'Icy' change in USAFA grounds maintenance contract saves tax dollars Published Nov. 1, 2013 By Ray Bowden Academy Spirit editor U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY. Colo. -- Academy officials say Airmen and cadets might want to watch their step this winter because starting Nov. 1 contractors will no longer remove ice and snow from sidewalks and other walking surfaces here until it exceeds more than an inch. This stems from a revision in the Academy's Grounds Maintenance Contract, and applies to Academy sidewalks, entrances and the Terrazzo, said Steve Miller, the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron's chief quality assurance evaluator. "Contractors will still monitor weather conditions and apply a liquid anti-icer or de-icer about four hours before snow or ice conditions are forecast," Miller said. The contract revision is the result of Air Force Chief of Staff Mark A. Welsh III's drive to standardize installation support services across the Air Force, Miller said. "With the realities of today's fiscal environment, the Air Force is looking for ways to provide the same level of service for all installations to meet mission requirements and provide a clean, professional workplace," Miller said. "The grounds maintenance contract is one of 40 installation support services included in this program." Miller recommends Academy personnel remove snow and ice at their facility's entrances and walkways before it reaches a height of one inch. "We understand this is a change from what we're accustomed to, but this will minimize any safety concerns or hazards during a snow or ice event." For more information, call 10th CES customer service at 333-2790 or the Academy's Snow Line at 333-2800.