FAQs:

1. Why is the Lab doing this?
2. How will the users be selected?
3. How long will this take?
4. Is this a one-time activity?
5. When did this policy go into effect?
6. How was this policy vetted and communicated?
7. Why is the Lab billed for local calls?
8. Where can I get additional questions answered, or provide feedback on this policy?

1. Why is the Lab doing this?

Validation of the costs of telephone usage is considered a best practice in the Federal Government. Asking samples of users to validate their bills provides assurance to the Lab that it is not incurring substantial costs for personal use.

2. How will the users be selected?

Two percent of desktop telephones will be selected randomly by a computer program. The designated user for that phone is responsible for managing the validation process and will be notified by email.

3. How long will this take?

The cellular validation process is relatively quick. All validation is Web-based. A single validation should take no more then 15 minutes, and probably much less.

4. Is this a one-time activity?

No, this will be an ongoing assurance process. Users will be selected on a quarterly basis and asked to validate their most recent telephone bills.

5. When did this policy go into effect?

Business use of desktop telephones is a long-standing LBNL policy. All aspects of Lab policy are subject to assurance activities, however, to clarify this, the RPM was updated in March of 2005 to reflect these requirements (A)(2)(e)(i).

6. How was this policy vetted and communicated?

This policy was communicated via CSAC (https://www.lbl.gov/ITSD/CSAC/), as well as via the RPM change in March of this year. On April 21, a TABL article ( http://www.lbl.gov/today/2005/Apr/21-Thu/04-21-2005.html ) reflected the procedure of validation. An additional TABL article on July 29, indicated the start of random validation. The date was chosen to provide additional notice to users before the next billing cycle began.

As a business, the Lab is subject to different calling plans and rates then a home user. Generally, businesses are billed per call for all calls, including local calls.

8. Where can I get additional questions answered, or provide feedback on this policy?

For questions specific to validation:

Call x7997 or email your questions to  Tsc <Tsc@lbl.gov>

For feedback regarding this policy, or any IT policy,

email to itpolicy@lbl.gov .