Recovery Plan Performance Reports submitted for 6 more Executive Branch agencies

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Another six Executive Branch departments and offices applied and were approved for American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding under the “Public Buildings CDC Compliance Program,” which was allocated $12 million and administered by the ASG’s ARPA Oversight Office, which on July 30 issued the 2023 Recovery Plan Performance Report to the U.S Treasury.

Samoa News previously reported on the four other ASG agencies, which got funding approval under building compliance, and they are the Department of Administrative Service, ASG Treasury, Public Works Department and Public Safety Department. The Fono also got funding under this program.

The Oversight Office had previously announced that a number of government agencies applied for funding and projects that were approved. And a portion of the awarded funds were also made available to ASG agencies and departments for emergency response to address immediate needs for a safe working environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOMELAND SECURITY

According to the Performance Report, the local Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) was approved for $1.25 million for its “Homeland Security Communications Network Project” and ASDHS said it intends to solicit the services of a reputable firm with extensive experience in Communication Networks and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) or Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Project 25 Systems Solutions that will ensure a 97% Communications Network & Radio Frequency (RF) Coverage for Tutuila and Manu’a.

This installation and transition of the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) to Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) will completely overhaul the reliability of the communication networks and the redundant system to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and other first responding agencies to include, the Department of Public Safety, Fire Bureau, and Emergency Medical Services, etc., the report said.

ASDHS explained that the LMR build out will comprise a Digital VHF P25 Conventional Simulcast System that will also meet the required system designed for 7 sites, 6 Channel dual-mode P25 and analog conventional to include system network, repeaters, microwave linking, system network Control/Monitoring at strategic communications tower site locations, dispatch control consoles, mobile radios and portable handheld radio equipment.

As of June 30, 2023, the project has not been fully implemented and is in the procurement phase.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resources Department was approved for $475,000 that seeks to re-enforce social distancing by installing transparent or plexiglass barriers and also installing customer service windows for each division.

DHR is seeking to acquire Zoom’s Business Plan, which includes group meetings for up to thirty hours, social media streaming, 1 GB of cloud recording per license, hosting of up to 300 participants, single sign-on, transcript recording, managed domains, company branding, and up to 99 licenses. The desired software will greatly help achieve DHR goals as well as maintain the safety of employees and clients.

DHR also seeks to acquire PPEs (personal protective equipment), sanitizing dispensers, disinfecting wipes, sanitation services, and disinfecting sprays.

To detect any employee or individual that is symptomatic or has COVID-19, the department seeks to acquire non-contact temperature assessment devices to administer temperature readings for clients and employees entering the workplace.

The department also seeks to acquire needed electronic equipment such as laptops, mifi devices, and office printers to safely perform and complete work responsibilities and duties during COVID-19. In addition, DHR seeks to acquire decontamination/disinfecting services from a local vendor and a “Robotic Process Automation Software” to decrease contact with the public and other employees by routing applications for approval.

DHR said that a Robotic Process Automation is an emerging technology that will help with DHR to help provide electronic routing, approval, and information accuracy.

As the time of the report, less than 50% of the project has been completed as DHR has been assessing available information on cost estimates and working with the Office of Procurement on making the proper purchases.

LEGAL AFFAIRS

ARPA funds of $150,000 were awarded to the Department of Legal Affairs, whose offices include the Attorney General, Immigration and Territorial Registrar.

This grant helped the department to improve the use of technology for remote access to digital resources, install protective windows and barriers that will allow key employees to work remotely and for upgrading of office space to meet COVID-19 pandemic requirements for Agencies providing public service to the community, according to the report.

It says that the department’s use of the funds covers, purchase of sanitation supplies, purchase of computer equipment and software for remote work and system access, purchase printer supplies, toners and other office supplies, improvement of office space and furniture, and improvement of ventilation and air condition systems

A separate $60,000 grant was awarded for the department’s Immigration Fund project, which the report says the project is in its infancy stage and no funding has been used. The objective is to spread these funds over the time allowed by ARPA.

“ARPA funds have demonstrated the Federal Government’s and the American Samoa Government’s commitment in addressing immediate crisis, economic resilience and a safe and prosperous future for all Americans,” the report says.

OALJ

The Office of the Administrative Law Judge received its Letter of award on October 31, 2022 for the full amount requested of $185,000.

The OALJ intends to utilize these funds to provide virtual services to the public through IT equipment upgrade; to ensure the building is COVID compliant through new/ repairs to air ventilation systems and minor repairs to ceiling; and, to provide a safe environment to staff and the public as it continues to serve their needs.

The OALJ continues to work with local agencies in the procurement process and with local and off- island vendors to provide reliable merchandise.

BUDGET OFFICE

The Office of Program Planning and Budget was awarded $285,000 and the agency proposed the use of the funds to create a safe and healthy workplace by upgrading its existing office space for an efficient and healthy work environment for both employees and the public in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the COVID 19 Task Force in American Samoa in consistent with CDC guidelines and requirements for a healthy and safe workplace.

This will also minimize exposure and health risks with the spread of COVID-19 face by employees and the general public.

According to the Budget Office, the current cubicle system and carpet flooring is more than 20 years and layout setup spaces are limited, cluttered, and congested. “With this funding, we hope to adjust our floor plan and upgrade our cubicle system to new clear wall partitions for seclusion and proper isolation to further secured safe and self- quarantine work spaces,” said Budget Office.

The agency also intends to upgrade the break room layout to improve for better hygiene & sanitation, and can be used for quarantine in future if needed. Additionally, upgrades in the printing room and front area to maintain social distancing with comfort waiting area for customers. These upgrades will help control access to our office, starting from the front lobby area, while mitigating the unnecessary traffic.

The project also includes the upgrades of A/C equipment system and all necessary amenities to improve ventilation and quality of air flow circulation critical in sustaining an efficient, safe, and healthy work environment.