What is happening with e-travel and what does that mean for ITA? 

GSA has evaluated systems to automate travel booking, approval and tracking and has selected two systems that all government agencies will be required to use.  A third e-travel vendor, EDS-Zegato, has appealed the decision and put final implementation on hold. ITA has cancelled its pilot of Gelco's Travel Manager system and established planning groups with both the Department of Commerce and DOI-NBC to evaluate the proposed systems.  If you have questions call either Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267 or Hamilton Humes at (202)482-6123.

Controlled Correspondence

As a reminder, the Department's Executive Secretariat requests that on correspondence addressed to the Secretary or Deputy Secretary but assigned to ITA for bureau signature, the responses must indicate that the responses are being written on behalf of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary, as appropriate. If a response indicates the name of an ITA staff person as a point-of-contact, please provide a phone number for that individual.  If you have questions, please contact the ITA Secretariat at (202)482-5101.

The Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) open season begins October 15, 2003, and will continue through December 31, 2003. TSP elections or changes made between October 15, 2003 and December 31, 2003, will be effective January 11, 2004. Please confirm your TSP employee contribution election on your Statement of Earnings and Leave. For additional information, contact Vanessa Lewis at (202)482-8327, or Dottie Bowling at (202)482-3504.

Reminder for Pay Period 19 (Split Pay Period)

In the past, ITA has required its timekeepers to split payroll costs manually for pay periods that are partly in the old fiscal year and partly in the new fiscal year. This year, timekeepers will not have to manually divide the pay period. The National Finance Center (NFC) will split each ITA employee's payroll costs for pay period 19 (September 21 - October 4) by prorating the costs between the two fiscal years. NFC will apply approximately 70% of the costs to Budget Fiscal Year (BFY) 2002, and the remaining 30% to BFY 2004.  NFC will ensure that the split payroll costs are posted to the appropriate BFY. For more information, contact Lorese Green at (202)482-5232.

Obligating and Payment Documents    

Beginning October 1, 2003, the National Business Center (NBC) will not process any obligating/payment documents that do not have a valid authorized signature on file.  Documents with names that do not match up with the signature file, maintained by NBC, will be returned to the program office for a valid signature. If you have not completed signature cards or if you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Seals at (202)482-8367.

 FY 2005 Budget

ITA submitted the FY2005 Budget to OMB on September 8, 2003.  If you have questions, please contact Alan Zegas at (202)482-5739.

Accounting Classification Codes Refresher Training

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) will hold  refresher training classes on the accounting classification codes.  Each class will last 30 minutes. Accounting classification codes are used to indicate the proper categorization of funds on obligating documents (i.e., time and attendance, requests for procurements, credit card bills, purchase orders, etc.)   If you are an ITA employee who wishes to understand ITA's performance-based financial structure, please join us in room 4115. September 26, 2003, 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. - All ITA Employees, September 29, 2003 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. - Timekeepers ONLY.  If you have any questions please contact Linda Henry at (202)482-5343.               

Where Do I Find....Metrocheks if You miss the HCHB distribution? 

You can pick up Metrocheks at the DOT's Transit Benefit Office at L'Enfant Plaza. To get there:  Take the Metro to the L'Enfant Plaza Station, Take the 7th and "D" Streets exit, After exiting, you will enter a courtyard - Enter the Southwest Lobby, The pick up window is on the Plaza Level in room 206.  If you have questions about the Transit Benefit Program call Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

 

Traveler's Corner

Question: Is a traveler's M&IE allowance for meals reduced if a meal is provided by a common carrier or  a complimentary meal is provided by a hotel/motel?

Answer: No.  A meal provided by a common carrier or a complimentary meal provided by a hotel/motel does not effect your per diem.  If you have questions, please call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202) 482-3267.