DOC Unveils Powerful New Search Tool

The Department of Commerce just contracted for a new database system, EBSCO (http://search.epnet.com), which can access hundreds of scholarly peer-review journals and newspapers that focus on international business, including the Harvard Business Review, Journal of International Marketing, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Times (London), and many others. This new database is comprehensive and easy-to-use, provides a powerful search engine, a 12,000-word business thesaurus, and over 10,000 company profiles. Direct access is available in the HCHB, and remote access will soon be available through the Commerce Library's Virtual Library webpage (www.doc.gov/lib). If you have questions, or need additional information, contact Clyrice Ackerman at (202)482-1918 or Jeff Scherr at (202) 482-3266.

Freedom of Information Act

Several offices have recently asked what should be done with old FOIA files. When all requested documents have been provided to the requester, with nothing redacted or withheld, FOIA files can be destroyed two years after the date of the reply. When some requested documents have been redacted or withheld and the request was not appealed, files can be destroyed six years after the date of the reply. If records were withheld and the requester appeals, files can be destroyed six years after final determination by the agency or three years after final adjudication by courts, whichever is later. For more information on FOIA, visit the website at http://www.ita.doc.gov/foia/efoia.htm or contact Linda Bell, ITA's FOIA Officer, at (202)482-3032.

Why Have Progress Reviews?

Progress reviews are a critical part of the performance management process. The progress review is a formal feedback session between the rating official and the employee, which is generally conducted at the mid-point of the appraisal cycle. During the progress review, the rating official provides feedback to the employee on each of the individual critical results in the performance plan. Also, this is the time for the rating official to make any necessary changes to the plan, e.g., by adding or deleting a critical result. Some changes to the performance plan may be due to new work assignments, reorganizations, mission changes or changes resulting from career development activities and/or detail assignments, etc. Adhering to these instructions will eliminate the potential for a  "Does Not Meet Expectations" rating at the end of the rating period. If a rating official believes that this rating will be given, it is important that you contact Deanna Shepherd, Director, Employee and Labor Relations Services, immediately at (202) 482-1701. You will receive assistance on how to document and communicate this level of performance to the employee and determine what actions, if any, should be taken to help the employee bring his or her performance to the "Meets Expectations" level. It is important to remember that careful attention to this level of performance at the mid-point of the performance cycle will greatly reduce the potential for problems at the appraisal stage. If you have general questions about the performance appraisal process, please call LaVerne Hawkins at (202)482-2537.         

FY 2004 Budget

The House Appropriations Committee has passed the Commerce/Justice/State Appropriation Bill and the full House is expected to act on it between July 22 and July 25, 2003.  The Bill (and accompanying Report Language), as it currently stands, includes the renaming of some of the program units.  The Senate has not taken any action to date.  If you have any questions, please contact Alan Zegas at (202)482-5739.  

FY 2005 Budget

The initial Department "passback" on the FY 2005 Budget request will occur on July 29,2003, with appeals due to the Department by COB July 31, 2003.  Final Departmental allowances will be provided to the Bureaus on August 7, 2003.  ITA units must then submit completed, updated justification materials to ITA/OFM by August 21, 2003.  The completed Budget is due to OMB on September 8, 2003.  If you have questions, please contact Alan Zegas at (202)482-5739.

ITA Year End Close Procedures

 The FY 2003 Year End Close Procedures can be found on the Office of Financial Management (OFM) website at the following link (which is under the Accounting Division link): http://www.ita.doc.gov/ofm_guidance/Year-End%20ClosingFY03.pdf If you have questions concerning the above website contact Crystal Bush at (202)482-8365 or email Crystal_Bush@ita.doc.gov .  

Citibank Travel Card

Federal Income Tax Withholding

Traveler's Corner

Question:  What is the website for assistance in obtaining a dollar conversion from another currency?

Answer:  The website address to obtain a dollar conversion is: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic. If you have questions, please call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

Where Do I Find....OHRM Employees Listing

A current listing of employees in the Office of Human Resources Management, including their function and phone numbers, can be found at http://www.ita.doc.gov/hrm/tele.html.