Tracy Norita
THE Department of Finance on Thursday notified all government agencies about the “blackout period” from April 15 to 30.
In her memorandum, Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita said during the 15-day blackout period, the Division of Financial Services and the Division of Procurement will conduct a mid-year audit review to update prior and current year records.
Blackout periods are imposed on certain policies and activities to give fund managers the opportunity to perform necessary maintenance, including accounting and periodic review. Commonly, blackout period limits certain financial transactions.
Norita said Finance will also review and evaluate policies and procedures “to ensure compliance and efficiency.”
She advised department and agency heads that “your agency may be required [to perform] further action and/or [reply to] inquiries to complete any outstanding items.”
She said the following services will not be affected by the blackout period:
1) Travel
2) Payroll
3) CNMI Treasury
4) Division of Customs
5) Division of Revenue and Taxation
“We kindly request your cooperation and understanding during this blackout period. Should you have any urgent matters or inquiries during this time, please direct them to Director of Administration Margaret C. Torres,” Norita said.
