ITA New Employees Orientation

ITA successfully launched a redesigned and improved Orientation Training Program for new ITA employees in October 2005.  The program explains ITA’s strategic goals and objectives so that new employees can fully contribute to the mission of the organization.  The training also emphasizes the benefits of ITA’s 2004 reorganization and showcases the synergies among all four ITA units on crosscutting issues.  Having an even stronger orientation program in ITA benefits managers and employees alike and will save managers a significant amount of time in explaining ITA’s mission and role to new hires.  The format for the improved program is highly interactive and is conducted by a professional trainer. ITA is excited about the program, and plans to present this training program to new employees each quarter.  Following the program’s success in October, ITA has already re-assembled a dedicated team of ITA staff to present this training on February 8, 2006. The Program Area Expert team members include:  Alicia Robinson-Morgan (MAC), Barb Rawdon (MAS), Sarah Caldejon and Susan Hupka (CS), James Maeder and Steven Presing (IA), John Larsen (TPCC), Stephanie Seega Melrose (OCIO), and Charles Jefferson (Admin).  The course Instructor is Beryle Randall (CS).  If you are a new ITA employee since October 2005, and have not received an invitation to take this course, please contact Charles Jefferson, CFO/Admin, Office of Organization and Management Support, to register and/or if you need further information at (202)482-6078.  

Process for renewing or replacing Building Passes

This is a correction to the Jan 18th article on new requirements for requesting building passes.  The process for current headquarters employees has NOT changed.  Supervisors must still email HCHB Security at HCHBsecurity@doc.gov authorizing a badge renewal or replacement for a current employee.  However obtaining a pass for a new employee or renewing a contractor’s pass does require following the new process outlined in the Jan 18th issue of "Administrivial Pursuits".  Please call or email Hamilton Humes at (202)482-6123 or Hamilton.Humes@mail.doc.gov with any questions.

Restricted Purchase Card Limits Lifted 

The requirement to assess credit worthiness for new purchase card applicants prior to issuance of cards has been rescinded.  Cardholders who were under a $500 single purchase/$1,000 monthly limit have been increased to $2,500 single purchase/$10,000 monthly limit ($20,000 monthly for overseas cardholders).  If you have questions please contact Robin Carpenter at (202)482-4989 or via email at Robin.Carpenter@mail.doc.gov .

Accounting and Financial Systems, OFM, will be conducting training sessions addressing operations under a 2-year appropriation. Sessions will be held at 9:30am and 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 in room 4830 HCHB. Staff involved with initiating obligation documents, reviewing accounting reports, monitoring budget execution, and similar activities are encouraged to attend. To register, please send an e-mail to Steve Varholy at Stephen.Varholy@mail.doc.gov by cob, Monday, February 6, 2006.

Procurement Corner

Question: How does a Cardholder change information on their purchase card? 

Answer: To change information on your existing Purchase Card, access the ITA2061, Government Purchase or Travel Card Maintenance Form, available on the ITA Intranet, Ourplace, e-forms, at http://ourplace.ita.doc.gov. To change information on the purchase card complete:

Section I. Identify the account to be updated

Type cardholder number.

Type name of cardholder as it appears on the card.

Section II. Type of Cardholder maintenance request 

Indicate by the type of maintenance requested.

Section III. Cardholder Information

Complete in Section III only that information to be changed in the cardholder account.

Section IV. Reporting Parameters 

 Leave Blank

Section V. Authorization Parameters 

 Leave Blank

Section VI. Account Closure Instructions 

 Approving Official Signature

Section VII. Agency Organization Program Coordinator Signature Return form to Robin Carpenter in Room 4001 who will sign as ITA Program Coordinator.

Where Do I Find....Explanations for Codes that Appear on my Earnings & Leave Statement?

Have you ever wondered about a code appearing on your Earnings & Leave Statement, and wanted to know what that code really means?  Now you can find a list of these codes and their explanations on the Internet at http://www.ita.doc.gov/hrm/leave/earncodes.htm.  For more information on pay and leave, check the ITA Office of Human Resources Management website at http://www.ita.doc.gov/hrm/pay-lv.html.  If you have questions contact Lorese Green at (202)482-5232.