2007 Mid-Year Workload Review      Task Force                 May 8-10, 2007 Washington, DC Task Force Members Jolene Fechter, CED – IA Debby Hunt, FLO – KY Roger Tonne, CED – TX Chris Broderick, PT – MO Mary Jane West, PT – SD Michael Greer, CED – GA Dallen Quarnberg, DD – UT Terry Stehr, CED – PA Kris Stevens, PT – SD Ruth Ford, PT – CA Carol Truman, FLPT – PA Vicki Larsen, Bob McGrath, Carol Fleming and Debbie Hall were the facilitators for the meeting. The Task Force was divided into four groups, Farm Loan Programs, Conservation & Environmental Programs, Price Support, and Production, Emergencies & Compliance. On Tuesday we met as a group and had an overview of what we were asked to accomplish during the meeting.   BUD requested subject matter experts from each Division to assist with an overview to the group consisting of: o  known changes in program activity since FY 2005 (software, procedure, etc.) o  guidance on the level of county office activity expected for FY2007 as compared to FY2006 o  any other information they deem relevant to the task. Each division presented the information to the Task Force members, with time allotted for questions and answers. Wednesday the group met together and was given information on the following: o        Work Measurement formulas which were currently used to convert workload unites into workday based on FY2005 county office activity: o  Constant/Start up Time o Quadratic/Linear formulas We were told each group was to review the formulas and make recommendation for revisions to the formulas to account for the changes in time to complete a unit. Recommendations for revisions to the FY2005 formulas could be based on: o        Transition to Web-based software o        Revised procedure o        Review of documents due to improper payment o        Other activities as determined o        Must have some supporting explanation We then split into groups.  I was in the Farm Loan group with Debby Hunt and Dallen Quarnberg.  Debbie Hall from DC was our facilitator. Our group reviewed each of the 41 work items associated with FLP.  We looked at each item, addressed if any changes had impacted the time allotted to complete that particular item.  We reviewed high, medium and low county information and compared to national average in our calculations. Thursday the groups met together again and each presented their recommendations.  Heidi Ware, from BUD, along with the DC employees we met with Tuesday met with us again as each group reviewed and discussed the reasons for their recommended changes. FLP made recommendations for some changes to work items 802, 804, 821, 824, 827, 837 and 1001. The other groups addressed each item for which they requested changes. All these recommendation now will be reviewed by BUD.  Some of the recommendations may or may not be implemented. On Friday we did some final reviewing and completed any unfinished business. Then Bob McGrath gave us preview of the BPMS which is being piloted in 5 states.  This will work through Star 5.0.  California will be the first pilot state.  This is scheduled to begin with pay period 10. I wish to thank NASE for the opportunity to serve on this Task Force.  It was a great learning experience.   Respectfully submitted, Carol Truman NASE Representative, FY2007 Midyear Workload Review Task Force