Computer Access Instructions- Partners

New Guidelines as of April 2008
Below are the directions for NRCS partners to attain access to the USDA computer system, including the directions to complete the two requires security trainings Computer Security Awareness Training and Privacy Basics.  Completion of these trainings must be verified before access to the server is granted.

Complete and Fax to Donna Via, Human Resource Specialist, at NRCS State Office (717) 237-2238   

• Authorization Form for Consumer Reports
• NRCS-IRM-2-ISS, Information Resources User Agreement, after reading the Security Expectations and Rules of Behavior
  and Security Incident Response Guide.  (Retain these documents for reference.) 

Supervisor/Office Manager Completes and Faxes to Donna Via, Human Resources Specialist, at (717) 237-2238

• NRCS-IPM-3-ISS, Request for User Access to ITS Resources-Part One, indicate "New" as the type of Request.

Complete and Mail Originals to Lorraine Beinhaur, Human Resources Specialist, at NRCS State Office^*

• SF-85 Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions
• OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment
• OF-612 Optional Application for Federal Employment
• SF-87 Fingerprint Card (Partner must request this from NRCS office)

^*Due to security and sensitivity of data, use UPS or FedEx for mailing.

Security Trainings
Prior to gaining access to the USDA server, two training courses must be completed, Computer Security Awareness Trainings and Privacy Basics.  This can be accomplished via the Internet or by a paper-based method.

Method A
In order to complete the trainings you must register with eAuthentication and AgLearn via the Internet.  The courses will be accessible in AgLearn.
NOTE:  Internet access via the USDA server is prohibited and would be a violation of security since the new employee has not been granted access.  Furthermore, the use of another partner's or employee's login and password is also a violation of security.  Use a home computer, library facility or other public facility to register and complete these courses.  

          Step One:  eAuthentication
          Proceed to http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov/ .Follow these directions:

1. Select "Create an Account" on the left side of the screen.
2. Select "Level II Access".
3. Complete the form, creating your own UserID, password and four digit pin.
4. Submit the form.
5. Once the form is submitted, you will receive two automatically generated emails.  Look for the own containing "Link to Account Activation".  Clicking this link will activate your account.  The next step is to register with AgLearn.           

           Step Two:  AgLearn
           Proceed to http://www.aglearn.usda.gov/. Follow these directions:

1. Locate "New User" box on the left and click "Register"
2. Click "Step 2: Register"
3. Click "Continue" on the Warning Page.
4. Login using your eAuthentication UserID.
5. Complete the required information and submit.
6. Wait to hear back from Donna Via, Human Resources Specialist or Anne Anderson, State Administrative Officer.  They will then add the two required security training to your AgLearn Learning Plan and inform you when the courses are ready for you to access.

Return to the AgLearn website at http://www.aglearn.usda.gov/.

1. Click "Login", then "Continue".
2. Enter your UserID and Password.
3. Locate "Learning Plan " on the right side of the page and click on "Go to Learning Plan".
4. Locate the trainings and click on "Launch Content" to begin the first training.
5. Return to "Learning Plan" and take the other required security training.
6. When both trainings are finished, email Donna Via, Training Officer, informing her you have finished your trainings.  She will verify completion.

Method Two: Paper-Based
When the Internet is not available or not practical, the trainings can be taken via a paper-based method.  Print the following trainings:

• Computer Security Awareness Training
• Privacy Basics

Complete the courses, take the tests and fax test papers to Donna Via, Training Officer, at (717) 237-2238.

Granting Access
After we perform a preliminary background check and ascertain satisfactory completion of the security trainings, ITS will process an action to add the individual to the server and provide him/her with a login and password.  They will then have access to the USDA server.

Questions
Should you have any questions regarding these  procedures, please contact one of Pennsylvania's Information System Security Points of Contact (ISSPOC):

Anne Anderson, State Administrative Officer
Lorraine Beinhaur, Human Resources Specialist

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