All links on this page are external to the Office of Quality Management
Architecture
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - The AIA is a professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals and allied partners. It provides information and links to relevant architecture related topics.
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Benchmarking
Activity Based Costing Benchmarking Association - This is a free association of companies and organizations that conduct benchmarking studies in ABC and support initiatives to identify practices that improve the overall operations of the members. It also provides free sign up, newsletters, and networking opportunities.
The Benchmarking Exchange (TBE) - This Exchange is a very comprehensive and very user-friendly electronic communication and information system designed specifically for use by individuals and organizations involved in Benchmarking and Process Improvement. TBE is supported through annual subscription dues. It provides users with a comprehensive, centralized and specialized forum for all phases of Benchmarking. TBE is for veteran practitioners as well as those who are just beginning to discover the world of Benchmarking. TBE was designed by benchmarking practitioners for Benchmarking practitioners.
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Best Practices
Best Manufacturing Practices Center of Excellence - The Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) program, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, enables the U.S. defense industrial base to lower acquisition cost and improve product price, quality, and delivery. The main goal of the BMP is to increase the quality, reliability, and maintainability of goods produced by American firms. The primary steps toward this goal are simple: identify best practices, document them, and then encourages industry, government, and academia to share information about them. This site provides free copies of its in-depth, on-site Best Practices Surveys from numerous companies such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Polaroid, and RJ Reynolds. Surveys can also be found on government facilities such as Army Depots, Naval Aviation Depots, and even the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.
GSA's Best Practices in Real Estate Management in State Government - Provides information on GSA's program. This site identifies recipients of GSA's Best Practices Awards as well as provides information on GSA Policies, Guidelines and Regulations.
Office of Management Assessment, National Institutes of Health - Provides broad management oversight and advice to the Associate Director for Administration and the Institute and Centers on management reviews, corrective actions and NIH-wide management of activities. This site has a best/promising practices database and Internet links with a compilation of links to business, government and managerial web sites and on-line publications.
Department of Defense, Quality Management Program - QMP services as the DoD focal point for quality management efforts. This site's library provides an excellent list of links to related publications that may be useful to your organization in improving processes and systems.
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Guidance Needed for Using Performance Based Service Contracting U. S. General Accounting Office - Report discusses the finding of a review of 5 Federal agencies' use of Performance Based Service Contracts.
National Contract Management Association (NCMA) - A professional society that serves as a source for professional development for contract managers. Publishes
The National Contract Management Journal (NCM) - This semiannual journal publishes the research of NCMA members and nonmembers who belong to the procurement community. The fields of interest include policy, legal, and management issues intended to meet the needs of its diverse readership.
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Customer Service
Serving the American Public - Best Practices in One-Stop Customer Service - This report documents the findings of a benchmarking study commissioned by the National Performance Review on one-stop customer service. The best practices described here represent the actions and philosophies of world-class customer service organizations in the public and private sectors.
World-Class Courtesy A Best Practices Report, A Report of the National Performance Review - This report identifies courtesy best practices in "best-in-class' organizations.
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Educational
Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA) - Maintenance, protection and promotion of the quality of educational facilities. They serve and assist facilities officers and physical plant administrators in colleges, universities and other educational institutions through the United States and other parts of the world.
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Engineering
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - The ASCE vision is to build a better quality of life for engineers. ASCE develops leadership, advance technology, advocates lifelong learning and promotes the profession for its members and partners.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - ASME is a nonprofit educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership for promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical engineering throughout the world
Engineering Statistics Handbook - The goal of this NIST handbook is to help scientists and engineers incorporate statistical methods in their work as efficiently as possible.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) -The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., helps advance global prosperity by promoting the engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing and applying knowledge about electrical and information technologies and sciences for the benefit of humanity and the profession.
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Environment
US Army Corps of Engineers - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides navigation, flood control, environmental protection, disaster response, and military construction services. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers provide support for others and undertakes research and development activities.
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Facility Development
US Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Facilities Management - This site contains information about the Veterans Administration's construction projects
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Facility Management
American Public Works Association (APWA) - An international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) - The Society is organized for the sole purpose of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration for the public's benefit through research, standards writing, continuing education and publications.
Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA) - Maintenance, protection and promotion of the quality of educational facilities. They serve and assist facilities officers and physical plant administrators in colleges, universities and other educational institutions through the United States and other parts of the world.
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) - A professional organization of 9,000 members that come together to ensure the optimal operation of plants, grounds and offices at Fortune 500 manufacturers, universities, medical centers, government agencies and innovative small firms from around the world.
BuildFind Builders Network - This site provides lists of builders and building industry resources on the web.
Facility Manager - Publication of the APPA.
Federal Real Property Association (FRPA) -The purpose of the FRPA is to improve management of real property in the Federal Sector, promote the highest standards of ethics, facilitate the exchange of ideas among members, identify educational needs and opportunities, make objective analysis and evaluations of real property issues, and foster professional management practices.
GSA Real Property Results 2003 - This report provides an overview of GSA's accomplishments in 2003, and describes the nine indicators of performance GSA used to gather data: cost per square foot (owned), cost per square foot (leased), vacancy rate, cost per person, customer satisfaction, employees housed, total square feet, Federal teleworkers sustainability.
GSA's Computer Integrated Facility Management (CIFM) Program - The CIFM Program integrates facility management related data throughout the life cycle of PBS building assets. The program provides and supports the CIFM technology infrastructure and associated business processes necessary to institutionalize the technology into PBS business operations.
National Association of Industrial and Office properties (NAIOP) - A trade association with over 8,000 members who are developers, owners, investors and related professionals in industrial and office real estate across the U.S. and Canada.
Real Property Best Practices - An Annual Publication of the Office of Real Property Management, Office of Government-wide Police, GSA. This annual report contains an array of best practices and policies culled from several top practioners in the Federal real estate arena.
Real Property Performance Results - Benchmarking Operating Costs of Monumental Federal Buildings, Performance Management Division, Office of Real Property Management, Office of Government-wide Policy, GSA. Report contains an analysis of benchmark data for operating costs for several atypical Federal buildings. It summarizes the relevant data to provide customers with a concise reference document.
Real Property Policy Site Newsletter - GSA's quarterly publication about cutting edge real estate issues and trends that affect you and the entire public and private real estate community.
Thomas Register Online - Thomas Register Online is an industrial products and services sourcing web site with a buying service.
Today's Facility Manager - This on-line newsletter provides information on new products and key facility management issues including building efficiency, energy & conservation, furniture, interior surfaces, safety & wellness, security and technology & equipment.
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Financial Management
Association of Government Accountants (AGA) -This is a professional association of more than 15,000 individuals representing executive levels in federal, state and local government agencies and departments. Members include accountants, auditors (contract, financial and performance), budget analysts, chief financial officers, electronic data processors, finance directors, inspectors general and system designers. The Association serves its members by providing quality educational programs, encouraging professional development and certification while serving as an advocate for the profession.
U.S. Chief Financial Officers Council - "The U.S. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) Council is an organization of the CFOs and Deputy CFOs of the largest Federal agencies, senior officials of the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the Treasury who work collaboratively to improve financial management in the U.S. Government."
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Fire Prevention and Safety
Department of Energy Model Fire Protection Baseline Capabilities - This document comprehensively delineates and rationalizes the roles and responsibilities of DOE's Fire Department and Fire Protection (Engineering). It attempts to answer questions such as what is being done, how do we measure success and is there potential for greater efficiency.
Department of Energy Model Fire Protection Program - This publication describes acceptable methods and examples for meeting your agency's fire protection objectives. It can be used in full or part to establish new programs or improving existing ones.
Fire Protection Assessment - This Department of Energy assessment can help in conducting performance based and/or physical protection requirements in the assessment of your agency's Fire Protection Program.
Fire Safety Institute - This organization makes safety information available to fire safety specialist in an effort to reduce fire losses. They encourage an integrated approach to the reduction of life and property loss from fire through rational fire safety decision-making.
Fire Technology - This is the international peer-reviewed quarterly of the National Fire Protection Association. It is written by fire scientists and looks at fire science from the perspectives of physics, chemistry, engineering and ergonomics.
International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) - Provides a source for building related and construction codes.
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Government
US Government Accountability Office - The GAO Home Page lists GAO Reports and Testimonies, Policy and Guidance Publications, Special Publications, GAO FraudNET, and more.
Government Executive News - An online magazine covering executive level news in the federal government.
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Human Resources
Human Resource Executive - This magazine focuses on strategic issues in HR. It provides key decision makers with news, profiles of HR visionaries and success stories of human resource innovators. Stories cover all areas of human resource management, including personnel, benefits, training and development, HR information systems, relocation, retirement planning, workplace security and health care.
HR Magazine - Magazine published by the Society for Human Resource Management.
People & Strategy Journal - This quarterly publication contains the most current theory, research and practices in strategic human resource management. It focuses on human resource practices that contribute to the achievement of organizational effectiveness.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Is the leading voice of the human resource profession. It provides education and information services as well as on line services and publications to more than 130,000 professionals and student members throughout the world.
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Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineer - Journal published by the Institute of Industrial Engineers .
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Industrial Security
American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) - Has more than 32,000 members and is the largest international organization for professionals responsible for security, including managers and directors of security. They are dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security practices by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security concerns.
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Information Technology
Brint Knowledge Institute -This site's mission is the "Creation and Dissemination of New Knowledge on Contemporary Business, Management, Strategy and Information Technology Issues." Links from this page lead to research, awards, and resources about knowledge management.
Federal Computer Week - An online publication providing computer and IT news.
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Library Services
American Library Association - It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 64,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. ALA offers professional services and publications to members and non-members, including online news stories from
American Libraries and analysis of crucial issues from the
Washington Office.
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Management
Conference Board - The Conference Board is a business membership and research organization, connecting senior executives from more than 2,900 enterprises in over 60 nations. A non-profit, non-advocacy organization," it offers research, news, conferences, and links to the business community.
Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) - The Council is a nonprofit organization of more than 750 members or principals who have served as senior public officials and now hold leadership positions in a wide range of corporate and private sector organizations. Its two main goals are to strengthen results-oriented management and creative leadership in the public sector, and increase public understanding, confidence, and participation on government
Harvard Business Review (HBR) - The HBR seeks to "advance the theory and practice of management... leadership begins with fresh thought and careful analysis." Information and links on management issues, business leaders, and publications.
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) - The NAPA is an independent, non-partisan organization chartered by Congress to assist federal, state, and local governments improve their effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.
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Outsourcing
The Outsourcing Institute - "Founded in 1993, The Outsourcing Institute is a professional association and executive forum with a mission to provide timely information and services on outsourcing."
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Performance Measures
Center for Creative Leadership - Founded in 1983, the Council is a nonprofit organization of more than 700 members, or principals, throughout the country who have served as senior public officials and now hold leadership roles in a wide range of corporate and other private sector organizations. In pursuing its mission to improve the performance of government, the Council carries out long-term programs directed at two principal goals. These are to strengthen results-oriented management and creative leadership in the public sector, and to increase public understanding, confidence, and participation in government.
Center for Improving Government Performance (CIGP) - In September 1997, the National Academy of Public Administration formed the Center for Improving Government Performance and established a Performance Consortium to assist agencies in the successful implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and related performance-based management initiatives. This site is dedicated to support the activities of the Academy, the Center, the Performance Consortium, and all who are interested in advancing the cause of a more responsive, accountable government.
The Congressional Institute - This section of the Congressional Institute's web site is focused on information related specifically to GPRA. The Congressional Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping members of Congress better serve the nation, and help the public better understand public policy debates and the operations of the national legislature.
Engine Room of Continuous Improvement - MoreSteam.com was created to assist individuals and teams in their efforts to improve processes. This site includes information on total continuous improvement, benchmarking, best practices and workforce development. The MoreSteam Toolbox function offers online tutorials covering the fundamental problem-solving tools used to support Six Sigma and other process improvement efforts. Just click on any of the tools listed for a tutorial to help you use the tool properly.
Performance Management and Budgeting in the Federal Government: Brief History and Recent Developments - Describes PART's efforts in aligning budgets with performance
Its Better to Align Resources with Performance - Report describes the efforts to better align and integrate budget and performance and raises the question of budget structure. Should appropriations accounts and budget justifications or both be restructured to tighten the link between resources and performance?
Serving the American Public - Best Practices in Performance Measurement - This report documents and details the in-depth processes and approaches of those best-in-class organizations that excel at incorporating their customers' needs and expectations into their strategic planning processes. It provides public and private leaders and managers with world-class practices and formulas for success in developing and deploying agency strategic plans and goals.
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Project Management
Project Management Institute (PMI) - a not-for-profit membership association for the project management profession, PMI establishes Project Management standards, and provides seminars, educational programs, and professional certification.
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Public Administration
American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) - The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is committed to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration. Through its Center for Accountability and Performance (CAP), it addresses requirements for governments in their shift to performance-based, results-driven management. ASPA also promotes ethics and integrity in public service and governance worldwide.
Brookings Institution - A private, independent, nonprofit research organization, Brookings seeks to improve the performance of American institutions, the effectiveness of government programs, and the quality of U.S. public policies. It addresses current and emerging policy challenges and offers practical recommendations for dealing with them, expressed in language that is accessible to policy makers and the general public alike.
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Quality Management
American Society for Quality - Is the world's leading authority on quality and advances learning, quality improvement and knowledge exchange to improve business results and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide.
ASQ publishes six journals and magazines that approach quality from different perspectives and industries. Two additional journals are published with partners. Sample the current issues by selecting any title below. You can subscribe using the links on each issue's table of contents.
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Quality Progress - ASQ's flagship publication, read by more people than any other magazine on quality, features in-depth articles describing the application of innovative methods. Topics include knowledge management, process improvement and organizational behavior.
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Journal for Quality and Participation - Offers in-depth, comprehensive articles about employee involvement, teamwork, leadership, change management and more.
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Journal of Quality Technology - Covers the technical aspects of quality control, reliability and related disciplines.
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Quality Engineering - Co-published with Taylor & Francis, this journal examines in-depth, practical applications of quality technology for engineers.
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Quality Management Journal - A source for practical application of quality research in the broad field of management.
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Six Sigma Forum Magazine - The first magazine addressing the specific needs of Six Sigma professionals.
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Software Quality Professional - Addresses the application of quality principles to the development and use of software and software-based systems.
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Technometrics - Published in conjunction with the American Statistical Association, this journal focuses on statistics for the physical, chemical and engineering sciences.
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Sciences
The International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) - ISPE is a non-profit international professional membership organization dedicated to promoting pharmacoepidemiology, the science which applies epidemiological approaches to studying the use, effectiveness, value and safety of pharmaceuticals. ISPE is firmly committed to providing an unbiased scientific forum to the views of all parties with interests in drug development, drug delivery, drug use, drug cost, and drug effects.
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Standards
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - ANSI is a private, nonprofit membership organization supported by a diverse constituency of private and public sector organizations. ANSI Federation has maintained as its primary goal the enhancement of global competitiveness of U.S. business and the American quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and promoting their integrity.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - Provides voluntary consensus standards, related technical information, and services having internationally recognized quality and applicability that promote public health and safety, and the overall quality of life; contribute to the reliability of materials, products, systems and services; and facilitate national, regional, and international commerce.
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Strategic Planning
Serving the American Public - Best Practices in Customer-Driven Strategic Planning - This report documents the team's findings and will serve as a useful tool for leaders and managers at all levels of government in adapting those best practices and formulas for success to governmental programs and operations, so that federal agencies can meet or exceed the best in customer-driven strategic planning.
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Travel Management
Interagency Travel Management Committee (ITMC) - Provides a forum through which Federal Agencies can exchange information and ideas for resolving common problems related to the effective use of the Federal Travel Regulations. There are approximately 100 policy managers representing Agencies, Boards and Commissions.
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Workplace Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Since OSHA was created in 1970, the agency's mission has been clear and unwavering for nearly twenty-five years: "to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions. "That mission-to save lives, prevent injuries and illnesses, and to protect the health of America's workers-remains vital today.
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Other Resources - Publications
The Department of Navy Benchmarking Handbook: A Systems View - This Handbook describes the Department of Navy's Benchmarking Model and details the 10 recommended steps. It is intended to provide guidance and useful information to assist top leaders, commanding officers, quality coordinators and advisors, and team facilitators in the art and science of benchmarking. It includes web site address and information on how and where to find best practices.
A Handbook for Strategic Planning - This handbook contains the Department of the Navy's Strategic Planning Model along with guidance on the strategic planning process.
Navy Acquisition Reform - The Acquisition Reform Office teams with Department of the Navy (DoN) acquisition programs to facilitate reduction of total ownership cost and cycle time. They provide leadership and management of the DoN Specifications and Standards program, champion improvement of business processes, and implement a holistic outreach, communications and education program.
Strategic Management for Senior Leaders: A Handbook for Implementation- This handbook contains information on how to complete the plan, publish, deploy, implement, measure, and evaluate a strategic plan. It also includes case studies on strategic plans at work.
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