SmartBenefit Program

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has mandated that all federal workers participating in the Transit Benefit Program in the National Capital Region transition from Metrocheks (paper fare media) to SmartBenefits (electronic smart card technology) by January 2008.  Participants that use commuting modes that have not adopted the SmarTrip technology by that date, will continue to receive Metrocheks.  The SmartBenefits program allows participants to digitally download the dollar value of the Metrochek benefit directly into the SmarTrip card account.  Some advantages of  SmartBenefits is:  No more worries about damaged or lost paper cards and lost Smartrip cards are easily replaced with the balance transferred to the replacement card.  Participants are encouraged to begin signing up for the program by purchasing and registering a SmarTrip card from Metro at WMATA.com or any Commuter Direct Store.  After registering the card with Metro, complete the transit benefit application (ITA-2064), which is available on the ITA Intranet “Our Place” at http://ourplace.ita.doc.gov.  and the SmartBenefits Application found at:  http://www.osec.doc.gov/oas/trans2.htm.  Return both forms to Sharon Russell, ITA Transit Benefit Coordinator, in room 4001.  If you currently participate in the SmartBenefits program, you will still need to complete ITA-2064, transit benefit application and the SmartBenefits form.  All ITA Metrochek participants must be signed up for the program by August 31, 2007.  If you have questions, please contact Sharon Russell at (202)482-3267.

All ITA employees who have supervisory approval to have business cards can obtain them by providing a completed SF-1 and an ITA Business Card Procurement Form to the Commerce print shop. ITA will cover up to $60 for approved business cards.  The cost to print 250 cards using the template is now $50 instead of  $35 and for 500 cards it is now $70 instead of $55. To obtain the correct forms, visit http://trade.gov/brand and click on the link under "templates" labeled "business cards".  If you have questions please contact Nina Harris at (202)482-3585.

C. Request Training

NOAA will be conducting C.Request Requsitioner and C.Request Reviewer/Approver Classes for those who have not taken the training in early June.  The training date and time will be forthcoming.To reserve a seat please send an email to Robin Carpenter at Robin.Carpenter@mail.doc.gov seating will be reserved on a first come first serve basis.   Requisitioner classes are designed for anyone who needs an understanding of how to enter a requisition in C.Request. Reviewer/Approver class is designed for anyone who will be reviewing or approving a requisition, i.e. supervisor, budget officials.  If you have questions please contact Robin Carpenter at (202)482-4989 or via email at Robin.Carpenter@mail.doc.gov .

Index of Services

In an effort to assist ITA customers meet their needs, an Index of Services is available on the CFO web site http://ita.doc.gov/Adminon-line/IndexofServices.htm. Located on the main CFO website, “How can I Help You?” left menu bar, second option from the top this link provides a reference that identifies frequently requested CFO/ Admin services and provides the names and telephone numbers of primary and alternate service providers (where appropriate). CFO/Admin would like to encourage employees to become familiar with and utilize this resource.  This link is part of an ongoing and larger effort to deliver excellent customer service to ITA staff.  If you have questions contact Elizabeth Barnaby at (202)482-0482.