Inspection of Embassy Astana, Kazakhstan

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, should provide Embassy Astana with instructions on priorities for environment, science, technology, and health work that have been agreed upon by both bureaus.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Human Resources, should downgrade FS-02 position 30010004 in Almaty to FS-03, upgrade FS-03 position 30010128 in Astana to FS-02, and assign the countrywide consular coordinator position to Astana upon the departure of the incumbents.

Embassy Astana, in coordination with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, should transition the alternate service provider platform to the Department of State by the end of FY 2015.

Embassy Astana should conduct its annual International Cooperative Administrative Support Services review, including staffing needs.

Embassy Astana, in coordination with the Bureaus of Human Resources and South and Central Asian Affairs, should determine whether the U.S. Government can withhold and pay Kazakhstan income taxes on behalf of locally employed staff.

Embassy Astana should require Consulate General Almaty to complete its post differential questionnaire and submit it to the Bureau of Administration’s Office of Allowances.

Embassy Astana should publicize the names and contact information for its Equal Employment Opportunity counselors in Astana and Almaty.

Embassy Astana should enforce the regulation that motor vehicle operators should not be on duty more than 10 hours, and only after a minimum 8-hour sleep period.

Embassy Astana should conduct tests of its high-frequency radio on a weekly basis and record the results on the high-frequency reporting SharePoint site.

Embassy Astana should test its information technology contingency plan annually.

Embassy Astana should implement a standard operating procedure to scan its dedicated Internet network on a regular basis.

Embassy Astana should establish a transition plan detailing the OpenNet services that the alternate service provider is still responsible for supporting.

Embassy Astana should complete all delinquent reports for the American Community Association and submit them to the Office of Commissary and Recreation Affairs.

Embassy Astana should bring its cell phone program into compliance with Department regulations.