OCFO Week in Review: Week of February 28–March 4, 2022

banner for the o.c.f.o. week in review for the week of february 28-march 4, 2022

Announcements

hiring

OCFO Job Announcements

New! Supervisory Accountant (GS-13, 510 series): Office of Financial Management (BGC). Kansas City, MO. Closes Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

To feature an opening in the next Week in Review, use the OCFO Week in Review submissions form.

GSA Starmark

New: Phased Reentry Dates Announced

In late March and early April, GSA employees who are not fully remote will begin returning to the office, and new telework agreements will go into effect. The phased reentry schedule is:

  • The week of March 28: Senior executives and appointees return
  • The week of April 4: Managers and supervisors return
  • The week of April 11: Staff return

As part of phased reentry, GSA is collecting information on employee's COVID booster status. Providing booster status is optional, but you may not be considered up-to-date and you may be subject to additional safety protocols if you're eligible for a booster but don't provide proof that you've received one. Submit your certification of booster form by Thursday, March 10, 2022.

If you have any questions, please email SaferGSAWorkforce@gsa.gov.

Reminder: Update Your Telework Agreement

Between now and Friday, March 18, employees must update their telework or remote work agreements. OHRM is providing Navigating Telework Agreements in HR Links training, which covers the new GSA Telework and Remote Work Policy and walks employees through how to create and submit telework agreements in HR Links. If you have questions about updating your agreement or the new policy, contact GSA’s Telework Program Manager, Michele Daughtry

For employees who changed their pay locality since September 2021, you will need to attach an approved Remote Work Analysis Tool to your telework agreement. If you fall within this group, you should've already been contacted by the OCFO front office and given guidance. If you think you are in this group and have not been contacted, please send an email to Nancy Hon or Erik Dorman.

ICYMI: This Week's Messages from GSA Leadership

3/3: Associate Administrator Exodie Roe provides an update on GSA's FY 2022 Small Business Prime Contracting and Subcontracting Goals

3/2: The deputy administrator shares a reentry update, focusing on how GSA will implement new CDC guidance

3/1: Administrator Carnahan recognizes Women's History Month and shares concrete ways to celebrate — including by highlighting GSA women on the agency's social media channels

3/1: Administrator Carnahan shares a thank you from the president

2/28: Deputy Administrator Katy Kale announces phased reentry dates — March 28 for senior executives, April 4 for managers and supervisors, and April 11 for staff

Check out the Messages from Leadership page on InSite, where you can find past messages from GSA leaders.

OCFO Activities

hello spring illustration

New Poll: Hello, Spring!

March 1st marked the beginning of meteorological spring here in the Northern Hemisphere. Though it might not feel like it everywhere, and the vernal equinox is still a few weeks away, the hallmarks of spring are on the way.

This week, we want to know: Are you ready for spring?

Respond to the poll by next Thursday, March 10, to have your vote counted. Then check back next Friday for the results. To share ideas for future polls, send us an email.

cup of coffee and coffee beans

Reminder: Sign Up for Coffee with Mehul

It’s not too late to sign up for Coffee with Mehul. During these regularly scheduled small-group sessions, employees across the organization have the opportunity to make introductions, ask questions, and share suggestions with our acting CFO. Interested in participating? Sign up for Coffee with Mehul! Already signed up? Stay tuned for a Google Calendar invite.

OCFO Analytics Corner

Welcome to the OCFO Analytics Corner! Each week, the Analytics Community of Practice (A-CoP) team will be sharing events, training, resources, and more. Complete this Google Form to receive more information about the A-CoP or to get involved. 

tableau logo

How to Get a Tableau Desktop License

Much has changed since the early days of distributing Tableau Desktop licenses. There are more licenses available today than in the past for OCFO analysts who need to develop and maintain dashboards using Tableau Desktop or build and modify data sets in Tableau Prep. These licenses are at no additional cost to OCFO. Just follow these simple steps to request a license!

Shout Outs

Every week we will feature OCFO colleagues who have been recognized by their peers for their great work and character. This is a quick, easy, and fun way to acknowledge and thank one another. To recognize one (or more) of your peers in the next Week in Review, use the OCFO Shout Outs Google Form.

shout outs

Shout out to Andy Bramble (BR2R)!

Andy and I work in different divisions. There are times when we come together to resolve financial issues. To me, Andy is a standout. He is always willing to assist when we must get issues resolved either on his side or mine. Teamwork is what I see in Andy. I am incredibly grateful to have a co-worker like Andy. It is a prime example of how we can work across divisions to get the job done. Thank you, Andy, for your assistance!

Submitted by: Regina Norvell (BR2B)

Shout out to Mark Sachse (BIA) and David NA (BIA)!

David and Mark were instrumental in analyzing the 2022 GSA Risk Survey results used to kickoff the risk conversation with the Enterprise Risk and Strategic Initiatives Board. Their ability to quickly turn data into visualizations showing trends made it easy to customize slide decks for various audiences and pull out key takeaways. The analysis they provided is a major step into creating this year’s GSA Risk Profile. Their Tableau skills are unmatched, and it’s always such a pleasure to work with them!

Submitted by: Katie Rooney (BIS)

Trainings & Resources

GSA will be transitioning Online University to a new platform in May 2022. OHRM and GSA IT will provide updates as the process unfolds. Because of the transition, some mandatory training refresher courses will be delayed. These courses will have due dates of August 31 or October 31. The mandatory supervisor refresher training is still available and is due Tuesday, March 22.

lunch and learn logo

New: Lunch & Learn - How to Write a Performance Self- Assessment in HR Links

In this session, you will learn how to write an effective self-assessment in HR Links to showcase your accomplishments, and more.

Presenter: Lakita Rivero
When: Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 2–3 p.m. Eastern

GSA IT Logo - Large

New: GSA IT Tech Training

Sign up for these upcoming tech training classes.

DocuSign - This introductory, instructor-led training consists of a slide presentation, DocuSign sending and signing demonstrations, and Q&A. Any GSA employee is welcome to attend.

Telework Agreements in HR Links - This course covers how to create and submit your telework agreement in HR Links, provides telework policy updates, and clarifies types of telework. This is virtual, instructor-led presentation and demo in HR Links. Any GSA employee is welcome to attend.

Short on time but want to learn something new? Check out the IT Insider's top 12 tech tips.

Reminder: GSA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Training - The Science Behind Diversity: Harnessing Cognitive Diversity

This training provides a unique blend of science-based research and interactive, thought-provoking exercises that produce better and smarter teams and organizations. Participants will come to understand the importance of working with a diverse workforce using inclusive mindsets, behaviors, and skills to enhance relationships and achieve optimal team results. 

Non-Supervisory Sessions (5 hours):

March 10 | March 18 | March 25 | April 21

Supervisory Sessions* (Part I & Part II, 2.5 hours each):  

*Note: Supervisors need to register for both Parts I and II

Part I: March 7 | March 16 
Part II: April 12 | April 20

If you have any questions, comments, or need to arrange reasonable accommodation, please email ohrm-hc-diversity-and-inclusion@gsa.gov.  

budget line of business

Reminder: Register Now for the Intro to Budget Forum

Registration is now open for the first ever Intro to Budget Forum, scheduled for April 4, 5, 6, and 7! Join the Budget LoB for an annual governmentwide conference dedicated to introducing professionals to the budget process. Check out the session descriptions on the Agenda page or view all the RSVPs on the roll-up page to register for sessions of interest. 

If special accommodations are necessary for you to attend the Forum, please send an e-mail to BudgetLoB@ed.gov by Friday, March 18, 2022. Please specify your particular need in the e-mail.