Voice-over-IP Status Report 

The HCHB's Voice-over-IP phone system is still being upgraded.  Occasionally, the new software disrupts service or interferes with the connection to the Octel Voicemail programs. If you have problems, call the system managers directly at (202)482-5010.  If you need to reconfigure your phone or change your service, please submit the change request through TelephoneServices@ita.doc.gov.   If you have questions, contact Jeff Scherr at (202)482-3266 or visit the Department's website at http://home.osec.doc.gov/wiring/hchb1.html.

Authorized ITA Letterhead Stationery and Transmittal Form, CD82a

Assistant Secretaries may have ITA letterhead printed to include the program unit's name.  Each Assistant Secretary is authorized to order ITA letterhead paper having the following identification elements: 

Department:            United States Department of Commerce

Agency Name:        International Trade Administration

Title:  Example:        "Assistant Secretary for ...;"

Address:                Washington, D.C. 20230."

For instructions on reprinting secretarial letterhead refer to  "How to Prepare an SF-1 to Obtain Printing and Publication Services" at http://www.ita.doc.gov/ooms/ooms26.htm in the Through the Maze Manual.  In addition, assistant secretaries, deputies assistant secretaries and offices directors are authorized to have CD82a, Transmittal Form, overprinted to include name, title and organization on the "FROM" line.  Submit an SF-1, "Printing and Binding Requisition", along with a template of an edited CD82a (refer to OOMS26).   All SF-1s for printing of ITA stationery must be reviewed and approved by the ITA Forms Manager, Office of Organization and Management Support, Room 4001 prior to budget approval.  For additional information, contact Glenitta Chase at (202)482-3757.

FY 2004 Closing Procedures

As we approach the close of the fiscal year, we ask for your support in following the FY2004 year-end closing procedures.  Your cooperation will ensure that financial records accurately reflect your use of resources and utilization of budget authority.  These procedures were reviewed in year-end training classes conducted by NBC in July.  As an additional resource, the FY2004 year-end closing procedures have been posted to the OFM web site and can be reached through the following URL: http://www.ita.doc.gov/ofm_guidance/Year-End%20ClosingFY04.pdf.  If you have questions, contact Crystal Bush at (202)482-8365 or via email at Crystal_Bush@ita.doc.gov.

FY 2005 Budget  

Based on reviews with program offices OFM has estimated FY04 unobligated balances, which are the basis for carryover in FY05.  OFM has submitted the initial apportionment for FY05 to the Department for approval.  Requested carryover amounts will be available to program offices regardless of the apportionment status.  OFM Budget Analysts are reviewing FY05 preliminary Fiscal Plan and Quarter 1 mandatory activities to ensure program operations will continue to run as needed pending an appropriation.  If you have questions, contact Amy Duncan at (202)482-5739.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that they will hold an Open Season from September 1 through September 30, 2004 to celebrate this year's 50th anniversary of the FEGLI Program.  All employees who are eligible for the FEGLI Program can participate. OPM will have a special 2004 open season website set up before the start of the open season, which will include a special election form (FE-2004), questions and answers, and more information about the program. The FEGLI Open Season elections will become effective on the first day of the first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005. For most employees on a biweekly pay period and who meet the pay and duty status requirements, the effective date will be September 4, 2005. General information about the FEGLI Program can be found at http://www.opm.gov/insure/life. If you have questions, call Vanessa Lewis at (202)482-8327.

Traveler's Corner

Question: Can a traveler be reimbursed for collision damage waiver or theft insurance when renting a vehicle while on official travel within the Continental U.S.?

Answer: A traveler will not be reimbursed for collision damage waiver or theft insurance for official travel within the Continental U.S. If you have questions, call your travel contact or Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

ITA Comings and Goings 06/27/04 - 08/09/04

Arrivals - WELCOME!

OUS -  Scott Dunaway, Meredith Williams;  ADMIN - Steven Mauldin;  IA -  Myrna Lobo, Prentis Smith;  MAC -  Jennifer Baker, Amy Celico, Anthony Cino, Aron Davidson, Maria Di Giulio, Ryan Haddad, Alita Slaughter;  TD -  Vidya Kori, Bronson Lee, Alex Yu;  US&FCS -  John Coronado, Jeffrey Hamilton, John Jambois, Jennifer Kirsch, Pompeya Lambrecht, Kristen McGrath, Mark O Grady, Andrew Rahaman.

Departures

OUS -  Tiffany McCullen;  ADMIN - Lloyd Parrish;  IA -  Brian Ellman, Alicia Kinsey, Jonathan McKernan, Kevin Williams;  TD - Christopher Johnston, Melissa Kopolow, Kathryn McCormick, Jacob Miller, David O'Connell, Robert Reiley;  US&FCS -  Patricia Flower, Stephen Johnson, Rey Makalintal.

Where Do I Find.... Information about competing cell phone plans. One of the telecommunications contractors that ITA works with, Telebright, offers a continuously updated website http://www.telebright.com/, where you can find all the wireless options and pricing plans available in your metropolitan area.  Just log on, put in your zip code and a summary chart will show details for all the major plans.  If you have questions, contact Jeff Scherr at (202)482-3266.