International Travel Policies To: "E - All WRD Employees" cc: "Verne R Schneider, Chief, Intl Water Resources Br, Reston, VA" , "Anna M Lenox, Deputy Chief, IWRB, Reston, VA" , "Catherine L Hill, ACH/Operations, Reston, VA" Subject: International Travel Policies Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 08:28:56 -0400 From: "Catherine L Hill, ACH/Operations, Reston, VA" A memorandum from the Chief, International Water Resources Program, to all WRD Employees dated April 10, 1998, subject: International Program, described recent changes in the foreign travel process. As noted in that memorandum, we live in an era of changing business practices, and on July 28, 1998, the Associate Director for Operations issued a memorandum summarizing additional changes in international travel policies and practices. The latest memorandum does not change current Water Resources Division (WRD) foreign travel practices, but it does formalize bureau policy. Please bear in mind that while the International Programs Unit (IPU) of the Geologic Division is the bureau's point of contact for international travel, the International Water Resources Branch (IWRB) continues to be the point of contact for WRD employees. The IWRB staff acts on behalf of WRD employees in all matters related to foreign travel, and maintains close liaison with the IPU staff. Employees of the WRD should continue to direct any question related to international activities to our IWRB staff. Verne Schneider, Branch Chief, may be contacted at 703-648-5230. Anna Lenox, Deputy Branch Chief, is at 703-648-5053. The Associate Director for Operations' "USGS Policy Memorandum 98.05.OC: International Travel Policies" is provided for your information. Routing instructions for WRD employees have been added (in capital letters) to the Associate Director for Operations memorandum to provide specificity. In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 105 #10850 MEMORANDUM To: Division Chiefs Acting Chief, Office of Program Support From: Barbara J. Ryan Associate Director for Operations Subject: USGS Policy Memorandum 98.05.OC: International Travel Policies Please pass this information on to international travelers within your divisions and offices. This memorandum summarizes recent changes in U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) international travel policies and practices. In a February 26 memorandum, I alerted you to a new policy that provides supervisors with the discretion to approve an employee's annual leave while on foreign travel status. Recommendations of the USGS International Programs Unit have led to additional international travel policy changes as follows: International travelers should submit their completed international travel requests, DI-1175's, through division channels to the International Programs Unit of the Geologic Division 30 days prior to departure from the U.S. This will allow adequate time to obtain approvals and clearances. Any international traveler unable to meet the 30-day requirement must submit a memorandum to the International Programs Unit explaining the circumstances and benefits. (WRD EMPLOYEES SHOULD CONTINUE TO FORWARD FOREIGN TRAVEL INFORMATION THROUGH SUPERVISORY CHANNELS TO IWRB. IWRB WILL COMPLETE THE DI-1175 AND SUBMIT TO THE IPU.) The Director's Office requires completed DI-1175's no fewer than 21 days prior to scheduled departure. If the dates of planned international travel change, travelers must submit an amended DI-1175. The amended DI-1175 should be submitted through division channels to the International Programs Unit as soon as any change occurs. (WRD EMPLOYEES SHOULD CONTINUE TO FORWARD AMENDMENT INFORMATION THROUGH SUPERVISORY CHANNELS TO IWRB. IWRB WILL INITIATE AN AMENDED DI-1175 AND SUBMIT TO THE IPU.) The Department of State requires international travelers on travel status for more than 60 days to obtain medical clearances and physicals. Please contact the International Programs Unit at ( 703) 648-6158 to obtain authorization forms. The International Program Unit (IPU) resides in the Geologic Division, but is the bureau's point of contact for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Department of State, and individual Embassies for all USGS international travelers. Once DI-1175s are approved by divisions, they are submitted to the IPU for processing and to obtain further approvals. Because IPU processes about 750-800 international trips per year, it is especially important for bureau travelers to be supportive by submitting their completed requests well in advance of the proposed travel dates. We encourage international travelers within your division and office to contact the International Program Unit if they have questions about international travel policy or approval procedures. The telephone number is (703) 648-6158. (WRD EMPLOYEES MAY CONTACT IWRB STAFF. CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS ARE PROVIDED IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH ABOVE.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************** * Cathy Hill * * Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Operations * * U.S. Geological Survey * * 441 National Center * * Reston, VA 22092 * * Phone: (703) 648-5031 * * Fax: (703) 648-5295 * ***************************************************