A Bi-Weekly Newsletter from ITA Administration

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), we are allowed 20 days to respond to a request. Sometimes, however, it is obvious from the scope of the request that it will take more than 20 days to complete. When you are assigned action on a FOIA request and know right away that it will take more than the allotted time, please contact Linda Bell, ITA's FOIA officer, immediately. Linda can contact the FOIA requester to get an extension of the due date or work out other arrangements for response. For additional information, visit ITA's FOIA website at http://www.ita.doc.gov/foia/efoia.htm or contact Linda at (202)482-3032.

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season

Strategic Plan

The Department of Commerce Strategic Plan for FY 2004 - FY 2009 is available on line.  To view the new Strategic Plan, please go to the following website:   http://www.osec.doc.gov/bmi/budget/Strategic04-1002.htm  The DOC Strategic Plan highlights efforts to respond to and influence the three major forces that will shape the U.S. economy of the future: the enhancement of economic growth for American industries, workers, and consumers (see Goal 1), science and technological leadership (see Goal 2), and environmental stewardship (see Goal 3).  For more information please contact Ed Meyer at (202)482-3304.

 FY 2004 Budget

ITA remains under a Continuing Resolution (CR) in lieu of an annual appropriation through October 31, 2003.  Another CR is expected for the period November 1-7, 2003, while the Senate attempts to finalize several issues involving four Appropriation Bills, including the Commerce-Justice-State and Related Agencies Bill.  Once the Senate passes this bill, the Appropriators will be able to meet with their House colleagues in Conference Committee to negotiate the final appropriation bill and report.  Given the limited amount of time before November 7, 2003 it is possible that there will be another follow-on CR.  If there are any questions, please contact Beryle Randall at (202) 482-4873.

 FY 2005 Budget  

OMB is currently reviewing the FY2005 budget request and related materials.  The OMB "passback" is expected in late November 2003.   If there are any questions, please contact Beryle Randall at (202) 482-4873.

Where Do I Find....Form OMB 83-I "Paperwork Reduction Act Submission"?

This form and instructions on how to complete a request for OMB clearance of a public use form are available at https://ourplace.ita.doc.gov. Log in to OurPlace; click "E-Forms" located on the left.  This takes you to ITA's Forms Website. There you will click "Other Forms".  An alphabetical list of forms will appear.  Scroll down and click on the form title.  The form will then appear in Adobe Acrobat format.  You have the option of filing out the form online or clicking on the "Save" icon and saving it in your personal directory to complete later.  If you have questions, contact Jacqueline Harris at (202)482-4011 or Jacqueline_Harris@ita.doc.gov.

Traveler’s Corner

Question:   What is the website address for the mandatory Citibank Government Travel card on-line training?

Answer: The website address for the mandatory Citibank Government Travel card on-line training is: http://www.fss.gsa.gov/gsa-smartpay/traveltraining.  This training must be completed by all travel card applicants before the card is issued.  If you have questions, please call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.