Authorization Bill Has Contracting, Other Provisions

Meanwhile, the DoD authorization bill (P.L. 109-163) bars DoD from breaking up functions to avoid threshold requirements, requires that DoD consider doing certain work in-house that otherwise would be done on contract. It also extends through fiscal 2010 several special downsizing provisions applying at DoD that are expected to be used for base closings and other reorganization purposes in the upcoming years. These include authority to pay the employer share of FEHB premiums for up to 18 months for involuntarily separated employees, authority to allow employees to take “voluntary RIFs” with most RIF-associated benefits in order to clear a vacancy for an employee who otherwise would be separated, and authority to pay severance pay either in lump-sums or biweekly installments.