Telework Exchange

Senate Telework Bill Approved; House Telework Bill Falls Short

On May 24, 2010 the Senate passed S.707, The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010. The bill improves teleworking in executive agencies by making Federal employees presumptively eligible to telework and requires all agencies to establish telework policies, designates a Telework Managing Officer, and ensures that telework is part of the agency's continuity of operations planning. "We commend Congress for its leadership in telework initiatives," said Cindy Auten, General Manager of Telework Exchange. "On this day however, we must realize that this is just the foundation. This bill will ensure that agencies are behind telework, resources are allocated, training is offered to managers and employees, and technology is made available. As a result, teleworking will save time and money – something all taxpayers want to hear."

On May 6, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down H.R. 1722, the Telework Improvements Act of 2010, by a 268-147 vote. The bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass and would have greatly expanded Federal employee teleworking in the Federal government. With passage of the companion Senate bill, House sponsors hope to reintroduce their proposed legislation in June.

BRAC Creates Opportunity for Telework

As part of the base realignment and closure (BRAC) plan, more than 19,000 defense workers will move to new worksites by 2011 – mostly along the I-95 corridor in northern Virginia, far from public transportation. This will force workers to add to the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area traffic congestion and cause at least two choke points along I-95. The Department of Defense is looking into ways to avoid putting more commuters on the road by using shuttle bus service, slug lines, flexible work hours, ride sharing, carpooling, transportation vouchers, van pools, and teleworking.

In an effort to limit gridlock in northern Virginia, U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D-Va.) has asked Congress to limit the number of transfers to a new office building in Alexandria, Virginia to 1,000 cars – a mandate that would force the Pentagon to delay moves or act quickly to come up with commuting alternatives. For more information on BRAC, visit www.defense.gov/BRAC.

Webcast: Maintaining a Secure Telework Network

In a successful telework program, agencies must ensure teleworkers are equipped and properly trained to work in a secure remote environment. On June 17, Telework Exchange and Hughes Network Systems will host a Webcast focused on this important topic titled, Maintaining a Secure Telework Network. To register for the Webcast, please visit www.teleworkexchange.com/maintainingasecurenetwork.

CSC Announces Secure CAC Solution for Teleworkers

CSC recently announced a new secure connectivity solution for teleworkers – the Common Access Card (CAC) Enabled – Remote Access Solution (CE-RAS). Using this technology, employees can access government networks from non-government computers, regardless of location. According to CSC, this is the first government-approved telework solution which permits the use of non-government equipment to connect to government networks. CE-RAS was procured under the U.S. General Service Administration's Millennia contract and currently is being used in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

"Telework offers significant benefits to employers and employees, and it presents opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of car travel; however, security is paramount for employers," said James W. Sheaffer, president of CSC's North American Public Sector. "CSC's CE-RAS gives clients in the private and public sectors a telework solution that is secure and flexible."

For more information about CSC's security solutions, visit www.csc.com/security.

Try Out a GSA Telework Center at No Cost to You

The General Services Administration (GSA) Telework Centers are convenient to home and community; offer secure, professional office environments with high-speed Internet access, office equipment and furnishings, and they provide on-site technical support if needed. GSA sponsors 14 Telework Centers in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia and is offering open houses on June 18 and July 16, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day.

For more information, please call 202-205-1930 or visit www.gsateleworkcenters.org

Webcast: Going the Distance – Effectively Managing Remote Workers

On May 18, Telework Exchange and Adobe hosted a Webcast focused on tactics for managing, enabling, and communicating with remote workers, entitled, Going the Distance – Effectively Managing Remote Workers. The Webcast included strategies and best practices from Adobe, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Telework Exchange.

The speakers, Susan Boosinger, Worklife Program Manager, FDIC, Bobby Caudill, Solution Architect, Global Government Solutions, Adobe, Albert Crowhurst, Regional Manager for the Division of Information Technology, FDIC, and moderator, Cindy Auten, General Manager, Telework Exchange, highlighted how managers can communicate with remote staff, set performance objectives, and evaluate performance. In addition, Bobby Caudill discussed available technology that maintains normal business operations for teleworkers. For more information, please visit www.teleworkexchange.com/managingremoteworkers.

Unlock Gridlock 2010

Telework Exchange, in partnership with Telework!VA, hosted Unlock Gridlock 2010, a half-day event held May 19th that focused on promoting alternative commuting options to Virginia-based businesses. The program allowed Virginia employers to explore ways to curb their carbon footprint and unlock gridlock on the Commonweath's roadways. For more information, including event presentations and photos, visit www.teleworkexchange.com/unlockgridlock.