national security agency (nsa) newsletter, oct 1999

8/6/2019 National Security Agency (NSA) Newsletter, Oct 1999

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Reasonable Accommodationsby Kelly. M. Buchheit

Officedf

Equal Employment Opportunity

T he Americans With DisabilitiesAct of 1990 (ADA) is the lawthat prohibi ts discr iminat ionagainst qualified disabled persons inemployment. It also prohibits discrimination in providing governmentservices, transportation, public

accommodations, an d telecommunications.

This law covers all State an d localgovernment agencies, employmentagencies, labor organizations, labormanagement committees, an d allemployers with 15 or more employees.This means t ha t a n employer cannot

refuse to hire a disabled person whocan perform the essential functions ofa job with or without reasonableaccommodation.

A reasonable accommodation is anychange or adjustment to a job or workenvironment that permits a qualifiedapplicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job applicationprocess, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits an dprivileges of employment equa l tothose enjoyed by an employee withouta disability. Reasonable accommodations may include: providing or modifying equipment or devices, part-timeor modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, or providing readers an d interpreters.

Employers are required to providereasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees unlessthe employer ca n prove that theaccommodation creates undue hardship.

It is a common belief that most rea

are usually no t expensive an d canreduce workers' compensation an dother insurance costs: According tothe Job Accommodation Network ofthe President's Committee onEmployment of People with Disabilities:

-:-31 percent of accommodations costnothing,

-:-50 percent cost less than $50,-:-69 percent cost less than $500, and-:-88 percent cost less than $1,000.

Examples of job accommodationsan d associated costs include:

-:-changing a desk layout from theright to the left side for a data entryoperator with a shoulder injury(cost $0),

-:-supplying a telephone amplifier fora computer programmer who ishard of hearing (cost $56),

-:-providing a special chair for a dis

trict sales agent to alleviate paincaused by a back injury (cost $400),-:using an articulating keyboard tray

to alleviate strain of repetitivemotion and carpal tunnel syndrome(cost $150),

-:-supplying an antiglare computerscreen for a person with an eye disorder-glare on screen causes fatigue(cost $9),

:-providing a revolving file holder fora clerk whose hand use is limitedan d is unable to access files locatedacross the desk (cost $85),

:providing a telephone headset foran employee with cerebral palsy(cost $50),

-:-providing a deaf technician with a

:changing an employee's schedule toallow for necessary rest breaks during the day (cost $0).

NSA's Disability Affairs Programensures that, when possible, reasonable accommodations are provided toemployees with disabilities enablingthem to be a productive part of theAgency's work force.

Disability Awareness MonthEventsOctober 6 and 7, Sign LanguageWorkshops, 9:00-10:00 a.m., OPS2B, Room 2B4118-1 (register via theEE O HomePage)

October 14, KeYnote Address, "It'sNo t the Disability, It's the Ability,"Dana Bowman, 2:00-3:00 p.m. (register via the EE O HomePage)

Ongoing, Gallaudet University Ar tShow, OPS 1, 2n d floor hallway an d1st floor display cases

Information derived from the Job Accom-modation Network and the President'sCouncil on Employing People with Dis-abilities Websites.


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D I R N S A ' S DE,S K

Combined Federal Campaign

September marked the start of the 1999 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season at theNational Security Agency/Central Security Service. Thank you to all the CFC keyworkers, coordi-nators, and canvassers who administer this important fundraising program. You provide an impor-tant service to your community.

I also commend all of you who currently give to charity, and I encourage you to continue giving.Many of you who support charitable organizations find the CF C to be an excellent and convenientway to contribute. NS A employees have contributed more than $1 million every year since 1987,and we are the largest supporter in the Central Maryland region, contributing 26 percent of theregion's total contributions.

Although NS A employees have supported the CF C continuously over the past 34 years, I feelcompelled to write to those of you who are not currently supporting a charity, or who may not beaware of the value and convenience of the CFC program. The CFC is comprised of more than2,300 different charitable organizations, and your contribution to these organizations is likely toprovide a direct benefit to you, your loved ones, your neighbors, and coworkers. In addition to thevariety of charities available through the program, the CFC allows you to donate to the organiza-tion of your choice through an easy, private, and flexible process right here at NSA.

Three out of every five people in the Central Maryland region will need the assistance provided

by CFC charities at least once. When you make a donation, you actually contribute to a type of"insurance" plan for yourself, your family, and others in your community. If you or a family membersuffer from conditions like Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, Down's syndrome, or breast cancer,then you would likely benefit from the services provided by several CFC agencies-and these are justa few examples. Even if you are very fortunate and never need such assistance, your giving will begreatly appreciated by those you help. This year's theme, "To Offer Help ... is to Offer Hope!" is awonderful way to express the great impact that you ca n make through a contribution this season.

Through the CFC process, you can pledge easily and privately online via the CFC Web applica-

t ion on the NSA Net, or you can complete a hardcopy application furnished by your CFC canvass-er. Either way, you have the flexibility to choose the organizations you wish to support, and ca ndetermine the amount and frequency of your contributions. Even if you can only make a small one-time donation, your support will be greatly appreciated.

I encourage you to reflect upon the benefits and value of the CFC charities, and I urge you tojoin us in leaving a footprint of hope in 1999, as we step forward to offer help for the newmillennium.


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Open Season on Health Benefits..

Once again, i t is t ime for Federalemployees to sor t through stacks ofbrochures in search of the best healthbenefits plan to meet their needs.This year's Open Season will ru nfrom November 8 through December13, 1999, with an effective date ofJanuary 2, 2000.

Dur ing the annua l Open Season,employees may enroll in a plan,change plans, or change from oneoption to another within the sameplan. Employees may not be coveredunder two Federal health plans at thesame time. However, employees maycancel their health benefits coverage

or change from family to self-only atany time throughout the year-theseare no t considered Open Seasonchanges.

1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ~ I _ i ~

1 ~ 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I I I J I _ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 1

1 ~ ' . I ' ~ \ ' l f l l i ~ . t ; ~ I ~~ r l l ~ i l ' l f t l r ~ 1 [ i l ( ~ ~ 1 1 I t l l l -i l ~ ' I ~ I ~ ~ 1 1 i j l l i l ~ l i l

When contemplating retirement,it is important to know that individuals must be covered unqer a Federalhealth plan (either as the enrollee oras a dependent) for the 5 consecutiveyears of service immediately preceding ret ir emen t. This is required tocontinue coverage as an annuitant.Therefore, this Open Season mightbethe time to consider starting anenrollment. Employees who wereenrolled in the Federal EmployeesHealth Benefits Program as of October 1, 1996, may be eligible for a waiv-er of this requirement. Contact anIntegrated Personnel Activiry (IPA) for

more information.

Submit Forms EarlyTh e IPAs and t he NSA Cus tomer

Service Centers (NSA CSC) willaccept enrollment or change forms.Forms may also be submit ted to theHealth Benefits Office (HBO) located

in SAB 1, room CNOL The earlier aform is submitted, the sooner an identification card from the new plan willbe received. Under normal circumstances, enrollees receive an identification card within 6 to 8 weeks afterthe effective date. Unfortunately, thistime frame can double during theOpen Season due to the enormousvolume of Federal participants withthe health carriers. Submitting formsduring the first part of the Open Sea-son may eliminate having to pay forcovered medical expenses o ut o f pocke t unti l membership is establishedwith the carrier. This frequentlyoccurs if the identification card is no treceived by the effective date I t may

are submitted during the last few days,

make every possible effort to handcarry them to either an IPA or to theHB O in SAB 1, room SICN03.

In deciding which plan is best, thefollowing information is provided forconsideration:

Fee-for-Service Plans (i.e. BlueCross/Blue Shield, GEHA) offer thegreatest freedom of choice in selectingdoctors an d hospitals. In addition,these plans provide coverage ifemployees or family members travelextensively an d want protection whenaway from home or for childrenattending college ou t of town or outof state. Usually, fee-for-service plansprovide a higher level of benefits for

long-term treatment requiring physical therapy an d outpatient mentalhealth services. However, these plansalso have the greatest out-of-pocketexpenses because of deductibles an dcopayments on some services. Manyfee-for-service plans require annualmembership dues to enroll . This cost

is in addition to the biweeklypremium.

Health Maintenance Organizations(HMOs) or Pre-paid Plans (i.e. AetnaUS Health Care, Kaiser Permanente)are bet ter suited for those who wanthealth care with few out,,.of-pocket costfor physicals, office visits, and immunizations. There are no deductibles.HMOs provide preventive care formembers of all ages at little or nocharge other than the biweekly premium and the copayments . Medicalrecords are in a central location an dall medical needs are coordinated by aprimary physician at the medical center. All referrals to specialist physiciansmust also be coordinated with an d


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Point of Service (POS) Plans (Le. FreeState, Prudential) offer a managedcare product that provides memberswith $ e option of using a selectednetwork of providers. These plans area combination of a fee-far-service andHM O plan. If interested in a POSplan, review the plan brochure formore details, because no t all servicescan be obtained o ut o f the network.

Be aware that HM O plans reservethe right to terminate any physician,

or to disapprove any referral, any time.However, individuals may no t changefrom their health plan anytime. Ifyour primary care physician is termina ted from the HM O plan, anotherphysician within the same HM O planwill be provided. Individuals may notchange plans until the next qualifying

event (usually the next Open Season).Me mbe rs hip i n an HM O mayrequire residence wi thin a specificgeographic location, which is differentfor each plan. Individuals travellingoutside the plan's designated servicearea will only be covered for an emergency or life-threatening situation.Payment of medical benefits for outof-the-area services will be delayedbecause of addit ional approvalsrequired by the plan.

Read the Brochures

To make a responsible decisionregarding which health plan is best,take the time to read the newbrochures. Even if individuals do no tplan to make an Open Season change,it is important to review the new 2000brochures for current plans becausepremiums and coverage may change.

Th e 2000 Enrollment InformationComparison Guides will be distributed throughout the Agencywhen the

shipment is received The comparison

form) will also be available on theNSA WEBWORLD. Th e Retirementand Insurance HomePage is located atwww.s.nsa/retirement/index.html,

and the OP M Web is located on theInternet at http://www.opm.gov/

insure. NSA does no t receive a copyfor each employee. U ~ ethe guide as atool to narrow choices. Brochures maybe obtained from an IPA, NSA CSC,HBO, or electronically at the aboveaddress. For addit ional assistance,

contact an IPA or the HBO at 9634524(s) or 410-854-6063.

DS Award for Excellence

Th e Support Services Directorate(DS) is soliciting nominations for the

second annua l DS Award for Excel-lence (DSAFE). I t is time to startthinking abou t all the Support Services personnel who provided exceptional service throughout FY99, an dwrite a nomination today!

Th e DSAFE is the highest honoraryaward that a DS individual or DS-ledteam may be awarded. The award rec-ognizes OS teams an d individualswho excel in customer focus, knowledge sharing and teaming, and whomake outstanding contr ibut ions toDS corporate goals. OS-led teams thatinc lude members from other KeyComponents are also eligible.Awardees will be recognized at a ceremony in April 2000.

Submissions will be accepted fromOctober 1 through November 15. Foradditional information regarding thisaward, visit the DSAFE Website athttp://www.s.nsa/excellence or visitthe nearest Customer Service Centeror Integrated Personnel Act ivity/

Human Resource Center Questions

ANSWERS TO TH EOCTOBER PUZZLE


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Cohen Says Department of Defense Ready for Y2K..

American Forces Information Service

S cretary of Defense William S.Cohen declared the Departmentof Defense (DOD) ready to face

the final challenges of the Year 2000computer problem.

During the 6 -y ea r p er io d fromFY96 through FY01, DO D expects tospend approximately $3.7 billion forY2K fixes.

The so-called millennium bug, orY2K problem, refers to the inability ofmany computers to process certaindates, especially those ending with thedigits "00."

The DO D has undertaken an enormous effort to ensure Y2K readiness.DO D is responsible for 1/3 of all mis-sion critical computer systems in theFederal government and li z of allFederal computer systems.

In a press conference at the Pentagon earlier this year, Cohen noted theDepartment's current progress: more

than 92 percent of DOD's 2,107 mis-sion critical systems are fully Y2Kcompliant; 94 percent of 4,749 nonmission critical systems are fixed andimplemented; and more than 99 percent of 637 installations are compliant.

In approximately 6 percent of cases,

systems are no t yet "completed" sincea known fix has yet to be installed atmany locations. Completion of thesesystems has been affected by operational deployment schedules, such asfor carrier battle groups when the fixwill be made upon re tur n to homeport . Consequently, more than 99percent of the Department's mission

iti l t ill b fi d t t d

1999, and the remainder by the endof the year.

This progress follows a large-scaleeffort to handle Y2K as a militaryreadiness issue, no t just as a computerprogrammer function. In August1998, Secretary Cohen reviewed Y2Kcompliance in the Department andfound it ha d gotten off to a slow start.To speed the process, he directedDOD's leadership to treat the Y2Kissue as a major threat to militaryreadiness. Th e unified military commands were asked to ensure Y2K testing was included in joint warfightingand operational readiness exercises.The Services and Defense Agencieswere instructed to fix their systems,certify interfaces, and ensure vendorswere held responsible for Y2K compliance of products. Finally, officialson the Secretary's s taff were told toensure functioning of specific busi

ness processes, including financialtransactions, health activities, an dsupply lines.

These initiatives have acceleratedY2K fixes, testing, and implementation. Y2K has led to the largest testingeffort in the Department 's history.Examples range from a massive end

to-end test of logistics supply channelsto systems tests within the U.S. European Command during operations inKosovo.

Y2K Readiness Essential"Last year I told the Department's

military and civilian leaders that Y2Kcompliance was a readiness issue that

ld d t i h th ld

great progress in the past year. All ofthis progress has been possiblethrough the incredibly hard work and

outstanding leadership of DO Demployees throughout the Department. With 3 months to go before theturn of the year, we can rest assuredthe DO D will be well-positioned tohandle its national security responsibilities before, on, and after January 1,2000," Cohen said.

All levels of the DO D are preparingfor operations during the Y2K transition period from September 1, 1999,through the leap year date, February29, 2000, to March 31, 2000. In particular, the Air Force is conducting"Guam Watch," tracking the progressof computer results as the January 1,2000, date moves around the world.DO D officials are also working withthe President's Council on Y2K Conversion to share information with aFederal information coordinationcenter. This way the Federal government will have a complete understanding of th e impacts of Y2Kthroughout the Uni ted States and

globally.The Department has procedures in

place to handle its duties in the eventan unforeseen circumstance doesoccur. Backup or contingency plansare being developed at all levels of theDepartment-from individual systemsto those supporting warfighting tasks.

Th e Joint Chiefs of Staff is conducting the Chairman's ContingencyAssessments: these assume failure ofkey warfighting systems so that alternate "workarounds" can be studiedand the viability of contingency plansassessed. Unified commanders areassessing the status of hos t nat ionsupport to U.S. stations overseas an dde eloping contingenc plans to deal


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Y2K at NSA-What Employees Need to Know

NSA has made a s ignificanteffort to ensure that its systemsare Y2K compliant. All NSA

systems will be Y2K compliant byDecember 31, 1999. Noncompliantsystems will be decommissioned.

Event PersonnelEach Key Component has identi

fied employees designated as "Y2Kevent personnel." These individualshave been notified in writing of theirassignment an d responsibilities during the Y2K event.

All Y2K event personnel are expect:-ed to be onsite or on call during theY2K event period to augment normal

24-hour watch operations. Th e Y2Kevent period will begin December 31,1999 at 1200 Greenwich mean timean d will en d when determined by theDirector or Deputy Director,NSNCSS.

Only personnel assigned to normal24-hour watch operations or designat

ed as Y2K event personnel will be permitted to report to duty during theY2K event. Other personnel are no tauthorized to rep ort to duty unlessspecifically called in. A liberal leavepolicy will be in effect the week ofJanuary 3 for non-Y2K event personneL

Th e Department of Defense hasexempted all NSA employees who areworking on the Y2K problem fromthe biweekly limitation on overtime;comp time; an d night, Sunday, andholiday pay. Th e biweekly pay capdoes no t apply to Wage Gradeemployees.

Facilities Services is working closely

with BG&E to ensure that electricity

electrical power via generato rs toselected areas of the NSA campus.BG&E has accomplished all necessaryY2K compliance programs an d willman the substations that are most crit:-ical to NSA. Manning these sta tionswill ensure rapid recovery during anelectrical outage.

Th e generators will be tested in

November. During the test, the electrical demands of NSA's critical buildings will be evaluated a nd a n electricalload-shedding plan will be incorporated. This will require occupants to turnof f all nonmission-essential equipment.

Holiday LeaveTh e Agency will be as flexible as

possible for all employees during theNew Year's holiday. However, shouldthere be a demand for emergency personnel during the millennium weekend, management has the authority torequi re emergency personnel toreport

for work regardlessof th e

employee's holiday plans.Under emergency circumstances

such as the Y2K transition, employeescan be directed to forego scheduledvacations or leave for the duration ofthe emergency.

If leave is canceled, the governmentis no t obligated to reimburse individuals for money lost. I t is important,then, that employees coordinate all oftheir leave plans up to an d throughthe mil lennium weekend with theiroffice as soon as possible.

Health and Life InsuranceFederal employees, retirees, an d

the ir families can be confident that

and other Office of Personnel Management (OPM) services are ready forthe year 2000. Being ready meansmaking sure that no t on e annuitycheck is missed or is late. I f local sys-tems fail (those that OPM does no thave any control over) they will findan alternative way to deliver.

Medical Center and EASThere will be a medical response

team (physician, nurse, and medical

technician) at the Headquarters Medical Center during their normal business hours December 31, 1999. Forthe remainder of the weekend, therewill be a team on call at all times. During the week of January 3, 2000 theMedical Center will be open duringits normal hours, 6:30 a.m.-4:00

p.m., an d there will be a team on callduring the evening and night hours.

Th e Employee Assistance Service(EAS) will have two mental healthprofessionals on call at all times fromDecember 31, 1999, through January2, 2000. As always, there will be on emental health professional on caU at

all times the first full weekof

January.Agency Services

Th e Rite Aid, barbershop, CivilianWelfare Fund, an d SHAPE Centerswill be open d uring their normalbusiness hours if the building inwhich they are located is open. Th ecafeterias are dependent on adequatepower to be fully operational. It is possible that service could be limited, bu tthere will be no way to know until January 1, 2000. Contingency plans willbe in place to operate at levels that willno t use power that is needed for mis-sion purposes.

For additional information regard

ing Y2K issues refer to the Y2K


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Y2K-What You Can Do To Be Prepared

N ews headlines an d Internetpostings in recent months ru nthe gamut with so-called

experts predicting that the Y2K bug

will cause problems ranging from a"minor inconvenience" to a "majorworld catastrophe." The simple mlthis-no on e is exactly sure what willhappen. Conventional wisdom holdsthat there may be some disruption insenices, but tllere will no t be a catastrophic collapse of all electronic systems, mass chaos or panic, and thatmanufacturing systems willbe fixed in

a short tirnc.This much is known-State an d

local government agencies, utilities,hospitals, an d other organizationsthat provide essential services havebeen hard at work to identify and correct problems before they occur. Statean d local emergency managementofficials are also working to identifyresources and develop contingencyplans in case major problems occur._Thac is no reason to hoard food or

supplies, but families should prepare in the same way they would !ura significant winter storm. Keepinga 3- to 7-day store of supplies in suburban and urban areas and more forrural areas, is a guideline.

_Check with manufacturers o f e s s e n ~

tial computer-


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To Offer Help ... ls To Offer Hope!by Lisa M. Anderson, ProgramManager

\

J

The mission of the CombinedFederal Campaign (CFC) is tosupport and to promote philan

thropy through a program that isemployee-focused, cost-efficient, andeffective in providing every Federalemployee the opportunity to improvethe quality of life for all. Its traditionof community commitment throughthe selfless effort of Federal employeesis rooted in the charitable campaignsof the 1960's.

NSA has a strong commitment tothe CF C and the community ofCen-tral Maryland. Last year was the 12thconsecutive year that NSA contributed more than $I million. Thistradit'on has become well known andwell respected throughout the region.In addi tion to gIving m ere than 26

percent of the CFC of Central Maryland's total contributions, NSA alsoleads the way in our commllnity with3\0 Leadership Society members(those who contribute $1,000 ormore).

Th e 1999 CFC began in September.All Federal employees have the rightto contr ibute or not to contr ibute tothe CFC. Through your designation,

you ensure that your donation goes tomeet those needs tha t you feel aremost i mporta nt . Employees maychoose from any of the 2,400 agenciesthat have been approved for inclusionthis year by the Local Federal Coordinating Committee. There is something for everyone-the -- -oCFCResource Guide is extremely comprehensive and offers information aboutall of the participating agencies.

There are s e v e t a l m e t h ~contribute to the CFC. You can give-aone-time cash or check donation or

October 1999

use payroll deduction. Payroll deduction lets you help all year and is key tosubstantial giving by allowing you tospread the cost of your contributionthrough the entire year.

Last year, the Agency collected several personal stories from employeesabout their experiences with CFCagencies. The following is one ofthose received.

Marilyn's StorySeventeen years ago, my contribu

tion to the CFC was an impersonal,charitable payroll deduction to thoseorganizations with which I had only aperipheral relationship. That changeddramatically when my son was bornwith Down's syndrome. My formerspouse (also an Agency employee) an d

I were exposed to and received sup-port from a number of CFCsupported organizations, both on thelocal and national level.

On the local level. we becameinvolved with the Howard CountyAssociation for Retarded Citizens andits subordinate organizations, Parentsof Children with Down's Syndrome,eventually serving in leadership posi

tions in both organizations.These organizations provided us

with parental support, respite services, information, guidance and assistance in finding and receivingeducational, recreational, and medicalservices, an d served as an advocate forboth our needs as parents and ourson's needs. Further, CFCsupportednational organizations such as the

Down's Syndrome Congress and theNational Down's Syndrome Societyhave...provided us with yet anotheradvocate for ou r son.

As my son grew, he became involvedin sports and the Special Olympics,another CFCsupportecl organizationthat provides year-round sportstraining for those individuals withmental retardation and developmental disabilities. These programs haveprovided fantastic means for my sonand others to strive to succeed in thesame ways their siblings and friendsdo, thereby increasing thei r selfesteem.

Within 3 years of my son's birth, It urne d again to a CFC-supportedorganization, the local chapter of theAmerican Heart Association, whenmy father suffered a heart attack whilevisiting us in Maryland. With just aphone caU, the local chapter providedme with a wealth of information ondealing with a family member whohas had a heart attack, nut rit ionalinformation, exercise programs, andsupport group information i n bot h

my area and for the area in NewJerseywhere my father lives.ln recent years, J've received

assistance from yet anotherCFC-supported organizat ion, theAlzheimer's Association. This organization has provided our family withinformation that has enabled us tounderstand my mother's illness andmake decisions regarding her future.

All of these organizations continueto be a great source of programs, information, and support for which I amvery gratefuL Most are provided at nocost or minimal cost to my family,thanks to funds provided to thoseorganizations through the CF C andthe United Way.

For additional information regarding the CFC, visit its Website at

http://www.fanx.s.nsa/cfc/ or cOntact the program manager, Lisa M.Anderson, at lmandel@nsa or 9636801(s).

NSA Newsletter 9

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NSA Promotes Education Among Baltimore City's Youth

,j,

""

The PartnershipTh e NSNPAL

partnership providesPAL youth with

some of the Nation'sbest m a t h e m a t i c i ~ n f s ~

scientists, and com.-puter experts who have agreed to volun te er at the PAL centers. To date,more than 50 Agency employees havevolunteered to tuto r, men to r, andteach PAL youth. These employeeswill teach math, science, computer literacy, use of the Web, business administration, and arts and crafts.

For additional information regarding the MEPP program, call 9635511(s) or 301-688-6436. Th e NSAPAL volun teer coord inator isMonique Mitchener, 968-7771(s).

-sdo

repair, math, and science. MEPP

members also provide communi tyand police volunteers with the skillsneeded to tutor ma th, science, andcomputer classes.

Police Athletic LeagueThe PAL provides many education

al programs in its 27 youth centers,located throughout the city. Its purpose is to offer young people a balance

of knowledge, ideas,and s trengths thatwill enable them tomake good life decisions. PAL also provides a safe havenfor young people to

.i learn and have fun,while interactingwith dedicatedpolice officers.

...students watched World War II cryp.tology videos and were shown how tobreak codes.._

The MEPPThe MEPP is an outreach program

that promotes mathematks and sci .ence education for students rangingtrom elementary. to graduate-schoollevel. Supported by many Agency volunteers, MEPP participants teach students computer skills, how to use theInternet, hardware an d software

the NSA/PAL partnership . He alsocomplimented NSA volunteers saying, "these are some of the smartestcomputer science people in theworld."

of becoming familiar with and under

standing how computers work. Our-

ing his speech, he thanked the NSAstafffor having the vision to establish

C i " l I - " r ~.-- ~ . ~ . : ' " " ~

Mr. Earnest Green, Director, EEO; Mr. Jack Ingram, Museum Curator; Baltimore CityPolice Commissioner Thomas Frazierj Mr. George Cotter, NSA Chief Scientist;Col. Alvin Winkler, PAL Executive Director, and members of the Baltimore City PAL

Earlier this year, NSA's Mathemat

ics Education Partnership Program(MEPP) and Equal EmploymentOpportunity (EEO) offices formed apartnership with the Baltimore CityPolice Athletic League (PAL). In conjunction with this partnership, NSAinvited PAL students to tour theNational Cryptologic Museum duringthe summer months. These tourswere initiated to help students better

appreciate how math,science, and technology impact cryptologyand conttibute to theprotection of American communications.

On July 6, theAgency welcomed thefirst PAL group to visirthe Museum. Approxi.mately 200 stu_dentsformed the largestgroup to ever visit themuseum at one time.During their 3-hourtour, the studentswatched World War IIcryptology videos andwere shown how tobreak codes by Agency mathematicians.

Other guests visiting the museumthat day inc luded Ba lt imore CityPolice Commissioner Thomas Frazier;Col. Alvin Winkler, PAL ExecutiveDirector; and officers tram the Baltimore City Police Department.Mr. George Cotter, NSA Chief Scient ist , welcomed th e visitors an dMr .

Jack Ingram,the

museum'scurator, gave an indep th tour of themuseum exhibits. Following the tour,Commissioner Frazier briefly spoke tothe children regardingthe importance

10 NSA Newsletter October 1999

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Action Line

Have a question or thought to express? Use Action Line!

Opinions expressedin

letters do not necessarilyr e p r e ~

sent official viewpoints or the v iews of the Newsletter

Staff.

CENSORED

Dear Action Line,As an Information Systems Security Organization (OD

employee, I am a bi t cu ri ou s why Agency-allSmails s J have beeninformed by my wife, who is a Technology an d SystemsOrganization (OT) employee, of Agency-all E-mails that Ihave never seen. Is there somereasonfor these Smails notbeing forwarded without intervention and filtering?

- I n the Dark

Dear In the Dark,Thank you for your question about the ISSO InfoLine. This

initiative began approximately 4 years ago when it became clearthat the large volume of ((mass" Email ings was having adetrimental effect on the ISSO's mail sert'ers and delaying timesensitive, operational E-mails.

Many people were complaining about the large number ofadministrative announcements and "junk" messages addressedto "ISSOaIl" or ''Agencyall'' beingreceit'ed that filled employeesE-mail inboxeseveryday.Thiswas forcing busy people to wastetime sifting through low priority items to find workrelated, timesensitive messages. In response to this problem, a way was soughtto organize the information in a manageable format that put the

control back in the individual's hands.The ISSO InfoLine organizes messages to the work force in a

selectable list. This list appears every morning on all ISSO workstations. The first message in the list open.>automatically and isusually a message with a topic of interest to most of the ISSOwork force. 'The Deputy Director for Information Systems Security Organization (DDT) often uses this feature to communicatetopics o!importance. The other messages are either Agency-alland ISSO-all messages t h a t have "trapped out" for retransmission on InfoLine ormessages submitted directly to InfoLine. TheISSO InfoLine is rerun around noon whenevera message of wideinterest has been added or submitted that morning. The onlyother criteria for submission of a message to the [SSO InfoLineis that the topic be work related and of interest to at least two

October 1999

groups within the ISSO. No other "cen.>orship" takes place. Itshould be noted thocany AgeTlCY-allor ISSO-all messages of anemergency nature are forwarded via Email upon receipt andposted on the ISSO InfoLine. A problem exists when Agency-allmessages go

out duringthe

work day-Agency mailservers.some

times get backed up, creating significant Ume delays before theISSO even receives the origiMI message. This is generally whypeople in another Key Component may get an ISSO = a g ebefore someone in the ISSO.

One exception to the normal InfoLine process invol.ves messages from the senior operaUons officer (SOO) and the operaUons support officer (OSO)_ Those messages go directly viaE-mail to the ISSO's work force since they are generally UmesensiUveand they maybe sent out after normal duty hours when

no one is available to retransmit them on InfoLineIn summary, the ISSO InfoLine is not an attempt to cen.sor

E-mail (except E-mail that is clearly of an unofficial and iMp'propriate Mture for government resources). It is a tool thatimproves the operaUon of Agency networks. It also helps toorganize the informaUon thework force receives to allow them touse their valuable Ume more efficiently. The majority of feedbackregarding InfoLine has l1eenfavorable.

-Michael R. Ware, Dr CI O

PUT ON THE BRAKES

Dear Action Line,J would like to express a major concern about excessive

speed and disregard for .posted traffic-control signs atNSA. In my travels th is morn ing, I observed a BMWtraveling parallel to me while traversing th e parking lo t infront of Gatehouse 2. I noticed it because its speed, nearly 25-30 mph, was well over the nominal level for safety.As the car approached the en d of the parking loc and the

STOP markings before the Jersey barriers, the driver proceeded to tu m as i f t he S TO P markings were no t eventhere! Then, as he reached t he STOP sign, thac was alsodisregarded. I was aghast! I wondered if there was a validreason to be in thac much of a hurry. When J observedthis individual park in a numbered space a nd t he n nonchalantly scroll into the HQ S Bldg. without a care in theworld, J felt i t was appropriate to write to ' ~ t i o nLine."

I t is unconscionable that anyone would act with suchtotal disregard for safety! This leererwill hopefully bring awake-up call to anyone who feels they can disregard thespeed limits an d traffic signs within the compound, simply because they believe they are "above it all."

-Totally Aghast

NSA Newsletter 11

I

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....

__ e: -_ _


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Celtic Forum meets the last Tuesdayof every month. Anyone interested inthe culture, art, languages, or heritageof the Celtic lands (Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) orpeoples is welcome to attend. For further inf or mati on, c on ta ct KarenDavis (kmdavis@nsa), 301-688-7884.

Ceramics Crafters will hold its annual Halloween sale October 19, 11:00a.m.-I:OO p.m. inside the OPS 2Aentrance, next to the stairway. Foradditional club information, write tothe Ceramics Crafters Club, c/ o theCWF Club Mail Facility.

Comic Book/Science-Fiction Memo

rabilia Collectors Club meets the firstFriday of every month. The club provides a forum for people interested incomic books, science fiction, games,and other fandom. A second meetingfor family members is held on thethird Saturday of each month at theProvinces Library. For further information, c o n t a c r A n n . White(abwhitl@nsa).

Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Employees(GLOBE), Alan Turing Chapter, willhold its October general meeting int he conference room in Building9914, the Colony Seven complex. Tocheck for GLOBE meeting dates andtimes, subscribe to ESS 116, read theClub News on ENLIGHTEN, or sendan E-mail to GLOBE@nsa.

Hispanic Forum meets monthly andoffers a wide array of activitiesthroughout the year. For more information subscribe to ESS 1252 or contact Ivette Collazo (imcolla@nsa).

12 NSA Newsletter

Parkway Coin and Stamp Club willhold its monthly stamp meetingThursday, October 14 at noon. T hemonthly coin meeting will be Thursday, October 28 at noon. Meetinglocations will be displayed in theshowcase opposite the OPS 1 Cafeteria ent rance during the respective

weekof

each meeting. For stamp clubinformation, contact Grover Hinds at301-688-4598. For coin club information, contact Mitch Ross at 301-6888428.

Single People in Activities Recreational and Cultural (SPARC) eventsfor October include dining out; Sunday brunch at Clarks Bayside Inn; the

Maryland Renaissance Festival; a"bike and hike" outing to Great Falls;a singles Halloween dance; a Halloween potluck dinner party; a weekend ttip to Ohiopyle, PA; a monthlyactivities planning meeting; and week:-ly happy hours and trivia a t Hurricanes. For more information,subscribe to ESS 1444 or contact SallyBiggerstaffat '972-2270(s) or 301-688

0146.

Socially Oriented Bikers MotorcycleClub will meetWednesday, October 6and November 3 at 5:00 p.m. atPerry's in Odenton . Meetings arescheduled for the first Wednesday ofeach month. Upcoming rides includeHarpers Ferry scheduled for October9. Also, lunch rides are held the thirdWednesday of each month at11 :30 a.m. For further informationcontact the club treasurer, Ron at 301688-1051 or members, Kent at 301688-0905 and Brenda at301-688-4292.

October 21 College Financial Planning Seminar

Need help with college tuition?Stop by the R&E Auditorium,11:30 a.m.-Z,OO p.m., to learn aboutfinancial planning. A speaker fromthe Maryland Prepaid College Trust, afinancial aid specialist, and a certifiedfinancial planner are scheduled topresent information regarding theprocess.

For details or to register, contacttheGEBA office at 301-688-7912 or viaSmail at [email protected].

October 27-29 Cryptologic HistorySymposium

The .1999 Symposium on Cryptologic History, sponsored by the Center for Cryptologic History, will beheld in the Friedman Auditorium.

All sessions will be unclassified. TheWednesday and Thursday sessionswill run from approximately8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Friday session will run from 8:30 a.m.-noon.

This year's symposium will take a

retrospective look at a century of signals intelligence and information systems security. It will also provide freshinsights into the uses of cryptology inWorld War II and in counterespionage activities, such as VENONAand ISCOT. Other presentations willinclude selected topics in cryptologyand the Cold War, a nd a panel discussion on the current declassification process.

For information regarding the symposium's topics and speakers, contactthe Center for Cryptologic History at972-2893(s) or 301-688-2336.

October 1999


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Awards

Lost and Found

James C. Newton

It is time for the NSA CustomerService Centers (CSCs) to dispose offound property that has been heldfor more than 90 days. The CSCsare holding a variety of items including money, jewelry, and clothing. Ifemployees have lost anything sinceJune 1, stop by an NSA CSc.

Found something? A CSC representative will be glad to take it andtry to match it with it:; rightfulowner. NSA CSC locations and telephone numb er s are: FANX III,room BlAB, 968-7444(5), 410-8547444; OPS 1, Room 1W082, 9636922(5), 301-688-5943; and R&E,Room R1C074, 961-7444(5), 301688-2444.

Cornelius J. Doherty Paul C. Greenwald

39 Years

Kenneth A. Williams

\I. ~

37 Years

Laurence P. Coghlan III

35 Years

Helen J. Collins

David W. l . a ~ T e n c e

October 1999

Sandra Stanar-Johnson

NSA Newsletter 13


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Paul Derthick's Headline Puzzle _._ by Larry Gray

Th e following are headlines from recent daily newspapers. Each of th e five is a

different letterfor letter substi tution. All five are derived from the same mixedalphabet at different settings against itself.

1. FNEIGAMWP UQRCD WI GSIPN DMQ RC ANQTJSRGMCGICWAISSNFPNCMWN

2. ODZLOP ZBLHT LllHBFPO ZMDZLKA BW BMEOELQT]QU OEBKA3. ARLDZPLDGIQWGSHSAGA CMAUG LHUPISZJ.GUWI MCAl YLP PLQXA4. UMBNSCRUIO ORGWIA IONA U RN BN A M W SNDD EMPIC WNCCRP

GSMPPRG5. OQHHVlM AEYMYRZDAVMN EOVLL]ACDZ RIHHYXAG]VNBKYO EILVKI]

Answer !inappear next month..

Answer to September Puzzk:1. EUROPEAN AEROSPACE GIANTS CLOSE TO MERGER AGREEMENT2. DICE ARE READY TO ROLL SOON IN MOTOR CITY CASINO3. ASTROS PLAY ON DESP1TtTRYING,INJURYPLAGUEDSEASON4. MOLECULAR CIRCUITS HOLD PROMISE FOR ULTRAFAST COMPUTERS5. SURVEYS SHOW CONSUMERS, PHYSICIANS IMPATIENTWlTH HMOS

Setting: sHEET Key: PAINTER Hat: LANYARD

Hidden below are 19 words associated with college academics. Th e words readin any direction an d any let te r may be used more than once.

c 0 :M l ' U T E R S C I E N C E0 U L o (T N M N R E V 0 G VM M A T H Ii: M A T I c s1 M p K

Z M J u 'F:C': KY Y!- T I S A M A SU G Q N F Z V R J I L C Q S X

N 0 W ( G N 1 R E E N I G N E 'SI L J z y E X A U 0 C R Z N EC 0 K L R H TH s I L G N

E l ~I

A H Y G Ie L 0 T N 0 R E G S TT C Q R 1'T U Z U G G C Z y U I

I Y P M S R S D Y Y V U B B N0 S U A IITG N I T N U 0 C C A

N P I r HilT N E M E G A N A MS E C 1 V R J< I ~ H T L A E HI uE C 0 N 0 M I c s1 Q i N 0 W( )

14 NSA Newsletter

In MemoriamRaymond F. Alsop, a former equ ip ment specialist in the Support Services Organization, died August 3 of astroke. He was 66.

Prior to joining th e Agency,Mr. Alsop served with th e U.S. !'lImy.He a tt ended the University of Col-orado an d graduated from the Washington School of Engineering an dDesign. Mr. Al sop re ti red in 1980with 26 years of Federal service.

Mr. Alsop resided in Newtown, VA.He was a member of}erusalem BaptistChurch an d active in local govern.ment.

His wife, Myrde; an d three daughters , Pamela Green, Angela Thomp.son, an d Sherrin Alsop surv iveMr. Alsop.

J. Wesley Bevan, a fonner signal conversion technician in the OperationsOrganization, died August 18 of cancet. He was 93.

Prior to joining th e Agency,Mr. B ev an s erve d with the NavyD ep ar tm en t. H e g ra du at ed f ro m

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.Mr. Bevan ret ired in 1975 wi th 37yeafs"l,{ Federal service.

A - native of Providence, RI,Mr. Bevan was a longtime resident of

Washington, DC .Mr. Bevan is survived by his wife,Edith; toNO daughters, Goldie Pennan d Pamela Bernard; 3 granddaughters; two great-grandsons; and twogreat-great-grandchildren.

Ernest H. Biggerstaff, a former electronic engineer in the Technology an dSystems Organizat ion, d ied August

11. He was 70.A resident of Annapolis, MD ,

Mr. Biggerstaff re med in 1980 with28 years of Federal service. His interests included flying.

October 1999

"l


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\

i- ~

His wife, Mary; and two sons, Markand Glenn survive Mr. Biggerstaff.

Rohert L. Buille, a former intelligence analyst in the Operations Organization, died july 27. He was 59.

Prior to Joining the Agency,Mr. Bullie served with the U.S. AirForce. He graduated from the University of Maryland and the U.S. NavalWar College. Mr. Bullie retired in1997 with 39 years of Federal service.

A native of jackson, MS, Mr. Bullieresided in Rockville, MD. He enjoyedfishing, brewing, and music.

His wife, Alice; a son, Robert; and agrandson, Denar, survtve Mr. Bullie.

Joseph A. Cunni ngham, a formeranalyst and manager in the Operarions Organization, died April 13 fol.-lowing a lengthy illness. He was 71.

Mr. Cunningham sen'ed with theu.s. Army prior to joining theAgency. He earned a bachelor'sdegree from Boston College and adegree in law from Georgetown University Law SchooL Mr. Cunninghamretired in 1983 with 31 years of Federal service.

A native of Waltham, MA,Mr. Cunningham resided in Crofton,MD. He enjoyed reading and traveL

Mr. Cunningham is survived by hiswife, Betty.

An n B. Romberger, a former analystin the Operations Organizafion, diedAugust 13 of kidney failure. She was

73-A native of New Jersey,Ms. Romberger resided in GlenBurnie, MD. She retired in 1985 with30 years of Federal service.Ms. Romberger enjoyed reading,shopping, and listening to music.

Two daughters, Sandra Malar andNancy Redelius; three grandchildren;

and two great-grandchildren surviveMs. Romberger.

John J. Sullivan, a former financialadvisor in the Plans, Policy, and Programs Organization, died August 15.He was 7l.

Prior to joining the Agency,Mr. Sullivan served wi th the U.S.Army. He retired in 1985 with 39years of Federal service.

A native of New York City, NY,Mr. Sullivan resided in Glen Burnie,MD. Among his interests were woodworking, gourmet cooking, and vol.unteering at North Arundel HospitaL

Mr. Sullivan is survtved by his wife,Elizabeth; a son Barry; a daughter,Joan; and two grandchildren.

De nni s R. T umer, a collection officer in the Operations

- Organization, diedjuly 14 of cancer.He was 52.

Prior to joiningthe Agency in

_ '41971, Mr. Turner, _ : , served with the U.S."-', _,y::' Marine Corp.

A native of PortAllegheny, PA, Mr. Tumer resided i,llMarriotsville, MD. His wife, Dorothy;and two sons, Gregory and David survive Mr. Turner.

In AppreciationOn behalf of our entire family, my

brotherJack and 1would like to thank

our friends and coworkers for theirkindness and thoughtfulness following the death of our parents. Thecards, flowers, plants, prayers, ando ther generous gifts were greatlyappreciated and comforted us duringthis difficult time. Thank you all foryour support.

-jamie Russell

My family and I would like to offerour 'sincerestgrafitude for the overwhelming support we received following the sudden deaths of my fatherand mother. The shock oflosing bothparents was traumatic; however, ourcoworkers at NSNCSS Pacific tookcharge and got us off the island in atimely manner. The prayers, flowers,calls, memorials, personal notes, andhugs have certainly been appreciatedand will always be remembered.

-Beverly Heyberger

I would like to express sincereappreciation 'to my NSA co][ea",ouesand friends for their expressions ofsympathy and support follOWing thedeath of my fatller. Your thoughtfulness during this difficult time was agreat comfort to my family and me.

-Debora Plunkett

We would like to thank our friendsand coworkers fo r their thoughts andprayers during our son Zachary's illness and at the time ofhis death. Thesupport, friendship, and kindness willalways be remembered.

-joe and Kim Hebda

My sincere appreciation and thanksto my coworkers and friends for theirprayers and support during my recentillness. Your cards, personal notes,and calls were the bright spots in mydays of recuperation. Your thoughtful.ness meant a great deal to me.

-Arlene Plitt


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Leave Bank Enrollment

A voluntary Leave Bank Open Sea-son will be held November 8 throughDecember 3. Employees who are notLeave Bank members are invited tojoin; however, current members donot need to reapply. As a Leave Bankmember, individuals are eligible tobecome leave recipients should a med-ical emergency or condi tion affectthem or a family member, and theymeet the applicant requirements. Bycontributing 4, 6, Or 8 hours of annualleave (based on years of service), anemployee will become a Leave Bankmember for the 2000 leave year.Annual leave for Leave Bank dues willbe deducted from annual leave accru-

Healthy and Drug Free

Join the Red Ribbon Week Campaign, Octuber 23-31. Wear a red rib-bon to show opposition to illegal drugand alcohol use and illegal tobaccouse by minors, and support this year'stheme, "Be Healthy and Drug Free."

Red Ribbon Week was created inresponse to the 1985 assassination ofan onduly DEA agent, Enrique (Kikil

Camarena, by drug dealers in Mexico.Members of the National Family Partnership wore small, red satin badgesin Camarena's memory and e n c o u r ~

aged others to take a stand againstdrugs. This symbolic gesture quicklyspread from community to c o m m u n i ~

ty, making Camarena's murder a cata-lyst that called people to act ion-tomake a visible commitme.nt by wear-

ing and displaying red ribbons toshow national intolerance for illegaldrug use.

NSA's nationally recognized RedRibbon Week activities are conducted

16 NSA Newsletter

als during the first full pay period ofthe new leave year.

For faster service, membership maybe requested via E-mail atrvbristnsa. Include full name, dutyorganization, social security number,a nd a request for membership for2000. If preferred, the membershipform, P2719, may be electronicallyaccessed, completed, and E-mailed; ora hard copy may be faxed to 4434793325, the Leave Sharing ProgramOffice. To be accepted, membershiprequests must be received by the closeof business, December 3, 1999.

For additional information, refer tothe Leave Bank Webpage athttp:/ /www.s.nsa/OHESS/s212/leave-bank.html Or contact the Leave.Sharing Program managers at 963-6086(s) or 301-688-8808.

by Occupational Health, Environment, and Safety Services (OHESS),under the Pharmacy Services and theDrug Program Coordinator. To learnmore about drugs, drug abuse andprevention, health effects, and avail-able community treatment servicesvisit the nearest local Mobile HealthClin.ic (MHC), refer to the medical

information racks outside the OPS IOHESS Clinic, visit the OccupationalHealth on Wheels (OHOW) van, ortalk to the pharmacist in the 0 HESSPharmacy.

Red ribbons are available throughthe OHESS Pharmacy, the MHC, andOHOW. Wear a red ribbon-take theopportunity to show support for adrug-free workplace and society. For

additional information, cont ac tDr. Marsha Alvarez, Chie f Pharmacistand Drug Program. Coord inator,OHESS, at 301-688-6128.

TH E NATIONAL SECURITYAGENCY NEWSLETTER

October 1999 VoL XLVIll No. 10

NSNCSS INTERNALCOMMUNICATIONS CELL

nsanews@nsa

The NSA Newsletter is publishedmonthly by the NSNCSS InternalCommunications Cell for the information and enjoyment of NSA employ-eesand their families.

Items submitted for publicationshould be sent via E - m ~ a i ltonsanews@nsa or ty ped double-spaced,marked with t h ~ name, organization,and phone number of the sender, andforwarded to: NSA Newsletter, FortGeorge G. Meade, MD 207556000.Feature articles are due 2 we:e:ks beforethe first day of the month preceding themonth the art icle is intended to be pub-l ished. All other items are due on or_before the first day of the month preceding the month in which the item isintended to be published. For example,feature articles for the DecemberNewsletter must be s u b m i t t e d ~ . o nocbefore the 18th day of October. Allother items must be submitted on orbefore the Ist day of November. All submissions to the Ne1J.!slerter are subject to..)editing for space, clarity, and classificacion; there are no exceptions to this poliey. Newsletter offi ce p ho ne s are9631848(s) and 301-6886610 (TDD);E-mail address is nsanews@ma; andlocation is OPS 1, South Cafteteria,Room 2.

This publication does not necessarilyreflect the official views of the D e p a r t ~ment of Defense.

The NeIsletter is printed by the Publicat ion and Reproduct ion Divisiol l. -Printing of this pu blication wasapproved by the Director, NSA,March 1, 1972.

October 1999

national security agency (nsa) newsletter, oct 1999

Documents