Welcome to the Northern Plains Area Budget and Fiscal Service Section. This page includes useful budget 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: Budget Related P&P's and Bulletins Budget Calendar Customer Service Plan        Helpful Links: REE Administrative Issuances (Bulletins, P&Ps, etc) * e-Forms (REE Forms - Login required) * NPA Budget & Fiscal Sharepoint site (Login required) * Staff: Lisa Mullenax - Area Budget and Fiscal Officer Phone: 970-492-7010 Fax: 970-492-7036 E-mail: lisa.mullenax@ars.usda.gov Becky Braun - Budget Analyst Phone: 970-492-7009 Fax: 970-492-7036 E-mail: becky.braun@ars.usda.gov Shannon Balthrop - Financial Technician Phone: 970-492-7025 Fax: 970-492-7036 E-mail: shannon.balthrop@ars.usda.gov Linda Sundstrom - Transportation Assistant Phone: (970) 492-7026 Fax: 970-492-7036 E-mail: linda.sundstrom@ars.usda.gov

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REE Administrative Issuances:

• Research Authorization & Administration of Research Funds (ARS)
• Resource Management
• Acceptance of non-Appropriated Funds to Conduct Research or Perform Services
• Review of Unpaid Obligations
• Use of Prior Fiscal Year Appropriations (ARS)
• ARS Reimbursable and Trust Fund Agreements
• Funds Control at the Operating Level (pdf)
• Collections (ARS)
• Advance Payments (ARS)
• Waiver of Claims Against Employees for Overpayment of Pay & Allowances
• Assess of Indirect Program Support Costs & Indirect Research Costs (ARS)
• Field Party Advances

January:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th
February:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th
March:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th ARMPS kick-off memo from Area Director Salary Lapse Reports (late March)
April:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th Initial ARMPS due in Area Office
May:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th Conduct ARMPS Reviews
June:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th Conduct ARMPS Reviews Salary Lapse Reports (late June)
July:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th Supplemental Guidance for final ARMPS Permanent and temporary CRIS adjustments due in ARIS for next FY
August:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th Final CRIS guidelines for ARMPS Final ARMPS packages due in Area Office Salary Lapse Reports (mid August)
September:	Status of Funds Reports are due to fund holders by the 25th
October:	Period Ends / Year End Closing
November:	CAM Report
December:	Begin Status of Funds Reports for current year if requested by fund holder

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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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* Indicates link to external page