March 13, 2010

NASCOE Members,

It has been many years since NASCOE testified at a Congressional hearing.  We had this opportunity on March 10 before the House Sub Committee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.  Joe Baca, CA Chaired this Committee and Jeff Fortenberry, NE was Ranking Minority Leader.  The subject matter for this hearing was on Information Technology Systems (IT).  Testimony was developed from an end user’s perspective and who better than the FSA employees!

NASCOE President, Myron Stroup and Mike Mayfield, National Legislative Co Chair attended the hearing.  FSA Administrator Jonathan Coppess, and OCIO Chris Smith testified on behalf of the Department and Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union, Craig Turner, President of NAFEC, Will Craig, National States Geographic Information Council, and Jim Hrosch, Supervisor Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District also provided testimony. 

This was a good opportunity to identify some ongoing shortfalls with our IT business processes that all employees contend with on a daily basis.  Prior to this hearing, a three question survey was developed and quickly posted to the NASCOE web site within a 24 hour period.  This allowed real time input from employees that was used in the testimony.  This survey was active for a 48 hour period and over 700 responded. 

Transcripts of the testimony given will be posted to this web site.  This was a great opportunity and hopefully the Agriculture Committee will utilize NASCOE in future hearings. 

I would also like to bring to your attention two vacancy announcements that were recently posted, one for GAS employees and one for CO employees.  This announces positions in Washington DC for Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agriculture Systems (MIDAS). Through the MIDAS effort, the agency plans to upgrade our business processes to better utilize existing technology and to improve efficiency of our operations.  WDC management believes it is essential to have actual field experienced staff assist with this project.  FSA is looking to place 12 employees into these positions that have a potential from Grade 9 to Grade 13.  FSA has many talented employees who would be an asset to this effort.  If you have an interest in this program I encourage you to refer to Notice PM-2753 for further information and a link to the vacancy announcement. 

A notice has been written and is being reviewed prior to going through the clearance process for announcing the Key Program Technician position.  It is a long process but it is moving.  When announced, State Offices will need to request the position through DAFO.  I will provide more information to State Associations after notice has been issued.  
 

Sincerely,

Myron Stroup
NASCOE President