1. Where is the NLS being held?
2. Is it a requirement that participants stay at the Airlie Center or can I stay elsewhere?
   
3. Are guests allowed?
   
4. What is the closest airport to the Airlie Center?
   
5. What is the start time and end time for the NLS?   When is check-in?
6. Is lodging available Sunday (July 26) and Thursday (July 30) nights at Airlie for early arrival and/or late departure?
7. At what time will the first meal and last meal be available at Airlie for participants?
8. What is the dress code and what should I bring?
   
9. Are telephones and high speed internet available in the lodging rooms at Airlie?
   
10. What if I decide that I can’t attend the NLS this year?
11. Who are the Line & Corporate Office Coordinators?

NLS Registration FAQs:

12. How do I register for the NLS?
13. How do I reserve my room at the Airlie Center and when must this step be completed?
14. I’m having difficulties with the Airlie Center Online Reservation System. Who should I contact for assistance?
15. I have restricted dietary needs, and/ or require unique accommodations for a medical condition. How do I ensure that my needs will be met?
16. I have difficulty walking long distances. I understand that some sleeping rooms – “The Stables” - are nearly a mile from the main meeting facility. How can I request lodging that is closer to the main meeting facility?
17. Do I need travel orders and when must this step be completed?
18. How do I find the accounting codes (Project/Task Code and Organization Code) that I should use for my NLS expenses?
19. The standard conference meeting package is higher than the authorized per diem rate for Warrenton, VA. Do I need special language on my travel orders?
20. How do I enroll in the NLS and complete by SF-182? When must this step be completed?
21. Who can I contact to get assistance with my SF-182?

General NLS FAQs:

1. Where is the NLS being held?
The NLS will be held at the Airlie Center (Airlie) near Warrenton, VA. Airlie is 50 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., approximately 45 minutes from Dulles International Airport, and 1 hour from Reagan National Airport. Information about Airlie and directions can be found at the Airlie Center web site (http://www.airlie.com). Participants may drive their own cars if they are from the Washington D.C. metro area. If a participant is from out of town, they may rent a car at the airport or take a taxi. These participants should consider car pooling with other attendees.

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2. Is it a requirement that participants stay at the Airlie Center or can I stay elsewhere?
All NLS participants are required to stay at Airlie for the duration of the event.

3. Are guests allowed?
This is a NOAA employee only event. Participants should not bring guests. If a participant disobeys this rule, Airlie will charge that attendee an additional fee ($125 per day + taxes per day), which will be that participant’s personal responsibility to pay. There are no extra rooms available at Airlie for outside guests.

4. What is the closest airport to the Airlie Center?
Airlie is about 45 minutes from Dulles Airport and 1 hour from Reagan National Airport, during non-rush hours. Participants should allow extra time to travel to and from the venue.

5. What is the start time and end time for the NLS?   When is check-in?
Check-in will take place at Airlie on Monday, July 27th from 1:30pm-3:00pm. The first NLS session will begin promptly at 3:00pm. The NLS concludes on Thursday, July 30th at 12:15pm. Lunch will be optional that day from 12:15pm-1:30pm. Participants are expected to arrange their travel to ensure full attendance at all NLS sessions.

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6. Is lodging available Sunday (July 26) and Thursday (July 30) nights at Airlie for early arrival and/or late departure?
There are a limited number of lodging rooms available on Sunday and Thursday nights for early arrivals and/or late departures. These options are generally reserved for participants who are traveling great distances to attend the event. If you are interested in one of these options, please obtain approval from your home office.

Participants who stay overnight on Sunday will be provided dinner on Sunday night, as well as breakfast and lunch on Monday. Participants who stay overnight Thursday will be provided dinner Thursday and breakfast on Friday morning, with check-out on July 31.

7. At what time will the first meal and last meal be available at Airlie for participants?
The first meal available to participants for an early arrival package will be dinner on Monday, July 27th from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m (unless the participant's office has given them special permission to register for an early arrival package). A light snack will be available from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., but lunch is neither provided nor available on Monday (unless the participant registered for an early arrival package).

The last meal available for participants will be lunch on Thursday, July 30th from 12:15pm-1:30pm (unless the participant's office has given them special permission to register for a late departure package). Lunch is optional on the 30th as the program ends at 12:15pm and some participants may wish to leave then in order to make their flight home.

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8. What is the dress code and what should I bring?
The dress code for the entire NLS is Business Casual (no denim). For NOAA Corps Officers, the Uniform of the Day at the event will be Business Casual for all events per OMAO leadership. We suggest that participants bring a sweater or jacket as meeting room temperatures may vary. Participants should also consider bringing an umbrella as they will be walking from their lodging to the NLS events. Airlie has walking trails, bicycles and bike paths, fishing poles and ponds, an exercise room, and an outdoor pool available for participant use (weather permitting), so participants may wish to bring appropriate clothing and shoes for such activities.

9. Are telephones and high speed internet available in the lodging rooms at Airlie?
Airlie offers 2 telephones in each sleeping room. Local, toll-free, and calling card calls are free up to 60 minutes and 10 cents per minute after 60 minutes. Long distance phone calls are 50 cents per minute. Participants should use a calling card for long distance calls. Participants should check with the Airlie Front Desk to verify current long distance rates.

High speed internet access is complimentary in all Airlie sleeping rooms. If participants use dialup internet access in sleeping rooms, there are data ports in each guest room for dial up modem access. Participants should make sure their ISP number is a local number in order to avoid high long distance charges. Calls lasting over 60 minutes are charged 10 cents per minute after the first hour. To avoid this charge, participants can terminate the call before it reaches 60 minutes in length and reconnect after a few seconds. Participants should make sure to disconnect from the web when finished.

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10. What if I decide that I can’t attend the NLS this year?
Each Line/Corporate Office (LO/CO) has been allocated a set number of slots for the NLS. If a participant is not able to attend, needs to cancel their registration after they make it, or unexpectedly arrives late or leaves early, it is very important that they notify their NLS LO/CO Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can offer the slot to another employee.

11. Who are the Line & Corporate Office Coordinators?
If you have questions that aren’t addressed on the NLS website, please contact the appropriate Line or Corporate Office Coordinator. Their contact information can be found at: Line & Corporate Office Coordinators.

NLS Registration FAQs:

12. How do I register for the NLS?
Attendees received instructions on how to complete the 3 registration steps below from NLS Program Manager Tracy Scott on June 19, 2009:

1. Reserve Room [By COB Thursday, July 2]
2. Prepare and Submit Travel Orders, Make Travel Arrangements as Necessary [By COB Friday, July 10]
3. Enroll in the NLS through the Commerce Learning Center @ NOAA (CLC). This enrollment will generate an automated SF-182 “Authorization, Agreement & Certification of Training” Form in the CLC. Complete and submit the automated CLC SF-182.
   [By COB Friday, July 10]

Each attendee is responsible for completing their own registration.

*Note: Do not complete this registration process unless you have received registration instructions from Tracy Scott, the NLS Program Manager or from your NLS LO/CO Coordinator. This event is by invitation only and not all participants that were nominated were ultimately selected to attend.

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13. How do I reserve my room at the Airlie Center and when must this step be completed?

Each attendee must make their own room reservation with the Airlie Center. All reservations must be made no later than COB Thursday, July 2, 2009. To complete this step, participants will need:

1. Computer with internet access;
2. Their government travel card or personal credit card; and
3. The NLS Conference Code provided via email to selected participants by NLS Program Manager Tracy Scott on June 19.
   
   *Please read through the "Reservation Information" below following these instructions:

1. Go to the Airlie Center website http://www.airlie.com.
2. Click on “Online Registration” (4th link down on left side of the page).
3. Enter the Conference Code for the NLS (from email sent on 6/19 by Tracy Scott) and click “Submit.”
4. There is no special "Package Code" for the NLS. Leave this field blank.
5. Scroll down to “Available Packages.”
6. The 3 night package will be pre-selected. You may add early arrival or late departure options if needed.
7. Scroll down and complete the requested information fields. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
8. Click “Reserve Now” to move to the credit card authorization screen.
9. Enter your credit card information and click “Submit.”
   
   
You will receive an onscreen message. An email confirmation will be sent to the email address you listed.

If you experience any problems with Airlie's online reservations system, email: onlinereshelp@airlie.com.

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Reservation Information:

Airlie's online reservation system will only be open from 6/19-7/02/09. All attendees must make their room reservations by 7/02.

Length of Stay: The vast majority of you will register for the 3 night package that has been preselected in the system. This package includes lodging on 7/27, 7/28, and 7/29 with checkout on 7/30. The package includes all meals starting with dinner on 7/27 and ending with lunch on 7/30. The total cost is $756.

There will be options in the system to add an early arrival (7/26) and/or a late departure (7/30 with checkout on 7/31), if needed at an additional cost of $252 per night. Early arrivals and late departures are typically requested by employees traveling long distances (from California, Hawaii or Alaska, for example). Obtain approval from your home office prior to registering for the early arrival and/or late departure options.

Payment Method: You will need a government travel card to complete your online room reservation with Airlie. Alternatively, you may use a personal credit card to secure your reservation. However, if you use a personal credit card, your bill may be due before you receive your travel reimbursement.

If you need to apply for a travel card, please do so as quickly as possible after receiving this message by following the instructions for a “JPMC Rush Travel Card Application” at: http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/JPMC.html.

On your fax cover sheet, be sure to specify that “This is a Rush – Card Needed By 7/02/09 to Complete Mandatory Registration for the NOAA Leadership Seminar.” You should receive your card approximately 5 business days from the time the application is submitted.

Your card will be delivered by FedEx and will require a signature. If the travel card should be delivered to an address other than your home address, please include the alternate delivery address on your fax cover sheet.

Cancellation Policy: Please note that your reservation is non-refundable. Your credit card will be charged for the full package cost on the day of your scheduled arrival. Airlie is a dedicated conference center and does not operate as a hotel would in terms of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, the cost to attend the meeting is NOT reduced by shortened stays or missed sessions.

You will be charged if no replacement is identified to fill your slot and:

• you leave early.
• you arrive late.
• you are a ‘no show.’

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14. I’m having difficulties with the Airlie Center Online Reservation System. Who should I contact for assistance?

If you experience any problems with Airlie's online reservations system, email: onlinereshelp@airlie.com.

15. I have restricted dietary needs, and/ or require unique accommodations for a medical condition. How do I ensure that my needs will be met?

If you have special dietary needs or require unique accommodations for a medical condition, note your request in the appropriate field when completing your online reservation.

16. I have difficulty walking long distances. I understand that some sleeping rooms – “The Stables” - are nearly a mile from the main meeting facility. How can I request lodging that is closer to the main meeting facility?

Most lodging at Airlie is closely located to the main meeting facility. However, participants staying in “The Stables” will be approximately 1 mile away. Airlie offers a shuttle for people staying in the Stables. Alternatively, participants may drive or walk back and forth. If you have difficulty walking long distances, note that you would prefer NOT to be lodged in the Stables when completing your online reservation.

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17. Do I need travel orders and when must this step be completed?

All attendees will need official travel orders whether you are local to the Silver Spring, MD/Washington D.C. area or from a field or regional office. Travel orders must be completed by COB Friday, July 10, 2009. To complete this step, participants will need:
  Accounting string (Project/Task Code & Organization Code) for your NLS expenses.

Make a flight reservation if necessary following the standard procedures of your Line/Corporate Office.

Travel orders should include:

1. Program Attendance Expenses.
   
   The majority of NLS participants will pay $756 for program attendance expenses. This includes 3 night’s lodging (7/27, 7/28, and 7/29 with checkout on 7/30) and meals from dinner on 7/27 through lunch on 7/30. These expenses are paid by each individual via their government travel card or personal credit card directly to the Airlie Center through the online reservation system.
   
   There will be options in the system to add an early arrival and/or a late departure if needed at an additional cost of $252 per night. Early arrivals and late departures are typically requested by employees traveling long distances (from California, Hawaii or Alaska, for example). Obtain approval from your home office prior to registering for the early arrival and/or late departure options.
   
   Adding both an early arrival and late departure would increase that participant’s program attendance expenses to $1260; while adding just an early arrival or a late departure would increase expenses to $1008.
   
   
2. Travel Expenses.
   
   These will vary based on the employees’ duty station and include: flights, car rental, taxis, Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement, etc.
   
   
3. Per Diem - Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE).
   
   NLS participants receive $33 per day for their 2 travel days to and from Airlie. This is ¾ of the GSA M&IE rate for Warrenton, VA of $44. Because the participant’s meals are covered by conference contract, they are entitled only to an incidental expense rate of $3.00 per day for full conference days – NOT the standard, full M&IE amount for Warrenton, VA. See below:
   
   For the majority of NLS attendees (3 night stay), M&IE will be: $72.00 TOTAL
           7/27: $33.00
           7/28: $3.00
           7/29: $3.00
           7/30: $33.00
   
   Adding an early arrival on 7/26 for a 4 night stay, M&IE will be: $75.00 TOTAL
           7/26: $33.00
           7/27: $3.00
           7/28: $3.00
           7/29: $3.00
           7/30: $33.00
   
   Adding a late departure on 7/30 for a 4 night stay, M&IE will be: $75.00 TOTAL
           7/27: $33.00
           7/28: $3.00
           7/29: $3.00
           7/30: $33.00
           7/31: $33.00
   
   Adding both an early arrival and a late departure for a 5 night stay, M&IE will be: $78 TOTAL
           7/26: $33.00
           7/27: $3.00
           7/28: $3.00
           7/29: $3.00
           7/30: $3.00
           7/31: $33.00
   

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18. How do I find the accounting codes (Project/Task Code and Organization Code) that I should use for my NLS expenses?

NLS costs are divided into 3 pieces:

1. Program attendance expenses (lodging & meals);
2. Travel expense; and
3. Per Diem (M&IE).

Participants will be advised by their NLS LO/CO Coordinator if their Headquarters is covering a portion or all of their NLS costs. If so, the Coordinator will provide an accounting string (Project/Task Code and Organization Code) for the pieces that will be covered.

If the participant’s Headquarters is NOT covering all of their NLS expenses, the participant should contact his/her travel support staff or budget point of contact (POC) to obtain the necessary home office accounting string (Project/Task Code and Organization Code) for their travel orders.

Example:

Project/Task Code: G9Z6FLZ P00 (sample code – do not use)
Organization Code: 99-66-2222-00-00-00-00 (sample code – do not use)

19. The standard conference meeting package is higher than the authorized per diem rate for Warrenton, VA.  Do I need special language on my travel orders?

You will need special language on your travel orders because the GSA per diem rate for Warrenton, VA (Fauquier County) is $143 total ($99 for lodging and $44 for M&IE). The cost per day to attend the NLS is $252, which is above per diem.

Modify the language below for your travel orders to authorize:

• Reimbursement of actual subsistence expenses above the per diem rate for Warrenton, VA, and
• Attendees who live or work within 50 miles of the Airlie Center to receive per diem.

Follow the steps below to enroll in the NLS and complete the automated SF-182:

1. Log on the CLC by entering your username and CLC password at: https://doc.learn.com/noaa. Your username is full email address including @noaa.gov.
2. Look at the top of the page for “2009 NOAA Leadership Seminar (NLS).” Only NLS participants will be able to see this.
3. Select “Click here to enroll.”
   NOTE: Once you have enrolled, you will no longer see "Click here to enroll."
4. The Enrollment Information screen appears. In the upper right area of the screen, select “Click Here to Request Training…”
5. The SF-182 form will appear and will be called “Authorization, Agreement and Certification of Training.”
6. Some of the information on the SF-182 has been pre-populated for your convenience.
7. Section A - “Trainee Information:”
     Box 8 (office telephone) is a required field. If it is blank, type your office phone number.
     Block 13 (education level) is not required and automatically defaults to "no formal education - some elementary school." Update this block by clicking on the drop down area if desired.
     Leave all other blank boxes empty.
8. Section B - “Training Course Data” has been pre-populated for you. Skip this section, leaving blank boxes empty, and go to Section C.
9. Section C - “Costs and Billing Information.” Follow the instructions in the table below:

Item	Amount	Appropriation/Fund
a. Tuition and Fees	Enter the amount that reflects the length of your stay at Airlie:   $756 (3 night stay)   $1008 (4 night stay)   $1260 (5 night stay)	Enter the accounting code information (Project/Task Code & Organization Code) to pay for your program attendance expenses. Example of how to enter codes on the SF-182: Project/Task Code followed by Organization Code: G9Z6FLZ P00/99-66-2222-00-00-00-00 (sample codes – do not use)
b. Books & Material Costs	$0	Leave this block blank.
c. TOTAL	Repeat the amount from 1a Amount block above.	Leave this block blank.
3. Total Training Non-Government Contribution Cost	Leave this block blank.	NA - there is no appropriation/fund block here. Leave this block blank.
4. Document / Purchasing Order / Requisition Number	Leave this block blank.	NA - there is no appropriation/fund block here. Leave this block blank.
5. 8-Digit Station Symbol	Leave this block blank.	NA - there is no appropriation/fund block here. Leave this block blank.

10. Skip Sections D, E and F.
11. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the form and Click “Submit Form.” There is no reason to print a copy of the SF-182.
12. A confirmation screen will appear. At this point, you may close your browser and exit the CLC.

You will receive an email via your NOAA email account verifying that you have successfully submitted the SF-182.

Your immediate supervisor will receive an email notifying them that a SF-182 request is pending. The email will contain instructions on how to approve the SF-182 within the CLC.

After your immediate supervisor has approved the SF-182, final approval in the system will be made by the NLS Program Manager, Tracy Scott.

Upon final approval, the participant will receive a confirmation email that all necessary approvals have been granted. Keep this email for your records.

NOTE: If you have NOT received the final approval email within 5 business days of submitting your SF-182, please follow-up with your immediate supervisor to confirm he/she has approved it in the CLC.

21. Who can I contact to get assistance with my SF-182?

For assistance with your SF-182, send an email to: CLC.NOAA.SF182@NOAA.GOV

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Page last edited: June 19, 2009