Human Capital Transformation

Human Capital Transformation – The Right Turn for the District Department of Transportation

Kenneth Chandler | 2015

Abstract

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is one of the largest cabinet-level agencies in the District of Columbia government. It is an organization of over 1,050 dedicated employees responsible for over $44 billion of infrastructure and public space in the Nation’s Capital. The fulfillment of DDOT’s mission requires internal support services capable of creating a strategic roadmap for future endeavors. That roadmap will aid the organization’s ability to navigate through current and long-term political pressures evolving to a state of sustainable, efficient, and effective service delivery to the DDOT consumer base.

Change is inevitable. Within the last decade, the District of Columba has had four mayors who have in turn appointed seven DDOT Directors. The relatively new Administrative Services Administration (ASA), responsible for providing internal services (administration, human capital, organizational development & training, employee & labor relations, and facilities management) has experienced four leadership changes within three years of its existence. This repetitive change has manifested a number of challenges. Specifically, this pattern of transition compromises the ability of the Administration to establish or maintain structural balance for coordinated service delivery to the six (6) operating administrations. Moreover, this level of constant change fortifies existing silos limiting understanding of “who does what” coupled with the absence of authority and accountability.

From the perspective of the project consultant, this project follows the steps of local government procurement and contracting processes to establish a client/consultant relationship for the transition of DDOT’s Human Capital Division. This strategic initiative places special emphasis on the transformation of this core division of ASA creating a catalyst for use in transforming this Administration and ultimately the entire agency. The project elements include: a consultant report containing a comprehensive qualitative review and organizational cultural assessment, recommendations, and a Human Capital Strategic Business Plan.