| TO: |
Fall 2007 Attorney General's Honors Program Interview
Candidates |
| FROM: |
Deana M. C. Willis
Assistant Director
Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management |
| SUBJECT: |
Travel and Interview Information - Attorney
General's Honors Program |
If you are selected to interview for an Honors Program entry-level
attorney position with the Department of Justice this fall, then we
want your interview experience to be a positive one. Please
read this memorandum carefully. It explains how to schedule
your interview, provides information about travel costs and reimbursement,
tells you where to report for your interview and what to bring with
you, and answers other important questions.
A. Scheduling Your Interview
- Most interviews will be scheduled between Monday, October 22nd and
Friday, November 9th, 2007 (excluding weekends and holidays), and
will be conducted at the offices of the interviewing component.
- When you receive notice that you have been selected for an interview,
you must complete the Travel
Survey form located on the Honors Program "Interviews" web
page. Please take a look at this form now by selecting the link
above - it is helpful in understanding some of these instructions. This
form should be faxed to the number that appears on the bottom of the
form no later than 48 hours after you receive your notice
of selection for an interview. Please fax the form one time only
and retain a copy of the delivery report. All candidates,
except those interviewing only with an Antitrust Field Office, must
submit a Travel Survey in order to schedule their interviews, even
those residing in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The
fax will be delivered to the Department of Justice Conference and
Contract Center Staff (CCS). Do not contact the Office of Attorney
Recruitment and Management to try to confirm receipt of your Travel
Survey; OARM is not located in the same building as CCS.
- Except for Antitrust interviews in field offices, the CCS staff
will schedule your interview(s) based on the information provided
in your travel survey and the component's availability. Interviews
will be scheduled to allow same-day travel (when possible). The
Department policy limits government-funded interview travel to once
per candidate (with exceptions for candidates interviewing with
the participating U.S. Attorneys' Offices and Antitrust field offices).
If you are selected for more than one interview, expect to see the
interviews scheduled on the same day unless there are exceptional
circumstances, such as interviews in Washington and California, or
Washington and Massachusetts. The Antitrust Division will separately
schedule interviews for its field offices and make appropriate travel
arrangements.
- Based on the preferences you list and the availability of interview
times, the CCS staff will assign you to a specific interview week
and schedule your interview(s). CCS will make every effort to consider
the preferred week and day listed on your Travel Survey, but cannot
guarantee your preferred schedule because of variables affecting Government-contracted
travel (e.g., airline availability, timing of flights, etc.). We
regret that we cannot accommodate requests to fly in early or depart
late to accommodate personal plans or weekend tourism. Please
do not ask to change your interview schedule except in the case of
a major emergency. If an emergency arises, please contact the
assigned scheduler indicated on your itinerary. If you are unable
to reach the designated scheduler, please call (202) 616-3803.
- Please be patient during the scheduling process. You should receive
your itinerary no later than the Wednesday prior to the week during
which your interview is scheduled, which may not be the week you requested. The
CCS will fax your travel authorization, itinerary and interview schedule
to you using the fax number you indicated on your Travel Survey. Please
be sure that you check the fax machine or that someone monitoring
the fax machine is aware that you are expecting material from the
Department and will contact you when it arrives. The CCS
will schedule interviews as quickly as possible; however, please be
aware that the process for booking travel is complex and can take
some time. If you do not receive your fax from the Department
by Wednesday, October 31st, then contact the CCS Staff schedulers
at (202) 616-3803 for immediate assistance.
B. Interview Sites and Security
- Security: You will need
two forms of photo identification to clear security at Department
buildings. We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior
to your interview to get through the security procedures and to find
your interview room.
- Interview Sites: The CCS
staff will provide specific information about your interview(s), including
the date(s), time(s) and buildings, and room number(s), when they
fax you your Travel Authorization and itinerary. The information is
listed on the fax cover sheet that accompanies your Travel Authorization. Specific
component interview room information is also available on the OARM
web page at www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hpinterviewlocations.htm. To
locate Washington, D.C. interview sites outside the R.F.K (Main Justice)
building, please see the map showing
most Washington, DC interview locations. Cab fare between Washington
DC interview sites is about $6.00, but is not reimbursable. Most
locations, except the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, are
within walking distance or accessible by MetroRail. Please note
the special instructions below if you are interviewing with EOIR.
- Antitrust Division (Washington Office only), Civil
Division, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division,
Environment and Natural Resources Division, National
Security Division and Tax Division: These
Divisions will interview at the Robert F. Kennedy (Main Justice)
Building, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Candidates must enter
the building through the Visitor's Center on Constitution
Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets. The nearest Metrorail
stations are Archives/Navy Memorial (Green/Yellow Lines) located
on Pennsylvania Avenue (two blocks from the Constitution Avenue
entrance) and Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange Lines) located
on 12th Street (two and one-half blocks from the Constitution
Avenue entrance).
- Antitrust Division (Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco
Field Offices): These offices will interview
in their respective cities. The Antitrust Division will
schedule those interviews, notify candidates, and make appropriate
travel arrangements.
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF): ATF will interview at 99 New York Avenue,
N.E. (at the corner of Florida and New York Avenues, N.E.).
The nearest MetroRail station is the New York Avenue-Florida
Avenue-Gallaudet University station on the Red Line. The entrance
to the Metro is right across from the building. Candidates
should report to the Security Desk and contact Joel Roessner
at (202) 648-7058.
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR): EOIR
will interview at 5107 Leesburg Pike (One Skyline Tower),
Suite 2500 (25th floor), Falls Church, VA 22041. Candidates
arriving at Reagan/National Airport should take MetroRail to
the Pentagon City Metro Station (two stops from Reagan National
Airport), then transfer to the free Skyline Crystal Express
Shuttle (pick-up point is located close to the Metro escalators,
on S. Haynes St. near 12th St. by the entrance to Nordstrom).
Be prepared to show photo ID and your Travel Authorization if
asked to do so. Exit the Shuttle at Skyline where the
pick-up/drop point is located at the rear entrance of 5113 Leesburg
Pike (Four Skyline Place). Shuttle schedules and maps
of the pick-up and drop points are available at http://crystalcity.com/_/File/_/skylinecrystalexpress.pdf . Alternatively,
candidates may take MetroRail to the Pentagon (three stops from
Reagan National Airport), then take the 28F/28G MetroBus to
the interview location. MetroBUs fare is $1.25. Schedules
and maps for the 28F/28G MetroBus are available at www.wmata.com/timetables/va/28fg.pdf. Walking
directions to the interview location from the shuttle drop point
and the 28F/28G MetroBus stop are available here. Candidates
may contact Emmett Soper, Attorney Advisor, (703) 605-0774 or
Brigette Frantz, (703) 605-5166, for assistance.
- Federal Bureau Of Prisons (BOP): BOP
will interview at 320 First Street, NW, Washington, DC. Candidates
interviewing with BOP should report to the Security Desk and call
Mary McBride or Crystal Drayton at (202) 514-6105. The nearest
Metrorail stations are Union Station and Judiciary Square on the
Red Line.
- U.S. Trustee's
Program (UST): UST will interview at 20 Massachusetts
Avenue, NW, Room 8000. Candidates interviewing with UST should
report to the Security Desk and call Valerie Singley at (202)
616-1013. The nearest Metrorail station is Union Square on
the Red Line.
- USAO for the Southern District of California: The
Southern District of California will interview at 880
Front Street, Room 6293, San Diego, California. Candidates should
contact Renee Miranda at (616) 557-6067 upon arrival. Interview
candidates should take bus service or a taxi from the airport.
Round trip cab fare is approximately $30.00.
- USAO for the Central District of California: The
Central District of California will interview at 312 North Spring
Street, Los Angeles, California. Candidates should
report to the 12th fLoor and contact Bonnie Vuong at (213) 894-2363.
Ms. Vuong is the Secretary to the U.S. Attorney, George Cardono. Interview
candidates arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
or Burbank Airport should take a taxi to the interview site. Round
trip cab fare is approximately $100.00 to $120.00. This
is a reimbursable expense. Please get a receipt to submit
with the reimbursement request. Due to the high cost
of taxi fares, interview candidates who are authorized overnight
lodging must review the specific guidance for this location in
Paragraph B, below.
- USAO for the District of Massachusetts: The
District of Massachusetts will interview at the John Joseph Moakley
U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200, Boston, Massachusetts. Candidates
arriving at Logan International Airport (Boston) should take the
Silver Line subway to Courthouse Station. It is about a
20 minute ride and the round trip fare is approximately $3.00. Candidates
arriving by train at South Station (Boston) may take the Silver
Line subway to Courthouse Station (one stop) or walk (5-10 minute
walk). The subway fare is approximately $1.25. For
subway schedules and other information, visit www.mbta.com,
then select “Subway,” then “Silver Line.” The
Silver Line runs every 5-7 minutes in peak travel times. Upon
arrival, candidates should report to Suzan Kelly, Secretary for
the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, (617) 748-3134.
B. Travel and Other Reimbursable Expenses
- Covered Costs
- TRAVEL: If your travel to Washington (or
another authorized location) is booked on a commercial carrier
(air or train), the Department will pay directly for your
travel and issue an e-ticket to minimize your out-of-pocket
expenses. Candidates who travel by air or train are required
to use public transportation (e.g., Metrorail, Metrobus) while
in Washington, D.C. and all other locations where public transportation
is available. Candidates authorized for overnight lodging
should also use hotel shuttles to and from the airport, if
available. Candidates may request reimbursement for
the cost of round trip public transportation to and from the
interview site. Taxi fare will not be reimbursed
except under limited circumstances (e.g., a reasonable accommodation)
or in specific pre-approved locations where a specific sum
for cab fare is authorized (e.g., certain candidates arriving
at Dulles Airport, and candidates interviewing in San Diego
or Los Angeles will be authorized a specific sum for cab fare
to and from the airport.)
Special Rules for Travel by Personal Car: Individuals
within driving distance of their interview site who wish to
drive their personal car should indicate that preference on
the Travel Survey. If CCS determines that the cost is less
than government rate commercial travel costs - or if you are
willing to accept reimbursement of government rate commercial
travel costs in lieu of actual cost to you, you may drive
to your interview. Please note that approval
to drive must be received in advance. You will be
reimbursed at the current government mileage rate (see www.gsa.gov)
plus road tolls. Repair costs, gasoline, towing and alternate
means of transportation expenses in the event of a breakdown
are not reimbursable. Also note that election to drive does
not entitle you to per diem or lodging at Government expense
if same-day travel by commercial carrier is available.
Washington, D.C. Area: Metrorail
and Metrobus will take you all over Washington, DC. Route
maps and other information is available on the Metro website
at www.wmata.com.
There is a "Ride Guide" on the site that provides
specific directions to your destination and fare information.
Most fares are less than $3.00 per trip except during rush
hours.
- Reagan National
Airport: Most
candidates who travel by air to Washington, D.C. will
arrive at Reagan National Airport. The most convenient
transportation from this airport is by Metrorail
- Dulles International
Airport: A very limited number of candidates
who travel by air to Washington, D.C. will arrive at Dulles
International Airport. If you are authorized overnight
lodging for the night before your interview, please travel
to your destination using the courtesy shuttles provided
by local hotels, if available or take the airport shuttle
to the West Falls Church Metro Station, then continue
travel on MetroRail. If you are a same day
traveler (or you are authorized an overnight stay for
the evening of your interview day), the Department will
reimburse up to $100.00 for the cost of round trip taxi
service to and from the airport. You must provide
the original receipt when requesting reimbursement.
- Union Station (Washington, D.C.): If
you travel by train to Washington, D.C, you can take Metrorail
directly from the station to your destination. (EOIR
candidates please note special instructions in paragraph
B, above.)
Boston, Massachusetts:
- Logan International
Airport (Boston): Candidates
arriving at Logan International Airport should take
the Silver Line subway to Courthouse Station. For
subway schedules and other information, visit www.mbta.com,
then select “Subway,” then “Silver
Line.”
- South Station (Boston) (Amtrak): Candidates
arriving by train should take the Silver Line subway to
Courthouse Station (1 stop) or they may walk (5-10 minute
walk).
Los Angeles, California:
- Los Angeles International
Airport or Burbank Airport: Candidates
arriving by air who are not authorized an overnight stay
should take a taxi from the airport to 312 North Spring
Street, Los Angeles, California. Round trip cab
fare is approximately $100 - $120. Please get a
receipt to submit with the reimbursement request. Candidates
who are authorized an overnight stay should use hotel
shuttles between the hotel and the airport, when available. When
shuttles are not available, reimbursement for taxi fare
will be authorized between the airport and the hotel,
the hotel and the interview site, and the interview site
and the airport. The Department will not authorize
reimbursement for multiple trips between the interview
site and the hotel: candidates staying overnight
prior to an interview should check out the morning of
the interview and take their luggage with them to the
interview site; candidates remaining overnight following
an interview should proceed directly to the interview
site upon arrival and check into the hotel following the
interview. Receipts are required when requesting
reimbursement for taxi fares.
San Diego, California:
- Candidates arriving by air should take a taxi to 880 Front
Street, Room 6293, San Diego, California. Round trip cab
fare is approximately $30.00.
- HOTELS: If your travel schedule requires
it, you will be authorized an overnight stay. Lodging costs
will be reimbursed based on the current Government per diem rate.
The Department cannot prepay lodging. If your approved schedule
requires an overnight stay, you must make appropriate hotel reservations
for your stay. Absent extreme circumstances, the Department will
reimburse for one night's lodging only. Current government
per diem rates for Washington, D.C. and other cities is available
at www.gsa.gov. We recommend
that you ask the hotel to honor the Government rate at the time
of booking. Please discuss their documentation requirements when
making the reservation. The Department will send you a government
travel authorization that you may show to the desk clerk. You
should also inquire whether there is a tax exemption available
for Government-funded lodging.
- MEALS AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES (M&IE): You
are eligible for partial reimbursement of M&IE if
and only if your interview schedule, including travel, exceeds 12
hours. The current per diem M&IE rate for Washington, D.C.
and other major cities is available at www.gsa.gov.
Travelers are reimbursed at 75% of the M&IE rate on travel
days.
- SPECIAL NEEDS / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
Costs associated with reasonable accommodations based on a disability
or special need that affects your travel may be authorized. Contact
the CCS staff at (202) 616-3803 for a case-by-case determination
before you travel
PLEASE NOTE: Travel Authorizations contain estimated
costs. Estimates are generally higher than actual reimbursable
costs. You will not receive reimbursements that exceed your actual
cost, and the government per diem rates are the reimbursement ceiling.
- Costs Not Covered
- The Department will not pay for costs associated with unauthorized
schedule changes or individual rebooking of flights.
- The Department will not pay for excess costs resulting from
circuitous routes or unnecessary delays. It will not pay for lodging
in excess of the per diem rate or for unnecessary or unjustified
services.
- When same-day travel is possible, the Department will not authorize
an overnight stay. It will not reimburse you for lodging should
you elect to stay overnight or if you travel by car for personal
convenience if commercial travel is less costly.
- The Department will not pay for ground transportation between
interview sites except as reasonable accommodation
for candidates with disabilities or special needs.
- The Department does not reimburse tips, telephone calls, laundry, fax, or other special services
D. Canceling or Rescheduling Your Interview/Unexpected Extensions of Travel
- Pre-Interview Cancellation or Rescheduling: Once
you’ve been scheduled, please do not ask to change your interview
schedule except in the case of a major emergency. We are unable
to accommodate personal plans. If an emergency arises, please
contact the assigned scheduler indicated on your itinerary. If you
are unable to reach the designated scheduler, please call (202)
616-3803. If an emergency requires you to cancel
or reschedule your travel, call (800) 685-6342 or the emergency
contact number listed on your itinerary. Once travel
arrangements have been made, you are responsible for canceling them.
If you are authorized lodging and made a reservation, be sure to
cancel that reservation as well. You must also notify
the CCS staff during normal business hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm EDT)
at 202-616-3803 so that they can reschedule your interview and provide
further guidance. You are not authorized to seek a refund
for the prearranged ticket or to make new travel arrangements based
on the redemption or exchange of the prearranged ticket without
prior approval from the CCS staff. If you exchange
a pre-arranged ticket for a new ticket that is more expensive, you
are responsible for the additional charges. (Authorization is not
required if you are rerouted by the airline during your travel.)
- Unexpected Circumstances: If unexpected or exigent circumstances (e.g., flight cancellation, airport closures) require you to remain overnight, you can be reimbursed for unauthorized overnight lodging up to the maximum government per diem rate for that location. You must contact the 24 hour emergency number on your travel itinerary (Omega Travel) and request that they book lodging and, if necessary, make alternative travel arrangements. You must also contact CCS at 202-616-3803 during business hours for further instructions regarding submitting your request for reimbursement to include the new lodging costs. Be sure to show your travel authorization and request government rates and tax exemption when you check into the hotel. In order to be reimbursed, you must retain and submit the original hotel receipt.
- Please note: Your travel schedule cannot
be adjusted to accommodate invitations from component interviewers
to join them in a meal, social event, or to return at a later time
to meet other individuals, etc. Component interviewers
are not authorized to modify your travel reservations or to contact
CCS to request such a modification. All additional costs associated
with accepting such an invitation, no matter how well intentioned,
will not be paid by the Department.
E. Requesting Reimbursement
- In order to be reimbursed for expenses incurred during your
interview, you must complete a Reimbursement Form (located on
the OARM web page under Employment-Related Forms) and
fax it with copies of your receipts to the CCS staff at 202-307-0862,
within 5 business days of travel. Upon receipt of your
form, the staff will prepare a formal travel voucher and fax it
to you for your signature. Check the voucher for accuracy,
especially in addresses, then sign your voucher and mail it to
the CCS Staff at 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7139, Washington,
DC 20530. THE DEPARTMENT MUST HAVE AN ORIGINAL SIGNATURE AND ORIGINAL
HOTEL RECEIPTS (if applicable) IN ORDER TO PROCESS YOUR REIMBURSEMENT. Reimbursement
processing generally takes two to three weeks from the date the
voucher is received.
- When filing for reimbursement, be very careful to list the exact
address you want the check mailed to. If the check is issued
to the address you list, but you move and the check is not forwarded,
there will be an extensive delay associated with locating and
cancelling the first check before a second check can be reissued.
- Notice of Criminal Penalty If you knowingly present false,
fictitious, or fraudulent travel claims, you may be subject to criminal
penalties under Title 19, U.S. Code §§ 287, 1001.
F. Miscellaneous Travel Information
- Carrier Selection and Frequent Flier Miles The Department
selects airlines based on contract cost to the Government. CCS will
not accommodate requests for specific airlines; however, should you
happen to accrue frequent flyer miles or other promotional credit
based on your travel, you may retain it for your personal use.
- Routing: CCS will route travel based on the terms of Government
contracts with the carriers. This may result in intermittent stops,
indirect flights, or routing through a carrier hub. Regrettably, you
may not alter the route of travel. The Department will not pay for
excess costs resulting from circuitous routes, delays, luxury accommodations
or services unnecessary or unjustified in the performance of official
business. You are responsible for excess costs and any additional
expenses that you incur for personal preference or convenience.
- Timing Your Arrival at the Airport: Due to time constraints
in scheduling and costs associated with paper tickets, the Department
uses "E-Tickets". You should arrive at the airport at least
90 minutes before your departure time, and bring two forms of photo
identification with you to allow sufficient time to get your e-ticket
and clear security prior to boarding. Contact your departure
airport in advance to determine whether additional time is required.
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