DUS Calls Mandatory Property Officials Meeting April 19

The recent laptop encryption project (known as "Safeboot") has identified serious lapses in personal property accountability and standardization throughout ITA.  The Deputy Under Secretary has called a mandatory meeting for all Property Accountability Officers, Property Custodians, and their supervisors on April 19 at 3pm in Room 3407.  In addition, property training will be held the week of May 7-11.  More information will follow but all Property Accountability Officers and Property Custodians should reserve this week on their schedules.  If you have questions, please contact ITA’s Property Management Officer, Jeff Scherr, at (202)482-3266.

Postal Rates Changes Effective May 14, 2007

Effective May 14, 2007, the postage rate for a first class letter will increase from 39 to 41 cents.  Higher rates for letters, flats and parcels also take effect.  Periodical rates will rise on July 15, 2007.  The U.S. Postal Service’s new pricing structure changes from purely weight-based to shape-based pricing (SBP), so that size, thickness, and weight are combined to determine the price.  New first class mail rates are:  2 oz letter decreases from 63 to 58 cents; 2 oz flat increases from 63 to 97 cents; 2 oz parcel increases from 63 cents to $1.30.  How will these postal changes affect ITA?  To lower your postage costs, a two-page document can be folded and mailed as a letter (no staple) to take advantage of lower, letter-sized rates instead of sending out as a flat.  Check http://www.usps.com/, or call 1-800-STAMP-24. For more information contact Diana Smith at (202)482-3265.

How to order Stationery

The following ITA Envelopes & Stationery are ordered from the warehouse using form CD-540, International Trade Administration; Under Secretary for International Trade; Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade.  For more information go to: http://www.ita.doc.gov/ooms/ooms13.htm; To order Assistant Secretary Stationery contact the following:  MAS – June Posey; MAC – Dyann Miller; IA – Colita Shelton USFCS – Stephanie Bernard. If you have any questions contact Nina Harris at (202)482-3585 or via email Nina.Harris@mail.doc.gov. 

Scanner and Shredder Maintenance

There have been several scanner and shredder service calls placed with Cartridge Technologies Inc. (CTI).  ITA’s maintenance and supply contract with CTI covers ONLY copiers, printers and fax machines.  However, if you would like your shredder or scanners on ITA-wide service agreements, let OOMS know and we will consider adding this equipment to the FY 2008 maintenance contract.  If you have questions, please contact Robin Carpenter at (202)482-4989 or via email, Robin_Carpenter@ita.doc.gov.

FY 2009 Budget Update

The development of ITA's FY 2009 Budget request to the Secretary is underway.  On March 9th, the Deputy Under Secretary (DUS) issued a call letter to the Assistant Secretaries (A/S's) for the Programs to submit FY 2009 Budget Initiatives.  These initiatives were to be submitted to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by March 30.  After review and analysis of the proposals by the CFO and OFM during the week of April 16, the A/S's, as a group, are expected to be provided the opportunity to present the highlights of their proposals to the Under Secretary (US) and DUS during the week of April 23.  The US decisions regarding the initiatives will be included ITA's proposed FY 2009 budget, due to the Secretary in mid-May.  Shortly after ITA submits its FY 2009 budget there will be an information sharing (more than a briefing but less than a hearing) with the Departmental Budget Officer.  Later in the summer the Secretary will give ITA feedback (a passback) on our proposed budget.  ITA will then prepare, in early September, the Secretarially-approved FY 2009 budget for review by the Office of Management and Budget.  If you would like more information please call Mr. Michael House at (202)482-5739.