Ehrlich on Washington column, December 18, 2000

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of December 1 8, 2000 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. A Watchful Eye on Aberdeen Proving Ground As the 1 06lh Congress ends, I am encouraged by the many positive developments affecting Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Aberdeen Test Center. The long and sometimes complex dealings with Army and Department of Defense officials have brightened the future for the army’s oldest proving ground. A September ground breaking ceremony marked the beginning construction phase of the Roadway Simulator project. When complete, the simulator will be the only one of its kind in the world. Capable of extensively and quickly testing heavy prototype vehicles for design flaws without having to put the vehicle on an actual road, it will save time and money by requiring the construction of fewer prototypes and identifying problems earlier in the research and development process. A number of experts predict this unique simulator will attract substantial private sector business to Aberdeen. In November, after recognizing a need to increase the size of the workforce to meet future demands, Major General John Marcello, Commanding General of the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), authorized the Aberdeen Test Center (АТС) to increase its civilian manpower by as many as 450 positions. General Marcello also indicated АТС should prepare to submit and justify additional future increases, if necessary. This, coupled with a decision by the Undersecretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs to exempt test and evaluation functions performed by ATEC civilian personnel from privatization efforts, stabilizes the workforce by giving employees greater job security. A final decision has been made on the much publicized and controversial Garrison A-76 Study. Although this flawed study was not reversed or canceled, Assistant Secretary of the Army, P. T. Henry, has ordered recompetition to begin only after child and youth service functions are eliminated in compliance with existing Army policy. Mr. Henry has ordered steps be taken to ensure the study is fair, both in fact and appearance. Additionally, he has instructed Army officials review the entire recompetition process to determine lessons learned. Last, but certainly not least, construction continues on the Aberdeen Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Completion is anticipated by July, 2003. Once completed, this facility will make it