The Defense Information Systems Agency's telework implementation and design team received the Best New Telework Initiative award from Telework Exchange, a telework advocacy organization.
In December 2005, DISA replaced its existing telework benefit with a new program designed to retain current employees and attract future employees by authorizing telework up to two days per week, with supervisory approval.
The majority of both staff and management positions are eligible to participate in the new telework program. DISA reimburses participating employees for up to 50 percent of the cost of broadband Internet access. Secure software and laptop computers provided by DISA allow employees to connect via high-speed connections to their office computer accounts, ensuring working from home is just as productive as working from the office. More than 1,200 agency employees participate in the program with more added weekly.
DISA's telework design team also negotiated with the General Services Administration to provide DISA employees with secure locations in GSA-operated telework centers to perform classified work that cannot be done at home.
In addition, DISA opened a telework center at the site of the agency's planned headquarters at Ft. Meade, Md. DISA's relocation to Ft. Meade is expected to be complete by 2011 and is required by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure legislation.
DISA is a Defense Department combat support agency which provides real-time information technology and communications support to the president, vice president, Secretary of Defense, military services and combatant commands. DISA offers services that enable the U.S. military to perform their missions.
The Telework ExchangeSM is a public-private partnership focused on demonstrating the value of telework and serving the emerging educational and communication requirements of the federal teleworker community. For more information on Telework Exchange's Tele-Vision Awards, please visit www.teleworkexchange.com.