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Good Day Stakeholder,
AMS Leadership Visits Kansas City
 Acting AMS Administrator Bruce Summers, Acting Federal Grain Inspection Service Deputy Administrator Dana Coale and AMS Associate Administrator Erin Morris speak with staff during a visit to Kansas City, MO, facilities on Nov. 7-8.
The group, along with several other key leaders, toured the facilities, met the staff and answered questions about the realignment and the future of the combined AMS mission.
 Packers and
Stockyards Program Emerging Professional Visits New Orleans
On Oct. 9 -11, Agricultural Marketing Specialist Victoria Rowland with the Packers and Stockyard Program traveled to New Orleans to take part in the American Society for Testing and Materials' (ASTM) International Emerging Professionals Program, which coincided with the ASTM October Technical Committee Meetings. Victoria participated in leadership development training and attended workshops on developing and using skills such as negotiation, consensus building, and problem-solving. She also had the opportunity to observe the technical committee meetings.
On Oct. 12, Victoria participated in the virtual meeting of the F10 committee on Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation Systems. The committee develops standards for livestock, meat, and poultry evaluation systems and coordinates with other organizations and government agencies having mutual interest. The work of F10 is a high priority for USDA and is supported by a wide range of stakeholders to achieve fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat, and poultry industry.
"The Emerging Professionals Program was so much more than attending workshops and sitting in on technical meetings," Rowland said. "It was a tremendous opportunity. As an ASTM member, I now share in the responsibility and privilege of working to produce the most respected standards in the industry. Becoming an ASTM Emerging Professional has given me a front-row seat to the making of history."
Photo (L to R): Victoria Rowland (third from left) poses with conference attendees Nelson Vieira de Carvalho, Steven Owens, Renee Edlund, Alan Wright, Katie Chapman, and Lindsey Hamill.
Keith Adams Named new MAP Deputy Administrator
 Keith B. Adams was recently
named the AMS Deputy Administrator of the Management and Analysis Program (MAP). He leads a complex
and diverse organization of administrative, scientific, professional and
administrative staff that support AMS mission and process improvement activities.
Previously Keith served as the Assistant Administrator for the
Telecommunications Program in USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. In that role he managed the Telecommunications
Program's $5 billion loan portfolio and its grant programs, with an annual budget of almost $1 billion.
Keith's tenure with the USDA first began in 2001
as a Marketing Specialist with the Foreign Agricultural Service. His experience
also includes time with the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Small Business
Administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Cotton and Tobacco Program Recognized for IT Innovation in Cotton Grading
The AMS Cotton and Tobacco (C&T) Program recently received an award for transforming its Quality Management Program for electronic cotton grading from a manual, intensive, time-delayed, and cost-burdened system to a near real-time, efficient, and cost-effective system.
TIBCO Software honored the program with its “Trailblazer – Pioneer Award.” The award recognizes innovative organizations that use IT to lower the cost of ownership, improve efficiency and increase agility.
The C&T Program was nominated for the award based on its use of the company’s Spotfire business analytics as a platform. C&T has also applied Spotfire to other functions within the program, including Market News, financial management, personnel, and engineering.They have also assisted other AMS programs with acquiring, learning, and using the software for their respective operations and functions.
TIBCO presents its Trailblazer awards to a select few organizations each year to recognize “the organizations and people leveraging technology in revolutionary and enterprising ways.”
Caption: From left to right, C&T members Benjamin Grimm, (kneeling), Ray Scroggins, Jeff Carnahan, Ronnie Robbins, Darryl Earnest, Barbara Meredith, Jeanie Fowler, Steve Grantham (kneeling), and John Wallace were honored at the TIBCO Now software conference in San Diego, CA, for their transformative work to make cotton grading more efficient.
 LPS Presents Vendor of the
Year Award
The Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program presents its Vendor of the Year Award annually at the USDA Foods Contractors and Suppliers Industry Meeting. This year’s award went to Caviness Beef Packers, a family owned and operated beef packer and further processor. With facilities in Texas and Idaho, Caviness produces boneless beef and ground beef items for various federal nutrition assistance programs.
On Nov. 3, Steve Whisenant, Agricultural Marketing Specialist with the Food Safety and Commodity Specification Division (FSCSD), delivered the award to the Caviness family and facility managers at the Caviness beef grinding plant in Amarillo, Texas.
Pictured: Steve Whisenant (fourth from the left), FSCSD, presents Caviness Beef Packers with the Vendor of the Year Award.
Use or Lose A/L Donations to the Leave Transfer Program Deadline
The Leave Transfer Program is accepting
leave donations. If you are interested in donating annual leave or restored
annual leave to the Leave Transfer Program, click here.
This link will take you to our Leave Transfer Program website where you will
find the current leave recipient list. You will also find instructions for
donating electronically via the webTA system and instructions for using the
Leave Transfer Program – Donor Application (AD-1043). If you choose to use the
Donor Application form (AD-1043), please submit it (via email or fax) to your
servicing Leave and
Compensation Team Specialist. Please remember to protect any PII.
Please
Note:
If you are interested in donating any use or lose annual leave, please complete
the application and send it to HRO or submit the request in webTA 4.2 by COB,
Monday, Dec. 11.
Reminders:
- Only
whole hours can be donated. Donations with fractional hours (.25, .50 or
.75) cannot be accepted.
- Donors
must include the name of the recipient in block 12 on the Donor Application
(AD-1043). We cannot accept donations without a name nor can we accept
donations with “anyone” listed as the recipient.
Any
questions should be directed to your servicing Leave and
Compensation Team Specialist.
Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) - National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
Notification
In 2015, the Department of Homeland
Security announced the revision of the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), to include an NTAS “Bulletin.” NTAS
Bulletins describe general developments or trends regarding threats of
terrorism. This was a prudent measure that continues to ensure that USDA
employees, as well as the American people at large, are prepared and informed
as we face ever-evolving threats.
The previous NTAS Bulletin expired on
Nov. 9. Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke released an
updated NTAS Bulletin, which is valid through May 9, 2018. The summary of the
new NTAS Bulletin states:
“Since 2015, the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used this Bulletin to highlight the
continuing terror threat to the U.S. Homeland. The United States is engaged in
a generational fight against terrorists who seek to attack the American people,
our country, and our way of life. An informed, vigilant and engaged public
remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential terrorists and prevent
attacks.”
Additional
information can be found on the NTAS homepage: https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system.
Acting
Secretary Duke strongly stated, “Right now the terror threat to our country
equals, and in many ways exceeds, the period around 9/11. We are seeing a
surge in terrorist activity because the fundamentals of terrorism have changed.
Our enemies are crowd-sourcing their violence online and promoting a
“do-it-yourself” approach that involves using any weapons their followers can
get their hands on.”
As always, USDA
security professionals work closely with DHS and other Federal partners to
protect USDA personnel, facilities, and the American public.
Don Bice, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
NOP Deputy Administrator Job Posted
The Deputy Administrator is responsible for managing the activities and functions of the National Organic Program (NOP).
The position exercises full authority for overall planning, coordinating, and directing international program and related activities designed and executed with a view to the overall betterment of the Nation's organic agricultural industry; providing national leadership in developing, coordinating, and integrating program activities with industry and other federal, state, and foreign agencies, as appropriate.
NOP regulates certifying agents, producers, handlers, processors, and State Organic Programs; accredits, audits, and trains organic certifying agents; establishes and monitors international recognition and equivalence agreements and arrangements; administers the NOP appeals program, and supports the National Organic Standards Board.
Federal Benefits Open Season
Nov. 13 – Dec. 11
The Federal Benefits Open Season has begun! This is
your annual opportunity to make changes to your enrollment in the Federal
Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program and the Federal Employees Dental and
Vision Insurance Programs (FEDVIP). It is also the time for you to enroll in
the Federal Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) for health care and/or
dependent care for 2018.
Go to the
MRP Open Season Website for information on what is new this year. You
will find links to information and tools to help you get started reviewing your
coverage and making your decisions for 2018. Supervisors
should ensure that employees who do not have access to email are given a copy
of the Open
Season Information for Employees. You
can also get the latest information from OPM on Facebook and Twitter. OPM
will post reminders, breaking information, and items of interest about the
health, dental, and vision programs, and the flexible spending accounts during
Open Season on both Facebook and Twitter. You do not have to join to
view the information.
The Plan Search tool on the OPM website is a valuable resources
available to you to help you make a decision about your FEHB coverage. By
entering your home zip code, you can see what
health plans are available in your area. You can then select side-by-side
comparisons, including benefits, premiums, and quality indicators. Before you make
a final decision, you should review the individual plan brochures at http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp for details about plan coverage, deductibles, geographic
coverage, and any required membership fees. In addition, check the provider
directories on the health plan’s website to find out about the plan’s doctors
and clinics.
Additional information: Fast
Facts about Open Season
Brown Bag with Cotton & Tobacco Deputy Administrator
Join New and Emerging
Professionals for a discussion with Cotton and Tobacco Program (C&T) Deputy
Administrator, Darryl Earnest:
-
Gain
insight into C&T and how it fits into the overall
AMS mission
-
Learn
about recent accomplishments and upcoming projects for C&T
-
Meet AMS employees from other
program areas and learn about Employee Engagement
Initiatives and Best Practices
Day: Thursday, Nov. 16
Time: 11 am to 12 pm
Location:
Room
3074-S
Call-In:
888-844-9904
Access
Code: 2457923
Questions? Send email to
AMSNEP@ams.usda.gov
 Join Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology and
co-founder of the Character Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, on her talk
about grit. Duckworth describes grit as the tendency to pursue long-term goals
with perseverance and passion, and the predictive power of grit for performance
in a variety of fascinating contexts.
Add the Skillsoft
live event to your to-do-list and read more about Angela Duckworth and the
details of this talk.
NOTE: All USDA Federal Employees have access
to Skillsoft.
If you are not a
Federal employee, you may not have access to this event. Learn more about Access to
SkillSoft material on AgLearn.
More details in the AgLearn Fall Newsletter
 Brown Bag with the AMS Mentoring Program
Lead
Join New and Emerging
Professionals for a discussion with AMS Mentoring Program Lead, Tanya Gouch:
- Gain
insight into the AMS Mentoring Program
- Learn
about how you can participate as a mentee or a mentor to help AMS grow
-
Meet AMS employees from other
program areas and learn about Employee Engagement
Initiatives and Best Practices
- Cheesecake will be provided!
Day: Tuesday, Nov. 21
Time: 11 am to 12 pm
Location:
Room
4530-S
Call-In:
888-844-9904
Access
Code: 2457923
To receive slides and fact sheet please send an email to
AMSNEP@ams.usda.gov with the subject line is mentoring information.
Reasonable Accommodation Training Available
All AMS employees, supervisors, and
managers are strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming Reasonable
Accommodation training.
The training is being offered by the AMS Civil Rights
Program in partnership with the Office of the General Counsel. The session will
cover what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, the definition of a
disability; what is required to request an accommodation; and the
responsibilities of employees, supervisors, and managers in the reasonable
accommodation process.
TIMES:
10 - 11 am – AMS Reasonable Accommodation Training for Employees
(non-supervisors/managers)
2 – 3 pm – AMS Reasonable Accommodation Training for
Supervisors
DATE: Wednesday, Nov. 29
REMOTE
ACCESS: AMS employees and supervisors can attend this training via webinar.
REGISTRATION: Register in AgLearn for this training using one
of the following links:
AMS Reasonable Accommodation Training – Onsite Registration (Fills quickly – only a maximum of 20 individuals per training session): Reasonable Accommodation Onsite Training November 2017. If the onsite session fills, please register via the link above to participate via webinar.
For additional information or to request assistance for special needs, please contact the Civil Rights Program at (202) 720-0583 or email: Carmen.Humphrey@ams.usda.gov.
AMS Reasonable Accommodation Training – Webinar Registration (for Employees and Supervisors): Reasonable Accommodation Webinar Training November
2017
CTOD
Webinar Schedule
Would you like to learn how to use the really helpful career
development resources that the Center for Training and Organizational
Development (CTOD) has developed for your use? Perhaps you would like to learn
about CTOD’s non-technical training that can help enhance your workplace
performance and improve your leadership skills.
During the webinars, you can gain information about these services
and get your individual questions answered.
The webinar link is: http://hrdtraining.adobeconnect.com/amsbb/
and the call in line is: 1-888-844-9904 and enter the access code 7051939#.
Each webinar will run from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm.
- November 30, 2017
- December –No Session
- January 26, 2018
If you have any questions or need any additional information,
please contact James Alexander via e-mail at James.Alexander@aphis.usda.gov or call
301-851-2920
Leadership Development Exchange Peer Coaching - Registration Open
Are you facing high-risk challenges, and don’t feel that you have all the answers? The Leadership Effectiveness Exchange (LEE) uses a peer coaching process because peers can do what experts cannot do to support your learning and development. Peers understand your perspective, and they are “in the mix” with you. You’ll learn a process so that you can take advantage of the skills you already have to help you address your most challenging needs. Offered by USDA’s Virtual University, the session is free of charge.
During the Leadership Effectiveness Exchange (LEE), you will work with a small group of peers in a confidential setting to learn from each other through a peer coaching process. The session runs from 8:30 to noon on Dec. 4 in Room 107a in the Whitten Building.
The session is open to any USDA supervisor, GS-14 or 15 located in the DC metro area and is limited to 16 participants. If you register, please be sure you can participate in the entire session.
Here
are some representative comments from LEE workshop participants:
- Truly
a powerful experience to change my frame of thinking
- This
process gave me a problem solving perspective that I might not have otherwise
obtained
- I
left with new ways of thinking of how to approach the leader challenges I am
facing right now
- Really
helped me to realize I was not alone in facing these types of leader challenges
- I
am more relaxed, less stressed and less anxious around the
leadership challenge I am facing
- If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact
Jake Faibisch (jacob.faibisch@dm.usda.gov
or (202) 260-8352).
2018 USDA Leadership Development Programs
AgLearn has refreshed its Leadership Development Programs with new, shorter, video-based curricula available now.
These programs are great for developing your IDP and, more importantly, setting you up for leadership roles within AMS in the future.
1. The USDA Leadership Essentials Certificate Program (LECP) is a blended learning experience designed for those who are currently in roles that require advanced leadership skills. The program is not a replacement for any Agency leadership programs.
2. The online, cost effective USDA Aspiring Leader Program is designed to assist you with
identifying and strengthening critical leadership skills. It will also introduce you
to the wealth of resources available through AgLearn.
3. The online, cost effective USDA Team Leader Program is designed to assist you in building
your capacity to collaborate with the team, clarify roles, responsibilities and norms, and clarify
the parameters of authority and resources available. It will also introduce you to the wealth of
resources available through AgLearn.
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