FSA Coverage Not Automatic
Although the two programs are similar in some ways, they have important differences. While premium conversion is automatic unless waived, …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersFSAs Differ from Premium Conversion
As the open season for the new government-wide flexible spending account program continues through June 20, some employees apparently have …More
Other Concerns Raised
The administration also has objected to language in the Senate version that would add limits to DoD’s use of “best …More
White House Opposes Pay Parity Language
The Bush administration has stated its opposition to several features of the DoD authorization bills, including the pay parity language. …More
Many Numbers Floating Around
Although there have been congressional moves toward maintaining pay parity, there still has been no formal determination of what the …More
Pay Picture Still Unclear
While both the House and Senate have addressed the issue of the military pay raise for January 2004, the raise …More
Closer Look at Changes
The Circular A-76 revisions could have a significant impact on the roughly 850,000 federal employees whose jobs are deemed commercial …More
Controversy Over Rules Continues
Although the new A-76 rules address some of the complaints about the traditional process raised by both in-house employees and …More
Contracting-Out Policy Revised
The Office of Management and Budget has published a sweeping revision to Circular A-76, the policy governing conversion of federal …More
Fees Available to the ‘Substantially Innocent’
Federal employees who are found “substantially innocent” of charges brought against them by the Office of Special Counsel are eligible …More
Acquisition Workforce Issues Addressed
The House Government Reform Committee has approved legislation (HR-1837) to reform federal acquisition processes, including initiatives primarily aimed at improving …More
COLA Count Drops Back
The inflation measure used to set the January 2004 federal retiree cost-of-living adjustment fell 0.3 percent in April, the second …More
Update on Homeland Security Agency Issues
The Congressional Research Service recently published a report updating the status of planning for the new personnel system for Department …More
Key Other Features of Senate Bill
Key features of the Senate measure would: exempt certain firefighting positions from the general prohibition on contracting-out of those jobs …More
Key Other Features of House Bill
Key features of the House measure would: create a $500 million government-wide “human capital performance fund” to reward employees with …More
Conference Coming on DoD Personnel Issues
The House and Senate likely will go to conference soon-and may stay there for a long time-after passing their versions …More
Risk of Losing Money a Big Factor
Experts in FSA programs generally say that the major factor dissuading eligible persons from participating in FSAs is the risk …More
Data Suggest Low Participation
Office of Personnel Management officials believe that while enrollment in the current open season for participation July 1-December 31 will …More
FSAs Not for Everyone Anyway
While the government is touting FSAs as an important new benefit, the acceptance rate likely will be far lower than …More
List of Those Ready and Not
Agencies that will be ready to process payroll deductions as of July 1 are CIA, Homeland Security, Interior, EPA, FBI, …More
FSA Eligibility Delayed at Some Agencies
Some federal employees will not be able to participate in the new flexible spending account program effective July 1 because …More
No Timetable Set on New System
TSP officials have said the agency is still on target for launching its new computer system in mid-June, although as …More
Adjustments Might Be Needed
Some participants age 50 and up apparently thought they could add in the extra money through their regular TSP investments …More
TSP Catch-Up Misunderstandings
Although the opportunity to make “catch-up” contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan is still several months away, some TSP participants …More
Highlights of FSA Program
Although it will not conduct an extensive educational campaign for the open season running through June 20 for federal employees …More
Dependent Care Account Works Differently
However, the $5,000 annual maximum for dependent care accounts is set by the tax code, so that figure would act …More
Some Twists in FSA Maximums
Officials say there are some twists to bear in mind when considering the maximums that employees may put in the …More
FSA Open Season Likened to Early Enrollment
Office of Personnel Management officials are likening the open season running through June 20 for enrolling in the new government-wide …More
Other Provisions Included
The House Government Reform Committee-approved measure also contains provisions that would: eliminate the fees to be charged participants in the …More
How Payouts Would Work
Upon OPM approval of agency plans for using the performance fund, agencies could make annual payouts to up to 15 …More
