When returning controlled correspondence to the Executive Secretariat, whatever action was required, send the correspondence package through your organization's controlled correspondence contact. Your correspondence contact will make sure all necessary material is in the package and send it on to ES.

Direct Replies

Near the bottom of the control form for most direct reply assignments, you will find instructions for what you need to send to ES. Always send the required materials through your correspondence contact.

For some DIRECT REPLY assignments, the reply, although it will be signed within your IC, needs clearance through the Office of the Director, NIH (OD). In a case like this, follow the instructions indicated by a check on the control form: Unless instructed otherwise within your organization, send the original of the response, signed but not dated, plus the official file box copy and the incoming document to your correspondence contact, who will forward the package to ES for OD clearance. After the response has been cleared in OD, with sign-offs on the box copy, the package will be returned to your office. After dating and mailing the original, follow the instructions on the new control form concerning returning a copy of the signed, dated response to ES.

Director's Signature

When you have prepared a letter or memorandum for signature by the Director, NIH, assemble the package and send it to your correspondence contact for submission to ES.

	You must submit documents for signature to ES as electronic wordprocessing files, via your correspondence contact.
	ES must receive an official file box copy, signed by the Director of your IC or OD Office (or a designated approving official).
	If you can't furnish enclosures or attachments as electronic files, provide at least two sets, one for mailing after the Director signs the forwarding correspondence and one for the Director's Files maintained by ES.