TELEWORK PROGRAM
Sections
10.27.06 Guidelines for Work That Would be Eligible for Telework
10.27.07 Guidelines for Employee Participation
10.27.08 Telecommunication Aspects of Telework
Appendix A –
Department of Commerce (DoC) Telework Program
10.27.01
PURPOSE
This subchapter sets forth the Department of Commerce (DOC) and National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) policy and procedures for
the telework program.
10.27.02
SCOPE
This subchapter applies to all NIST employees participating in the
telework program.
10.27.03
POLICY
It is NIST policy to follow the DOC policy and procedures for telework.
10.27.04
AUTHORITY
Section 359 of Public Law 106-346 is the governing law for telework.
10.27.05
RESPONSIBILITIES
OU Directors are responsible for authorizing the expenditure of funds
for telework and for the administration, operation, and evaluation of the
telework program annually.
Division Chiefs are responsible for reviewing employee requests for participation in telework and for documenting approval/disapproval decisions and the rationale for such decisions and for maintaining documented approvals/disapprovals to facilitate the evaluation, reporting and monitoring of the telework program. Division Chiefs are also responsible for maintaining a record of the number of employees participating in the telework program.
Supervisors are responsible for recommending or not recommending to their Division Chiefs an employee’s request to participate in telework. If telework is approved, supervisors are responsible for orientating employees in the telework program and in their responsibilities while in the program.
Employees are responsible for requesting to participate in the telework program (DN-27, National Institute of Standards and Technology Telework Program Employee/Supervisor Agreement) and, if approved, for adhering to the terms and conditions of the telework arrangements.
The Human Resources Management Division (HRMD) is responsible for providing
advice and assistance to the NIST employees on the telework program, and
counseling NIST Managers on issues related to the Telework Program.
10.27.06
GUIDELINES FOR WORK THAT WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR TELEWORK
In addition to the guidelines identified in the DOC telework program,
the following NIST guidelines apply:
a. Work activities are portable and can be performed effectively outside the office;
b. Job tasks to be performed at the telework site are primarily project oriented and measurable;
c. Security of data can be adequately ensured. (Employee
must read and acknowledge Policy on IT Resources Access and Use,
http://www-i.nist.gov/cio/itsd/pp_nist/policy/policy_accnuse.html;
d. IT security policy must be followed to ensure computer security. (Reference the Chief Information Office (CIO) website, http://www-i.nist.gov/cio/itsd/pp_nist/index.htm;
e. Access to specialized equipment or materials not present at the telework site can be grouped and scheduled for days when the employee is in the conventional office;
f. Employee and supervisor determine a suitable method for reporting work progress; and
g. No telework arrangement is authorized which entails the employee
providing day care to any individual.
10.27.07
GUIDLEINES FOR EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION
Provided that the work assignments are eligible for telework, in addition
to the DOC guidelines for employee participation, the following NIST guidelines
apply:
a. The employee has demonstrated self-starter characteristics, can function independently, and has demonstrated dependability;
b. The employee possesses a high level of skill and job knowledge;
c. The employee has clearly defined performance standards;
d. If the telework site is the home, the employee is able to satisfy homework station requirements, including privacy, lack of interruptions, and adequate space; and
e. The technology needed to perform the work at the telework site
is currently available. At the discretion of the division, equipment
may be provided.
10.27.08
TELECOMMUNICATION ASPECTS OF TELEWORK
Installation of a separate telephone line and/or monthly charges at
each participant’s telework site may be approved on an as-needed basis
including voice conversation, conference calls to attend meetings and dial-up
computer access to the NIST network (long-distance telecommuters can utilize
the NIST 800 number 800-500-4676 for dial up computer access). Installation
of telephone lines or payment of monthly telephone charges can only be
approved for use in conducting official business.
FTS2000 calling card telecommuters are approved to hold a FTS2000 calling card to place long-distance, business-only telephone calls. Long-distance telecommuters can contact NIST staff members by telephone at 800-437-4385.