Jack Penkose is the director of personnel and security at the Arlington, Va.-based Defense Information Systems Agency, which provides combat support in times of peace and war in areas such as engineering and information technology for the needs of the president, vice president, Secretary of Defense and other federal defense department organizations.
The agency was established in 1960, according to the agency?s Web site at www.disa.mil/index.html.
The Examiner questioned Penkose about his agency and its planned move to Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County in 2011 as part of the base realignment and closure shift. More than 4,000 DISA positions will transfer to Fort Meade.
What is the overall assessment of how many employees will make the move?
It is too early to provide an accurate assessment. More than 70 percent of the impacted DISA work force resides in Northern Virginia.
The initial reaction by many was not favorable, but that is beginning to change.
Most employees will probably make a decision on whether to make the move in the late 2008, early 2009 time frame.
Has DISA made efforts to facilitate this move?
DISA has a very comprehensive Human Resources Plan for its work force that will facilitate the move.
DISA is also working closely with county officials and organizations in Maryland to address concerns that include, but are not limited to, education and transportation requirements.
The Anne Arundel County BRAC Task Force is using a grant to create a rideshare program between Virginia and Maryland.
Would DISA employees wishing to remain in Virginia take advantage of that service?
DISA employees will be interested in any and all services that will facilitate and make the relocation of their jobs more attractive to them.
