Idaho Bulletin 250-7-5

January 9, 2007

SUBJECT:  FNM - FY07 Budge Restrictions

TO:  All Employees, NRCS, Idaho

Purpose.  To inform employees of spending constraints due to the FY 2007 Advisory Initial Allocation and operating under a Continuing Resolution

Expiration Date.  September 30, 2007

As you may be aware, the Appropriation Bill for NRCS for fiscal year 2007 is still awaiting passage in Congress.  NRCS continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution that is limited to 37.8% of the House Advisory allowance through February 15, 2007.   This allowance is significantly lower than the FY 2006 final budget allowance, thus forcing us to impose strict expenditure guidance in order to operate within our allocations.  The following restrictions have been adopted.

1. The training budget has been significantly reduced.  Only training that has been identified as mandatory by the training committee will be approved.  You will be notified of any approved training by your Assistant State Conservationist.  PCMS cardholders should not pay for any training that has not been identified as mandatory and has not been approved by the Area Conservationist or other member of the Leadership Team.
2. Temporary duty travel has been reduced by 66% of the FY 2006 expenditures.  The revised budget allows for travel for the State Conservationist, Area Conservationists and other essential travel.  All other travel, not associated with mandatory training, must be approved by either the State Conservationist or member of the Leadership Team.  Travel should be limited to critical needs.
3. Procurement of supplies and services should be limited to those that are deemed essential or are necessary for the health and safety of employees.  All offices are to take a conservative approach to purchasing.
4. Spot awards will not be processed.  Those wishing to give spot awards may continue to complete the paper work, however the documentation will not be processed through Human Resources until the budget situation improves.  Do not enter spot awards into ICAMs as this will cause problems with other personnel actions.  Only prepare manual spot award documents.  “Time Off” awards will be processed as this does not involve an additional expenditure of funds.

Financial Management will be monitoring expenditures to ensure that the direction outlined above is being followed.  Program managers will be notified regarding the excessive rates of expenditures and obligations.

/s/                                           
RICHARD SIMS                                         
State Conservationist               

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