communication centers, two department stores, and a grocery store.
Since 2007, our year-over-year completion rate is 99% for preventive maintenance projects.
PRIDE Industries supports the regional economy by subcontracting to businesses that are owned by local residents, including women, service-disabled veterans, and other underrepresented groups.

Highlights

buildings maintained

acres maintained

65%

reduction in operating costs since initial contract

99%

completion rate for preventive maintenance year-over-year

“PRIDE Industries is a true partner of the Los Angeles Air Force Base. Their team works hard for the Air Force on a daily basis. Their dedication to the Preventative Maintenance program at LA has saved U.S. taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. I appreciate the PRIDE team and their dedication to our mission at LA Air Force Base.”

— Deputy Base Civil Engineer, LA AFB

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Mario Muniz is an employee at PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss, TX Integrated Facilities Management contract. A veteran with a disability, Mario struggled to find work after being laid off during his transition to civilian life. With the help of PRIDE Industries’ employment veterans programs, Mario was soon able to start a fulfilling new job at a military base, where he has the opportunity to help others like himself.

Employment Programs for Veterans

Mario served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973 as a Staff Sergeant, including a tour in South Vietnam. He concurrently served in the Texas National Guard from 1973 to 1990. As a result of his service, Mario developed multiple disabilities, including major depressive disorder, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, personality disorder and left lower extremity radiculopathy (mechanical compression of a nerve root).

“Mario has overcome many obstacles related to his disabilities, including emotional control issues that became more difficult to manage after his military service,” said PRIDE Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Corina Huerta. “He felt frustrated since he could not thoroughly explain his challenges to others, including his family. Counseling from the Veterans Administration (VA) proved helpful in addressing these issues.”

Even so, like many veterans, Mario experienced difficulty applying military skills to civilian jobs. Facing unemployment for almost a year, he earned a certificate from the Texas Workforce Commission in Construction Management. Despite his best efforts, finding a job still proved elusive. This all changed when a friend at his church referred him to PRIDE Industries’ employment program. PRIDE offers a range of services, such as vocational training and job placement assistance, for veterans with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

“Connecting with PRIDE was such a positive experience,” said Mario. “AbilityOne Recruiter Cynthia Baca truly went above and beyond to help me, especially when I was going through such difficult times.” In December 2011, Mario was hired as a Maintenance Trades Helper with the Facilities East Department.

To help support him in his job, Mario has been provided with many accommodations including vocational rehabilitation counselors that are trained in assisting veterans, lifting, and physical restrictions, and additional breaks as needed.

Finding Fulfillment in Helping Other Veterans

Through his hard work and his impressive skill set, Mario earned two promotions within the first year of his hire. He quickly moved on to General Maintenance Worker and Carpenter. Now he serves on the Carpentry Department Employee Advisory Committee.

“Working on the familiar environment of a military base was beneficial in helping me connect with my new career,” said Mario. “My favorite moment was working in the ‘You Do It’ shop, where I helped military service members complete woodcraft projects. I saw it as an opportunity to help fellow veterans keep their minds away from psychological stressors. It is a wonderful feeling to help them feel welcome at work.”

Mario now contributes to PRIDE’s inclusive and supportive environment by training and mentoring new employees, including many with disabilities. Mario desired to communicate better with his colleagues that are Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing. To that end, Mario participated in an after-work American Sign Language (ASL) class offered by PRIDE’s Job Coaches.

“Not only does my job give me the opportunity to feel productive, but also to raise morale for service members,” said Mario. “Joining the military is not an easy lifestyle; it can often feel lonely and difficult, especially when you are away from home and missing your family. ” Mario also gives back beyond his job, hosting service members during the holidays and actively volunteering in his church.

“Mario continues to feel appreciated by the positive feedback received and friendships made with our military customers,” said Corina Huerta. “It’s been wonderful seeing him overcome obstacles and grow in his role.”

Attention veterans

PRIDE Industries’ veterans programs are available to those looking for an easier transition into civilian jobs. Whether we place you into a base or help match your skills to another job, you can find fulfilling employment with PRIDE employment services.

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“Connecting with PRIDE was such a positive experience. AbilityOne Recruiter Cynthia Baca truly went above and beyond to help me, especially when I was going through such difficult times.”