HCHB Renovation Project Update

GSA has extensively revised its HCHB renovation plan, proposing a 3-step process.  Construction will begin in 2007 with 1/3 of the building on the Constitution Avenue end.  Completion of the renovation is scheduled for 2015.  During the renovation the Office of the Secretary and most of ITA will stay in the HCHB, while other bureaus will move in 2006 to nearby leased space for the duration of the project. This should reduce the number of staff moves, lower costs, and shorten the timeframe.  Because moves will begin in less than 2 years, offices should not plan extensive improvements and renovations between now 2006. If you have questions contact Judy Wilson at (202)482-3265. 

New User Request Form for White Pages

In August 2003, OOMS and the CIO announced the availability of a New User Request Form in the White Pages Directory.  The form allows managers to set up a network account, email address and a White Pages locator record using an electronic form available in the White Pages Directory.  This ensures that new employees have immediate access to information as they report to work on the first day.  The process is designed to be faster, more accurate and efficient, and to reduce the burden on individual managers and the ITA Help Desk.  To ensure that email accounts and directory information are set up accurately, managers are asked to use the New User Request form found in the White Pages directory.  You may access the electronic form in the White Pages Directory located in the OurPlace intranet at https://ourplace.ita.doc.gov/ourplace.nsf/Homepage?OpenForm

Homepage?OpenForm .  If you have questions contact Seth Raley at (202)482-3756.

The National Finance Center (NFC) offers Employee Self-Service (ESS) to federal employees paid by the NFC. The ESS is an enhanced version of the NFC's Employee Personal Page (EPP), and it will give employees capabilities for viewing and updating certain payroll documents. You can use ESS if you currently have access to EPP. Beginning Monday, February 2, you will be able to select an effective date for most Self-Service requests. Now you can choose when your direct deposit, financial allotment, or other change begins. You can view samples of ESS by visiting the NFC Homepage at https://www.nfc.usda.gov/personal. If you have questions, please contact Vanessa Lewis at (202)482-8327.

Starting in February, ITA/OFM will begin conducting monthly classes on Flashpoint & Document Direct. Additionally OFM will conduct troubleshooting sessions the first Tuesday of every month in Room 4115 to provide user specific training in interpreting financial data within FFS. The calendar is available on-line at http://www.ita.doc.gov/ofm_guidance/Training%20Calendar.pdf If you have questions, contact Leslie Hyland at (202)482-5434.

FY 2004 Budget  

President Bush signed the fiscal 2004 omnibus appropriations bill on Friday January  23, 2004. The omnibus replaces the  continuing resolution.  If you have questions, please contact Amy Duncan at (202)482-5739.

 FY 2005 Budget

President Bush’s fiscal 2005 budget (The President’s Budget) has been sent to the printers and to Congress where it is due by the first Monday in February.  If  you have questions, please contact Amy Duncan at (202)482-5739.

Where Do I Find.... ITA 2068 Signature Card?  

The ITA - 2068, "Designation/Revocation of Authority to Approve Obligating and Payment Documents" (Signature Card) can be found at OurPlace Under E-Forms. If you have  questions, contact Crystal Bush at (202)482-8365.

Traveler’s Corner

Question:  Why must Federal Travelers use common carriers?

Answer:  GSA has negotiated an overall contract with the common carriers to provide relatively inexpensive travel with unparalleled flexibility (such as last minute booking, cancellation and three point travel). Thus, for purposes of Federal Travel, common carriers are presumed to be the most advantageous method of transportation because they offer the most efficient and most expeditious means of transportation to the organization as a whole. If you have questions, call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

 ITA's Comings and Goings  12/15/2003 - 01/28/2004

Arrivals - WELCOME!

ADMIN - Jamar Johnson; IA - John Herrman, Aisha Jones, Frances Veith; MAC- Bryan O’Byrne; TD - Roger Walters; US&FCS - Meriwether Farrell.

Departures

ADMIN - Camie Jeffress, Elizabeth Seals; TD - David Earle, Howard Fleming, Merriam Mashatt, Andrew Moskowitz, Kimberly Shaw, Virginia Ward; US&FCS - Kevin Brennan, Christopher Canonico, Sandra Gerley, Ronald Kramer, Dale Slaght.