We are all inherently responsible to be
strong, effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. As such, we
actively support the President's Campaign to Cut Waste. Two
areas identified as opportunities for reduction are
conferences and travel.
As you seek
information to support data calls for these areas, we ask that
you keep in mind that the cost to host a conference is
different than the travel expenses to attend a conference.
Department identified points of contact for these areas will
continue to work together to create a total picture of the
Department's conference hosting and travel spend. Until that
picture is available, please be cognizant of the following.
Data pulled from DTS
reflects what the traveler entered into the system and what was
accepted by the approving official. It does not include the
Department's cost of hosting a conference; it only represents
travel expenses related to attending a "conference." However,
due to the limited reasons a traveler may select for the purpose
of his/her trip, the selection of "Conference" may not truly
represent "pure" attendance at a "conference." It could include
providing training, attending training, making a presentation,
etc. This should be taken into consideration when assessing the
data.
Those requesting data should also check with parent
organizations/their chain of command to ensure the information
has not already been requested and is not being duplicated when
reported.
