Frequently Asked Questions for Communications Staff

Q—Who handles inquiries from Congress?

A—NIFA advisor, Science Policy and Legislative Affairs.

Q—How do I request information using the Freedom of Information Act?

A—Submit requests in writing to:

USDA-REE-ARS Information Staff
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Building 1, Room 2248,
Mail Stop 5128
Beltsville, MD 20705-5128

Q—What are the copyright rules on reproducing USDA or NIFA materials?

A—All information produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is in the public domain and can be reproduced without permission. Reference to USDA should be in a credit line if its materials are reproduced outside USDA. If a photograph in a USDA publication is copyrighted, anyone wanting to reproduce that photograph must obtain prior permission in writing from the USDA Photo Center (phone 202-720-6633).

Q—How can I find out about scheduled NIFA listening sessions?

A—Check the Federal Register, news releases in the Newsroom on the NIFA Web site, and the NIFA Administrator's Report to the Partnership, also available in the Newsroom.

Q—Who should the media contact about NIFA?

A— Jennifer Martin, NIFA national media liaison.

Q—What kinds of internships does the Communications Staff offer?

A—The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) program and the Washington Interns for Native Students (WINS) program place college interns in summer positions within NIFA units and programs.

Q—How does the Communications Staff support the Secretary's Honor Awards?

A—We coordinate the awards process by soliciting NIFA nominations, reviewing them, and recommending possible recipients to the NIFA Administrator for transmission to the Secretary of Agriculture. When nominee choices are made, the NIFA Communications Staff coordinates award event activities for NIFA participants.

Q—Who is the USDA Communications Liaison for the NIFA?

A—Wayne Baggett (phone 202-720-2032) is the Communication Coordinator for the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area.