Base communications services reduced due to sequestration Published May 3, 2013 By Adam Bailey Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The sequestration has forced the elimination and reduction of several services. The changes, which began May 1, affect the communications services contract and lead an initiative for energy consumption reductions. The goal of the cuts is to help make the mandated financial target. The cuts will not impact the quality of work still performed, according to Michael Huckeby, project manager. "These are not permanent reductions, but recoverable reductions that will be restored once the funding becomes available," he said. Kirtland's communications services have been reduced until Sept. 15. The help desk hours will now be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reductions in services include the elimination of on-call services, affecting emergency service response capability after normal duty hours or over the weekends and holidays. Also, requests for new telephone installations, moves, additions and changes will only be accomplished until depletion of current bench stock material, or unless directly funded by the customer. Energy consumption reductions have also been put in place to save money. The cooling season has been delayed to June 15, and 78 degrees will be the cooling set point. The sequestration was originally going to force cuts in the base maintenance, waste management and custodial contracts. The cuts were rescinded after sufficient funding was provided to maintain the services. For additional information about energy consumption reductions, contact the Civil Engineer Quality Assurance Hotline at 846-9675 or cehotline@kirtland.af.mil.