JMC State_USAID Consolidation Roadmap - ICASS

answer questions and guide individual posts as they confront these issues. Names and contactnumbers of JMC working group chairs can be found on the JMC website: http//jmc.state.gov.Posts may consult directly with JMC representatives from both agencies by sendingquestions/concerns to JMCDirectorate@state.gov.Managing the Transition in WashingtonJMC Strategy• Consolidation PlansIssue: Posts must carefully plan their consolidation activities. At the same time, the JMCis responsible for helping posts that have problems and for accounting to the OMB, perthe above discussion.Recommendation: Per 07 State 69288, posts should plan their consolidation work informats that can be shared with FSN committees, ICASS Councils and other interestedparties. Although Tier Three consolidation plans do not need Washington approval, theJMC asks posts to use standard formats that can be shared with Washington offices, if theneed arises..• Unique Requirements at PostsIssue: While standardized guidance has been provided, some posts may have uniquerequirements that call for customized solutions.Recommendation: Upon request, the JMC will provide post-specific guidance orestablish consolidation support teams made up of subject matter experts, regional bureaurepresentatives and others. Support will normally be offered in a conference call orDVC.JMC Communication Strategy• JMC WebsiteIssue: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring a continuous information flow amongJMC players and overseas posts.Recommendation: The JMC website (www.jmc.gov) serves as a repository of guidance,model plans and other information on State/USAID management consolidation. Thewebsite contains cables, planning documents, Working Group issues, a list of frequentlyasked questions, best practices and lessons learned, JMC consolidation cost analysis andother reference tools and links.• Guidance on Consolidation from WashingtonIssue: There is a sense of conflicting messages from Washington to the field regardingthe consolidation of administrative services.Recommendation: The two headquarters offices in Washington will continuecommunicating as consistently and clearly as possible, with the understanding thatsometimes even the most unambiguous language is subject to varying interpretations.Posts are encouraged to develop their own solutions whenever possible, with theunderstanding that a “can do” attitude towards consolidated operations will make it easierConsolidation Roadmap B-3 www.jmc.gov