Office of Intramural Training and Education: Sharon Milgram, Ph.D.

Sharon stated that the Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) is responsible for trans-NIH education initiatives, and it is her goal to maximize the training and education benefit for all NIH trainees at all levels. She has established a Trainee Advisory Committee that consists of 2 trainees from each training category. Thus far, the committee has determined that more than 50% of NIH trainees do not understand the NIH system, they feel lost at the NIH, and they find it hard to integrate. OITE is now developing processes and procedures to deal with these concerns. This includes establishing mechanisms to know who all of the trainees are so that OITE can be better orient them, and provide opportunities to become better acclimated to NIH's education system in order to maximize their NIH experience and training. OITE is also now developing various booklets/pamphlets to provide to fellows, and they are hoping to develop an enhanced infrastructure to improve communication, to better develop trainees, and improve their scientific skills through mentoring and career counseling. The overall goal is to inform all NIH trainees that they have a home with OITE, in addition to their own IC or lab. Sharon asks that we contact her by phone (301-594-2053) or e-mail (milgrams@od.nih.gov) if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for improving OITE services.

A76 Update: Katy Perry

Katy informed the group that NIH is operating under a Green Plan, which states the positions that must be studied by 2008. Preliminary planning is taking place in the areas of IT Systems Development, IT e-mail services, and IT Administrative Services. In addition, preplanning is occurring in the area of OD/Extramural Administrative Support Services. Further studies are underway for R000.15 (Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation), R000.17 (Legislative Support), and R000.18 (Communications Support).

Katy discussed the definition of those positions slated for attrition. If an 'attrition' position is vacated by a federal employee, the position must be filled by a contractor. ICs will NOT lose those FTEs; they can be used for other programmatic needs. They have established a task force to look for other long-term contracting options with multiple vendors to fill these administrative positions via an easy contract mechanism. This is not a personal services contract, but a long-term contract. Although they are working on this, many clearances are required in order to get this finalized so it will likely not be available this fiscal year. It has been advertised in FedBizOpps.

NBS Update: Debbie Fountain

Debbie informed the group that the first few days of 'Go Live' were quiet, but they expect business to pick up. They are providing daily updates to the IC/OD Advocates and the Executive Officers, and they are also posting them on the NBS website. NBS Fact Sheets have been moved to the NBS Functional Pages, along with student guides and job aids. The NBS will be providing onsite support for at least the first two weeks, but they expect it to be extended. The stabilization schedules are now posted. Debbie will look into whether or not the NBS could send out daily schedules.

EHRP Update: Jennifer Burton and Tim Newman

Tim informed the group that Capital HR will be deployed on 7/16/07, as required by the Department of Health and Human Services. There is no leeway with this date. EHRP will go down on 7/8/07 and will be down for one week. Three training modules are now available for training. They include:

Module 1: Navigation

Module 2: New System Functionality

Module 3: Recruitment Section

The training modules, less then 15 minutes in duration, focus mainly on the changes from EHRP to Capital HR. The recruitment process in HR Capital is completely different than EHRP; everything is on one page now. Worklists will not be transferred over; we will need to keep manual records of our worklists and all worklists must be cleared by June 29. Training, the Quick Reference Guide, and more are available for all system users on the EHRP/Capital HR portlet on the AO Community and Admin/Managers Page on the HR Community. Additionally, please continue to check this location for the latest information.

HR Roles and Responsibilities: Tim Tosten and Phil Lenowitz

Tim and Phil discussed the spreadsheet of HR Roles and Responsibilities between the ICs and OHR. This document was difficult to prepare, taking over a year of dedication and negotiating to complete, but is very much needed. They consider this document a living and breathing document that will change over time, but it is their hope that this will eliminate much confusion on who does what, ultimately improving administrative and human resources relationships.

IAMC Charter: Donna Siegle

Donna informed the council that the mission statement and charter are now finalized. The Chairs will work on a plan to present the document to the NIH senior leadership. Because the IAMC doesn't wish to lose momentum, Donna Siegle, Ellen Rolfes, and Dinah Huffer have agreed to serve in one of three positions established by the charter until January 2007: Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Secretary. Donna informed the group that she will take on the role of the Chair, Ellen Rolfes will become the Vice Chair, and Dinah Huffer will be the IAMC's Executive Secretary. In January 2007, the IAMC will be able to vote for new members to fill these three roles.