[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Office of Personnel Management Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 75399]]

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Part XXXVIII






Office of Personnel Management





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 75400]]



OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (OPM)






_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR Ch. I

Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: The following Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations 
are scheduled for development or review from October 1, 2002 through 
September 30, 2003. This agenda carries out OPM's responsibilities to 
publish a semiannual agenda under Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
chapter 6). This publication in the Federal Register does not impose a 
binding obligation on the Office of Personnel Management with regard to 
any specific item on the agenda. Regulatory action in addition to the 
items listed is not precluded.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquline D. Carter, (202) 606-1973.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For this edition of OPM's regulatory agenda, 
the Statement of Regulatory Priorities appears in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

    OPM has begun a comprehensive, systematic review of its 
Governmentwide personnel regulations. OPM has undertaken this 
initiative to make the regulations more readable wherever possible, 
to eliminate duplication, and to weed out obsolete references. OPM 
will incorporate any necessary substantive changes as part of this 
project. OPM intends to publish the revised regulations as proposed 
regulations during the coming year.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

 Kay Coles James,

Director.

                               Office of Personnel Management--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3670        Employment in the Excepted Service..................................................     3206-AH83
3671        Probation on Initial Appointment to a Competitive Position..........................     3206-AI47
3672        Reemployment Priority List..........................................................     3206-AI34
3673        Amendment to Selective Service Registration Requirements............................     3206-AI52
3674        Merit Promotion and Internal Placement..............................................     3206-AI20
3675        Other Than Full-Time Employment (Part-Time, Seasonal, Intermittent).................     3206-AI22
3676        Order of Release from Competitive Level.............................................     3206-AI96
3677        Re-Employment Rights................................................................     3206-AI19
3678        Training............................................................................     3206-AJ19
3679        Personnel Management Research Programs and Demonstration Projects...................     3206-AJ67
3680        Coverage of the General Schedule, Position Classification Appeals, Definitions, and      3206-AH38
            Effective Dates.....................................................................
3681        Superior Qualifications Appointments................................................     3206-AI00
3682        Job Grading Reviews and Appeals of Federal Wage System Employees....................     3206-AI14
3683        Miscellaneous Changes in Pay and Leave Regulations..................................     3206-AJ59
3684        Reemployment of Military and Civilian Retirees To Meet Exceptional Employment Needs.     3206-AI32
3685        Retirement; Credit for Military Service.............................................     3206-AG58
3686        Retirement; State Income Tax Withholding Instrumentalities..........................     3206-AH62
3687        Retirement; Debt Collection.........................................................     3206-AE72
3688        Retirement; Court Orders Awarding Survivor Annuities; Correcting or Supplementing        3206-AG28
            the First Order Dividing Marital Property...........................................
3689        Retirement; FERS Elections of Coverage..............................................     3206-AG96
3690        Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program: Miscellaneous Changes and               3206-AG63
            Clarifications......................................................................
3691        Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Continuing FEHB Coverage Into Retirement     3206-AI62
3692        Implementation of the Administrative Simplification Provisions of the Health             3206-AJ45
            Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for the Federal Employees'
            Health Benefits Program.............................................................
3693        Financial Sanctions of Health Care Providers in the Federal Employees' Health            3206-AJ42
            Benefits Program....................................................................
3694        Federal Employees' Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation: Large Provider                3206-AJ20
            Agreements, Subcontracts, and Miscellaneous Changes.................................
3695        Implementation of Additional Cost Principles in the Federal Employees' Health            3206-AJ10
            Benefits Program....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Office of Personnel Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3696        Excepted Service--Career and Career-Conditional Employment..........................     3206-AJ28
3697        Excepted Service--Schedule A Authority for Chinese, Japanese, and Hindi Interpreters     3206-AJ43
3698        Time-In-Grade Restrictions..........................................................     3206-AG06
3699        Reasonable Accommodation Language for Vacancy Announcements.........................     3206-AJ11

[[Page 75401]]

 
3700        Recruitment and Selection Through Competitive Examination...........................     3206-AJ52
3701        Promotion and Internal Placement; Accelerated Qualifications........................     3206-AG19
3702        Awards..............................................................................     3206-AJ65
3703        Official Duty Station Determinations for Pay Purposes...............................     3206-AH84
3704        Pay Under the General Schedule; Subpart F--Locality-Based Comparability Payments....     3206-AJ62
3705        Prevailing Rate Systems; Definition of Santa Clara, California, Nonappropriated Fund     3206-AJ61
            Wage Area...........................................................................
3706        Prevailing Rate Systems; Change in Federal Wage System Survey Job...................     3206-AJ63
3707        Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, Appropriated     3206-AJ64
            Fund Wage Area......................................................................
3708        Basic Pay for Employees of Temporary Organizations..................................     3206-AJ47
3709        Grade and Pay Retention.............................................................     3206-AI88
3710        Pay Administration; Availability Pay for Criminal Investigators.....................     3206-AJ49
3711        Premium Pay Limitations.............................................................     3206-AJ56
3712        Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime Pay........................................     3206-AJ57
3713        Retention Allowances................................................................     3206-AJ48
3714        Voluntary Separation Incentive Repayment Waivers....................................     3206-AG20
3715        Retirement; Coverage--Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities........................     3206-AH57
3716        Coverage for Certain Employees of the District of Columbia..........................     3206-AI02
3717        Retirement, Health, and Life Insurance Coverage for Certain Employees of the             3206-AI55
            District of Columbia Under the District of Columbia Courts and Justice Technical
            Corrections Act of 1998.............................................................
3718        Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Retirement..................................     3206-AJ39
3719        Continuation of Eligibility for Certain Civil Service Benefits for Former Federal        3206-AJ55
            Employees of the Civilian Marksmanship Program......................................
3720        Correction of Retirement Coverage Errors Under the Federal Erroneous Retirement          3206-AJ38
            Coverage Correction Act.............................................................
3721        Retirement; General Administration..................................................     3206-AI83
3722        Retirement; FERS Basic Annuity......................................................     3206-AE73
3723        Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance: Removal of Premiums and Age Bands from          3206-AJ46
            Regulations.........................................................................
3724        Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Payment of Premiums for Periods of Leave     3206-AG66
            Without Pay or Insufficient Pay.....................................................
3725        Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Effective Dates.........................     3206-AI37
3726        Implementation of Premium Conversion for Executive Branch Federal Employees              3206-AJ17
            Participating in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Program..............
3727        Federal Employees' Health Benefits Children's Equity................................     3206-AJ34
3728        Debarments and Suspensions of Health Care Providers From the Federal Employees'          3206-AD76
            Health Benefits Program.............................................................
3729        Implementation of Flexible Spending Accounts for Executive Branch Federal Employees      3206-AJ66
            Participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program......................
3730        Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition Regulation..............     3206-AI65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Office of Personnel Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3731        Personnel Security and Related Programs.............................................     3206-AC21
3732        Investigations......................................................................     3206-AB92
3733        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)............................     3206-AJ31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Office of Personnel Management--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3734        Excepted Service--Schedule A Authority for Nontemporary Part-Time or Intermittent        3206-AJ06
            Positions...........................................................................
3735        Prevailing Rate Systems; Definition of San Joaquin County, California, to a              3206-AJ35
            Nonappropriated Fund Wage Area......................................................
3736        Prevailing Rate Systems; Change in the Survey Cycle for the Portland, Oregon, Wage       3206-AJ60
            Area................................................................................
3737        Pay for Administrative Appeals Judge Positions......................................     3206-AJ44
3738        Repeal of Dual Compensation Reduction for Military Retirees.........................     3206-AI92

[[Page 75402]]

 
3739        Cost-of-Living Allowances (Nonforeign Areas); Commissary/Exchange Rates; Survey          3206-AJ40
            Frequency; Gradual Reductions.......................................................
3740        Cost-of-Living Allowances (Nonforeign Areas); Methodology Changes...................     3206-AJ41
3741        Suspension of Enrollment in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program To Enroll     3206-AJ36
            in the CHAMPVA or TRICARE Programs..................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                  Office of Personnel Management--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3206-AH86        Holidays and Premium Pay                                                                       08/30/2002   Withdrawn
3206-AI44        Miscellaneous Leave Regulations                                                                08/30/2002   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Office of Personnel Management (OPM)                Proposed Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________




3670. EMPLOYMENT IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 1302; 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302; 5 USC 8151; EO 
10577

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 302

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The revised regulations will make it easier for agencies to 
understand how to run the excepted service employment system, so they 
can create better and more efficient employment procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0390

RIN: 3206-AH83
_______________________________________________________________________




3671. PROBATION ON INITIAL APPOINTMENT TO A COMPETITIVE POSITION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3321

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 315, subpart H

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will permit agencies to use a competitive 
service probationary period of up to three years, when the work of the 
position cannot be properly evaluated in only one year. It will also 
establish one year as the minimum probationary period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Watson, Employment Service, Examining and 
Qualification Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI47
_______________________________________________________________________




3672. REEMPLOYMENT PRIORITY LIST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 1315; 5 USC 8151

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 330, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing regulations 
covering the operation and administration of the Reemployment Priority 
List (RPL). The RPL provides competitive service employees, separated 
by reduction in force, with the first opportunity for reemployment in 
their former agency over candidates who do not work for the agency. The 
RPL also provides the same priority to former employees who were 
separated or downgraded because of a compensable injury or disability 
and have fully recovered more than one year after compensation began. 
These proposed regulations would update RPL procedures in order to 
assist agencies in providing displaced employees with maximum 
reemployment opportunities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 75403]]

Agency Contact: Jacqueline Yeatman, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0960
Fax: 202 606-2329

RIN: 3206-AI34
_______________________________________________________________________




3673. AMENDMENT TO SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3328

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Delegates to agencies' determination whether a Federal job 
applicant's failure to register with the Selective Service was knowing 
and willful. This change is authorized by an amendment to 5 U.S.C. 
3328.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/29/99                    64 FR 14842
NPRM Comment Period End         04/28/99
NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry Lorenz, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830

RIN: 3206-AI52
_______________________________________________________________________




3674. MERIT PROMOTION AND INTERNAL PLACEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 316; 5 CFR 335

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In an effort to streamline selection procedures and provide 
agencies with greater flexibility, the Office of Personnel Management 
(OPM) is proposing to revise the regulations covering merit promotion 
and internal placement. These regulations will provide a framework 
within which agencies may develop merit-based programs for internal 
selections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023

RIN: 3206-AI20
_______________________________________________________________________




3675. OTHER THAN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT (PART-TIME, SEASONAL, 
INTERMITTENT)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 340; 5 CFR 110

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Grants agencies and employees more flexibility by clarifying 
agency authority to schedule part-time employees on a pay period, 
rather than weekly, basis; defines job sharing; modifies seasonal 
employment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diane Tyrrell, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 9th 
Floor, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0960
Fax: 202 606-2329

RIN: 3206-AI22
_______________________________________________________________________




3676. ORDER OF RELEASE FROM COMPETITIVE LEVEL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 1302; 5 USC 3502; 5 USC 3503

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 351

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing retention 
regulations covering the order in which agencies release competing 
employees from their competitive levels in a reduction in force.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Thomas A. Glennon, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0960
Fax: 202 606-2329

RIN: 3206-AI96
_______________________________________________________________________




3677. RE-EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3582; 5 USC 3301; PL 103-296

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 352

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Updates provisions to conform to law allowing employees 
assigned to international organizations under certain conditions to 
maintain FERS and FICA retirement coverage; current regulations only 
mention CSRS retirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mike Mahoney, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023

RIN: 3206-AI19
_______________________________________________________________________




3678. TRAINING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 4118

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 410

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 410.309 of title 5, CFR (continued service 
agreements)

[[Page 75404]]

and 5 CFR 410.404 (expenses of training and meetings) need 
clarification. 5 CFR 410.309, as written, omits allowance for agency 
heads to delegate authority to define requirements for continued 
service. It also omits circumstances when the requirement for continued 
service can be waived, which has caused confusion for agencies in 
developing their continued service agreements. Amending 5 CFR 410.309 
returns to the regulation language removed in 1996. The deletion had 
the unintended effect of limiting agency head authority in the area of 
continued service agreements for training. With increasing interest in 
academic education and service agreements, agencies have expressed 
concern about their legal authority with regard to these agreements.
As written, 5 CFR 410.404 does not sufficiently clarify distinctions 
between training and meetings. 5 U.S.C. 4109 provides agencies 
authority to pay the expenses of training. 5 U.S.C. 4110 provides them 
authority to pay the expenses of meetings. However, 5 CFR 410.404 blurs 
the distinctions between these two; amending it would make clear the 
distinctions and clarify conditions under which a meeting may be 
considered training.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: LaVeen Ponds, Office of Workforce Relations, Office of 
Personnel Management, Office of Human Resource Development, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-1394
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ19
_______________________________________________________________________




3679. [bull] PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND DEMONSTRATION 
PROJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 4703

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 470

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Personnel Management Research Programs and Demonstration 
Projects regulations require revision to increase understanding, 
clarify interpretation, and ease implementation. Such revisions will 
enhance the freedom to manage within the Federal Government by 
providing clarity and eliminating ambiguities in the language of the 
regulations and making clear the intent and requirements of the law. 
The revisions will also serve to streamline the current provisions for 
research programs and demonstration projects and provide more 
flexibility to agencies for testing and establishing alternatives to 
recruit, retain, and manage a high quality workforce.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02
Final Action                    03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul R. Thompson, Office of Merit Systems Oversight and 
Effectiveness, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2820
Fax: 202 606-3577
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ67
_______________________________________________________________________




3680. COVERAGE OF THE GENERAL SCHEDULE, POSITION CLASSIFICATION APPEALS, 
DEFINITIONS, AND EFFECTIVE DATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5112

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 511, subpart A; 5 CFR 511, subpart F; 5 CFR 511, 
subpart G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The position classification appeals regulations require 
updating to reflect current organizational nomenclature following a 
reorganization within OPM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/03
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melissa Drummond, Office of Merit Systems Oversight and 
Effectiveness, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2530
Fax: 202 606-2663
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AH38
_______________________________________________________________________




3681. SUPERIOR QUALIFICATIONS APPOINTMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5333

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 531

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Revises regulations concerning the appointment of superior 
candidates above the minimum rate of pay for General Schedule 
positions. Clarifies and modifies what agencies should consider when 
making these superior qualifications appointments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, Office 
of Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI00
_______________________________________________________________________




3682. JOB GRADING REVIEWS AND APPEALS OF FEDERAL WAGE SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5346

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532, subpart G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The job grading reviews and appeals regulations require 
updating to reflect current organizational nomenclature following a 
reorganization within OPM.

[[Page 75405]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/03
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melissa Drummond, Office of Merit Systems Oversight and 
Effectiveness, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2530
Fax: 202 606-2663
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI14
_______________________________________________________________________




3683. MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES IN PAY AND LEAVE REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5307; 5 USC 5514; 5 USC 5527; 5 USC 5334; 5 USC 
5338; 5 USC 5542(c); 5 USC 5548; 5 USC 6311; 5 USC 4301 et seq; Fair 
Labor Standards Act of 1939, as amended, sec 4(f)

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 531; 5 CFR 550; 5 CFR 551; 5 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim regulations will correct or clarify several 
provisions dealing with the pay and leave of Federal employees. The 
changes are needed to make regulations consistent with law and current 
practice and to eliminate unnecessary agency reports to OPM. Questions 
and comments from users of the regulations prompted the changes. The 
interim regulations will assist agencies in administering pay and leave 
programs in a consistent manner and in accordance with applicable law.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bryce Baker, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ59
_______________________________________________________________________




3684. REEMPLOYMENT OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN RETIREES TO MEET EXCEPTIONAL 
EMPLOYMENT NEEDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8344; 5 USC 8468

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 553

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Establishes new criteria for granting exceptions for key 
positions in temporary organizations established by law or Executive 
order. This rule will also expand and clarify the criteria used in 
exercising this authority.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry Lorenz, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830

RIN: 3206-AI32
_______________________________________________________________________




3685. RETIREMENT; CREDIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347(a); 5 USC 8461(g); 38 USC 4331

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 8347(a); 5 CFR 8461(g); 5 CFR 842.306; 5 CFR 
842.307

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations implement changes in the treatment of 
certain military service under CSRS and FERS required under the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 
(USERRA).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christopher H. Ziebarth, Retirement and Insurance 
Service, Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 
E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AG58
_______________________________________________________________________




3686. RETIREMENT; STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING INSTRUMENTALITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8345; 5 USC 8347; 5 USC 8461; 5 USC 8469

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831, subpart S; 5 CFR 841, subpart J

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations modify existing regulations to reflect 
changes designed to expand and streamline the process of withholding 
State income tax from CSRS and FERS annuities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/23/99                    64 FR 33429
Second NPRM                     02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Rochester, Retirement and Insurance 
Service, Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 
E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AH62
_______________________________________________________________________




3687. RETIREMENT; DEBT COLLECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347; 5 USC 8461

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 835, Subpart E

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will amend the Civil Service Retirement 
System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) 
regulations by consolidating and updating existing regulations in three 
different subparts

[[Page 75406]]

of the CSRS regulations and 5 CFR 845 in the FERS regulations to 
eliminate duplication of the provisions governing debt collection. This 
item is for subpart E of the new part 835, which will address 
collections of Government claims from payments made by OPM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/05/92                    57 FR 45753
Second NPRM                     11/00/02
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Rochester, Retirement and Insurance 
Service, Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 
E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AE72
_______________________________________________________________________




3688. RETIREMENT; COURT ORDERS AWARDING SURVIVOR ANNUITIES; CORRECTING 
OR SUPPLEMENTING THE FIRST ORDER DIVIDING MARITAL PROPERTY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347; 5 USC 8461

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 838

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations would establish standards for determining 
which supplemental or correcting court orders are not ``modifications'' 
and the procedures applicable to such orders. They also provide for the 
continuation of the former spouse's survivor coverage and the reduction 
in the retiree's annuity until the State court decides the extent of 
the former spouse's rights to retirement benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Panagakos, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington,, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AG28
_______________________________________________________________________




3689. RETIREMENT; FERS ELECTIONS OF COVERAGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347(a); 5 USC 8461(g); PL 99-335, sec 301(d)(3)

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 846

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations implement title III of the Federal 
Employees Retirement System (FERS) Act of 1986, as amended, dealing 
with the election of FERS coverage by employees under the Civil Service 
Retirement System and certain other employees. The regulations contain 
regulatory and interpretative rules concerning employees' eligibility 
to elect FERS coverage, procedures for electing FERS coverage, and 
basic benefits based on the service for employees who elect FERS 
coverage.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/21/87                    52 FR 19235
Interim Final Rule              09/13/93                    58 FR 47821
Interim Final Rule              06/18/98                    63 FR 33231
NPRM                            02/00/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James Giuseppe, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AG96
_______________________________________________________________________




3690. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM: MISCELLANEOUS 
CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8716

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 870

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations include changes to FEGLI regulations that 
clarify procedures for signing and witnessing designations of 
beneficiary, accepting designations of beneficiary by facsimile, 
accepting DNA evidence to establish paternity, etc. They also change 
the time frame for electing Optional insurance when first eligible from 
31 days to 60 days and add information on Basic insurance for certain 
Department of Defense employees under Public Law 106-398.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/27/00                    65 FR 64530
Second NPRM                     03/00/03
Final Action                    03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Leibach, Retirement and Insurance Service, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AG63
_______________________________________________________________________




3691. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM: CONTINUING FEHB 
COVERAGE INTO RETIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed regulation would increase OPM's ability to 
waive requirements for continuing health benefits coverage into 
retirement when it is to the advantage of the Government to do so.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02
Final Action                    04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara Myers, Retirement and Insurance Service, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004

RIN: 3206-AI62

[[Page 75407]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3692. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION PROVISIONS OF 
THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 FOR THE 
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 104-191

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The administrative simplification provisions on the Health 
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires 
covered entities (providers, health plans and clearinghouses) to ensure 
the privacy of individually identifiable personal health information. 
The Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Program has been deemed a 
health plan, and as such must comply with the security, privacy, and 
transaction standards that are part of the administrative 
simplification provisions of HIPAA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Abby L. Block, Assistant Director, Office of Insurance 
Programs, Office of Personnel Management, Retirement and Insurance 
Group Room 3425, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0770

RIN: 3206-AJ45
_______________________________________________________________________




3693. FINANCIAL SANCTIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN THE FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8902a

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890, subpart J

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will implement the financial sanctions 
provisions of the Federal Employees' Health Care Protection Act of 1998 
(Pub. L. 105-266). In cases where a health care provider had knowingly: 
(1) submitted false, fraudulent, or misleading claims; (2) failed to 
provide claims-related information requested by OPM or a FEHBP carrier; 
or (3) submitted claims while debarred, the statute authorizes OPM to 
effectuate civil monetary penalties. These financial sanctions may be 
imposed in addition to suspension or debarment, which are the other 
forms of sanctions authorized by the statute. The regulatory provisions 
for suspension and debarment are being implemented in an earlier 
amendment to 5 CFR 890, subpart J.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: J. David Cope, Debarring Official, Office of the 
Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2851
Fax: 202 606-2153
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ42
_______________________________________________________________________




3694. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS ACQUISITION REGULATION: LARGE 
PROVIDER AGREEMENTS, SUBCONTRACTS, AND MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913; 40 USC 486(c); 48 CFR 1.301

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 1602; 48 CFR 1604; 48 CFR 1615; 48 CFR 1632; 48 
CFR 1644; 48 CFR 1652; 48 CFR 1602; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a new 
policy that establishes notification and information requirements, 
including audit, for Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) 
experience-rated carrier large provider agreements. The proposed 
regulation also revises the threshold for advance approval of carrier 
subcontracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mike Kaszynski, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Office of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ20
_______________________________________________________________________




3695. IMPLEMENTATION OF ADDITIONAL COST PRINCIPLES IN THE FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913; 40 USC 486(c); 48 CFR 1.301

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 1630; 48 CFR 1631; 48 CFR 1652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing a regulation 
that would inform experience-rated carriers in the Federal Employees' 
Health Benefits Program how it intends to implement additional cost 
principles.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Anne Easton, Retirement and Insurance Services, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ10

[[Page 75408]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Office of Personnel Management (OPM)                   Final Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________




3696. EXCEPTED SERVICE--CAREER AND CAREER-CONDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 13162

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 213; 5 CFR 315

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations implement Executive Order 13162, which 
establishes the Federal Career Intern Program. This program will be 
used to attract exceptional men and women to the Federal workforce who 
have diverse professional experiences, academic training, or 
competencies and prepare them for careers in analyzing and implementing 
public programs.
This regulation supports the Administration's effort to recruit the 
highest caliber people to the Federal Government, develop their 
professional abilities, and retain them in Federal departments and 
agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/14/00                    65 FR 78077
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/14/00
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023

RIN: 3206-AJ28
_______________________________________________________________________




3697. EXCEPTED SERVICE--SCHEDULE A AUTHORITY FOR CHINESE, JAPANESE, AND 
HINDI INTERPRETERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 213

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management proposes to revoke the 
schedule A excepted service appointing authority for Chinese, Japanese 
and Hindi interpreters because the conditions justifying the original 
exception no longer exist.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3128
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0390

RIN: 3206-AJ43
_______________________________________________________________________




3698. TIME-IN-GRADE RESTRICTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302; EO 10577

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Eliminates requirement that employees serve one year in-grade 
to be eligible for promotion above the GS-5 level. This is separate 
from the qualifications requirement for one year's experience at the 
next lowest grade or equivalent for promotion.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/15/94                    59 FR 30717
NPRM Comment Period End         01/10/95                     60 FR 2546
Final Action                    01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0390

RIN: 3206-AG06
_______________________________________________________________________




3699. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION LANGUAGE FOR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 1302; 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302; 5 USC 3304(f); 5 
USC 3327; ...

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 302; 5 CFR 317; 5 CFR 330; 5 CFR 333; 5 CFR 335

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is publishing interim 
regulations requiring a reasonable accommodation statement in agency 
vacancy announcements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/11/01                    66 FR 63905
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/10/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Watson, Employment Service, Examining and 
Qualification Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ11
_______________________________________________________________________




3700. RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION THROUGH COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 332

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OPM is issuing an interim regulation to allow agencies to 
decide how candidates are referred for competitive appointment when 
agencies fill multiple vacancies simultaneously. We are codifying a 
long-standing practice (5 U.S.C. 3301 and 3302) of providing agencies 
with the option of either certifying a candidate for only one vacancy 
at a time, or certifying a candidate simultaneously for all vacancies 
for which that candidate expresses an interest, is eligible, and is 
within reach.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/15/02                     67 FR 7055
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/15/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 75409]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzy Barker, Director, Examination and Qualification 
Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Employment Service, 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0390
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ52
_______________________________________________________________________




3701. PROMOTION AND INTERNAL PLACEMENT; ACCELERATED QUALIFICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302; 5 USC 3304

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 316; 5 CFR 335; 5 CFR 338

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OPM will issue final regulations on Accelerated 
Qualifications only to authorize agencies to establish intensive 
training programs for acquiring qualifications at an accelerated rate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/20/96                     61 FR 6324
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Employment Service, Staffing and 
Restructuring Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0023

RIN: 3206-AG19
_______________________________________________________________________




3702. [bull] AWARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 4506

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 450, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations at 5 CFR 450, subpart C (new), implement 
provisions of Public Law 107-67 (5 U.S.C. 4507a) that extend 
eligibility for Presidential Rank Awards to certain senior level 
employees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/13/02                    67 FR 52595
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/12/02
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Anne Kirby, Office of Executive Resources Management, 
Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-1610

RIN: 3206-AJ65
_______________________________________________________________________




3703. OFFICIAL DUTY STATION DETERMINATIONS FOR PAY PURPOSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5305; 5 USC 5304; 5 USC 5941; EO 10000; PL 101-
509, sec 404

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 530; 5 CFR 531; 5 CFR 591

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations would clarify the location-based 
pay entitlements of Federal employees who are detailed or temporarily 
assigned to work at a new location, including telework situations. 
Location-based pay entitlements include locality payments, special 
salary rates, and nonforeign area cost-of-living allowances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/09/97                    62 FR 25423
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/08/97
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, Office 
of Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AH84
_______________________________________________________________________




3704. PAY UNDER THE GENERAL SCHEDULE; SUBPART F--LOCALITY-BASED 
COMPARABILITY PAYMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5304

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 531

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under current regulations, locality pay area boundaries 
change automatically whenever the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
modifies the geographic coverage of a metropolitan statistical area 
(MSA) or a consolidated metropolitan statistical area. OMB plans 
wholesale modifications in metropolitan area definitions in 2003 based 
on new criteria and 2000 census data. We plan to tie our locality pay 
area definitions to the geographic coverage of MSAs as defined in OMB 
Bulletin 99-4 so that locality pay area boundaries will not 
automatically change when OMB revises its metropolitan area 
definitions. This will allow the President's Pay Agent and the Federal 
Salary Council the opportunity to review the new metropolitan area 
definitions to see if they are appropriate for use in the locality pay 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/11/02                    67 FR 57536
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Allan G. Hearne, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2838
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ62

[[Page 75410]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3705. PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; DEFINITION OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, 
NONAPPROPRIATED FUND WAGE AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5343

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Because of the closure of the Army and Air Force Exchange 
Service Oakland Distribution Center, the Office of Personnel Management 
(OPM) is abolishing the Alameda-Contra Costa, CA, nonappropriated fund 
Federal Wage System wage area. OPM will establish a new Santa Clara, 
CA, nonappropriated fund wage area with Santa Clara County defined as 
the wage area's survey area and Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo 
Counties defined as the wage area's area of application.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/17/02                    67 FR 46839
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/16/02
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chenty Carpenter, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of 
Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 
20415
Phone: 202 606-2848
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ61
_______________________________________________________________________




3706. [bull] PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; CHANGE IN FEDERAL WAGE SYSTEM 
SURVEY JOB

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5343

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a 
proposed rule that would permit the Department of Defense to survey the 
Federal Wage System's Maintenance Mechanic job on an optional basis 
rather than having to seek OPM's permission each time it wants to add 
the job to a local wage survey.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/01/02                    67 FR 49879
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chenty Carpenter, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of 
Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 
20415
Phone: 202 606-2848
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ63
_______________________________________________________________________




3707. [bull] PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; REDEFINITION OF THE SCRANTON-
WILKES-BARRE, PA, APPROPRIATED FUND WAGE AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5343

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing a proposed rule 
to redefine Tioga County, Pennsylvania, from the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, 
PA, Federal Wage System wage area to the Rochester, New York, wage 
area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/01/02                    67 FR 49878
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chenty Carpenter, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of 
Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 
20415
Phone: 202 606-2848
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ64
_______________________________________________________________________




3708. BASIC PAY FOR EMPLOYEES OF TEMPORARY ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3161(d)

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 534

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing final 
regulations on setting the rate of basic pay for employees of temporary 
organizations, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 3161(a).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/05/02                     67 FR 3581
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/26/02
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, Office 
of Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ47
_______________________________________________________________________




3709. GRADE AND PAY RETENTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5361; 5 USC 5366

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 536

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing final 
regulations giving agencies discretionary authority to grant pay 
retention to certain employees moving to positions under pay systems 
other than the General Schedule or the Federal Wage System. This new 
flexibility would allow agencies to prevent eligible employees from 
suffering a reduction in pay that would otherwise result from a 
management action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/25/00                    65 FR 33785
Final Action                    06/00/03

[[Page 75411]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Herzberg, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI88
_______________________________________________________________________




3710. PAY ADMINISTRATION; AVAILABILITY PAY FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5545(h); 5 USC 5548

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations will clarify a number of issues 
relating to the administration of availability pay, a form of premium 
pay for criminal investigators who are required to work, or be 
available to work, substantial amounts of unscheduled overtime duty 
based on the needs of the employing agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/23/94                    59 FR 66149
Second Interim Final Rule       01/29/99                     64 FR 4517
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kevin Kitchelt, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ49
_______________________________________________________________________




3711. PREMIUM PAY LIMITATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5547; 5 USC 5548

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim 
regulations to implement recent statutory amendments dealing with the 
premium pay limitations for Federal employees. Those amendments raise 
the premium pay caps for most employees, provide authority to use an 
annual cap instead of a biweekly cap in additional circumstances, and 
make certain other changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/19/02                    67 FR 19319
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/29/02
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bryce Baker, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ56
_______________________________________________________________________




3712. ADMINISTRATIVELY UNCONTROLLABLE OVERTIME PAY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5547

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 550.151

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim 
regulations concerning the rules governing payment of administratively 
uncontrollable overtime (AUO) pay. This interim rule permits agencies 
to pay AUO pay to an employee during a temporary assignment that would 
not otherwise warrant the payment of AUO pay, if the temporary 
assignment is directly related to a national emergency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/13/02                     67 FR 6640
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/15/02
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kevin Kitchelt, Workforce Compensation and Performance 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Compensation 
Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ57
_______________________________________________________________________




3713. RETENTION ALLOWANCES

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5754

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 575, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations would provide agencies with greater 
flexibility in the use of retention allowances by allowing them to pay 
such allowances to employees who are likely to leave their positions 
for other Federal employment under certain limited circumstances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/10/01                     66 FR 5491
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/01
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Workforce Compensation and 
Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, Office 
of Compensation Administration, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ48

[[Page 75412]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3714. VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE REPAYMENT WAIVERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 103-226

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 576

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 103-226 authorized OPM to waive repayment of a 
voluntary separation incentive payment under certain circumstances if a 
former employee, who accepted the incentive payment, is reemployed by 
an executive agency of the United States within five years of 
separation. Later Public Laws, written for specific agencies, usually 
contain a waiver of repayment provision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/09/94                    59 FR 55808
Final Action                    01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Employee Service, Office of Personnel 
Management, Staffing Restructuring Policy Division, 1900 E Street NW., 
Wasington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0960

RIN: 3206-AG20
_______________________________________________________________________




3715. RETIREMENT; COVERAGE--NONAPPROPRIATED FUND INSTRUMENTALITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831; 5 CFR 837; 5 CFR 841 to 844; 5 CFR 847

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 9, 1996.

Abstract: These regulations implement the provisions of Public Law 104-
106 and Public Law 107-107, which allow certain employees, who have 
been employed by nonappropriated fund instrumentalities under the 
jurisdiction of the armed forces, to obtain retirement credit under 
limited circumstances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/09/96                    61 FR 41714
Interim Final Rule              11/00/02
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James Giuseppe, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AH57
_______________________________________________________________________




3716. COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347(a); 5 USC 8361(g); PL 105-33, sec 11202(f), 
11232(e), 11246(b); PL 106-522, sec 145

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831; 5 CFR 837; 5 CFR 842; 5 CFR 846; 5 CFR 870; 5 
CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations implement provisions of the National 
Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, 
which requires that nonjudicial employees of the District of Columbia 
Courts, and under certain conditions, the District of Columbia 
Corrections Trustee, and the District of Columbia Pretrial Services, 
Parole, Adult Probation and Offender Supervision Trustee and their 
respective employees be considered Federal employees for purposes of 
Federal retirement, health, and life insurance coverage.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/30/97                    62 FR 50995
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/01/97
Final Action                    03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI02
_______________________________________________________________________




3717. RETIREMENT, HEALTH, AND LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN 
EMPLOYEES OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNDER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
COURTS AND JUSTICE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 1998

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 105-274

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831; 5 CFR 837; 5 CFR 842; 5 CFR 846; 5 CFR 870; 5 
CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim regulations implement the District of Columbia 
Courts and Justice Technical Corrections Act of 1998. The effect of 
these regulations is to extend Federal retirement, health insurance, 
and life insurance coverage to employees of the Public Defender Service 
of the District of Columbia under section 7 of the Act, and to exclude 
certain former employees of the District of Columbia, who are hired by 
the Department of Justice or by the Court Services and Offender 
Supervision Agency, from Federal retirement coverage if they elect, 
under section 3 of the Act, to continue their coverage under a 
retirement system for employees of the District of Columbia.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/31/99                    64 FR 15286
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/29/99
Final Action                    03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI55
_______________________________________________________________________




3718. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347; 5 USC 8461

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831; 5 CFR 842

[[Page 75413]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim rules 
that permit certain police officers with the Metropolitan Washington 
Airports Authority to elect coverage under the special retirement 
provisions for law enforcement officers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/25/01                    66 FR 38523
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/25/01
Final Action                    04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patrick Jennings, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415-0001
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ39
_______________________________________________________________________




3719. CONTINUATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS FOR 
FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES OF THE CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Sec 1622(b), PL 104-106, 110 Stat. 515

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831; 5 CFR 842; 5 CFR 870; 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations describe conditions and procedures 
applicable to continuation of eligibility for certain Civil Service 
benefits for former Federal employees of the Civilian Marksmanship 
Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/02                    67 FR 38210
NPRM Comment Period End         08/02/02
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Howard T. Newland Jr., Retirement and Insurance 
Service, Retirement Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 
1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ55
_______________________________________________________________________




3720. CORRECTION OF RETIREMENT COVERAGE ERRORS UNDER THE FEDERAL 
ERRONEOUS RETIREMENT COVERAGE CORRECTION ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-265

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 839

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is amending its 
regulations to include new rules for correcting certain retirement 
coverage errors. We are amending the regulations to implement the 
provisions of the Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act 
(the FERCCA), title II of Public Law 106-265. The regulations will 
allow agencies to correct affected coverage errors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/19/01                    66 FR 15605
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/19/01
Final Action                    04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James Giuseppe, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ38
_______________________________________________________________________




3721. RETIREMENT; GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 841

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations would allow an agency to retain the 
individual retirement record when an employee transfers within the same 
agency even though the employee would be serviced by another intra-
agency payroll.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/20/00                    65 FR 21119
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/20/00
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI83
_______________________________________________________________________




3722. RETIREMENT; FERS BASIC ANNUITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8461

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 842, subparts B to G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations will amend FERS Basic Annuity 
regulations governing Eligibility (subpart B), Credit for Service 
(subpart C), Computations (subpart F), and Alternative Forms of Annuity 
(subpart G). These regulations have been published at various times in 
interim final form, and have been affected by statutory changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/16/87                     52 FR 2061
Interim Final Rule              01/16/87                     52 FR 2067
Interim Final Rule              02/11/87                     52 FR 4473
Interim Final Rule              02/11/87                     52 FR 4479
Interim Final Rule              05/14/87                    52 FR 18193
Interim Final Rule              04/08/88                    53 FR 11635
Interim Final Rule              02/09/90                     55 FR 4598
Final Rule                      12/27/90                    55 FR 53136
Interim Final Rule              02/19/91                     56 FR 6549
Final Action                    04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Retirement and Insurance Service, 
Retirement Policy Center, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0299

[[Page 75414]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AE73
_______________________________________________________________________




3723. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE: REMOVAL OF PREMIUMS AND 
AGE BANDS FROM REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8716; PL 106-398

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 870

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 105-311 allowed retiring employees to elect to 
continue their option B and/or option C coverage on an unreduced basis. 
Since this means that more people over age 65 will have these coverages 
and will continue to pay premiums, the previous age band structure 
(with the top age band being 60 and over) needed to be expanded. OPM 
previously added additional age bands to option C; we now need to 
expand these further and to add age bands to option B. In addition, the 
actuaries have determined that changes in mortality rates warrant 
further changes to the FEGLI premiums. Since the current regulatory 
process doesn't allow OPM the flexibility to change premiums as quickly 
in an efficient and timely manner, we are removing the premiums from 
regulations. We will announce future premium changes in a public notice 
in the Federal Register.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/02
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathleen Healy Sheridan, Retirement and Insurance 
Service, Office of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 
1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ46
_______________________________________________________________________




3724. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM: PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS 
FOR PERIODS OF LEAVE WITHOUT PAY OR INSUFFICIENT PAY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations that establish a requirement that Federal 
agencies counsel employees entering nonpay status, or whose pay is 
insufficient to cover their FEHB premium payments, of the options of 
continuing or terminating their FEHB coverage, and if continuing, of 
paying premiums directly on a current basis or incurring a debt to be 
withheld from future salary. These regulations are intended to ensure 
employees are fully aware of these alternatives. We have received 
comments on the interim rules, which are under review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/22/96                    61 FR 37807
Interim Final Rule              12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara Myers, Retirement and Insurance Service, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004

RIN: 3206-AG66
_______________________________________________________________________




3725. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM: EFFECTIVE DATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed regulation would adopt January 1 as the 
effective date for all open season enrollment changes and new 
enrollment in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/31/98                    63 FR 46180
NPRM Comment Period End         09/30/98
Final Action                    01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara Myers, Retirement and Insurance Service, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004

RIN: 3206-AI37
_______________________________________________________________________




3726. IMPLEMENTATION OF PREMIUM CONVERSION FOR EXECUTIVE BRANCH FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB) 
PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 26 USC 125

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: At the President's direction, the Office of Personnel 
Management (OPM) issued regulations under the Federal Employees' Health 
Benefits (FEHB) Program to enable employees of all executive branch 
agencies to pay their share of FEHB premiums with pre-tax dollars in 
accordance with section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code. OPM 
simultaneously amended salary allotment regulations at 5 CFR 550, 
because employees participating in premium conversion must allot a 
portion of salary to their employing agency that agencies then use to 
pay the employee share of FEHB premiums.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/19/00                    65 FR 44644
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/18/00
Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Laurie Bodenheimer, Retirement and Insurance Services, 
Office of Insurance Programs, Office of

[[Page 75415]]

Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0770

RIN: 3206-AJ17
_______________________________________________________________________




3727. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS CHILDREN'S EQUITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-394

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890; 5 CFR 892

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 106-394 requires mandatory self and family 
coverage for Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) eligible 
employees who do not comply with a court or administrative order to 
provide health benefits for their children. This regulation requires 
that employees subject to such an order be enrolled in self and family 
coverage in a plan that provides full benefits to his/her child(ren) in 
the area where they live or provide documentation to his/her employing 
office that he/she has other health coverage for the children. If the 
employee does not enroll in an appropriate health plan or provide 
documentation of other coverage for the children, the employing office 
will enroll the employee for self and family coverage in the option of 
the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan that provides the 
lower level of coverage. This type of mandatory coverage has been in 
effect for several years in the private sector. This regulation defines 
how this requirement will be implemented in the FEHB Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nataya Battle, Retirement and Insurance Service, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202 606-1874
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ34
_______________________________________________________________________




3728. DEBARMENTS AND SUSPENSIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FROM THE 
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8902a

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890, subpart J

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will implement section 2 of Public Law 105-
266, which amends 5 U.S.C. section 8902a, authorizing OPM to debar 
health care providers who have committed certain types of legal 
offenses or program-related violations from participation in the 
Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and to levy 
monetary penalties and assessments against individuals who have 
improperly obtained payments of FEHBP funds. This legislation removes 
unnecessary administrative constraints on the agency, provides more 
flexible and less time-consuming procedures, and will improve OPM's 
administration of sanctions against unfit health care providers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/30/89                    54 FR 43939
NPRM                            12/12/01                    66 FR 64160
NPRM Comment Period End         02/11/02
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: J. David Cope, Debarring Official, Office of the 
Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2851
Fax: 202 606-2153
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AD76
_______________________________________________________________________




3729. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS FOR EXECUTIVE 
BRANCH FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH 
BENEFITS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 26 USC 125; 26 USC 129; 26 USC 152

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 892

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) plans to issue 
regulations to enable employees of all executive branch agencies to 
elect a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and/or a 
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) in accordance with 
Sections 125, 129, and 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Laurie Bodenheimer, Retirement and Insurance Services, 
Office of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0770

RIN: 3206-AJ66
_______________________________________________________________________




3730. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE FEDERAL ACQUISITION 
REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 8716; 40 USC 486(C)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 1.301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed regulation would revise the existing Federal 
Employees' Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition Regulation (LIFAR) 
by updating and revising policy regulation with respect to the 
acquisition and administration of life insurance contract(s) for 
Federal employees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Anne Easton, Retirement and Insurance Services, Office 
of Insurance Programs, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-0004

[[Page 75416]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AI65
_______________________________________________________________________


Office of Personnel Management (OPM)                  Long-Term Actions






_______________________________________________________________________




3731. PERSONNEL SECURITY AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302; 5 USC 7312; 50 USC 403; EO 
10450; EO 10577

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 732

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: With the abolishment of the Federal Personnel Manual (FPM), 
certain policies and procedures enunciated in the FPM are being 
considered for publication in another format.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/23/91                    56 FR 18650
Interim Final Rule              09/16/94                    59 FR 47527
Interim Final Rule Effective 
Date                            10/17/94


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathy Dillaman, Associate Director, Investigations 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20415-4000
Phone: 202 606-1042

RIN: 3206-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




3732. INVESTIGATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 93-579; 5 USC 552a

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 736

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: With the abolishment of the Federal Personnel Manual (FPM), 
certain policies and procedures enunciated in the FPM are being 
considered for publication in another format.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/23/91                    56 FR 18650
Begin Review                    10/01/93
Interim Final Rule              09/16/94                    59 FR 47527


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathy Dillaman, Associate Director, Investigations 
Service, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20415-4000
Phone: 202 606-1042

RIN: 3206-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________




3733. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: EO 12549

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 970

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will implement within OPM the provisions of 
the Governmentwide nonprocurement suspension and debarment common rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3266
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: J. David Cope, Debarring Official, Office of the 
Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20415
Phone: 202 606-2851
Fax: 202 606-2153
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ31
_______________________________________________________________________


Office of Personnel Management (OPM)                  Completed Actions






_______________________________________________________________________




3734. EXCEPTED SERVICE--SCHEDULE A AUTHORITY FOR NONTEMPORARY PART-TIME 
OR INTERMITTENT POSITIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 213

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/04/02                    67 FR 56475
Final Action Effective          09/04/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tina Vay
Phone: 202 606-0830
Fax: 202 606-0390

RIN: 3206-AJ06
_______________________________________________________________________




3735. PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; DEFINITION OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, 
CALIFORNIA, TO A NONAPPROPRIATED FUND WAGE AREA

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/01/02                    67 FR 49855
Final Action Effective          09/03/02

[[Page 75417]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chenty Carpenter
Phone: 202 606-2848
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ35
_______________________________________________________________________




3736. PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; CHANGE IN THE SURVEY CYCLE FOR THE 
PORTLAND, OREGON, WAGE AREA

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/24/02                    67 FR 20009
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/24/02
Final Action                    08/01/02                    67 FR 49878
Final Action Effective          09/03/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chenty Carpenter
Phone: 202 606-2848
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ60
_______________________________________________________________________




3737. PAY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS JUDGE POSITIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 534, subpart F

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/07/02                    67 FR 39249
Final Action Effective          07/08/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson
Phone: 202 606-2858
Fax: 202 606-0824
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ44
_______________________________________________________________________




3738. REPEAL OF DUAL COMPENSATION REDUCTION FOR MILITARY RETIREES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 553

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/14/02                    67 FR 40837
Final Action Effective          07/15/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry Lorenz
Phone: 202 606-0830

RIN: 3206-AI92
_______________________________________________________________________




3739. COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCES (NONFOREIGN AREAS); COMMISSARY/EXCHANGE 
RATES; SURVEY FREQUENCY; GRADUAL REDUCTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 591

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/03/02                    67 FR 22339
Final Action Effective          06/03/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kurt Springmann
Phone: 202 606-2838
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ40
_______________________________________________________________________




3740. COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCES (NONFOREIGN AREAS); METHODOLOGY CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 591

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/03/02                    67 FR 22339
Final Action Effective          06/03/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kurt Springmann
Phone: 202 606-2838
Fax: 202 606-4264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ41
_______________________________________________________________________




3741. SUSPENSION OF ENROLLMENT IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS 
PROGRAM TO ENROLL IN THE CHAMPVA OR TRICARE PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/18/02                    67 FR 41305
Final Action Effective          06/18/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael W. Kaszynski
Phone: 202 606-0004
Fax: 202 606-0633
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3206-AJ36
[FR Doc. 02-24267 Filed 12-06-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-44-S
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