Welcome to the Northern Plains Area Travel Service Section. This page includes useful travel information, links and staff contact information. We’re here to help and encourage you to contact us if you have questions or need additional information. On this Page: Travel Related P&P's and Bulletins Customer Service Plan Helpful Links: GSA Domestic Per Diem Rates * FedTraveler * REE Administrative Issuances (Bulletins, P&Ps, etc) *

Staff:

• Linda Sundstrom - Transportation Assistant
  Phone: 970-492-7026
  Fax: 970-492-7036
  Email: linda.sundstrom@ars.usda.gov
  
• Kendra McGehee - Budget & Accounting Assistant
  Phone: 970-492-7025
  Fax: 970-492-7036
  Email: kendra.mcgehee@ars.usda.gov
  

REE Administrative Issuances:

• Delegations of Authority to Approve Travel (ARS)
• Acceptance of Travel Funds from Non-Federal Sources
• Per Diem and Actual Subsistence Allowances
• Travel Advances
• Approval of Premium-Class Air Travel
• Procurement of Passenger Transportation Services
• Contract Air Service
• Use of U.S. Flag Air Carriers for Foreign Travel (ARS)
• Foreign Travel Plan (ARS)
• Foreign Travel Itineraries (ARS)
• Passport, Visas & Security Clearances for Foreign Travel (ARS)
• Awarding Funds to non-Fed Orgs for Support of Scientific Meetings (ARS)

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Introduction

The Northern Plains Area Office is committed to providing quality fiscal and travel services to its customers. This defines expectations to be provided for all significant services.

Identification of Customers

• ARS: Employee’s of the Area Office, Headquarter’s personnel and NPA location’s staff.
• Individuals outside Agency or Government traveling for ARS.
• Other Federal agencies or private companies having reimbursable or trust funds with NPA.

Description of Section Services

The Budget & Fiscal section consists of an Area Transportation Assistant, Area Budget & Fiscal Officer, Budget Analyst and Budget Assistant. The section is responsible for providing to the NPA locations day to day fiscal and travel support including:

• Coordination of Annual Resource Management Planning (ARMP) process.
• Direction, technical guidance and service on policies and procedures for foreign and domestic travel, relocation and transportation and resolution of unusual and difficult travel and transportation issues.
• Foreign travel related services: Passport/Visa requirements, etc.
• Direction, technical guidance and service for funds control including status of funds reporting, budgeting and financial issues.
• Establish and maintain NPA account code structure.
• Provide liaison between locations and Headquarters.
• Reimbursable and trust fund agreement services.
• Assistance and training in operation of NFC’s electronic travel system and approved Headquarter’s released programs; ie, CATS, SAMS, CAM, ARMPS, FFIS, etc.
• Authorize and monitor funds available to Universities through HHS Letter of Credit in accordance with Specific Research Agreements.

Customer Service Standards

• Treat all customers courteously and with respect.
• Maintain good working relationship with NPA locations Headquarters and outside organizations.
• Network with other Area Office sections to facilitate delivery of administrative and financial management services requested by customers.
• Respond to inquiries promptly; when necessary provide follow up information as it becomes known to keep customer apprized of the status of action.
• Participate in monthly teleconferences with Headquarters personnel and other ARS areas.
• Contribute to weekly newsletter for distribution to NPA locations with latest up-to-date information.
• Provide back-up personnel to assist with inquiries and questions during absences from office.
• Meet mandated or congressional requirements and other Agency specific policies re travel, funds control and budget planning and execution.
• Provide FMD with requested travel and financial reports no later than due date.

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