2008 Archives

• 2008 CFC Campaign: The NASA HQ Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) runs November 1 - December 15. This year's theme is "Be a Star in Someone's Life." The HQ CFC kick-off program begins November 6, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. Charles Scales, Associate Deputy Administrator, will make the opening remarks and present awards from last year's campaign with Chris Jedrey, Executive Director, HQ Operations. Contact: Sandra Reid, 358-5271.
  
  
• 2008 HQ Security Awareness Training: All civil service and contractor employees and detailees are required to complete 2008 HQ Security Awareness Training by December 31. You may attend a 1-hour classroom session (October 28, 1:30 p.m., November 18, 1:30 p.m., December 10, 10:30 a.m.) in MIC-6, or complete the course in SATERN. Contact: Karen Hatzimanolis, 358-0198.
  
  
• Annual Ethics Training: Employees who file Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) must complete 1 hour of Ethics Training by November 30. This training requirement may be satisfied by attending one of the live training sessions presented by the Office of General Counsel or by completing the Web-based ethics training module in SATERN. Contact: Ethics Team, 358-2465 and Valencia Shirley, 358-0461.
  
  
• FEHB Open Season Health Fair: Representatives from area Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) insurance carriers will be in the West Lobby on November 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions about health care options. Human Resources Management Division staff members will provide information on accessing Employee Express through the Human Capital Information Environment to make your health benefit selection.  The FEHB Open Season extends from November 10 through December 8, 2008. Contact: Denise Hurey, 358-2105.
  
  
• No FEAR Act Training Requirement: The No FEAR Act of 2002 states that the United States and its citizens are best served when the federal workplace is free of discrimination and retaliation. The law requires that agencies provide training on the rights and remedies available under federal anti-discrimination, whistleblower, and retaliation laws. This is a bi-annual requirement for civil service employees. No FEAR Act training is available in SATERN and must be completed by November 30. The training will take approximately 20 minutes. Print a copy of the training certificate for your records. Contact: Claudia Silver, 358-0965.
  
  
• Headquarters Honor Awards Ceremony: The HQ Honor Awards ceremony recognizes employees who made significant contributions to the Headquarters community. All employees are invited to attend the ceremony on November 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. A reception will follow in the West Lobby. Chris Jedrey and Charles Scales will present the awards. Contact: Rhonda Taylor, 358-0444.
  
  
• 2008-2009 Seasonal Flu Shots Available: Flu shots are available to NASA civil service employees in the Health Unit (CD70), 1-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, October 20-31, and Tuesday-Thursday, November 4-December 31. Shots are administered on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last.  No appointment necessary.  For more information on seasonal flu, visit the Center for Disease Control Web site. Contact:  Beverly Vaughn or Betty Officer, 358-2600.
  
  
• New Process for Accessing WebTADS Remotely:  Effective October 14, WebTADS is only accessible from within the NASA network.  To access WebTADS remotely, you must use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Secure Nomadic Access (SNA).  To use VPN or SNA, you must have a SecurID token. Contact the IT Help Desk if you do not have a working token or you forgot your PIN.  For more information on remote access services, including detailed instructions for using VPN and SNA, visit the Remote Access Services page.
  
  
• Online IT Outage Calendar: You can now learn about scheduled IT maintenance outages before they are announced in IT Notices; easily access information about a particular outage without having to search your e-mail inbox. Check out the new IT Outage Calendar (NASA Only), a service of the Information Technology Communications Division. Contact: Mary Shouse, 358-0625.
  
  
  
• HQ Center Operations Information Line: A new service provides easy access to HQ’s current operational status and any relevant safety alerts for the HQ building. Dial 358-3000 at any time, 365 days a year, for current information. For more information about Emergency Preparedness, visit the various Emergency Preparedness Web pages. Contact: Dave Redman, 358-4577.
  
  
• Parking Garage Security: Only persons with a valid NASA badge, a carpool badge issued by NASA Headquarters, Colonial Parking employees, and accompanied guests of parking garage patrons should use the parking garage elevators in the East and West Lobbies. For safety and security purposes, when using your badge to access the garage elevators, if you do not recognize someone, be sure to verify their identity before providing access to the elevator. If at anytime you notice someone suspicious or out of place in the lobbies or garage areas, please notify the nearest NASA security officer or call 358-1616. Do not make, or continue, any contact with individuals who appear threatening or confrontational. Contact: Ray Patten, 358-2371.
  
  
• 2009 Agency Honor Awards: The Human Resources Management Division (HRMD) is accepting nominations for the 2009 Agency Honor Awards.  These are the highest honor given by the Agency which recognizes civil service and contractor employees as individuals and members of a team.  Nominations close on Friday, September 19, 2008.  Due to time constraints and panel meeting schedules, late submissions will not be accepted.  Please coordinate nominations through your organization.  Contact: Rhonda Taylor, 358-0444.
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• Information Session on U.S. Transition to Digital Television Broadcasting: On Tuesday, September 23 at 2 p.m. in MIC 5, a representative from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host an informational session at NASA Headquarters about the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting in February 2009. Get the information you need to prevent interruption in your reception of free network television at home due to the transition to digital television. A question-and-answer period will be held. Contact: Bryan McCall, 358-1767, visit http://www.dtv.gov, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.
  
  
• “Conflict Prevention and Management in the Workplace” Training:  HQ civil service employees are invited to register in SATERN for these classroom sessions sponsored by NASA's Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. Training for Managers and Supervisors is Wednesday, July 16, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; training for Employees is Thursday, July 17, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Training will be held at the Residence Inn. Contact: LaShawn McDuffie, 358-1098.
  
  
• Celebrate NASA’s 50th at the Folklife Festival:  The 42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place June 25-29 and July 2-6, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., on the National Mall.  The festival will highlight "NASA: Fifty Years and Beyond," the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, and the music, food, and wine of Texas. NASA's daily festival schedule includes panel discussions featuring current and former NASA employees and individuals from outside the agency involved in NASA missions, presentations, hands-on educational activities, demonstrations of skills, techniques and knowledge, narrative "oral history" sessions, and exhibits. Shuttle transportation is available week days only for NASA civil servants and contractors.
  
  
• NASA Information Technology Transformation Update: NASA leadership recognizes that improved Information Technology (IT) management is fundamental to mission success. The internal Office of the Chief Information Officer Web site has just been updated with new information about this and more. Contact: Kris McLaughlin, 358-0878
  
  
• Annual HQ Health and Safety Fair: All Headquarters employees are invited to attend the Health and Safety Fair on Thursday, June 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the West Lobby, Auditorium, and Multipurpose Room (CG69). The fair will offer a range of health and wellness, safety and emergency preparedness activities, including blood pressure screenings, lung function testing, massage, fire safety, employee emergency contact system information, and child safety. During the event, you may also enter a drawing for several prizes by completing a survey. Bring a picture of a loved one to have laminated on a safety badge. Contact: Fitness Center 358-0138, Health Unit 358-2600 or Safety Office 358-1239.
  + Download the event poster (1MB PDF)
  
  
• HQ Parking Permit Payments: The Headquarters Parking Garage will now be accepting credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard/ American Express) for quarterly subscription payments. ONLY CASH will be accepted for daily parking payments.  Contact: Rose Butler, 358-0184.
  
  
• 2008 HQ Honor Awards: The Human Resources Management Division (HRMD) is accepting nominations for the 2008 Headquarters Honor Awards.  These peer awards recognize employees; civil servants, contractors, and teams comprised of both. Nominations will be accepted through COB Monday, June 2, 2008 and must be submitted using NHQ Form 170. For details, visit http://hcie.nasa.gov, select the HQ Human Capital tab, and then Home Page. Contact: Rhonda Taylor, 358-0444.
  
  
• Information Technology Update – Meet Your New HQ CIO: On May 21, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Auditorium. All HQ employees are invited to meet the new HQ Chief Information Officer (CIO), hear his vision for the future, and discuss the state of IT at HQ. (Toll Free Dial-In Number: 888-425-9158, Participant Passcode: 61358.) To learn more about the products and services of the Information Technology and Communications Division (ITCD), visit us online.
  
  
• HQ Building Interior Window Washing: This building-wide project begins on the 8th floor April 21, 2008, and ends on the 1st floor May 22. All work will be done during the evening janitorial shift.  Employees are asked to remove personal items from sills, radiators, and furniture in close proximity to the windows. Visit the link above for more information and a complete schedule. Contact: Marla Neustadt, 358-3741.
  
  
• 2008 Agency Honor Awards Ceremony:  All HQ employees are invited to attend the Agency Honor Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Auditorium and the reception immediately following in the West Lobby. The program will also be broadcast live on NASA TV and on the Web. Contact: Gaile Eastman, 358-1504.
  
  
• Test of HQ Emergency Notification System:
  On May 6, 2008, the NASA HQ Emergency Notification System (ENS) will undergo a HQ-wide test of the system. The ENS will attempt to reach all HQ employees at the phone numbers and e-mail addresses supplied. To complete the test, employees are requested to confirm receipt at their first opportunity. To enter or update contact information in the ENS, login to the Emergency Notification System. This will insure employees can be reached in a real emergency. Note: The ENS is unrelated to the Emergency Contacts stored in Employee Express and serves a different function. The ENS sends broadcast announcements to the entire Headquarters community during an emergency. More information and complete instructions for first time users are available on the ENS Web page. Contact: Dave Redman, 358-4577.
  
  
• 2008 Administrative Professional Awards Ceremony: All employees are invited to attend this year's Administrative Professional Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.  Reception immediately following in the West Lobby. Contact: Rhonda Taylor at 358-0444.
  
  
• HQ Parking Permit Fee to Increase in April 2008: Beginning in the third quarter (April - June), the parking permit subscription fee for civil service employees will increase to $135 per quarter. This modest increase of $5 per month is the first since 1994, and is necessary due to decreased funding levels. Permits will be available for purchase March 3-April 3. Please make your check or money order (no cash) payable to Colonial Parking. Vehicles must display current permit by April 3 to enter the HQ garage. Contact: Rose Butler, HQ parking coordinator, 358-0184.
  
  
• Information Session on U.S. Transition to Digital Television Broadcasting: On Wednesday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. in MIC 5, a representative from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host an informational session at NASA Headquarters about the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting scheduled for February 2009. Get the information you need to prevent interruption in your reception of free network television at home due to the transition to digital television. A question-and-answer period will be held. Contact: Bryan McCall, 358-1767, visit http://www.dtv.gov, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.
  
  
• 2008 Customer Service Awards: The Human Resources Management Division is accepting nominations for the 2008 Customer Service Awards. Nomination deadline is Monday, March 31. These awards recognize HQ civil service and contractor employees for customer service provided to HQ organizations and staff (i.e., for services provided by the Office of HQ Operations, Logistics/GSFC Code 230, Talent Cultivation Office/GSFC Code 114, and Procurement/GSFC Code 200). Nominations must be approved by immediate supervisors and submitted using NASA HQ Form 266. For details, login to the Human Capital Information Environment (HCIE) portal. Select the HQ Human Capital tab, then Home Page. Scroll to News and Notices - Headquarters to read the notice and access the call letter. Contact: Rhonda Taylor at 358-0444.
  
  
• 2007 HQ Security Awareness Training:  All HQ civil service and on-site contractor employees are required to complete "2007 HQ Security Awareness Training" by March 31, 2008. Login to SATERN and select the course in your Learning Plan. If the course is not listed, select "Catalog" and then "Browse Catalog." Under the "Subject Area Menu," click on "Personnel/Physical Security." Under "Items," select “2007 HQ Security Awareness Training.” Contact: Karen Hatzimanolis, 358-0198.
  
  
• New Procedures for Badging Contract Employees: Beginning March 3, 2008, Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTR’s) must submit badging requests for all newly hired contract employees using the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) system. Paper-based requests will no longer be accepted by the HQ Security Office. COTR’s must establish a NASA Account Management System (NAMS) account, complete PIV training in SATERN, and coordinate with the HQ Security Office to access the PIV system.  Contacts: Troy Tolson, 358-1167 or Raymond Patten, 358-2371.
  
  
• NASA HQ Emergency Line: The NASA Headquarters Emergency Line, 202-358-1616, is monitored by security officers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use this emergency number to report incidents such as bomb threats, fire and medical emergencies, crank or threatening phone calls or e-mails, workplace violence and suspicious packages or individuals. To dial the line automatically, press the "HQ Emergency" speed dial button located above the red emergency sticker on your VOIP phone.  Contact: Karen Hatzimanolis, 358-0198.
  
  
• NASA College Scholarship Fund: The NASA College Scholarship Fund, Inc., awards scholarships agency-wide to qualified dependents of NASA and former NASA employees. For the 2008-2009 school year, up to six scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 each. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of $10,000 over 6 calendar years. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. Applications and all required materials must be received by mail by March 20, 2008. For complete guidelines and application forms, visit the link above. Contact: Terri Robinson, 358-4500.
  
  
• NAMS at HQ: In December 2007, the Agency implemented the NASA Account Management System (NAMS) at Headquarters.  This is the Agency’s centralized system for requesting and maintaining accounts for NASA IT systems and applications.  Visit the NAMS@HQ Web page for a schedule of new training classes, list of applications covered by NAMS, instructions for obtaining online training FAQ's, and more.
  
  
• New Parking and Fare Subsidy System (PFSS): The current PFSS has been converted to a Web-based application.  The re-certification process to confirm your participation in either the parking or fare subsidy programs is now conducted online.  Recertification runs through January 31, 2008.  For more information about PFSS policy and procedures, visit http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/hqfac/govpark.html.
  
  
• 2007 HQ CFC Drive Extended: The NASA HQ Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been extended until January 31. HQ is very close to meeting its 2007 CFC goal of $276,000. All employees are encouraged to participate and donate to charities in their communities. Although the option to contribute via WebTADS is no longer available, employees can still donate by using a CFC pledge card. CFC team captains and key workers will accept cash or check donations. For more information, contact Stanley Artis at 358-2032.
  
  
• NASA HQ 2008 Buyout/Early Out Incentive: Headquarters has reopened buyout/early out opportunities to permanent General Schedule employees. Eligibility is based on specific position title, series, grade, and competencies identified as surplus by each office. The buyout/early out window will be open January 9-30, 2008. Applications will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day in the HQ Human Resources Management Division, Room 4O11. Employees who apply must sign an agreement stating that in exchange for an incentive payment they agree to voluntarily resign or retire by March 3, 2008. For details, log on to the Human Capital Information Environment (HCIE) Workforce Services Portal at https://hcie.nasa.gov.  Select the "HQ Human Capital" menu, and click on "NASA Headquarters Buyout." For more information, contact Brenda Spicer, 358-1561.
  
  
• HCIE Workforce Services Portal:  Check out NASA's new Human Capital Information Environment (HCIE) Workforce Services Portal. This new Portal centralizes all of your Human Capital information and systems in one place, providing a single point of access for policies, benefits, retirement information, and much more. You can leave your bookmarks behind -- the HCIE Workforce Services Portal is one stop for Human Capital information and systems.
  
  
• Galley Renovation Phase I Complete:  Wednesday, January 16, is the official opening for the 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th, & 9^th floor galleys.  These areas have been modernized to include energy efficient lighting and appliances, provide a more sanitary environment and assure compliance with  the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). The NASA janitorial contractors will monitor this area, including weekly cleaning of the microwaves and refrigerators. They will purge all contents in the refrigerators after 3 p.m. on Fridays. Phase II will commence of Saturday, January 19, 2008.  For more information, contact Marla Neustadt at 358-3741.
  
  
• NASA Account Management System (NAMS) at HQ: On December 14, the Agency implemented the NASA Account Management System (NAMS) at Headquarters.  This is the Agency’s centralized system for requesting and maintaining accounts for NASA IT systems and applications.  Initially, HQ users will only use NAMS to request access to a few Agency applications, including IEMP applications other than WebTADS.  All other requests will be processed through Check In Check Out as usual.  Please see the NAMS@HQ Web page for a schedule of remaining training classes, list of applications covered by NAMS, FAQ's, and more.
  
  
•  New Parking and Fare Subsidy System (PFSS): The current PFSS is being converted to a Web-based application.  The re-certification process to confirm your participation in either the parking or fare subsidy programs will be conducted online.  Recertification will begin December 11, 2007.  For more information about PFSS policy and procedures, please visit http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/hqfac/govpark.html.
  
  
• Check-In Check-Out (CICO) is Easier, Faster! Effective October 29, there is no need to print, sign and submit a hard copy of the NHQ Form 224 when submitting an account access request in CICO. NHQ Form 224, NASA Headquarters Automated Systems Standard Access Request, is only required for external users who do not have CICO access. To learn more about CICO, visit the CICO Web site link above.
  
  
• 2007 CFC Campaign: This year's campaign officially runs from October 18, 2007 until January, 15, 2008. Starting November 1, WebTADS will be activated to process CFC contributions. For more information, contact Stanley Artis at 358-2032.