Achievements
417.     This chapter covers common services: communications, procurement, building maintenance and security at headquarters. These services are managed by the Administrative Services Division (AFS).

418.     Purchasing operations decreased to a more “normal”, but sustained level of US$ 220 million during 2004-05 after the large increase in the previous biennium to over US$ 1.1 billion, when expenditures on emergencies, particularly the Iraq Oil-for-Food programme, accounted for a high of 96.5% of all purchasing. However, emergency procurement continued to constitute a major portion of purchasing work during 2004-05.

419.     The Italian Ministry of Public Works successfully completed the renovation of the David Lubin Library in Building A in line with the European Fire Safety and Evacuation laws.

420.     In compliance with the new MOSS adopted by the UN system, FAO increased its safety and security at headquarters by taking a number of steps including new access control procedures, an increase in the number of guards and anti-intrusion equipment. Specific security measures implemented at an unbudgeted cost of US$ 1.4 million included: installation of road blockers at all FAO entrances; installation of fragment retention windows film; and purchase of turnstiles (installed in 2006).

421.     Work continued on strategies for Digital Records Management System (DRMS) implementation in the framework of the registry reform.

Table 6.1: Common Services (selected indicators)