Day: June 28, 2016

DoD Service Contract Program Change is on a Slow Track

Army parade – boots close-up
Government Procurement Drives Demand for Industrial Handling Solutions

In January 2016, the Department of Defense instituted a policy aimed at streamlining their services contracting with better oversight and control. While the new policy is expected to make the process more cohesive, it may take another dozen years before coming to full fruition.

“A 15-Year Effort”

More than half of the Department’s procurement budget is allocated to services, with the remainder for purchases such as contract equipment. According to Ken Brennan, deputy director of services acquisition, the goal is for contracts to become part of “the general culture and policy” rather than standalones.

In Brennan’s view, the new policy is “a 15-year effort” that is already about three years along. Brennan adds that is making significant progress, and he anticipates potential for guidance soon in the areas of small businesses and administrative services.

Functional Domain Experts

One major change involves the creation of functional domain experts, or FDEs, to lead each of the individual service sectors. Claire Grady, director of defense procurement and acquisition strategy, explains that this lets people with particular expertise create strategies to improve planning and execution while reducing costs.

FDEs will also implement metrics to monitor contract performance, determine best practices and recommend policies. Grady says will be paying close attention to the metrics established by these new domain leaders.

Military and Material Handling Solutions

DJ Products offers quality options for contract equipment. Our battery-powered tugs and movers handle applications like maneuvering aircraft in and out of hangars and pulling heavy engines and parts. Visit our website to have your questions answered online by one of our knowledgeable sales engineers.

What’s Driving up Physician Hospital-Based Employment?

Physicians employed at a hospital.
Physicians employed at a hospital.

According to data offered at Becker Hospital Review‘s recent meeting in Chicago, nearly 70 percent of physicians today are working in hospitals rather than private practice. What factors are driving this trend, and what does it mean for compensation and fair market value?

Reimbursement cuts and lifestyle changes provide motivation

Becker‘s seventh annual meeting included a presentation on physician employment trends conducted by Jim Carr, partner in HealthCare Appraisers, a national consulting firm providing fair market value (FMV) analysis. Carr cites reimbursement cuts and lifestyle changes as major impetuses behind the move to hospital-based employment.

Impact on fair market value

This far-reaching trend is causing hospital administrators to rework compensation contracts accordingly. Carr gave the following suggestions to consider when calculating FMV:

• While work-related relative value units (RVU) are still the most widely-used metrics, physicians are increasingly resisting them in favor of base salary guarantees and/or longer guarantee periods. The feeling is that production in a hospital setting is governed by many factors beyond their control.

• Many physicians are demanding compensation for any activity, such as committee meetings or resident supervision, which affect RVU.

• Quality-based bonuses are becoming more common, but the definition of “quality” is shifting from clinical metrics to value-based criteria such as patient satisfaction.

DJ Products supports these trends with motorized hospital service carts

More efficient operations in your hospital mean greater production from your physicians. Our motorized hospital service carts allow employees to get more done with less effort. Contact DJ Products and let one of our knowledgeable sales engineers help you find the best solution for your material handling needs.

Preventing Workman’s Compensation Claims

Workman’s compensation claims are a fact of business life, especially when the work involved is primarily physical. Unfortunately, they take a serious toll on your company’s operations. First and foremost is the temporary or permanent injury to the affected employee. In addition, they cause losses in terms of work interruptions, turnover and increased insurance premiums.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all accidents, there are measures you can take to reduce the number of claims in your workplace. Implementing these ideas can help boost safety awareness throughout your organization.

  • Safety programs are often spread across separate departments, including human resources, loss control and data analysis. Integrating these parts into a unified safety program ensures that everyone is working on the same page and understands each other’s roles.
  • You most likely have on-the-job safety training included for new hires. However, you should also make sure they’re being trained in the administrative side of safety measures. All employees should know the proper procedures for reporting an incident, including who can help them fill out the paperwork. Emphasize the importance of reporting claims as soon as possible before they grow into bigger problems.
  • Ensure that your company has a well-rounded return-to-work program with a number of modified-duty job options. Develop a relationship with your local clinic to facilitate effective injury treatment.
  • Use equipment that’s ergonomically designed to reduce stress and strain on operators. Promptly repair or replace any machines, vehicles or tools that present a safety hazard.

DJ Products can assist you in maintaining high safety standards with our full line of efficient, easy-to-operate tugs, carts and pushers. Call 800.686.2651 and let our Sales Engineers help you find the best solution for your application.