MEMORANDUM TO : ALL ITA EMPLOYEES
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 13, 1997

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

This memorandum establishes ITA policy and procedures for the management of Government property transferred outside the Department.

Use of Government Property

Government property is purchased for use in the conduct of official Government business. As is the case with all government property, computers and software may not be used for personal purposes. This policy applies as well to computers which may have become excess to an office's needs after being replaced by upgraded equipment. Computers may be authorized for temporary use outside the Department for official business under certain circumstances.

Computers may be released for use at an employee's home only in those instances where the needs of the organization are unique and where a supervisor certifies that the use of a computer at an employee's home is necessary to complete essential work after normal business hours for a specified period of time. In such circumstances, the employee should normally be provided with the temporary use of a laptop computer. Desktop computers should be released only on rare occasions and only when a laptop computer is not available.

Each employee who uses or supervises the use of Government property is responsible for the proper care and use of the property at or away from the office. The employee and supervisor must complete the attached form before equipment (e.g., a laptop or desktop computer) may be released to an employee for use at home. The agreement ensures that the property will be used only for official Government business in connection with the employee's position and not for personal use, that there is no violation of software license agreements. It explains the employee's responsibility for ensuring the proper use, care and protection of the property while in their custody.

Managers must ensure that these procedures are communicated to all employees. Computers currently located at employees' residences without the required approval are the responsibility of the manager who has authorized the removal of the equipment from the Department. A Release Agreement must be completed for computers already at employees' residences.

If you have any questions, please call Jean Leslie, ITA Property Management Officer, on extension 3266.

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