Oct 13-AMS/GIPSA/FSA Reorganization Update

Good afternoon Stakeholder,

This week marks another major milestone as we begin to migrate affected GIPSA and FSA employees' email profiles into the AMS system. The IT Team is sending out specific instructions to affected employees as their migration nears. The schedule of the migration is outlined below:                       

• Oct. 10 - GIPSA IT
• Oct. 12 - GIPSA Office of the Administrator
• Oct. 12 - GIPSA CR/EEO
• Oct. 12 - GIPSA Management & Budget Services
• Oct. 17 - Packers & Stockyards
• Oct. 24 & 31 - FGIS
• Oct. 31 - FSA 

Below you will find frequently asked questions concerning this email migration process. I want to thank the teams for working so diligently to begin this task and ensure its success. As always, we want to ensure the best customer service to you, our fellow employee and our most valued customer. 

Feel free to ask additional questions by submitting them to employeeqs@ams.usda.gov or amsadministratoroffice@ams.usda.gov. 

If you haven’t already, sign up to receive future updates through GovDelivery and remind your colleagues.   

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Bruce Summers

Acting AMS Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What do I need to do to prepare for the Migration?

Answer: All instructions will be emailed to each affected account. Everyone’s email address will be migrated after 9 pm on the dates listed above. All email synchronization should be completed by the following morning. 

Question: What do I need to do for my Mobile Device? 

Answer: Please be sure you have your network and Apple credentials available as those will be needed to resync the device. Users will have to resync their mobile device using their Active Directory (AD) password. If you don’t know your AD password or have any issues, call your appropriate Service Desk. 

Question: After the Merger, who will I call for IT support? 

Answer:

FSA users: Please contact your existing Customer Helpdesk at 877-873-0783.                   

GISPA users: Please contact your existing Customer Helpdesk at 866-484-4772 or submit a ticket at: 

 GIPSA Ticket Request

Question: Will I get new IT equipment?

Answer:  No.     

Question: Do I need to change my Business Cards? 

Answer: No. Your @usda.gov email address will continue to receive emails at that address throughout your time at USDA.

Question: Should I change my signature line within my Email?

Answer: Yes. Replace your new email address within your signature to coincide with your new outgoing email address.

Question: Will my delegated accounts reside in my Outlook profile after the new profile is created?

Answer: No, any additional accounts will have to be added back into your Outlook Profile. Please take note of the accounts that you have delegations for and be prepared to re-add that account name within your Outlook Profile.

Question: My mobile device has a message that says that my account is corrupted. What do I do?

Answer: 

1. Select the Home key,
2. Return to the main screen, 
3. Choose the email Plus Icon then
4. Enter your network password.

Question: Will the GIPSA and FSA distribution lists in the Global Address Book still be available and work for me?

Answer: Yes, the current GIPSA and FSA distribution groups will continue to work as they have previously.

Question: Will the GIPSA and FSA distribution lists in the Global Address Book always contain “GIPSA” or "FSA'? 

Answer: No, soon a more precise naming standard reflecting the new organizations and staff in AMS will be provided and the “GIPSA” and “FSA” labels  will be removed.

Question: Will I lose my PST folders in Outlook?  

Answer: The PST file will not be lost but the PST data file location should be saved before removing current Outlook profile. After the new profile is created, use the data file location that was noted to replace the connection to the PST file. Note: PST files are no longer created because all email is automatically archived to Proofpoint mail archive.  PST files that employees have stored on their PC can still be accessed however it is no longer necessary to create new PST files.  If you have any questions regarding this please contact your helpdesk.

Question: Do I sign into Skype using my new ams.usda.gov email address?

Answer: No change is needed. The Skype application uses your @usda.gov alias for all Skype communication. 

Question: Will my new email address impact my access to WebTA, Concur, Aglearn, TSP or any other websites that require Lincpass? 

Answer: No, the changing of your primary email address to firewalled systems, i.e., within the USDA network (e.g.  EEMS/EAuth, etc.) are notified of the configuration change and no actions are required on your part.