Community Briefs – June 16, 020

Official Marianas Guide badge renewal deadline extension
In consideration of the effects of COVID-19, the Marianas Visitors Authority is extending the deadline for the renewal of Official Marianas Guide badges. Extensions will be for six months from March 2020, and will be honored until Aug. 31, 2020, to renew without penalty. In addition, the $20 renewal fee will be waived. Required documents are updated police and traffic clearances, evidence of eligibility to work in the CNMI, and employment verification. For more information, contact MVA Tour Guide Certification program manager Kuen-Hee Han at khan@mymarianas.com or at 664-3200/1. (PR)

Free federal contracting webinars
The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center is offering free live webinars every Tuesday and Thursday in June. Webinars run from 10am to 11am and will be conducted via Zoom. Links to the live webinar and the webinar evaluation will be emailed to all registered attendees 15 minutes before the start of the webinar.

• June 18: Service Contract Act – The Service Contract Act requires contractors and subcontractors performing services on prime contracts in excess of $2,500 to pay service employees prevailing wages. We will discuss the details of the SCA and how contractors can stay in compliance.
• June 23: Buy American Act – The Buy American Act can be frustrating for government contractors. The Guam PTAC will discuss the BAA and offer some guidance on how to stay in compliance.
• June 25: Essential Government websites –Much of government contracting is done online. The Guam PTAC will discuss the various, essential websites vendors need to be familiar with to have a better chance for success in government contracting.

Register for the webinar at http://guamptac.com/news-and-events.php. (PR)

New hours at CNMI Census Call Center
The 2020 CNMI Census office changed its hours of operation for the Call Center effective yesterday, June 14, 2020, from 11am to 7pm. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the CNMI Census office at 682-2020. (PR)

JKPL’s Package-to-Go registration now closed
As of Saturday, June 13, 2020, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has met its quota for the Summer Reading Program Package-to-Go. Registration is now closed. Community members, businesses and government agencies who would like to sponsor the program may contact the library at (670) 235-7316 or 7323 or 7322. (PR)

SHEFA deadlines

The deadline to apply for Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance is on or before July 1. The deadline for the supporting documents is on or before Sept. 30, 2020 along with your MOA if you are approved.

All supporting documents must be submitted at the same time via email to saipanshefa@gmail.com or mail (except for your official transcript which could be sent via e-script, Student National Clearing House, etc., directly from your institution to SHEFA via email or mail). We will not be accepting incomplete documents. 

If you do not have access to either and need to visit our office, email or call 233-5995 to schedule an appointment. For more information or to download the application or MOA, visit www.saipanshefa.net. You can also find SHEFA updates on financial assistance, office hours, job vacancies, and other news on our Facebook page @Saipan SHEFA. (PR)

Navy trainings set
The U.S. Navy will conduct training at the Naval Magazine at the following dates and times: June 16, from 9:30am to 2pm; June 17, from 9am to 4pm; and June 18, from 9:30am to 2pm. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity due to the training.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in the vicinity of Agat Bay and Outer Apra Harbor until June 20, from 1pm to 11:55pm. The public is advised to be aware of the training and requested to remain clear of units in the area for the duration of this event.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Dandan-Malojloj and Radio Barrigada until June 20, from 1pm to 11:55pm. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity due to the training.

The U.S. Navy will conduct live fire exercises in open ocean until June 20, from 1pm to 11:55pm at the following coordinates: 13 ̊26’’N/145 ̊08’’E, 13 ̊42’’N/144 ̊36’’E. Marine vessels are advised to remain clear of the area for the duration of the event and to monitor the U.S. Coast Guard broadcast Notice to Mariners for advisories.

The U.S. Navy will also conduct live fire exercises in Warning Area 13 and Farallon de Medinilla until June 21, from 10am to 2am daily. Marine vessels are advised to remain clear of Farallon de Medinilla by 12 nautical miles for the duration of the event and to monitor the U.S. Coast Guard broadcast Notice to Mariners for advisories.

These trainings support readiness and are critical to developing the skills needed to respond to operational missions throughout the region to ensure a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)