Department of Navy IT/CIO conference approved for January

The Department of the Navy’s CIO/information technology conference, which is typically held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s (AFCEA) West conference and exhibition in San Diego, was approved by Navy Assistant for Administration Carla Lucchino.

Conferences at which military personnel are requested to participate have received enhanced scrutiny in light of the General Service Administration’s extravagant Las Vegas conference. Army leadership, for example, has banned the participation of soldiers in conferences for the remainder of 2012, unless there is a special exemption.

Navy approval for the January event does come with some caveats, though. Lodging and meals will be reimbursed at the per diem rate only, and only to those in a temporary, additional duty status. Rental cars are not authorized. Also, no meals or refreshments will be provided at government expense, though attendees can purchase their own refreshments and meals. Lucchino also wrote that those wishing to attend need to consult with their local chain of command to obtain approval.

The DON IT/CIO conference is scheduled for January 28-30, 2013, at the San Diego convention center, while AFCEA West 2013 is planned for January 29-31.