Administrative Division

The Administrative Division, under the leadership of Denise M Smith, Administrative Officer, is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive range of administrative services that support office operations. These services—described in more detail below-- include overseeing the office’s budget allocation, providing comprehensive personnel services to employees, maintaining information technology systems, coordinating automated litigation support, procuring supplies and equipment, District docketing services and managing property and facilities at the Headquarters Office as well as the Lincoln Branch Office.

Fiscal Resources:

Managing the District’s operating budget entails executing, monitoring and reporting quarterly on budget activity and ensuring that any unexpected expenditures are funded through special one-time funding requests. The Division manages the office’s credit card programs for both travel and small purchases. The Division also is responsible for managing the payroll budget to ensure that hiring decisions are within allocated funding levels. On an ongoing basis, the budget is closely monitored to ensure that payments are made in a timely manner and that funds are allocated in the best way to meet the office’s operational needs, especially in the area of litigation.

Human Resources (HR):

Provides a myriad of personnel services to support a staff of approximately 75 employees. The scope of the office HR program includes the following: staffing and placement; classification and position management; employee benefits and services; performance management; pay administration; personnel action processing, records maintenance and associated legal reporting requirements; pre-appointment security clearances; overall monitoring of employee orientation, training and development; development and implementation of AA/EEO programs; advisory services for supervisors and managers.

Information Technology (IT):

Oversees operation of the District’s computer systems. A local area network that connects almost 100 PCs in the office is maintained by the IT Manager.  The IT webmaster maintains an internal intranet to provide on-line resources to the entire staff, as well as the District’s Internet site. IT Manager provides technical oversight of the office’s case management system. This information database (also known as “CaseView”) tracks defendants coming into the Federal legal system.

Automated Litigation Support (ALS):

ALS Manager is responsible for recommending, supporting, and educating employees on the use of technology to further the District of Nebraska’s efforts in various criminal and civil matters. The goal is to increase efficiency, decrease costs, and facilitate user-friendly data management and presentation. One of the essential functions is consulting with Assistant U.S. Attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and Federal agents/investigators to understand and address their software and hardware needs in managing and presenting documents and evidence. The ALS Manager balances the requests of the litigation team with its capabilities, and provides a reasonable, automated approach to litigation management.

Facilities and Office Services:

Assist in the acquisition, operation and maintenance of all non-computer equipment, supplies and services, control an extensive property inventory, and coordinate records management functions.  Also manages the receipt/delivery of mail and reception services. Finally,  provides direct support to the District’s Security Manager and ensures that all physical security systems are maintained and all personal and records security requirements are met.