OCR Text |
Show II. UINTAH BASIN STANDARD. June 2002- - Page 23 : to reform health care procurement process VA Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi announced more than 60 reforms to the department's nearly $6 billion-a-yecontracting operations that will improve efficiency and extend VAa buying power for its health care system. ar Principis announcement was based on the final report of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Procurement Reform Task Force, which recommended improvements in the departments complex system forpurchasingeveiyth ing from equipment to bandages. "We owe these improvements to the six million veterans who have enrolled with VA for health care, said Principi. We have an obligation to buy goods and services that affect veterans without waste and with the least amount of bureaucratic overhead. In fact, VAcan lead Ihehealth care industry by changing its purchasing practices. Although 2001 purchases were conworth $5.8 billion, multi-yea- r tracts on the books are worth more than $10 billion. The 1,000 multiyear contracts currently in eiTect cover pharmaceuticals, medical, dental and surgical supplies, medications, equipment and laboratory items not only - for the health care needs of veterans X-r- THEY KNOW THE RISKS AND THE LAW Construction crews are acutely aware of the necessity to have existing utility lines marked before digging. This UBTA-UBE- T crew is well equipped for safety. Travis Uresk, center, uses a locator to make sure the backhoe Corey lessen is operating doesnt damage any existing communication lines or the nearby natural gas line as he digs a trench to run cables to a new subdivision off of South State Street. Dusty Olsen signals lessen when Uresk indicates. Blue Stakes Program won't save money by digging first and calling later You By Susan Collier farm if he had broken the gas line under his pipes. The line supnies may have lines or pipes in your running plies the entire city of Duchesne. area. telecommunications Fiber This problem was brought to the lines oftenoptics serve large corporate cusforefront recently in the Upper Coun- tomers and could run into the repairs try when an excavator called the Up- hundreds of thousands of dollars. to see District Water why per Country also exShayla Ivie of they hadnt marked the water lineB plained that each time a communicawhen he had called Blue Stakes. Up- tion line is repaired, the repair weakper Country Water District Manager ens the line and customers service is Kirk Christensen explained that Upcompromised, which means that they per Country Water was not a member may experience more static and more compaof Blue Stakes. problems than normal. Evennies like Upper Country Water need repair ifa too often the line is tually, to be called separately, and entire line has torepaired be tant to ascertain which utility Questar Regional Manager Albert Bertagnollis unscheduled stop last week may have saved a local man from possible severe injuries, and it may also have saved him a lot of money. BertagnolU was driving east on Highway 40 when he noticed a fanner using a backhoe todigup irrigation pipes in order to fix a leak. Bertagrolli stopped and asked the fellow if he had called BlueStakes before he started digging. The answer was no. Bertagnolli explained that a high pressure natural gas line ran near the mans property and that he would have men out quickly to mark the utility lines. The next morning crews stood by aa the farmer hand dug the arena near the high pressure natural gas line and all went well. A Wyoming man and passeraby werent so lucky a fewyeare back when another mandiggingwithicat along a Wyoming highway damaged a high greMure qptjpralroliiv8 killing them all in the ensuing explosion. underground facilities can be monstrous, predicted Gary Hansen, executive director ofBlue Stakes of Utah . They can cause property damage, personal injury or death, or service interruptions. That a why wepro mote Call before you dig, and itathe law. Shelley Fenn, Ques tar operations supervisor, has even given presentations to localpolice officers to increase their awareness of the problem. So you may find yourself getting a friendly visit from an officer to make sure you are complying with the law, which states that you need to have utility lines marked before you dig. CallingBlue Stakes is the first step in getting underground utilities marked on the surface with paint, flags and stakes, and the service ia free. To contact Blue Stakes call Blue Stakes is a nonprofit corporation which aetB as a communications link between excavators and member utility companies. Blue Stakes manages a call center that provides utility locating services on a statewide basis. They are authorized to mark utility lines for member utility companies. However, Hansen is quick to poin t out that not all of the 299 utility companies in Utah are members of Blue Stakes. Therefore, it is impor ize equipment and supplies; CJi obtain and improve comprehensive procurement information; (4 enhance organizational elTerliveMiws; and 51. ensure a sufficient and talented ae: quisition workforce. To achieve these goals. Principi committed VA to many actions, including: VAs health care networks will lie required to purchase through a prescribed hierarchy of nationally negotiated contracts in order to expand VAs piircliiieiiigpnwe r. Use of federal purchase cards will be better controlled to increase over' all curd use. VA will pursue more oppnrtu nil ies for joint purchasing with Did). VA will identify additional commodities to standardize and enforce compliance with their use. To measure success, VA must he able to track what ia purchased. For reliable data, medical facilities will use 1 heir in veutory cunt rol programs. ' Also, VA will advocate for government wide use of Universal Product Num-Iter- s to improve inventory management. A board will oversee procurement in VA's health care act ivit ies, headed by a chief logistics ofTii-ercMirting directly to the deputy under secret arv for health. but also medical purchases for several other government agencies. VAadministers some contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD), the Coast Guard, the Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Prisons. Under these contracts last health care multi-yeyear alone, VA spent over $3 billion and other government agencies spent $1.1 billion. VA has the secund largest number of purchases in the federal governmore than two ment after DoD even though it million in 2000 ranks sixth in procurement spending. Standardizing items that are purchased most often will leverage VA's purchasing power, say VA officials. For example, VA buys surgical stents, used to keep arteries from collapsing, from 38 different vendors at a cost of $20 million last year. The task force members examined the overall structure of VAs acquisition system, including staffing and oversight frinctions. They reviewed documents prepared by the OfTice of Inspector General and other sources and conducted more than 100 interviews with people familiar with VA's acquisition program. The reforms adopted will enable VA to achieve five goals: ( 1) leverage purchasingpowerofVA; (2) standard- ar -- r compa- UBTA-UBE- T . Non-memb- er replaced. Christensen quickly dispatched acrew to Hansen, anyone who According near lines water to mark the proper damages a facility because it is mis- -' the mans excavation site. marked will not be held responsible. Hansen said Blue Stakes encourAccording to Fenn, Johnson Water District, East Duchesne Water Dis- ages people to follow the four simple trict, South Side Irrigation District, steps of its Dig Carefully campaign. and Altamont City are at least a few of First, call before you dig, at least 48 the entities in the area that are not business hours beforeyou plan to start' t members of Blue Stakes. She encour- excavating. amount wait to check all excavators the Second, possibilirequired ages of time. That is, dont start digging1 ties before digging. In addition to water lines and natu- until 48 b usiness hours after you ha ve ral gas lines, many other facilities are called Blue Stakes and finish all exca-- T being buried in increasing numbers. vation beforel4 days have e lapsed. Excavators need to be carefril ofsewer Third, respect the marks. Sometimes children or pets remove the lines, power lines, and communications lines including cable lines, TV flags and stakes that indicate the lines. lines, and phone lines. Finally, dig with care. Excavators wato carefully hand dig within 24 need Christensen the to According ter lines arent usually aa big a prob- inches on either side of indicators. lem aa some of the other utilities as Accordingto Hansen there areonjy the water lines are buried deeper and three exceptions to the law. Those are usually safe from a typical post digging to plant a private garden, tillhole excavation. Although service dis- ing private property, or for an emerruption from a water main ia inconve- gency service. However, he still ennient, it is not usually as hazardous to courages persons to call Blue Stakes, because they will still be liable for the excavators life or health. Some problems arise when repairs if they break a line. For some reason excavation has homeowners want to digon their own property in locations where the power always enthralled passersby who ofor water has left the incoming meter. ten stop to watch man explore below In these cases it is the homeowner's the surface of the earth. However, responsibility to locate the lines. In Fenn warns that it is best to watch order to do this they may need to call from a safe distance for a scoop in the a private company that charges for the wrong spot can bring up unexpected service. surprises like telephone lines, electriCivil penalties for breaking the cal lines jgas fumes or Bpraying water. Ruse Cowan, manager ofMoonLake law and not havingunderground utilities marked prior to excavation can Electric Association member services, range between $500 and $1,000 for a gives bystanders an added warning. negligent violation of the law and Stay away from equipment during between $1,000 to $25,000 Ibr a will- excavation, he cautioned. Although ful violation. the operator in the backhoe or cat is In addition to the fines the excava- safe from possible electrocution the tor that cuts through a utility line will same isnt true for man standingon have to bear the coets associated with the ground touching the equipment repair and service interruptions. Our when the equipment severe a power local farmer may have had to sell the line. LAST HOORAY Glenda Stewart planned a farewell party for the Roosevell Business and Professional Women's Organization on Monday, May 20. The ladies shared memories and pictures and enjoyed a wonderful catered meal from Curry Manor. Each woman received a small sling-typ- e cooler complete with camera at the party v liidi was sponsored by UBTA-UBEThe ladies are pictured front row from left, Sliur Benson, Ruth Zupko, I uRuc Lamb, Ellen Rawlings; second row from left, JaneThompsen, Erma Stewart, Nona Swenson, Max inc Punas. I ci la Freston, State Senator Beverly Evans; and back row from left, Doreen Murdock, Jamie Park, lhiyliimi. Dorothy Meacham, Nikki Mathews, Rachelle Laris, Colene Nelson. If anyone is interested in continuing the duh they can call Doreen Murdock at T. 722-505- rii! syily . ' i 9. .4 NEED DENTURES? Relay for life slated June Dale Larsen is back at work on a part time basis with practice limited to denture work. For an appointment call the office at Dr. 722-229- 3 14-1- 5 Relay For Life, a team event to fight cancer, will be held in Vernal, Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15. Registration is from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday. Opening ceremony ia 6 p.m., Friday with closing ceremony the next day at 12 noon. The event will take place at Uintah High Schools track and football field from 6 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m., Saturday. Officials of the event said, It's about being a community that takes up the light. You can make a difference. Prizes will be awarded throughout the two daya. what dad ruitflv t rontL... simplicity choice value T 5rvVNEWf ?r'.. from Vernal, Competitors Roosevelt, Fort Duchesne, etc. will be taking part in the relay event. LOCAL. MUKMONM. A nOAM-mc- E I v. national PLANS ' oil with FREE Eric IMeilsen's KYOCERA 2135 FOR $10 A$ 30 Juno 19th 21st, 2002 usu Uintah Basin 2002 GMC 6.0 -- a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. 3 Day Camp ' Only $105 - 2000 gMPVukon 2000 Pontiac Bonneville 999 Chrysler LHS i loaded 2001 Chevy 8. 1 engine, I 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 2001 Chcv Impala 2002 1997 tfgokirtT. Cruiser 2001 Ford Focus LilbWirk 2002 Chcv. Dura max I 998 GMC Yukon 2001 Buick Ieubre 2000 Pontiac Grand Am 2000 Mila. Eclipse 2000 Dodge Cara van 2001 DodgfybflioBronc 2000 Nissan Frontier 1 999 Grand Am GT 1997Dodydlfifo0Ex4x4 1 999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plus, Many, Many, Mere! A ROOD DEAL AND A CMH DEAL MORE- !- IMPERIAL AUTO W WEST MAIN VERNAL TSS-24- Hu - T4N jp.wkfWfrt m 02001 vtamtt owr wicr vm juanractafoM I I0W Mas com awMsit hkt frits Wd Mat 123 S Hwy 55 Wd Mori 1851 WHwy 40 4374440 ffaasmk 71! 4444 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 -- tKftisei com JStllMIWpp$ Ma. Cwlm www.nM6iug 404 S Hwy 55 413 4814 7114137 III 2001 Buick Century New nice dW 0s Ion di on tompomi you know. ttuLULknoMnwesT CaSuMr One proud 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4 door 2000 Ford Windstar, Nice FStVy Lioocau. on y 2001 Dodge Diesel ; on ft day of camp, there will be $10 late fee. For more information visits infoericnielsen.com If Reentering 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 1998 Ford Cnfl 2002 Dodge Neon 2001 DuramaxCrcwS.W.B. Due to Footbal Camp, sessions have been switched 'Z I- 34 Ton 2001 Dunimax Diesel Duclly Loaded 1 Gymnasium 1 tM witft ; DAV SATISFACTION OUAMANTie Check out a few of our many vehicles in stock - 5-1- FriNw's ritk-fm- a cn IJULAKCLvi Camp Ages Ages With 94 month ftiy44iinMH 1MI Tint 12-17-9- :00 long distance fT: O Hr jh wMi .i i pv trv M.IU.I n. wl him. vr, t, mm mxi m cw wmmMi iMdnma.N.HdiiwW latMafli Mona tanAi mt Mnrd pwmIm an m pm I MM M. exMk WnUM.Sni wmwaNpl.nl MmiM KtUahm. m WIN i(M p - Inf da pi ratuMt Nm rtri nrmi u KC unnnaiaa icwkipirm mi. SottiNn.MWNO.oNi.iaiflrt)! aw MMMIlUll npiM wmn.n ff tamatm wo, to II Wan On ppcPrn HPHM (Ppx MNHlmawiaw Mr W DgW XonUM romtis. (Man tn aa Infi ir-- r -- iw-- ! -. .- attain in-p- c pn, mw A - - n mu-- i nl. mem n cm MW. Wn am wfe n nnnw noi n m. :.i Soma. wNaci MM ana n cm rant-tint- , vrn. tu ipi j. MnaM.awirMmi)amn and a manamni arMrmm arwnari kt Mcr pmn an am mum nr, t wul Man m mm c w. On mam a a mm mm am iwm-a- a am km. mr mm imvc. mi Onnm. amMnirll.i,im.pinr'iniwKwinurM'Hwfi'iiU aminaun M ad Ma Ml pawn pwftuwn.nhnnliMnlMiai.MMmMmiawninM.im wmaandwinMwiiMi Nuwlippb.tMiipiiir wd. na Mp ncrei. aaaaun an d maul. S 2rerMn n. amarwmrkiwn) r anawn wmb m ihIwiiih nm uum cerni n iacan M muni aum apm awcMMidMUMimnNhiniiXiiMnn .wmmm w n Anna ongnM puin r MMacwMlaiMMMacawaMNwiaHM9w.ai-- MM todMwpiPM.adwMppaNiiwfMViaiPWMkan CwMkO... nppuni yNIt Om |