• THE “NEW DEAL”: A significant milestone was achieved in the advancement of the modernization of Non-Public Property on 28 January 2011 when the NPP Board endorsed a new NPF funding distribution methodology that will be implemented as of 1 April 2011. The new model will place additional NPF funds at the disposal of Base and Wing Commanders to enhance local community and recreation programming. It will also include a more equitable distribution of those funds to all Bases and Wings. Work has already begun on the next New Deal objective to include the development of a NPP capital plan for infrastructure, a review / rationalization of the existing CFCF loans and the operation of Specialty Interest activities.

• MINIMAL PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS RESEARCH: The first phase of Project FORCE (Fitness for Operational Requirements for CF Employment) has been completed and 13 common essential tasks were identified. Currently, military subject matter experts from all 3 environments, together with PSP research staff are defining and designing specific "scenarios" to determine which tasks are performance based and the most physically demanding.  Subsequently, this spring/summer CF participants from Navy, Army and Air Force bases will be run  through each scenario, while a variety of physiological responses including heart rate and oxygen consumption will be made, and absolute loads quantified.  Once approved by Armed Forces Council, the measurements obtained will ultimately be used towards the development of a test and standards which will be implemented initially as a training objective. For more information contact the Project Manager Human Performance at Jacqueline.Laframboise@forces.gc.ca.

• CONNECTIVITY IN PROGRESS: In coordination with DND IM Gp and Base/Wing technical organizations, the IS Division continues the initiative to connect all NPF outlets to the DND General Purpose Network (GPNet) as opposed to using external/other providers. Already all CFPFSS HR/Accounting offices are connected as well as most CANEX stores, SISIP FS branches and Messes. The plan is in place to connect all NPP outlets over the next two years with annual savings to the public estimated at over $3 million dollars.

• NEW CFPFSS CORPORATE WEBSITE: In coordination with Associate DGPFSS, the Information Services Division has initiated a project to implement a new Personnel and Family Support Services corporate website. The Website will feature a ‘new’ Look and Feel, easier web content management and, ultimately, a visitor-driven, profile-based content and navigation system. The website will provide key information on PFSS and act as a portal to inter-connect the different PFSS services, such as the CF Community Gateway, CANEX What You Need (WYN) electronic retailing and other on-line programs.

• DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT AND ELECTRONIC SCANNING: IS Division has recently implemented several electronic document management and scanning initiatives. The work was focused on digitizing internal records, with the vision of being able to use modern document management and collaboration technologies in the future. The intent is ensure that all CFPFSS clients will have the same level of ‘modern’ computer/web based interaction with NPF programs and services as they experience elsewhere.

• CANEX AND THE PERSONAL CELEBRATE 25-YEAR PARTNERSHIP: For 25 years, CANEX Authorized Patrons have been eligible for and benefitted from preferred rates, great service and a selection of home and auto insurance products designed exclusively for their them. This partnership has resulted in exceptional growth to include over 65,000 insurance policies. To celebrate the relationship’s 25th anniversary, CANEX and The Personal are launching the “Win Them All and Play” contest, with a chance to win an SUV, an ATV, a personal watercraft and two trailers. Visit www.canex.thepersonal.com or call 1-888-476-8737.

• COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? Contact MWBulletin@cfpsa.com