First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)

About Client

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that oversees FirstNet, the nation’s communications network dedicated to emergency responders and the public safety community.

Client Organization Supported

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)

Objective

FirstNet Authority sought to build a flexible and responsive human capital support system to meet the needs of the organization, overcome operational challenges, and support engagement and collaboration with an experienced workforce of first responders and personnel with expertise in multiple disciplines.

LinkVisum’s Solution

Developed the HCOP, aligning it to the FirstNet strategic plan, to outline the human capital goals, initiatives, milestones, and key performance indicators in support of FirstNet Authority’s mission and strategic objectives.

Analyzed the current workforce, identified mission-critical occupations, analyzed demographics and trend data, assessed workforce supply and demand, identified gaps, and developed and supported the implementation of actions to address gaps

Developed processes, tools, and training for annual performance plans, individual development plans, succession management, and staff and leadership development.

Developed and introduced a supervisor training program, as well as a professional development training series on topics such as resiliency, handling difficult conversations, diversity, effective meetings, career development, and more.

Helped with council initiatives, including hosting guest speakers for various monthly observances such as Black History, Hispanic Heritage, and Women’s History months.

Outcome

Drafted and implemented the FirstNet Authority Human Capital Operating Plan (HCOP).

Developed performance management and individual development plan (IDP) tools and training for increasing staff awareness of the process and accountability for meeting performance standards.

Developed performance management and IDP tools and training

Designed and facilitated 9 professional development courses

Facilitated workforce planning and organizational restructuring

Additional Project Details

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) was established in 2012 under the Department of Commerce to create an interoperable public safety broadband network for public safety entities. As a new federal agency, the FirstNet Authority contracted LinkVisum beginning in 2017 for human capital strategy and operational support, as well as training and development services to improve organizational performance and increase its human capital capabilities. Our team used its expertise and experience in federal human capital consulting and understanding of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Human Capital Framework to support the FirstNet Authority’s effort to diversify its human capital management to fulfill its mission.

About LinkVisum

LinkVisum Consulting Group is a woman-owned company that provides a full range of management consulting services to government agencies and private industry. We are an ISO 9001 certified company with an approved DCAA accounting system. Our staff possess significant skills, advanced degrees, and relevant certifications, garnering numerous exceptional ratings on Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

Fatimah Moody
CEO
LinkVisum Consulting Group, Inc.

Fatimah Moody co-founded LinkVisum Consulting Group, Inc., in 2007 to apply her passion for providing exceptional client service, creating innovative solutions for modern business, and working in collaborative environments. She has more than 25 years of experience leading teams to assess key human capital business challenges and in designing and implementing effective, sustainable business strategies. Her expertise includes strategic planning, organizational and leadership development, intervention design, process improvement, and change leadership. A trusted consultant, leadership coach, and organizational development professional, Ms. Moody has successfully advised many organizations in both the public and private sector. Prior to founding LinkVisum, she was a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, responsible for change management and strategy for the Federal Government sector.

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Michelle Amante
Vice President of Federal Workforce Programs, Partnership for Public Service

Michelle Amante currently serves as the Vice President of Federal Workforce Programs for the Partnership for Public Service.  In this role, she works with agencies to research and find solutions to challenging human capital issues such as employee engagement, workforce planning and talent recruitment and development.

Before coming to the Partnership, Michelle served as the Director of the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and worked in public sector consulting for Deloitte in their Labor and Workforce practice.  She has deep experience in project management, systems integration, business process transformation and employee engagement.

Michelle has Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Relations and History from Syracuse University and a Master’s of Public Administration from the George Washington University.  

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Christine Lawrence
Christine Lawrence
Director
LinkVisum Consulting Group, Inc.

Ms. Lawrence brings more than 15 years of experience assisting organizations in the design and implementation of strategic programs including training and development, workforce planning, organization design, process improvement, selection, performance management/assessment, succession planning, change management, and communications. Ms. Lawrence is a project management professional (PMP) and is highly skilled at managing complex client projects.

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FirstNet

LinkVisum has provided human capital support to Department of Commerce, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) since the creation of the public-private partnership. In response to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)/Office of Personnel Management (OPM) memorandum in June 2021, FirstNet contracted LinkVisum to support with an organization-wide survey to capture employee feedback regarding return-to-work perceptions, concerns, and expectations. Employee feedback was compiled into a senior-level briefing and served to inform changes and updates to remote and telework policies and forms. LinkVisum supported the effort to modify the telework agreement for all employees, develop an annual telework form for supervisors and employees to sign, and initiated the project plan for managing the creation of a remote work arrangement policy and guidance. This new policy will be introduced according to a communications plan based on change management and change adoption strategies. To read more about LinkVisum’s work with FirstNet, Click Here

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Department of Transportation OST-B

[12:28 PM] Maryam Nozary

Department of Transportation, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs (DOT OST-B) sought assistance from LinkVisum to support the goals of retention of talent, re-engagement of staff, improving communications, and supporting employees and supervisors as they transition from primarily remote workspaces to the hybrid work arrangements approved by DOT and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)/Office of Personnel Management (OPM). LinkVisum helped to facilitate a virtual strategic planning session for division leaders to identify process improvements, operational efficiencies, technology systems considerations, and workforce planning in preparation for the return to the office and anticipated increase in hiring. To read more about LinkVisum’s work with DOT OST-B, Click Here

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Department of Transportation PHMSA

Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) contracted LinkVisum to help with updating the PHMSA Onboarding Experience in the form of three checklists. Each checklist was specific to each of the new re-entry to work arrangements. These checklists were created for both employees and supervisors to utilize and track the various tasks that need to be completed during the new hires’ first 30 days, first three months, and first year of their federal employment. To read more about LinkVisum’s work with PHMSA, Click here

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Dr. Russell Robinson
Founder of Amplified Research and Consulting LLC

Dr. Russell Robinson is the founder of Amplified Research and Consulting, LLC, which provides research, analysis and consulting solutions regarding employee engagement, voice and silence, and talent management. 

Russell has spent over twenty years as a civil servant within the US Federal Government. In his current role as the Senior Advisor of Training & Engagement of an agency’s component, Russell provides solutions to improve the workforce experience; and help leaders inspire and influence those within their span of control. Additionally, Russell is an adjunct professor at American University where he teaches graduate-level leadership.

Russell received his Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Human Organizational Learning from the George Washington University. He received a Master’s in Public Administration from American University’s Key Program, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Dayton.

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Donna Powell
Senior Advisor of Management Directorate for the U.S. Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)

Donna Powell is a Government Leader recognized for delivering direct and influential leadership to develop sustainable programs and facilitate change; which includes successfully managing enterprise-wide human capital programs and improving organizational effectiveness.  She is a Senior Advisor in the Management Directorate for the U.S. Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Engraving and Printing.  She works multiple programs and projects, including organizational change management and personnel transition planning.  

Prior to joining BEP, Donna worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).  In addition to working in the DOC/Office of the Chief Information Officer, she was the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an independent authority within the DOC/National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).  At FirstNet, Donna led the daily operations and developed strategic solutions for human capital management, training, travel, employee safety and health, facilities management, logistics and records management.  She successfully led numerous initiatives, including facilitating a 91% organizational growth.

Donna earned of Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Science Degree from Central Michigan University, and a Master Certificate in Project Management (IT Project Management) from the George Washington University. 

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