No, at this time, we are not offering tiered chapter rates. Chapters can either work with another small chapter to combine their resources and members. Or if you have 15+ participants, the chapter webinar rate would still offer a savings over the individual member rate.
Any member over 32 would need to register at the individual member rate.
Yes, if small chapters want to partner together to provide this member benefit to their members, you can allow other chapter members to register in your group.
No. This discounted rate is a member benefit.
The most recent version of the EDFMTC (Modules 1-3) textbook is the 2020 edition. The most recent version of the Module 4 Textbook is Copyrighted March 2000, revised March 2011.
Information about taking the Module 4 Acquisition Business Management course can be found here.
ASMC offers the Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC), which covers the knowledge areas of CDFM Exam Modules 1, 2, and 3; the Module 4 Acquisition Business Management Course; three fiscal law courses (Certifying Officials; Purpose; and Purpose, Time and Amount); and CDFM Module 1, 2, and 3 Refresher Courses that focus on one module at a time. Please note that these classes are not intended as a sole source of preparation for testing.
Earning the Acquisition Specialty for your CDFM does not change your recertification deadline. Your recertification deadline will always be every other year on the last day of the month you initially earned your CDFM certification. For example, if you earned your CDFM on 4/15/2020, your recertification will be due April 30 of every EVEN year. If you later earn the CDFM-A, this will not change your recertification date.
No, the recertification requirements are the same for CDFMs and CDFM-As: adhere to the ASMC Pledge of Professionalism, pay the recertification fee, and complete at least 80 continuing professional education units (CPEs) by your recertification deadline. The 80 CPEs must include 2 CPEs in an ethics-related topic, and at least 20 CPEs must be earned per year.
Information about the EDFMTC, as well as the Module 4, fiscal law, and Refresher courses can be found here.
Attending ASMC training is not required to sit for the CDFM exams; however, feedback from CDFM candidates shows that many find the courses to be very helpful in preparing to take the exams.
ASMC textbooks can be purchased here.
The EDFMTC (Modules 1-3) textbook is $125 for members or $140 for non-members. The Module 4 Acquisition textbook is
$75 for members or $85 for non-members.
ASMC does not require textbook purchase to sit for the CDFM exams; however, feedback from candidates shows that
many find the information in the textbooks to be very helpful in preparing to take the exams.
Yes, active enrollment in the CDFM Program is required to sit for an exam.
You can enroll here or log on to your ASMC account and click on “CDFM Enrollment” on the left side of the screen.
You are not required to be an ASMC member in order to take the CDFM exams; however, ASMC members enjoy benefits such as reduced textbook and CDFM Program enrollment fees (CDFM enrollment is required in order to test). More information on ASMC member benefits can be found here.
First-time enrollment is $40 for members or $75 for non-members. Enrollment extensions are $75 for members or $85 for
non-members.
Each CDFM enrollment–whether it is first-time enrollment or an extension–gives you 2 years of eligibility to test.
If you need more than 2 years to complete the certification process, you will need to extend your enrollment an additional
2 years.
A 2-year CDFM enrollment extension costs $75 for members or $85 for non-members.
You can locate your CDFM enrollment expiration date by logging in to your ASMC account and clicking on “Update
Profile”. Look at the “Enrollment Expires” field.
Only those who have enrolled in the CDFM Program are assigned a Candidate ID. After enrolled candidates purchase a CDFM exam on the ASMC website, they will receive an Authorization to Test email in 24-48 hours that includes their Candidate ID number.
Each CDFM exam is $99 regardless of membership status and testing platform (OnVUE remotely proctored, in-person test center, paper-and-pencil).
After enrolling in the CDFM Program, Pearson VUE exams can be purchased here. For Special Arrangement testing, please contact the Certification Department at certification@asmconline.org or (703) 549-0360 for information and instructions. For more information on purchasing and scheduling exams, visit here.
You can view available Pearson VUE testing centers by visiting pearsonvue.com/asmc. Click on “Find a test center” on the right side of the screen. There are Pearson VUE testing locations on military bases and Pearson VUE Professional Centers (PPCs) off military bases. If you choose an on-base testing location, it is your responsibility to ensure you have authorized access to a military base.
After purchasing a Pearson VUE exam, you should receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email within 24-48 hours of the
purchase that includes the information needed to schedule your exam. If you do not receive the ATT email within 48 hours
of exam purchase, please contact ASMC at certification@asmconline.org or (703) 549-0360 for assistance.
If you are scheduled for a Pearson VUE exam, you can log into your Pearson VUE account (24/7) at www.pearsonvue.com/asmc or call Pearson VUE (888-572-2276, Mon-Fri 7am-7pm central) to cancel or reschedule your exam appointment with no penalty up to 4 business days before your appointment (not including the testing day). A $50 fee will be charged to cancel or reschedule an exam appointment 3 business days to 24 hours before the testing appointment. Exam fees are forfeited for testing appointments cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before the testing appointment without ASMC approval (only documented emergency situations qualify).
Each exam costs $99 to the candidate, including retake exams.
There are enforced waiting periods for retaking the CDFM exams: 14 days for a first retake and 28 days for any additional
retakes of the same module.
ASMC administers CDFM exams at the headquarters office in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Please write
certification@asmconline.org or call (703) 549-0360 to request information and available testing dates.
In order to set up a Special Arrangement computer-based exam or paper exam, contact the ASMC Certification
Department at certification@asmconline.org for guidance.
Once you have passed your exams, the last step to CDFM certification is to ensure that you have submitted your Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) Form.
Information about seeking financial assistance or reimbursement for CDFM-related purchases can be found here.
To request an electronic receipt for CDFM-related purchases, send an email to certification@asmconline.org and provide
your ASMC number and the items for which you would like a receipt.
If you are a CDFM candidate and all the requirements have been met, a wall certificate will be issued within 8-10 weeks of
certification being awarded. If you are a CDFM-A candidate, you will receive a CDFM designation letter 2-3 weeks after
certification is awarded, but ASMC will hold your wall certificate until after you pass the Module 4 exam.
A beautiful, professional-looking certificate frame with options such as the ASMC logo, name, and coin can be purchased
from Framing Success. Your certificate slips easily into the back of the frame. You can find more information and view the
distinguished styles here.
For security reasons, CDFM certificant name changes cannot be made online. You will need to submit a copy of the original documentation (e.g., marriage license, divorce or name change decree) to certification@asmconline.org. After your name has been updated in your ASMC account, you can order a replacement wall certificate here.
You can locate your recertification deadline by logging in to your ASMC account and clicking on “Update Profile.” You will
find it in the “CDFM Expires” field.
To keep your CDFM or CDFM-A certification active, pay the recertification fee ($25 for members or $45 for non-members)
and complete 80 CPEs by your recertification deadline. The 80 CPEs must include 2 CPEs in an ethics-related topic, and at
least 20 CPEs must be earned per year.
You can recertify your CDFM by logging on to your ASMC account and clicking on “Recertify CDFM”.
If you do not recertify by your recertification deadline, your certification goes into Suspended status, your name is
removed from the ASMC website, and a $50 late fee is applied. After 90 days in Suspended status, your certification goes
Inactive and the $50 late fee is changed to a $100 reactivation fee.
A 90-day recertification extension is available for those who need additional time, but it must be requested BEFORE your
recertification deadline.
Request this extension by marking the “CDFM Extension” option on a CDFM Recertification Form and emailing the completed form to certification@asmconline.org.
Your suspended certification can be reactivated by sending proof of earning 80 CPEs since the start date of the lapsed certification cycle to certification@asmconline.org and then paying the missed recertification fee plus a $50 late fee in your ASMC account.
Your inactive certification can be reinstated once you submit proof of earning 80 CPEs since the start date of the lapsed certification cycle and pay one Recertification Fee plus a $100 Reactivation Fee.
If events beyond your control, such as a deployment or a medical situation, interfered with your ability to recertify on time, some reactivation requirements may be waived. If this is the case, please email certification@asmconline.org and provide a description and documentation of the situation and specify which requirements you are requesting to be waived.
Any course or training related to defense financial management or that assists you in your role as a defense financial
manager can be used for CPEs in CDFM recertification. Any credits earned toward the DoD FM Certification Program
during your CDFM certification cycle qualify for CDFM recertification. For more information, visit the CDFM
Recertification Policy document on the CDFM Policy page here.
It is not necessary to submit CPEs when recertifying before your deadline; however, a small percentage of recertifications are randomly selected for CPE audit, so we recommend that you keep an electronic copy of your CPEs on hand. ASMC will contact you and request your CPE records if you are chosen for audit.
To add the Acquisition Specialty to your active CDFM certification and earn the CDFM-A designation, all that is required is to pass the Module 4 exam. First email certification@asmconline.org to request a cost-free Acquisition Specialty enrollment. Once your request has been processed, you can proceed with purchasing the Module 4 exam.
The requirements for earning the CDFM with Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A) certification are to earn the CDFM certification and pass the CDFM Module 4 exam.
Anyone who meets the experience, education, and testing requirements can earn the CDFM certification, regardless of employment status.
The VFME form can be downloaded here.
Candidates with an associate degree or higher need 2 years of defense-related financial management or 4 years of Federal Government-related financial management. Candidates whose highest level of formal education is a high school diploma or equivalent need 3 years of defense-related financial management.
In order to earn Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certification, a candidate must enroll in the CDFM Program; pass CDFM Modules 1, 2, and 3; have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent); and submit a qualifying Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form.
The DoD Joint Ethics Regulation provides that supervisors may allow employees to attend meetings and events sponsored by learned professional organizations such as ASMC on Government time. The operative word is “may.”. However, the Joint Ethics Regulation also prohibits acts of favoritism. So supervisors must have a consistent policy addressing all such organizations. ASMC can neither be favored nor discriminated against.
From time to time, the question has been asked whether military members or civilian employees of DoD and the armed services serve as officers of ASMC in their official government capacities. If this were the case, potential conflicts of interest could arise, and violations of the DoD Joint Ethics Regulation (DoD 5500.7-R) could result. While it is not uncommon for military and civilian leaders to also serve as ASMC officers and committee chairs, none of us work for ASMC in our official government capacities. The two are separate and must remain so.
In a memorandum dated March 7, 1996, the DoD General Counsel discussed the issue of military and civilian personnel serving in their official capacities in the management of “non-Federal entities,” Non-Federal entities are organizations that are not part of the Government. They include a wide range of activities: charitable organizations such as Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Army Emergency Relief; professional societies like ASMC; corporations and credit unions; local churches and civic groups.
The General Counsel’s memorandum advised that personnel were generally prohibited from serving in the management of these organizations in their official DoD capacities without the written permission of the DoD Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO). The memorandum went on the say, however, “[t]his change does not affect the ability of DoD personal to manage non-federal entities in their personal capacities.” The background to the General Counsel’s memorandum is helpful to understanding the difference between “official” and “personal” capacities.
Some charitable organizations with close, long-standing relationships with the armed services historically had designated the service chiefs as their heads. These organizations specified particular governmental offices, rather than individuals, as part of their management structure. For example, the Army Chief of Staff or Chief of Naval Operations, regardless of who occupied those positions, would serve as the titular head of these groups. This was service in a private organization in an “official capacity” which the DoD General Counsel concluded was generally prohibited. Subsequently, the Congress has enacted legislation to expressly permit the kind of dual service by the service chiefs and others in very limited circumstances.
Military personnel and civilian DoD employees who serve as officers in ASMC and most other private organizations serve in their “personal capacities.” ASMC chooses individuals for leadership roles based upon the talents and skills that they bring to the organization. No doubt many of these same qualities are relevant to service in other private organizations and to holding a responsible position in the Government. Holding a Government job, however, is not a pre-requisite to being a member or an officer in ASMC.
A related pronouncement from DoD concerns compensation received for serving in a personal capacity in management positions and boards of directors of non-Federal entities. In a memorandum dated July 23, 1996, Deputy Secretary of Defense White directed that active duty military officers in pay grades O-7 through O-10 could not receive compensation for serving in the management of non-Federal entities. The only exceptions are for professional associations and family businesses, and then only with the express approval of the service Secretary concerned. As a practical matter, this policy will not impact ASMC since the only compensated ASMC personnel are those on the professional staff at the National Headquarters, none of whom are active duty O-7s through O-10s.
Although we serve in ASMC in our personal capacities, we must be mindful to not use our official positions improperly on behalf of ASMC or any other private organization. As required by the Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 5500.7-R, DOD employees must act impartially toward all private entities. The purpose of this article and ones to appear in future editions of the magazine is to acquaint you with some of the issues that may arise in connection with the Joint Ethics Regulation and your participation in ASMC. Should you have a question that requires an official position from your command or service, consult with an ethics attorney from your local judge advocate’s or general counsel’s office.
The ASMC Online website encrypts certain data for transactions requiring personal and/or payment information. The website uses a security certificate issued by Equifax and uses a 1024 bit encryption method approved by DOD.
Some web browsers on DOD networks will not by default accept the ASMC security certificate and will require you to create a “trusted site” connection.
If you are using Internet Exploerer (IE):
1. Go to Tools > Internet Options.
2. Select the Security tab.
3. Click Trusted Sites.
4. To create a Trusted Site, click Sites; the Trusted Sites window opens.
5. Enter the URL of “https://imis.asmconline.org”
6. Click Add. The site is listed in the Trusted Sites box.
7. Check Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.
This may elimate the security certificate error for your computer. If this does not, you may want to complete a paper based form and fax in your payment or change information as we may not be able to resolve the issue for your location.
You can view the list of CDFMs in Active or Retired Status here.
All candidates should become thoroughly familiar with the information in the CDFM Candidate Handbook, which can be obtained here. The Handbook contains exam blueprints and other information that is critical when preparing for the exams. Additionally, review our “Prepare for the Examinations” page for more information.
We have a CDFM practice test app as a supplemental assessment resource for individuals preparing to take the CDFM exams. This tool is designed to help build your confidence and identify areas in which additional exam preparation may be needed. Learn more here.
The textbook used in our Enhanced Defense Financial Training Courses (EDFMTCs) and CDFM Refresher Courses can be purchased for self study here.
The textbook used in the Module 4 Acquisition Business Management Course can be purchased here.
CPE credit may be granted for each 50 minutes of participation in programs and activities that qualify. Fractional hours may also be granted if appropriate. At training events and conventions where individual presentations are less than and/or more than 50 minutes, the sum of the presentations should be considered as one total program. For example, two 90-minute, two 50-minute and three 40-minute presentations equal 400 minutes or eight CPE hours. Sponsors of CPE programs should monitor their programs to accurately assign the appropriate number of hours.
CDFM participants should receive CPE hours only for the actual time they attend the program. Preparation time for students participating in a CPE program is not counted. Further information on CPE as it relates to the CDFM is available under the Certification menu tab above.
The ASMC website was designed to support all current browser versions. Older versions of Internet Explorer contain significant security vulnerabilies as defined by Microsoft in their Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-002 – Critical.
Additionally, Government Computer News has reported “Microsoft advises upgrading IE 6 to avoid zero-day bug”. Read More….
If you are using Internet Explorer version 6.x, you may NOT see the drop down menus needed to navigate this site. If you are unable to upgrade your computer, you may want to use the search feature in the upper right corner.
The site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 8.x however, the latest versions of Firefox and Chrome work well.
First, ASMC National Headquarters must have up to date information on the chapter president and the chapter president’s membership must be in good standing. Once that is done, a chapter president may follow the ASMC guidelines.
The JER would prohibit guest speakers who are DoD employees from asking ASMC Chapters to make a donation to a charity in their name. On the other hand, ASMC and its Chapters are private organizations, not instrumentalities of the DoD or any of its Services. As such, the JER does not apply to ASMC activities. We are free to make donations on our own volition to charities as we see fit.
To the extent a guest speaker feels uncomfortable or for whatever reason prefers a contribution not be made in their name, the ASMC Chapter should honor that request.
If the newsletter in question is produced/distributed using Government resources, no. The newsletter should not contain commercial announcements or solicitations.
No. Credit card reconciliation is a labor intensive task, and we simply do not have the staff size to support this. Chapters with their own tax ID numbers may set up merchant accounts of their own, through a local bank or by calling Paymentech, the National vendor, at (800) 824-4313 (enter option 1 at prompt). More information may be found on the Paymentech website. Rates vary depending on the number, amount and type of the transactions you will process.
The following links are for two common merchant accounts: Mail and Phone Orders and Website E-commerce.
One of the questions frequently asked of the National Headquarters is whether Government e-mail systems may be used to send communications about ASMC events and activities. The answer is a qualified “yes.”
The Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 550.7-R, sec. 2 301, (available at http://www.defenselink.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/) sets out general standards for use of DoD communications systems, which include “Government owned telephones, facsimile machines, electronic mail, internet systems, and commercial systems when use is paid for by the Federal Government.” Under this regulation, (and GSA regulations found at 41 CFR 201) there are three types of communications: “official,” “authorized,” and “unauthorized.” Government communications systems may be used for both “official” and “authorized” communications.
“Official” communications are those “that the DoD Component determines are necessary in the interest of the Federal Government.” In addition to phone calls and e-mails to conduct the Government’s business, “official” communications may also include use of the systems for morale and welfare purposes when approved by theater commanders for military members and civilians, who are deployed for extended periods of time. E-mails regarding ASMC events do not fit into this category.
At the other end of the spectrum are communications that are clearly unauthorized. These are communications “that would reflect adversely on DoD or the DoD Component.” They include pornography, chain letters, commercial advertising, soliciting or selling (except on authorized bulletin boards established for such use) or other uses that violate statute or regulation such as inappropriately handling classified information or threatening or harassing e-mails.
In between these two is what the Joint Ethics Regulation and other DoD component regulations refer to as “authorized” communications. “Authorized” communications are ones that are not essential to conducting the Government’s business, but are nevertheless permitted. E-mails regarding ASMC events and activities fall into this category. Under the Joint Ethics Regulation, “authorized” communications are “personal communications from the DoD employee’s usual work place that are most reasonably made while at the work place.” They include, but are not limited to, “checking in with a spouse or minor children; scheduling doctor and auto or home repair appointments; brief internet searches; e mailing directions to visiting relatives,” Joint Ethics Regulation sec. 3-201. Some agency regulations, such as Air Force Instruction 33-119, “Air Force Messaging,” http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/33/afi33-119/afi33-119.pdf have made clear that “authorized” communications also include sending e-mails on behalf of private organizations that are authorized to operate DoD installations. What this means for ASMC chapters is that DoD e-mail systems may be used to communicate about ASMC activities. The Joint Ethics Regulation (and agency regulations), however do place limits on unofficial e-mails. Such use
* cannot adversely affect the performance of official duties by the DoD employee or the DoD employee’s organization;
* must be of reasonable duration and frequency, and whenever possible, be made during the DoD employee’s personal time such as after duty hours or lunch periods;
* cannot overburden the communication system or create significant additional cost to DoD or the DoD Component.
Local commanders, supervisors (and systems administrators) may restrict use of the e-mail systems for any of these reasons.
Consequently, when you use the Government e-mail system for ASMC business, make sure that use is of reasonable frequency and duration. Limit the volume of e-mails to your chapter membership, not the entire office or installation. Watch the size of attachments and consult your system administrator if you’re not sure. Crashing the system or clogging the pipes is a guaranteed – and legitimate – way to loose the privilege of sending ASMC related messages over Government e-mail. Finally, make sure the content of your ASMC e-mails is consistent with other provisions of the Joint Ethics Regulation and applicable directives. While there is little risk sending out notice of professional development activities, fund-raising events are subject to many limitations, some of them local. If you have any doubt at all, consult with your local JAG or civilian ethics attorney when organizing these events. Finally, feel free to contact the National Headquarters if you run into obstacles. We may not be able to solve the issue for you, but we will get you pointed in the right direction.
Yes, it is legally permissible for a Chapter to accept gifts/donations from Corporate Members as this is considered a gift from a company to a not for profit private organization. Chapters should define the circumstances in which they will accept gifts and donations, and designate who is authorized to accept them on behalf of the chapter. The chapter should also consider if acceptance of the gift/donation will have the appearance of a conflict of interest. Offers and their acceptance should be documented in case there is ever any question about the propriety of the gift.
Yes, you may view the suggested outline for the installation of new chapter officers.
First, the Chapter President should check-in at the Chapter President booth in the registration area. The chapter president will be asked to confirm the total number of tables needed for the banquet. He/she should also plan to attend the following:
•Chapter President’s Reception
•National Council Meeting
•Chapter Informational Roundtables
•Chapter Development Workshop
•Award Rehearsals
Chapter officers should be performed annually. Within ninety days after the installation of new officers, an appointed auditor or an auditing committee should audit chapter accounts. The President should appoint a member of the chapter who is a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor to perform the audit, whenever possible. The primary purpose of the audit is to determine that all cash received and paid out has been properly accounted for by the Treasurer. The auditor may scrutinize all recorded transactions. A check should be made:
(1) to ascertain that all the cash received was recorded in the cash records and deposited in the Chapter’s bank account;
(2) that cash was disbursed only for authorized expenditures, and
(3) that the statements fairly reflect the results of Chapter operations for the Chapter year and the financial condition of the Chapter at the year end. Procedures for chapter audits.
Upon completion of the audit, the auditor should prepare an audit report. The report should be addressed to the Chapter with copies to the incoming and outgoing Chapter Presidents and Treasurers. The Chapter auditor should also discuss the results of his audit at the first meeting of the board of directors after completion of his audit. A copy should also be sent to the National Headquarters.
Guidelines for organizing a new chapter can be found in the chapter handook under the Chapter Management menu tab. Each existing chapter that organizes and sponsors a new ASMC chapter chartered during the CCP year, or sponsors the revitalization of an existing chapter, will receive 500 points per chapter sponsored. The sponsoring chapter must, at a minimum, conduct an officer to officer workshop, sponsor a joint luncheon, serve as advisors and provide seed money. If your chapter would like to assist another chapter, please contact Jennifer Sizemore for more information.
Yes, you need to verify the chapter address recorded in our database to insure that we have the correct information. National HQ uses one address to mail all chapter mail, so it is very important that you keep us notified of any change in address and/or chapter officers.
No, the National tax ID number and exemption status does not cover the chapters of ASMC. If your chapter would like to obtain a Tax ID number, you should contact your local IRS office to obtain the proper forms. Chapters must also file to obtain tax exempt status.
Membership rebates are issued to the chapter monthly, based upon payments received in the prior month.
No rebate checks will be sent to your chapter until your rebate balance reaches at least $75.00
We will clear all accounts in June each year and provide a rebate check for your total account regardless of the amount due. Checks issued and not deposited will not be reissued. You must have chapter procedures in place to insure that checks are received by the correct person, and quickly deposited.
It depends on if a chapter is competing for an award. If so, you should refer to the award rules at awards.asmconline.org, in addition to the requirements below. If you are not competing for an award, the requirement minimum is based on the National Constitution and By-Laws as follows:
A copy of Chapter By-Laws and any amendments thereto, shall be provided to the National Secretary.
A copy of each Chapter’s annual report of financial condition shall be forwarded to the National Treasurer.
The Chapter shall maintain and provide a copy to the Executive Director, an officer directory, showing addresses and business telephone numbers of officers along with the official address of the Chapter. This directory should be revised upon any change.
Each Chapter shall file with the National Executive Committee a current schedule of additional dues, fees and surcharges and any changes thereto that are made from time to time.
ASMC Worldwide Chapter News
Deadlines for submission
•Winter issue – December 31
•Spring issue – February 28
•Summer issue – May 31
•Fall issue – August 31
Guidelines for Chapter News Photos
Four pages of the Armed Forces Comptroller are dedicated to sharing photos and news of chapter activities. Every attempt will be made to include at least one photo from each submitting chapter. When this is not possible, priority will be given to those chapters that have not been featured in recent editions of the magazine. When submitting photos, please use these guidelines:
•Chapters should list photos in priority sequence. When priorities are not identified, photos will be selected based on the general criteria of quality of the photo and timeliness.
•Group photos allow the journal to feature more members and guests in the limited space available.
•Each photo must be clearly numbered, with a caption in an attached file. At a minimum, caption should include: Chapter name, full name (and rank if appropriate) of each individual pictured (left to right), and a detailed description of activity in photo. Please do not use dates in captions.
•Photos must be of reproduction quality — color preferred, with good clarity and composition. Be sure the photographer has turned off the date function on the camera.
•Events pictured must be timely — e.g., photos of Christmas events may be appropriate for the Spring issue, but not for the Summer issue. Please keep in mind that we work three months in advance of the mailing. For example, photos for the Summer issue are chosen in May.
•Photos must be sent electronically or on a disk; they must be at least 4×6, and a 300 DPI resolution. Do not place images in an application (such as MS Word or PowerPoint); send only jpeg files.
Photos should be sent to:
grandstaff@asmconline.org
No, at this time, we are not offering tiered chapter rates. Chapters can either work with another small chapter to combine their resources and members. Or if you have 15+ participants, the chapter webinar rate would still offer a savings over the individual member rate.
Any member over 32 would need to register at the individual member rate.
Yes, if small chapters want to partner together to provide this member benefit to their members, you can allow other chapter members to register in your group.
No. This discounted rate is a member benefit.
First, ASMC National Headquarters must have up to date information on the chapter president and the chapter president’s membership must be in good standing. Once that is done, a chapter president may follow the ASMC guidelines.
The JER would prohibit guest speakers who are DoD employees from asking ASMC Chapters to make a donation to a charity in their name. On the other hand, ASMC and its Chapters are private organizations, not instrumentalities of the DoD or any of its Services. As such, the JER does not apply to ASMC activities. We are free to make donations on our own volition to charities as we see fit.
To the extent a guest speaker feels uncomfortable or for whatever reason prefers a contribution not be made in their name, the ASMC Chapter should honor that request.
If the newsletter in question is produced/distributed using Government resources, no. The newsletter should not contain commercial announcements or solicitations.
No. Credit card reconciliation is a labor intensive task, and we simply do not have the staff size to support this. Chapters with their own tax ID numbers may set up merchant accounts of their own, through a local bank or by calling Paymentech, the National vendor, at (800) 824-4313 (enter option 1 at prompt). More information may be found on the Paymentech website. Rates vary depending on the number, amount and type of the transactions you will process.
The following links are for two common merchant accounts: Mail and Phone Orders and Website E-commerce.
One of the questions frequently asked of the National Headquarters is whether Government e-mail systems may be used to send communications about ASMC events and activities. The answer is a qualified “yes.”
The Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 550.7-R, sec. 2 301, (available at http://www.defenselink.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/) sets out general standards for use of DoD communications systems, which include “Government owned telephones, facsimile machines, electronic mail, internet systems, and commercial systems when use is paid for by the Federal Government.” Under this regulation, (and GSA regulations found at 41 CFR 201) there are three types of communications: “official,” “authorized,” and “unauthorized.” Government communications systems may be used for both “official” and “authorized” communications.
“Official” communications are those “that the DoD Component determines are necessary in the interest of the Federal Government.” In addition to phone calls and e-mails to conduct the Government’s business, “official” communications may also include use of the systems for morale and welfare purposes when approved by theater commanders for military members and civilians, who are deployed for extended periods of time. E-mails regarding ASMC events do not fit into this category.
At the other end of the spectrum are communications that are clearly unauthorized. These are communications “that would reflect adversely on DoD or the DoD Component.” They include pornography, chain letters, commercial advertising, soliciting or selling (except on authorized bulletin boards established for such use) or other uses that violate statute or regulation such as inappropriately handling classified information or threatening or harassing e-mails.
In between these two is what the Joint Ethics Regulation and other DoD component regulations refer to as “authorized” communications. “Authorized” communications are ones that are not essential to conducting the Government’s business, but are nevertheless permitted. E-mails regarding ASMC events and activities fall into this category. Under the Joint Ethics Regulation, “authorized” communications are “personal communications from the DoD employee’s usual work place that are most reasonably made while at the work place.” They include, but are not limited to, “checking in with a spouse or minor children; scheduling doctor and auto or home repair appointments; brief internet searches; e mailing directions to visiting relatives,” Joint Ethics Regulation sec. 3-201. Some agency regulations, such as Air Force Instruction 33-119, “Air Force Messaging,” http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/33/afi33-119/afi33-119.pdf have made clear that “authorized” communications also include sending e-mails on behalf of private organizations that are authorized to operate DoD installations. What this means for ASMC chapters is that DoD e-mail systems may be used to communicate about ASMC activities. The Joint Ethics Regulation (and agency regulations), however do place limits on unofficial e-mails. Such use
* cannot adversely affect the performance of official duties by the DoD employee or the DoD employee’s organization;
* must be of reasonable duration and frequency, and whenever possible, be made during the DoD employee’s personal time such as after duty hours or lunch periods;
* cannot overburden the communication system or create significant additional cost to DoD or the DoD Component.
Local commanders, supervisors (and systems administrators) may restrict use of the e-mail systems for any of these reasons.
Consequently, when you use the Government e-mail system for ASMC business, make sure that use is of reasonable frequency and duration. Limit the volume of e-mails to your chapter membership, not the entire office or installation. Watch the size of attachments and consult your system administrator if you’re not sure. Crashing the system or clogging the pipes is a guaranteed – and legitimate – way to loose the privilege of sending ASMC related messages over Government e-mail. Finally, make sure the content of your ASMC e-mails is consistent with other provisions of the Joint Ethics Regulation and applicable directives. While there is little risk sending out notice of professional development activities, fund-raising events are subject to many limitations, some of them local. If you have any doubt at all, consult with your local JAG or civilian ethics attorney when organizing these events. Finally, feel free to contact the National Headquarters if you run into obstacles. We may not be able to solve the issue for you, but we will get you pointed in the right direction.
Yes, it is legally permissible for a Chapter to accept gifts/donations from Corporate Members as this is considered a gift from a company to a not for profit private organization. Chapters should define the circumstances in which they will accept gifts and donations, and designate who is authorized to accept them on behalf of the chapter. The chapter should also consider if acceptance of the gift/donation will have the appearance of a conflict of interest. Offers and their acceptance should be documented in case there is ever any question about the propriety of the gift.
Yes, you may view the suggested outline for the installation of new chapter officers.
First, the Chapter President should check-in at the Chapter President booth in the registration area. The chapter president will be asked to confirm the total number of tables needed for the banquet. He/she should also plan to attend the following:
•Chapter President’s Reception
•National Council Meeting
•Chapter Informational Roundtables
•Chapter Development Workshop
•Award Rehearsals
Chapter officers should be performed annually. Within ninety days after the installation of new officers, an appointed auditor or an auditing committee should audit chapter accounts. The President should appoint a member of the chapter who is a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor to perform the audit, whenever possible. The primary purpose of the audit is to determine that all cash received and paid out has been properly accounted for by the Treasurer. The auditor may scrutinize all recorded transactions. A check should be made:
(1) to ascertain that all the cash received was recorded in the cash records and deposited in the Chapter’s bank account;
(2) that cash was disbursed only for authorized expenditures, and
(3) that the statements fairly reflect the results of Chapter operations for the Chapter year and the financial condition of the Chapter at the year end. Procedures for chapter audits.
Upon completion of the audit, the auditor should prepare an audit report. The report should be addressed to the Chapter with copies to the incoming and outgoing Chapter Presidents and Treasurers. The Chapter auditor should also discuss the results of his audit at the first meeting of the board of directors after completion of his audit. A copy should also be sent to the National Headquarters.
Guidelines for organizing a new chapter can be found in the chapter handook under the Chapter Management menu tab. Each existing chapter that organizes and sponsors a new ASMC chapter chartered during the CCP year, or sponsors the revitalization of an existing chapter, will receive 500 points per chapter sponsored. The sponsoring chapter must, at a minimum, conduct an officer to officer workshop, sponsor a joint luncheon, serve as advisors and provide seed money. If your chapter would like to assist another chapter, please contact Jennifer Sizemore for more information.
Yes, you need to verify the chapter address recorded in our database to insure that we have the correct information. National HQ uses one address to mail all chapter mail, so it is very important that you keep us notified of any change in address and/or chapter officers.
No, the National tax ID number and exemption status does not cover the chapters of ASMC. If your chapter would like to obtain a Tax ID number, you should contact your local IRS office to obtain the proper forms. Chapters must also file to obtain tax exempt status.
Membership rebates are issued to the chapter monthly, based upon payments received in the prior month.
No rebate checks will be sent to your chapter until your rebate balance reaches at least $75.00
We will clear all accounts in June each year and provide a rebate check for your total account regardless of the amount due. Checks issued and not deposited will not be reissued. You must have chapter procedures in place to insure that checks are received by the correct person, and quickly deposited.
It depends on if a chapter is competing for an award. If so, you should refer to the award rules at awards.asmconline.org, in addition to the requirements below. If you are not competing for an award, the requirement minimum is based on the National Constitution and By-Laws as follows:
A copy of Chapter By-Laws and any amendments thereto, shall be provided to the National Secretary.
A copy of each Chapter’s annual report of financial condition shall be forwarded to the National Treasurer.
The Chapter shall maintain and provide a copy to the Executive Director, an officer directory, showing addresses and business telephone numbers of officers along with the official address of the Chapter. This directory should be revised upon any change.
Each Chapter shall file with the National Executive Committee a current schedule of additional dues, fees and surcharges and any changes thereto that are made from time to time.
ASMC Worldwide Chapter News
Deadlines for submission
•Winter issue – December 31
•Spring issue – February 28
•Summer issue – May 31
•Fall issue – August 31
Guidelines for Chapter News Photos
Four pages of the Armed Forces Comptroller are dedicated to sharing photos and news of chapter activities. Every attempt will be made to include at least one photo from each submitting chapter. When this is not possible, priority will be given to those chapters that have not been featured in recent editions of the magazine. When submitting photos, please use these guidelines:
•Chapters should list photos in priority sequence. When priorities are not identified, photos will be selected based on the general criteria of quality of the photo and timeliness.
•Group photos allow the journal to feature more members and guests in the limited space available.
•Each photo must be clearly numbered, with a caption in an attached file. At a minimum, caption should include: Chapter name, full name (and rank if appropriate) of each individual pictured (left to right), and a detailed description of activity in photo. Please do not use dates in captions.
•Photos must be of reproduction quality — color preferred, with good clarity and composition. Be sure the photographer has turned off the date function on the camera.
•Events pictured must be timely — e.g., photos of Christmas events may be appropriate for the Spring issue, but not for the Summer issue. Please keep in mind that we work three months in advance of the mailing. For example, photos for the Summer issue are chosen in May.
•Photos must be sent electronically or on a disk; they must be at least 4×6, and a 300 DPI resolution. Do not place images in an application (such as MS Word or PowerPoint); send only jpeg files.
Photos should be sent to:
grandstaff@asmconline.org
CPE credit may be granted for each 50 minutes of participation in programs and activities that qualify. Fractional hours may also be granted if appropriate. At training events and conventions where individual presentations are less than and/or more than 50 minutes, the sum of the presentations should be considered as one total program. For example, two 90-minute, two 50-minute and three 40-minute presentations equal 400 minutes or eight CPE hours. Sponsors of CPE programs should monitor their programs to accurately assign the appropriate number of hours.
CDFM participants should receive CPE hours only for the actual time they attend the program. Preparation time for students participating in a CPE program is not counted. Further information on CPE as it relates to the CDFM is available under the Certification menu tab above.
First, the Chapter President should check-in at the Chapter President booth in the registration area. The chapter president will be asked to confirm the total number of tables needed for the banquet. He/she should also plan to attend the following:
•Chapter President’s Reception
•National Council Meeting
•Chapter Informational Roundtables
•Chapter Development Workshop
•Award Rehearsals