The Census Reimagined Project: Learn how the US Census Bureau reimagined its workspace and made room for two other Agencies at the Suitland Federal Center (SFC) in Maryland. To do this, the US Census Bureau was tasked with clearing out work-spaces and dismantling furniture in two, 8 floor buildings; all in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic and while maintaining strict CDC Guidelines and Social Distancing protocols for all employees and contractors, with over 8000+ spaces cleared out.
Take-aways: #1. Learn how the US Census Bureau scheduled employee clean-out and the dismantling and removal of furniture. #2. Learn how the US Census Bureau maintained CDC Guidelines and Social Distancing protocols during the whole project.
PMI Talent Triangle: Strategic and Business Management
As seasoned project managers, we understand that a key skill is the ability to be flexible and responsive when our projects face obstacles and challenges. We also recognize that routine activities and expectations for a given day may be quickly overturned when a crisis occurs. These crises not only strengthen our project management skills but can also confirm that we have laid the foundation of a solid and resilient program.
As the Program Manager for the National Weather Service’s key IT system, I had the opportunity to practice project management during a crisis in March 2021. On March 9, what could have been a typical day, rapidly turned into an emergency situation. A water pipe in the building that houses the system’s primary help desk and data center burst and flooded several floors, damaging crucial equipment and placing staff at risk. I was faced with several key decision points such as (1) how to protect staff working in the flooded area, (2) how to sustain 24/7 IT operations without a functioning primary help desk, and (3) how to quickly restore service.
During my presentation, you will learn how I addressed these critical decisions such as quickly shifting operations to the backup facilities and permanently relocating the primary help desk within just 63 days. All of this occurred in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding layers of complexity to the process. This crisis case study will highlight principles in establishing project resilience, making rapid yet effective decisions, and staying flexible in times of crisis that can be applied to any projects impacted by an emergency.
PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership (Power Skills)
