Citibank Travel Card Use

Citibank travel cardholders are reminded that the card is to be used for expenses associated with official travel and is not intended for personal use. If you have questions concerning the use of the card or payment of your bill, please call Sharon Russell, ITA Travel Card Coordinator, at (202)482-3267.

Business Gateway E-Gov Initiative

Did you know that a government-wide initiative, called the Business Gateway E-Gov initiative is underway to develop a single point of entry through which citizens and businesses can access federal forms, forms-related systems, and processes. Initially, the initiative requires that each participating government agency enter its electronic forms into a new government E-Forms Catalog. ITA has worked successfully with the Department to complete the first phase of entering its information collection forms in the new data system in electronic format by the deadline of February 2004. As this initiative moves forward, we will keep you informed of ITA's progress and provide details as to when the Business Gateway will be available to citizens and businesses. If you need additional information about the initiative, contact Charles Jefferson at (202)482-6078 or via email charles_jefferson@ita.doc.gov.

FY 2006 Secretarial Budget Request

The Office of Financial Management has issued initial guidance for preparation of the FY 2006 budget request to be submitted to the Secretary by May 19, 2004. The budget proposal is ITA's single best opportunity to communicate to the Secretary what ITA's projected resource needs will be for carrying out ITA's mission in FY 2006. This budget will establish an even stronger linkage between ITA performance/results and proposed budget increases in FY 2006. Work sessions on budget performance integration for the preparation of this document will occur in April. If you have questions contact Ed Meyer at (202)482-3304 or Ed_Meyer@ita.doc.gov

Financial Reporting System

Are you having a hard time finding historical financial data for your organization? The Document Direct financial reporting system provides year-end financial data for fiscal years 2000 - 2003. The year-end reports are labeled ITA102YE (Cumulative Transaction Report), ITA125YE (Project Summary by Organization Report) and the ITA500YE/ITA501YE (Financial Summary Reports). If you have questions, please contact Mike Gendron at (202)482-8364.

Retroactive 2004 Pay Adjustment

The President recently signed an Executive Order to implement a retroactive pay increase averaging 4.1 percent above the 2003 rates. The retroactive pay adjustment is effective as of the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2004 (January 11, 2004). The Office of Personnel Management has posted the final 2004 salary tables on the OPM Website: http://www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.asp . The National Finance Center will process the retroactive pay adjustments in pay period 07. That means employees should expect to see the retroactive increase in the salary payment they receive on April 29, 2004. If you have questions contact Brenda Bradley at (202)482-0652.

Open Season for the Thrift Savings Plan

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) open season begins April 15, 2004 through June 30, 2004. TSP elections or changes made between April 15 and June 30, 2004, will be effective the first full pay period of the election period based on the receipt date. Please confirm your TSP employee's contributions elections on your Statement of Earnings and Leave. For additional information, contact Vanessa Lewis at (202)482-8327, or Dottie Bowling at (202)482-3504.

Receipt Date Effective Date
04/14 - 06/12 06/13/04
06/13 - 06/26 06/27/04
06/27 - 06/30 07/11/04

Traveler's Corner

Question: What is a traveler's liability for unauthorized use of a non-contract carrier when contract service is available and none of the exceptions for required use is met?

Answer: Any additional cost or penalties incurred by the traveler resulting from unauthorized use of non-contract carrier are borne by the traveler. If you have questions, call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267

Where Do I Find....ITA Administrative Guidance
ITA Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures to assist employees in performing their jobs may be found on the OOMS website at http://www.ita.doc.gov/ooms/GUIDANCE.HTM. Each set of guidance lists a contact person to assist you should you have questions or need additional information. If necessary, you may also contact OOMS at (202)482-5436, and you will be directed to staff that can assist you with your administrative needs.