New Features Added to Cisco Phones

Two new features are available on the Cisco phones. Users can set a distinctive ring tone for each line on their phone, and can request that the Help Desk turn off the phone’s call waiting beep. To activate the distinctive ring feature, simply press the “Settings” button on your phone, followed by option 2, “Ring Type”. You can then select which line you want to change via the soft keys on the phone display. To turn off the call waiting beep, contact the Department’s IT Customer Service Center at x5010. If you have any questions, please visit the Department’s Telephone website at http://home.osec.doc.gov/wiring/HCHBFAQ.html#ring or contact Jeff Scherr at (202)482-3266.

Copier Maintenance/Supply Reminder

This is a reminder that, in FY 2004, all copiers in ITA headquarters are serviced, supplied and maintained by Danka Office Imaging. The only exception is Xerox machines which can only be serviced by the manufacturer, Xerox Capital Services. For service or supplies on all but Xerox copiers, please call the Danka service number at 1(800)653-2652. For Xerox Service, please call 1(888)435-6333. If you have questions, please contact Robin Carpenter at (202)482-4989 or via email, Robin_Carpenter@ita.doc.gov .

ITA Speakers' Series for December

The Speakers' Series invites in-house speakers to discuss current issues and their impact on the rest of ITA. The series is designed to meet monthly and informally for an hour. Mark your calendar for December 9 and join us.
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 9, 2003, 9:30 a.m.
Location: Room 1412
Speaker: MaryAnn McFate, Director, Office of Organization and Management Support
Topic: In the spring of 2003, ITA conducted the first organization-wide customer satisfaction survey. The purpose of the survey was to gather information from ITA's business customers to measure our overall customer service performance. The presentation will review the goals of the survey, discuss survey methodology and present the findings of the survey. The presentation will show how ITA compares with Government agencies providing similar services and where ITA can most effectively focus our efforts to better meet our customers' needs. If you have questions contact Rosemary Pappas at (202)482-0482.

Express Mail Services

Individual offices are responsible for opening and maintaining express mail accounts. ITA is under contract with Federal Express (FEDEX) to provide domestic and international services, and DHL for international mailings only. Visa purchase cardholders should open new accounts, as appropriate, to meet staff needs, by completing and processing ITA form 2066. If you have questions, please call Judith Wilson at (202)482-3265.

Privacy Act

The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Sec. 552a) governs records maintained about individuals. The purpose of the Act is to regulate access to and the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of records about individuals. The International Trade Administration (ITA) has a new Privacy Act Officer. If you would like to know more, or if you have any questions regarding the Privacy Act, please address them to Linda Bell at (202)482-3032 or Linda_Bell@ita.doc.gov. Linda is also ITA’s Freedom of Information Act Officer.

FY 2004 Budget

A recent morning meeting between top appropriators and the White House budget chief resulted in some progress on a five-bill omnibus spending measure but failed to produce a compromise. We remain under a Continuing Resolution through January 31, 2004. If there are any questions, please contact Beryle Randall at (202)482-4873.

FY 2005 Budget

The OMB “passback” was received by ITA on November 24, 2003, The Department has until December 3 to respond to OMB. If there are any questions, please contact Beryle Randall at (202)482-4873.

Where Do I Find....Federal Employee Health Benefits Current Plan Brochures and Guides?

Federal Employee Health Benefits current plan brochures and guides may be found at http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp.

Traveler’s Corner

Question: When does a traveler’s per diem or actual expense entitlement start/stop?

Answer: A traveler’s per diem or actual expense entitlement starts on the day he/she departs from home, office or other authorized point and ends on the day he/she returns to home, office or otherwise authorized point. If you have questions, call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

Emergency Evacuation Hood

Can You Identify this organization in their Emergency Evacuation Hoods? (Click here). Have you had your training? If not, You will want to attend training in Room 6808 the week of December 1. To register, please contact Julia Law at (202)482-8095.

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