Website Policy and Important Links

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the policies of this federally sponsored Website, consistent with polices established by the OMB Policies for Federal Public Websites as implemented by the Federal Executive Board of Los Angeles (GLAFEB).

1. Disclaimer
2. Privacy Statement
3. Use of Plugins
4. Disclaimer of Endorsement
5. Copyright, Restrictions, and Permissions Notice
6. Information Surety
7. Virus Protection
8. Security
9. Accessibility
10. Linking to Outside Websites
11. Data Rights
12. Freedom of Information
13. Information Quality
14. No Fear Act
15. Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board Website Policy, Content Priorities & Review Schedule
16. Accessing Documents in PDF Format
17. FirstGov: The U.S. Government Homepage
18. Access for People with Limited English Proficiency
19. Contact Us
     

1.     Disclaimer

This system is made available by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned right. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.  

2. Privacy Statement

Thank you for visiting our web site. We protect your privacy while you visit us online.

Personal Information

You do not have to provide any personal information to visit this web site.

If you provide us information about yourself via e-mail or a web form, your information will be used only for the purposes described at the point of collection, such as to send information or products to you, or to respond to your questions or comments. If you provide contact information, Federal Executive Board staff may contact you to clarify your comment or question, or to learn about your level of customer satisfaction with our services.

• We do not sell any personal information to third parties.
• We may transfer personal information to a third party only in the following cases:
  • To a bank or United States Department of the Treasury account, which must receive payment for a transaction that you initiated;
  • To a company that is contracted to assist us with specific services and which agrees not to sell or use personal information for other purposes;
  • To legal authorities if we suspect that you are attempting to change or otherwise damage this web site, or you are using it in violation of Federal or local laws;
  • To Congress or a court in response to a subpoena.

The personal information you provide when you register for a Federal Executive Board program or request to be added to one of our databases will be used only to fulfill your request or to facilitate the preparation of internal statistical reports. The Federal Executive Board makes every effort to limit the number of people who have access to this personal information. The Federal Executive Board employees and contractors who handle credit card information must ensure that it is treated as cash and secured accordingly. Any Federal Executive Board official, employee, or contractor who willfully discloses such protected information may be subject to the sanctions included in the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). The Federal Executive Board will retain your information only as long as required by law and Federal Records Management policy. If you have questions about the use of your information by the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board, please write to us, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 3200, Long Beach, CA 90802.

E-mail Information

Please do not send us sensitive information, such as your credit card or social security numbers, via e-mail. It is possible that during transmission of your e-mail a third party may intercept this information. We cannot guarantee its safety while in transit.

We use return e-mail addresses to answer the e-mail we receive. We would share your e-mail with another federal government agency only if your inquiry related to that agency or if we were required to do so by law.

Cookies

"Cookies" are small bits of text that are either used for the duration of a session ("session cookies"), or saved on a user's hard drive in order to identify that user, or information about that user, the next time the user logs on to a web site ("persistent cookies").

• The Federal Executive Board web site and its component sites do not use persistent cookies.
• One or more of the Agency's component sites may use session cookies to provide streamlined navigation throughout their sites and for statistical analysis. These session cookies are deleted from the component's server soon after your session ends and are not collected or saved. You can set up your Web browser to inform you when cookies are set or to prevent cookies from being set. You can still use our web site if you do not accept the cookies, but you may be unable to use certain cookie-dependent features.

Information Collected and Stored Automatically

If you visit our site to read or download information, we collect and store the following information about your visit:

• The name of the Internet domain (for example, "xcompany.com" if you use a private Internet access account, or "yourschool.edu" if you are connecting from a university's domain) and the IP address (a number that is automatically assigned to your computer when you are using the Internet) from which you access our site;
• The type of browser and operating system used to access our site;
• The date and time you access our site;
• The Internet address of the web site from which you linked directly to our site; and
• The pages you visit and the information you request.

This information is primarily collected for statistical analysis and technical improvements to the site. The Federal Executive Board site, which is hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration, uses software programs to create summary statistics, which may be used for such purposes as assessing what information is of most and least interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. In certain circumstances, however, we may take additional steps to identify you based on this information and we may share this information, including your identity, with other government agencies.

Although questions, comments, and other communications that we receive generally are not retained as permanent records, please note that it is possible that any mail – electronic or paper – that we or any other Federal agency receive could become part of the permanent record of the agency, if the mail is part of materials that are scheduled for permanent retention. 

3. Use of Plugins

The first time that you use an area of our site that requires animation software, such as "Flash" or "Shockwave," you may see an invitation to go to the software manufacturer's web site so you may download software needed to view the animation on our web site. This prompt occurs because we can tell whether your browser has the needed capabilities provided by these plug-ins. We do not use "cookies" to do this, nor do we read anything on your computer other than your browser's capabilities. We do not endorse or guaranty anything about the product that you may download from a manufacturer's web site. If you choose to visit the manufacturer's web site to obtain the plug-in, please carefully review their policies for details about personal privacy and use of their software. 

4. Disclaimer of Endorsement

Reference to specific commercial businesses, products, processes, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, on any web site administered by the Federal Executive Board does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or by the Federal Executive Board. Recognition of commercial businesses, institutions, and organizations mentioned on any web site administered by the Federal Executive Board that relate, for example, to our development initiatives and partnerships does not imply endorsement by the Government.

We provide links from our web pages to external web sites because they provide information that may interest our customers. This is provided as a convenience only. External links do not constitute an endorsement by the Federal Executive Board of the opinions, products, or services presented on the external site, or of any sites linked to it. The Federal Executive Board is not responsible for the legality or accuracy of information on externally linked sites, or for any costs incurred while using externally linked sites. 

5.     Copyright, Restrictions, and Permissions Notice

Generally, materials produced by Federal agencies are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission.

Please note that because we cannot guaranty the status of specific items, you use materials found in our holdings at your own risk.

Images on our web site, which are in the public domain, may be used without permission. If you use images from our web site, we ask that you credit us as the source. Please note that some images on our site have been obtained from other organizations. Permission to use these images should be obtained directly from those organizations.

Links may be made to our web site from other personal and organizational web pages. We request that you link to our site rather than downloading portions of it to another web server, so that our viewers will see our most up-to-date information.

Certain individuals depicted may claim rights in their likenesses and images. Use of photographs or other materials found on the Federal Executive Board's web site may be subject to these claims. Anyone who intends to use these materials commercially should contact the individuals depicted or their representatives.

It is possible that our site will provide you an opportunity to go to a software manufacturer's web site so you may download a related plug-in that will enable your browser to show you a part of our web site. This prompt occurs because our system can tell whether your browser has the needed capabilities provided by these plug-ins. Our system does not read or place anything on your hard drive when recognizing your browser's capabilities. While the plug-in(s) are needed to view some content, you retain control and choice about conducting the download. At the time that we create and post the web pages that require these software plug-ins for viewing, they are provided by their manufacturer for download and use free of charge. We cannot guaranty, however, that the plug-in will remain free, or that the manufacturer will not collect personally identifying information about you when you elect to download the software from their site. If you choose to visit the manufacturer's web site to obtain the plug-in, please carefully review their posted policies for details about personal privacy and use of downloaded plug-ins.  

6.     Information Surety

We recommend that you acquire information describing the services and products of the Federal Executive Board directly from Federal Agency official web sites, because other, non-Government sources may not be able to maintain accurate information pertaining to our programs.

We work hard to ensure the information provided to you is accurate and complete. However, it is possible that information may change prior to updating. We welcome your suggestions on how to improve our home page and correct errors. 

Please use the information on this web site based on your evaluation and analysis of any risks. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information you use (including software, images, audio files, artwork, and documents) are free of any violations of intellectual property rights.

Some of the documents on the server may contain live references (or "pointers") to information created and maintained by other organizations. The Federal Executive Board does not control and cannot guaranty the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of the outside materials.  For further discussion on this topic, please read our "copyright, restrictions, and permissions" notice. 

Because we do not know how you are using information found on our web site, we do not make any express or implied warranties about the information contained in this web site for your particular use. Except as to segments of this web site specifically identified as authoritative guidance, we disclaim these warranties to the full extent provided by state and Federal law, including, but not limited to the warranties for merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of proprietary rights. All indirect, consequential, implied, punitive and special damages are deemed waived if you use the information on this web site in any manner. 

7.     Virus Protection

We use virus protection software on our computer systems and regularly update the software. This is a computer security measure that, in addition to maintaining our computer systems, also ensures that all files that we develop and/or post on our web servers are virus-free. When you request a file for download from our site, it is possible, though unlikely, that the data may contract a virus and become corrupted before it reaches your computer. The Federal Executive Board is not responsible for files that may become corrupted as the data travels the Internet. 

8.     Security

For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this Government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals evidence of possible abuse or criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to appropriate law enforcement officials. Unauthorized attempts to upload or change information on this server are strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996. 

9.     Accessibility

We believe that our web site is compliant with Section 508 design guidelines. If you are a person with a disability and have trouble using our web site — or if you experience difficulty using any of our services, products, or facilities — please tell us about the problem.

You may:

·         send us an email message at Accessibility Officer

·         write to us at the

Federal Executive Board
501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 3200
Long Beach, CA 90802

·         fax your comments to us at 562-980-3448

Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (1194.22)

The criteria for web-based technology and information are based on access guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium. Many of these provisions ensure access for people with vision impairments who rely on various assistive products to access computer-based information, such as screen readers, which translate what's on a computer screen into automated audible output, and refreshable Braille displays. Certain conventions, such as verbal tags or identification of graphics and format devices, like frames, are necessary so that these devices can "read" them for the user in a sensible way. The standards do not prohibit the use of web site graphics or animation. Instead, the standards aim to ensure that such information is also available in an accessible format. Generally, this means use of text labels or descriptors for graphics and certain format elements. (HTML code already provides an "Alt Text" tag for graphics that can serve as a verbal descriptor for graphics). This section also addresses the usability of multimedia presentations, image maps, style sheets, scripting languages, applets and plug-ins, and electronic forms.

The standards apply to Federal web sites but not to private sector web sites (unless a site is provided under contract to a Federal agency, in which case only that web site or portion covered by the contract would have to comply). Accessible sites offer significant advantages that go beyond access. For example, those with "text-only" options provide a faster downloading alternative and can facilitate transmission of web-based data to cell phones and personal digital assistants.  

10.     Linking to Outside Websites

When you see the little green graphic beside a link it means that you will be leaving the GLAFEB website and entering an external link. All external links will open in a new window.

This link provides additional information that may be useful or interesting and is being provided consistent with the intended purpose of the GLAFEB Web site. However, links are maintained with websites and databases whose administration and operation are outside the purview of this Website. We disclaim any liability for the accuracy of content; validity of systems; effectiveness of tools or technologies; or adherence to privacy, security, accessibility, or other policies. When you follow a link to another site, you are subject to the policies of the outside Website. Linking to an outside Website does not constitute any explicit or implicit endorsement of the product, organization, information or services by GLAFEB.  

11.     Data Rights

Government information publicly accessible via the Web is in the public domain. Such information may be freely distributed and copied, but it is requested that in any subsequent use the appropriate Federal source be acknowledged. When using GLAFEB Websites, you may encounter documents, illustrations, photographs, or other information resources contributed or licensed by private individuals, companies, or organizations that may be protected by U.S. and foreign copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by Fair Use (61-KB PDF) as defined in the copyright laws requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Outside Websites are not within the purview of the Federal government, and data rights policies and practices of those Websites govern information contained therein. 

12.     Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended), generally provides any person with the statutory right, enforceable in court, to obtain access to Government information in executive branch agency records. This right to access is limited when such information is protected from disclosure by one of FOIA's nine statutory exemptions. 

13.     Information Quality

As appropriate, this Website complies with Guidance for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility and Integrity of Information Dissemination by Federal Organization (161-KB PDF).  

14.     No Fear Act

As appropriate, this Website provides information in compliance with the "No Fear" Act . You may review Government-wide data pertaining to the "No Fear" Act . 

15.      Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board Website Policy, Content Priorities & Review Schedule

Priorities

Primary audience is Federal agencies and Federal employees from numerous agencies who use this website as a place to access information that crosses agency lines.  GLAFEB Programs, policies and tools that are useful to Federal agencies in the Greater Los Angeles Area and are open source material.  

Web Approval Process

GLAFEB staff must approve all postings and links.                    

Balance the needs of visitors who use lower-end technologies with the need to pursue more advanced technologies and the added functionality those technologies may provide – web log will be reviewed to determine the machine types accessing the site, it at such time more technology advance machines are accessing the page, more advance technology may be implemented.

Standard for File Formats

Documents are currently posted as PDF, HTML, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft Excel.
New Documents will be posted as PDF or HTML.

Timeliness of E-mail Feedback from Website

All feedback will be responded to within three (3) working days of receipt

Large and Complex Document Management

In most cases, large or complex documents (generally, more than 5-10 print pages), whether in an industry standard format or alternative format, are best organized in sections or chapters and linked together.  One option is to provide a summary of each chapter in HTML and them provide the full chapter text in PDF.  That way, readers will know what the content is about before they commit to downloading the PDF file.  However GLAFEB will still provide a link to download entire document since some readers may prefer to print the entire document for later reading.

Highlight New Services

As new online services are added to the website, they will be highlighted appropriately.

Reduce Redundancy

Before creating new information on a particular topic, GLAFEB will determine if that same – or comparable – information already exists on you're the GLAFEB website or on another federal public website, including on a cross-agency portal.

FirstGov.gov

The official portal of the U.S. Government, will be use to determine whether content already exists on another website.  FirstGov maintains a list of cross-agency portals, including portals about a particular topic or audience group.  FirstGov also organizes government-wide content by subject and provides a government-wide service.

Shared Content

When multiple organizations have a stake in the same – or comparable – content, both within and across agencies, GLAFEB will consult with the other agencies to find a way to share or coordinate content to mitigate duplication.

Complementary Links

There may be situations where it is valuable for the public to have information on a particular topic from different sources.  In these situations, the links will be organized to be complementary.

Conflicting Content

If GLAFEB identifies government content this is conflicting, they contact the web content manager for those organizations so they can reconcile the content.  Above all, GLAFEB does not want to confuse the public.

Notification of Changes

All GLAFEB members and e-mail groups maintained by the GLAFEB, will be notified via e-mail of new pages or significant changes to the website.  Significant changes requiring notification includes:

•           Changes to an organization's root domain name

•           URL changes for frequently visited web pages

•           Major changes to the navigational structure of the website

•           Website redesigns

Website Redesigns

In addition to notifying via e-mail, a notice will be posted on the homepage informing visitors about the new design and how it will impact their ability to find information.  Since research and usability testing indicates that full-scale website redesigns are not always as effective in meeting the needs of customers as making incremental changes, and thus should be undertaken after careful consideration.

URL Changes

GLAFEB will minimize URL changes as much as possible.  When a significant number of page URLs change at one time (for example, as part of a redesign or conversion to an automated content management system), they provide as many ways as possible for visitors to locate the new page locations.

Domain Name Change

If changed, a "re-direct” notice that will automatically take visitors to the new URL will be inserted.  FirstGov will also be notified (with as much advance notice as possible), so new URL is correctly identified in FirstGov's government-wide domain directory and in the FirstGov search index.

Notification

Visitors will be notified when they are leaving the website for a non-federal government website by placing an icon next to the link and all outside links open in a new window.

Content & Link Review Procedure

Once a month GLAFEB staff will review content & links of the entire website (last day of each month).  Changes suggested by User Survey and/or Focus Group will be made each January.  Each change requested to the website content will be documented on a Website Change Form and maintained in the GLAFEB office.  Each update to the website will include an exit date and GLAFEB staff will visit the website on that date to ensure the time sensitive material has been removed.

Privacy Impact Assessment

Will be conducted Quarterly.

Site Map Review

Site map will be reviewed and updated Quarterly.

Annual User Needs Survey

In June of each year a survey will be conducted electronically to entire GLAFEB membership, survey will also be posted on the site for the month of June to allow any site user to complete and submit to the GLAFEB.  The Survey will ask for volunteers to participate in the Focus Group will be conducted in August of each year.

Annual Focus Group – In August of each year, a focus group will be convened in the GLAFEB office to gather feedback on the usefulness of the website and gather suggestions for the annual comprehensive review and/or revision. 

Records Management

(Based on NARA Guidance on Managing Web Records, January 2005)

All documents posted on the GLAFEB website will be maintained as GLAFEB program records as directed by the GLAFEB Records Management Schedule.  Version of the document will be captured if minor changes are made.

Each change in content will be documented by completion of a Website Change Request Form, which may be submitted to the FAA Website Manager electronically, however a paper copy will be retained in the GLAFEB Website Records File.

Date item to be removed from website to be entered into the Master GLAFEB calendar to ensure that the content is removed in a timely manner.  (Duration of Posting)

When major changes to the website are made, a new site map will be made and posted at the time of major revision.

16.     Accessing Documents in PDF Format

Certain files available for download from the National Archives web site are in Portable Document Format (PDF).
 

·         PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

·         Adobe also provides free PDF tools for the visually impaired.

What Are PDF Files?

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a computer file format, developed by Adobe Systems, Inc., that allows authors to exchange documents among different computer systems, while preserving the documents' typography and page layout.

How do I Get Started?

To read or print a file in PDF format, you must install on your computer the Acrobat Reader program, published by Adobe Systems, Inc. Acrobat Reader is free, and there are no restrictions on its copying or distribution. Acrobat Reader works as a standalone application, or as a plug-in within Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer.

For detailed, up-to-date information about Acrobat Reader or the PDF format, visit Adobe Systems Inc. at http://www.adobe.com.  

17.     FirstGov:The U.S. Government Homepage

FirstGov.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services. It is the catalyst for a growing electronic government, helping citizens navigate through the bureaucracy of government red tape. At FirstGov.gov you can apply for benefits online, contact a government agency, or use the Internet's most comprehensive search of government websites–all from one easy location. 

18.     Access for People with Limited English Proficiency

The Federal Executive Board is a Federal Entity whose primary customer are Federal employees, who are required to speak English. Therefore, although we do not provide our web content in alternate languages. For information and resources to assist those who visit our site with limited English proficiency to access Federal Agency sites please visit http://www.firstgov.gov/webcontent/req6f.shtml.

   19.  Contact Us

You may send any comments or suggestions by email.