CPC Webinar on Space A Travel

A huge “Thank you!” goes out to CAPT Dan Simon for his presentation and discussion at this past Wednesday’s CPC Webinar on Space A Travel. The first of a revived series of CPC webinars as part of our efforts to improve outreach and transparency to the workforce, you will see more of these pop up on calendars in the coming months. Each webinar will have a main topic, but we will also use it to highlight a few CPC effort updates and/or topics of interest that you can provide in a pre-webinar input form. For those who were unable to catch this month’s webinar, some summary notes and a link to CAPT Simon’s slides are linked here. Thank you again, CAPT Simon!

OMAO Diversity and Inclusion Program Advisor

On behalf of OMAO’s Diversity & Inclusion program, please read and share with any who may be interested the below advertisement for a prospective new D&I Program Advisor position.

• D&I Advisor: Guide efforts and create opportunities to define, assess, promote and enhance diversity and inclusive excellence and equity and cultural proficiency. Take initiative in assisting with the development and implementation of NOAA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, tools and processes focused on the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce in alignment with the 2019-2024 OMAO Strategic Plan.
• D&I Facilitator: With guidance from the D&I Program Manager, maintain a strong awareness of global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues and trends; educate others across the organization on DEI issues; coach and mentor leaders on diversity issues and trends.
• Program/Project Manager: Navigate nuances and sensitivities involved in facilitating change in OMAO, while also demonstrating the ability to build strong interpersonal relationships at all levels. Assist the DE&I Program Manager in developing project plans for a year long OMAO Diversity and Inclusion Stand-Up. This will include defining and detailing the scope, objectives, approach, delivery schedule, and communications strategy.

Click on the link to find out more: https://openopps.usajobs.gov/tasks/4820

From Your NOAA Corps Medical Affairs Team: Health Tips for the Holidays and New Year

As 2023 winds down and we reflect back on the year, we want to thank you for working with us through many transitions. This year was a major milestone for us in Medical Affairs as we all reported in 2023 and implemented numerous improvements.

We would like to share some health tips to start 2024 with:

• Ensure adequate rest. Seven or more hours of sleep per night is recommended for most adults. This may be difficult, but not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders.
• Try to choose food wisely. This can be especially tricky during the holidays, nonetheless consuming a healthy amount is key.
• Take time to exercise. Consider a 30-minute walk. Being more active can help people think, feel, and sleep better. It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
• Consider visiting your local pharmacy or your medical provider. You can visit a local TriCare network pharmacy to update your vaccines or schedule a routine visit with your primary care provider to complete recommended health screenings. Please remember to send us a copy of your medical documents through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

We are eager to work with you in 2024 to provide continuing medical support. Our Medical Affairs team is here to support your medical needs. We wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season!
-- CDR Pacia-Rantayo, LCDR Zalno and LT Jones-Beatty
noaacorps.medical@noaa.gov

Reimbursement when Transportation Management Company (TMC, CWTSato) cannot be reached

When the Authorizing Official certifies that a traveler was unable to make arrangements for official travel through the TMC in a timely manner, the TMC is considered not available. In these cases, the traveler may receive reimbursement for actual authorized transportation costs, including the transaction fee, but the total transportation reimbursement must not exceed the government-contracted fare that meets mission requirements. The Authorizing Official must certify on an individual basis that the authority to self-procure transportation is authorized and the lack of availability of the TMC.

If you have any questions, please contact Jerrard baker at 301-713-7728 or jerrard.baker@noaa.gov

Did You Know? Bi-Monthly Payroll CutOff Dates

Once in a while you may hear folks at CPC and/or NOAA Corps Payroll talk about Bi-monthly Payroll Cutoff Dates (a.k.a. “Pay Cut”). NOAA Corps pay is completely date driven, and NOAA Corps Payroll must adhere to specific dates for documents to be entered into the pay system so that officers (the members) are paid on time. We stress to you, the member, to ensure you transmit your pay-related documents, no matter what they are, to NOAA Corps Payroll as quickly as possible, to help ensure you are paid as quickly and accurately as possible. There are two (2) Pay Cuts per month, a Mid-month and an End-month, and any documents that are received after those dates won’t be reflected until the member’s next pay date. EXAMPLE: The last Pay Cut for this calendar year was December 19, 2023. To receive any earned FSA, Dive Pay, changed BAH, etc. as part of a member’s December 31 pay, appropriate documentation must be sent to NOAA Corps payroll (via HRMS in your OPF Online) in enough time to process the change in the system by end of day on December 19, 2023. Documents received and processed after that date will be reflected in the next pay cut, which in this instance is in January 2024.

The following are the Payroll Cutoff Dates for the next three (3) months:

Please let the CPC team know if you have any questions, and Happy Holidays!

Annual Billet Review

Don't forget to check your billet descriptions as part of the End of Year Package. If you need to make changes, use NOAA Form 56-28A, and start the routing process in section 14 A-C. The billet should then go to your Line Office Liaison for review. Please be sure to let them know what changes you made. The Line Office Liaison will send it to CPC’s Assignment Branch, where it will be checked in to complete the routing process. Any major changes in location, rank, or repurposing a billet must include a memo. If you have any questions, please contact LT Melissa Trede at assignmentbranch.cpc@noaa.gov.