New RIF Formula Would Have to Be Decided

The language reflects a number of moves in Congress to put more emphasis on performance in federal personnel decisions, which until now have focused more on compensation and discipline. “The committee believes that the Department of Defense must have the authorities and tools necessary to shape and manage the total workforce in response to significant financial constraints and to remain agile in addressing the growing array of diverse threats facing the country and missions assigned to the Department. This includes possessing the authorities and tools to retain high performers,” it says. Under current policy, which applies government-wide, decisions regarding who stays or goes in a RIF are based on a number of factors, starting with type of appointment (permanent vs. temporary), then veterans preference, then length of service, with performance ratings the last factor—adding credit for additional years of service for those with ratings of fully successful and above during the prior three years. The measure does not create a specific formula as a replacement, stating only that all current factors should be considered, only with performance getting the most weight. Standard notice and appeal rights would continue to apply.