Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010
On December 14, 2010, President Obama signed the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 into law. This legislation will have an important impact on Federal agency training programs geared toward personnel responsible for building operations, maintenance, energy management, safety, and future performance. Not only must Federal workers be trained in core competencies related to the roles and responsibilities of their jobs, but they also have the opportunity to take courses and receive licenses and certifications for their learning efforts.
The law is considered by many in the industry, including ASHRAE, to be an important and much needed advancement in the quality and enhanced design, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of our nation's Federal buildings. This legislation is once again an example of the Federal government's engagement and commitment to leading by example.
Through these training programs, the Federal government will prove what can be done to ensure the construction and operation of Federal facilities are based on energy efficiency, use of clean energy sources, and creating a comfortable and safe work environment for the millions of Federal employees that occupy these buildings on a daily basis.
To establish core competencies needed for each job category, the General Services Administration (GSA) is tasked to identify core competencies by mid-2012 and annually thereafter. The GSA will accomplish this task by consulting with relevant industry associations, professional societies, and training providers.
To better understand impacts of the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act 2010, the Congressional Research Service drafted a summary of the bill:
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010—Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to: (1) identify, annually, the core competencies necessary for federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions to comply with requirements under federal law, including competencies relating to sustainability, water efficiency, electrical safety, and building performance measures; and (2) identify a course, certification, degree, license, or registration to demonstrate, and for ongoing training in, each core competency for the appropriate category of personnel. Requires individuals in each category to demonstrate each core competency identified for the category within one year. Directs the Administrator: (1) to develop or identify comprehensive continuing education courses to ensure the operation of federal buildings in accordance with industry best practices and standards; and (2) and the Secretary of Energy to develop, annually, a recommended curriculum relating to facility management and the operation of high-performance buildings.