The Advantages of Total Facility Management in
AbilityOne Contracting
By Rich Hurtado, FMP
Operations Director | BAC
In the evolving landscape of federal contracting, Total Facility Management (TFM) within the AbilityOne Program has emerged as a powerful approach to enhancing efficiency, creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and achieving consistent, high-quality service outcomes. Rich Hurtado, a seasoned Facility Management Professional (FMP), highlights the many benefits that TFM brings to the table.
“Total Facility Management is about more than just maintenance,” explains Rich Hurtado, Operations Director at BAC. “It encompasses a full spectrum of services, including janitorial, landscaping, maintenance, security, and more. This approach allows us to streamline operations and create more cohesive, effective service delivery models.”
One of the standout benefits of TFM in the AbilityOne Program is the increase in meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By consolidating multiple facility services under a single contract, TFM opens the door for job roles that range from entry-level positions to specialized facility management roles, enabling upward mobility and skill development for employees.
BAC exemplifies the principles of TFM through its dedication to service quality and its extensive experience in providing custodial, groundskeeping, and other facility support services to federal, state, and commercial customers. The organization supports high-profile clients, including NASA, the US Space Force, the US Army, Veterans Affairs, and the Florida Department of Transportation, among others. BAC’s specialty cleaning services extend to complex environments such as Clean Rooms and healthcare housekeeping, showcasing its ability to meet unique and demanding client needs.
“Our teams are dedicated to delivering reliable, high-quality services,” says Hurtado. “Whether it’s maintaining a pristine Clean Room or ensuring grounds and facilities meet exacting standards, we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations while fostering employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
Additionally, TFM offers streamlined communication and efficiency by reducing the number of contractors involved in managing facility services. This results in simplified processes, faster response times, and better coordination. “When you have a single point of contact responsible for all aspects of facility management, communication becomes more effective. It’s easier to prioritize tasks, address issues, and align services with the client’s needs,” Hurtado adds.
Quality control is another crucial benefit. With a TFM model, standards can be consistently applied across all facility services, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
BAC’s commitment to quality and environmental sustainability is evident in the certifications it holds. The organization is one of only 320 companies in North America to achieve the International Sanitary Supply Association’s CIMS-Green Building (GB) certification. This prestigious certification is advanced by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council and demonstrates BAC’s adherence to rigorous quality and sustainability standards. Even more impressively, BAC has obtained the CIMS-GB with Honors status, placing it among an elite group of organizations.
“Exceeding quality standards is part of our DNA,” Hurtado emphasizes. “Our certifications aren’t just badges—they’re a testament to our commitment to safe, green technology and the use of best practices in facility management.”
TFM under the AbilityOne Program offers federal clients a service solution that is both cost-effective and mission-driven. It exemplifies the commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities while fulfilling the federal mandate to employ qualified personnel to meet high standards.
“TFM within AbilityOne is a win-win,” Hurtado concludes. “It empowers people with disabilities by providing meaningful, fulfilling work, and it enables us to deliver consistently high-quality service to our customers. It’s an approach that brings out the best in everyone involved.”
As TFM continues to grow within the AbilityOne contracting landscape, its impact on service quality and employment opportunities remains a testament to the model’s success and the promise it holds for future facility management.
About the Author:
Rich Hurtado, FMP
Director, Operations BAC
As Operations Director, Hurtado brings nearly four decades of managerial experience, work process development and improvement, and leadership experience to oversee the operational needs of the BAC’s contracts.
- Certified Facility Management Professional, International Facility Management Association
- Serves as SME for all custodial contracts, providing support, guidance, and technical expertise to Operations Managers
- Member of ISSA Education Committee, responsible for implementation of the Cleaning Management Institute training certification curriculum
- Directs/manages 7 federal, state and commercial Custodial Contracts including three AbilityOne contracts.Directly supervises each custodial contract Project Manager (PM), assistant PM and oversees 200+ employees.
- Responsible for quality control/assurance, all personnel matters, training, hiring, labor hours, contract compliance, budgeting, assessing/monitoring work methods/procedures, customer relations, and improvement opportunities.