Order Cites National Emergency
As required by the pay law, President Bush cited a national emergency as a justification for not paying the raise …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersLocality Payment Formula Altered
The administration also revised the way locality pay amounts are divided up, in a way that shifts more of the …More
Bush Orders 2.2 Percent January Raise
President Bush has issued an order setting the average January general schedule pay raise at 2.2 percent, with 1.7 percentage …More
Much Work Ahead on Cards
The transition to a common government-wide ID card is likely to span several more years at least. Under a presidential …More
DoD Employees Don’t Need to Replace Cards Yet
DoD officials have said there is no need for employees to request replacements for the “common access card” used by …More
Expert’s View: CSRS and Social Security
CSRS employees who have earned, or will earn, enough credits for Social Security benefits often wonder what effect their CSRS …More
Personnel Measures Also Reported
The OMB report also says that agencies are making progress on several other management initiatives with personnel aspects. Eighty-one percent …More
In-House Side Wins Most Competitions
A report from OMB says that the in-house side won 83 percent of the A-76 competitions over fiscal 2003-2005. The …More
Breakdown of Benefit Value, Per OMB
The insurance benefit factor is based on actuarial estimates for the costs of the government paid portion of FEHB and …More
Estimated Value of Fringe Benefits Increased
Employment-related benefits are worth 36.45 percent of a federal employee’s salary, OMB has said in updating that amount from the …More
GAO Lists Other Topics for Oversight
GAO made its recommendation as part of a document suggesting areas for congressional oversight in the new Congress that convenes …More
Personnel System Called Outdated
GAO also said that federal agencies “must become more partnership-based, results-oriented, integrated, and externally focused” and that “strategic human capital …More
GAO Backs ‘Show Me’ Pay Reform
GAO has said it supports reforming federal pay that can pass what it called a “show-me test,” suggesting that Congress …More
Many Problems Cited
GAO attributed the delays in the clearance process to a variety of factors, including an inexperienced investigative workforce and not …More
Clearance Process Still Slow
GAO has reported that despite several reforms in the security clearance process—including shifting responsibilities from DoD to OPM—the average time …More
Use of Hiring Alternatives Varies
MSPB also has said there is a significant difference in use by federal agencies of several alternative hiring authorities introduced …More
Top Jobs for Hiring Identified
According to MSPB, the top 10 occupational series for which the government hired new federal employees in 2005 and their …More
Expert’s View: Carrying FEHB Coverage into Retirement
Those making plans to retire need to consider whether they’ll be able to take your Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage …More
Enrollment Must Be Done Online or by Phone
OPM is encouraging enrollment in FEDVIP through the new “Benefeds” online portal, www.benefeds.com. If employees do not have access to …More
Provisions Differ from FEHB’s
Unlike in FEHB, where retirees generally cannot get back into the program if they drop it after retiring, annuitants will …More
Many Twists Still May Lie Ahead
The late-year maneuvering on spending bills could produce a variety of outcomes: Congress could try to pass all the bills …More
Pay Raise Still Unsettled
After returning to work briefly, Congress has again recessed, until the week of December 4, without settling on a federal …More
How the Consumer Driven Health Plan works for you.
Your PCA is funded for you to use each year. Benefits dollars cover your first $1,200 ($2,400 for a family) …More
No New TSP Offerings Recommended
A consultant hired by the TSP has recommended against adding any new investment funds, concluding that the program’s offerings are …More
Expert’s View: FEHB—Who is Covered?
While it’s clear under FEHB who is covered by self-only enrollment, coverage under the self-and-family option is more complicated, writes …More
Catch-Ups Don’t Carry Over
TSP participants who made catch-up contributions last year might mistakenly assume that a new catch-up will kick in automatically once …More
TSP Catch-Up Reminder
TSP participants who are age 50 or older, or who will be by the year’s end, still have time to …More
OPM Sends Guidance on Significant Changes
OPM has sent out guidance on significant changes in the FEHB program for the upcoming plan year, spelling out plan …More
New Opportunities Also Available
Two new HMO plans, United Health Care in Georgia and Geisinger Health Plan in Pennsylvania, will be joining FEHB in …More
Checking Out the FEHB Options is Worthwhile
Although the large majority of FEHB enrollees make no changes during health insurance open seasons—the current one runs through December …More
