In Reply Refer To:

Mail Stop 409

August 7, 2001

Memorandum

To: All Employees, Water Resources Discipline

From: Robert M. Hirsch

Associate Director for Water

Subject: USGS National Training Center Operations – Hotels and Rental Cars

The USGS National Training Center (NTC) historically has been the focal point for learning and networking within the Water Resources Discipline (WRD), and as a result has yielded immeasurable returns over the years for the science and people in the Discipline. Our commitment to provide effective learning opportunities and to maximize networking opportunities in a cost-effective manner remains strong, and that commitment leads us to examine policies concerning NTC operations on a regular basis. With that in mind, we have asked the NTC to reinstate coordination of carpool and hotel arrangements to save travel costs. Effective with those classes beginning September 2001, the USGS NTC will again designate carpool drivers and passengers, and pre-negotiate/designate hotels (with course coordinator concurrence) in which students will reside. To minimize the coordination efforts required by NTC staff, I ask for your cooperation when called upon to be a carpool driver, in accepting your carpool assignment, and in staying at the designated hotel.

A detailed layout of shared responsibilities among the NTC staff, course coordinators, and students, is located in the attachment. Please note that rental cars will be available at the designated hotel. All students will use the shuttle to and from the airport.

	USGS NTC Responsibilities	Course Coordinator Responsibilities	Student Responsibilities
Hotel	Negotiate a preferred rate with at least one Full Service and one Extended Service Hotel. Provide choices to the course coordinator.	Select one hotel in which the coordinator(s), instructor(s) and students will be housed. (Designation of hotel keeps students together and facilitates networking and carpooling.)	Make own reservation at designated hotel.
Rental Cars	Negotiate a preferred rate with rental car company and arrange pre-placement of rental cars at designated hotel. Designate/appoint rental car drivers and passengers.	.	Fulfill obligation to drive if designated a rental car driver.
Airport Shuttle	Continue to negotiate reduced rate for shuttle from airport to hotel and return		Take shuttle to and from airport. No car rental authorized at the airport (surcharge is much higher at airport)