Many Problems Cited
GAO attributed the delays in the clearance process to a variety of factors, including an inexperienced investigative workforce and not …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersClearance 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
Changes in Civil Service Leadership Ahead
Due to the election results, there will be several changes in Capitol Hill leadership on federal employee matters in the …More
2007 Raises Will Generally Look the Same
Pay raises for the first group of those put under NSPS, some 11,000 employees in “spiral 1.1” who came under …More
Spiral 1.3 Announcement Upcoming
The Pentagon intends to soon announce the next groups of employees to be phased into the national security personnel system, …More
Mileage Rate Could Rise
Federal employees using their personal vehicles on official business could be reimbursed at a rate of 48.5 cents per mile …More
TSP Stock Funds Have Good Month
All three stock-oriented TSP funds posted substantial gains during October, with the small company (S) fund leading the way with …More
Status Report on Retirement Systems Modernization Project
OPM has released a status report on its retirement systems modernization project, which is designed to replace the traditional paper-dependent …More
Dental Plans More Complicated
On the dental side, there are five national carriers from which to choose—two of which have high and standard options—and …More
FEDVIP Open Season Also Coming
Also during the same open season period will be the initial sign-up opportunity for the new Federal Dental and Vision …More
Open Season Also Affects FSAs
During the same open season period, employees will be able to sign up for flexible spending accounts for the 2007 …More
Expert’s View: What to Look for This FEHB Open Season
The overall small increases in FEHB premiums for 2007 ought not to be used as an excuse for ignoring the …More
Open Season Coming Up
Starting on Monday (November 13) and running through December 11 is the annual open season for enrolling in the FEHB …More
ECI Used as Starting Point
In recent years the ECI figure alone has effectively become the starting point for annual raise deliberations, and locality pay …More
Early Marker Set for 2008 Raise
An early marker has been set for the January 2008—not 2007—federal pay raise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported …More
