“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Although not mail couriers, the words of the Greek historian Herodotus apply to the staff of the Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS). Throughout the trials and tribulations of the COVID pandemic, DATS has been innovative in its approach to ensure that vital services continue to remain available where supported. Tammie Edwards, DATS Division Director, works with her close-knit team to help manage and oversee a wide variety of worksite enrichment programs and transportation services. These programs and services serve to enhance the quality of work life for NIH employees and guests, in addition to patients, their families and visitors.
DATS comprises two branches: the Amenities Programs Branch (APB) and the Transportation Services Branch (TSB). The APB, through the administration of Use Agreements and performance-based contracts, provides a variety of food and wellness services. Food services, from cafeterias to concessions, are each unique and strive to cater to their individual customer bases. Most cafeterias and coffee shops are under contract with a national food service provider. Concessions, including vending machines, are independently operated under a use agreement with the Maryland Business Enterprise for the Blind (MBEPB).
DATS works hand-in-hand with the operations of the NIH Federal Credit Union and the R&W Gift Stores and services on and off campus. Childcare and adult-dependent care have never been more important than during the work-life upheaval brought on by the pandemic. The Amenities Programs Branch works hard to keep the NIH Back-Up Care Program, Child Care Subsidy Program, and childcare and adult-dependent referral services running smoothly. There are many “Lunch and Learn" webinars available to inform the NIH workforce.
Staying mentally and physically strong has become more critical in recent years and the APB has stepped up to address these challenges. DATS fitness and well-being programs and services, in partnership with the Institutes, provide a variety of resources to the NIH community for these needs. Free “Fitness for You" virtual fitness classes, the annual Take-A-Hike Day, and other sponsored health and wellness events are examples of provided resources. In addition, NIH Fitness Centers at Rockledge, Bayview, and a new location in Building 53 offer a variety of fitness options. The fitness facility in Building 31 is under renovation.
While COVID transformed the Bethesda campus, TSB parking and transportation services remained critical daily operations for patients, visitors and staff. The NIH Employee Transportation Services Office (ETSO) administers the issuance of parking permits and manages visitor and staff parking services, and the NIH Transhare and RideShare Programs. Want to join a carpool or vanpool? DATS is the place to start.
The familiar campus shuttle buses provide convenient transportation throughout the Bethesda campus and offer service to and from local NIH worksites. Additionally, hotel shuttles are available for patients. NIH patients can take airport shuttles to and from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), and Washington Dulles International (IAD) airports. Staff traveling on business can also take advantage of the airport shuttle service.
DATS monitors the myriad equipment required to operate food services, childcare centers, shuttle bus information kiosks, and much more remaining agile and adapting to change. DATS is committed to providing outstanding customer service and programs to address the changing needs of the NIH community. Many of the services DATS oversees are staples of our daily work lives on the Bethesda campus and off-site locations. Click here for additional information.
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