[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XXXVIIIOffice of Personnel Management ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 73770]] 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 during the six-month period following publication. 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: Valerie Kline, (202) 606-1973. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 has begun publishing these regulations as proposed regulations and will continue to do so as the project progresses. This edition of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions includes The Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. OPM's Statement of Regulatory Priorities is included in part II. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Kay Coles James, Director. Office of Personnel Management--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3710 Personnel Management in Agencies.................................................... 3206--AJ95 3711 Amendment to Selective Service Registration Requirements............................ 3206--AI52 3712 Employment in the Excepted Service.................................................. 3206--AH83 3713 Veterans Recruitment Appointments................................................... 3206--AJ90 3714 Employment of Relatives............................................................. 3206--AK03 3715 Merit Promotion and Internal Placement.............................................. 3206--AI20 3716 Other Than Full--Time Employment (Part--Time, Seasonal, Intermittent)............... 3206--AI22 3717 Order of Release from Competitive Level............................................. 3206--AI96 3718 Reemployment Rights................................................................. 3206--AI19 3719 Training............................................................................ 3206--AJ19 3720 Performance Management.............................................................. 3206--AJ80 3721 Certified Performance Appraisal Systems and Aggregate Limitation on Pay............. 3206--AJ86 3722 Personnel Management Research Programs and Demonstration Projects................... 3206--AJ67 3723 Classification Under the General Schedule........................................... 3206--AH38 3724 Miscellaneous Changes and Standardization of Pay and Leave Regulations.............. 3206--AJ85 3725 Superior Qualifications Appointments................................................ 3206--AI00 3726 Locality--Based Comparability Payments; Redefinition of Locality Pay Areas.......... 3206--AJ45 3727 Post Differentials (Nonforeign Areas); Palmyra Atoll................................ 3206--AK00 3728 Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the San Francisco, California, 3206--AK26 Nonappropirated Fund Wage Area...................................................... 3729 Reemployment of Civilian Retirees To Meet Exceptional Employment Needs.............. 3206--AI32 3730 List of Agents Designated to Accept Legal Process................................... 3206--AJ83 3731 Retirement--State Income Tax Withholding Instrumentalities.......................... 3206--AH62 3732 Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Continuing FEHB Coverage Into Retirement 3206--AI62 3733 Changes in Health Benefits Enrollment............................................... 3206--AK04 3734 Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition Regulation.............. 3206--AI65 3735 Implementation of Additional Cost Principles in the Federal Employees' Health 3206--AJ10 Benefits Program.................................................................... 3736 Retirement--Court Orders Awarding Survivor Annuities; Correcting or Supplementing 3206--AG28 the First Order Dividing Marital Property........................................... 3737 Retirement--Credit for Military Service............................................. 3206--AG58 3738 Retirement--FERS Elections of Coverage.............................................. 3206--AG96 3739 Probation on Initial Appointment to a Competitive Position.......................... 3206--AI47 3740 Competitive Service and Competitive Status.......................................... 3206--AJ75 3741 Information Technology Exchange Program............................................. 3206--AJ91 3742 Strategic Human Capital Management Assessment....................................... 3206--AJ92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73771]] Office of Personnel Management--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3743 Basic Concepts and Definitions (General)............................................ 3206--AJ98 3744 Excepted Service--Career and Career--Conditional Employment......................... 3206--AJ28 3745 Excepted Service--Temporary Organizations........................................... 3206--AJ70 3746 Detail of Government Employees Between the Executive Branch and the Legislative 3206--AK05 Branch.............................................................................. 3747 Reasonable Accommodation Language for Vacancy Announcements......................... 3206--AJ11 3748 Recruitment and Selection Through Competitive Examination........................... 3206--AJ52 3749 Temporary Assignment of Employees Between Federal, State, Local, and Indian Tribal 3206--AJ94 Governments......................................................................... 3750 Promotion and Internal Placement; Accelerated Qualifications........................ 3206--AG19 3751 Awards.............................................................................. 3206--AJ65 3752 Official Duty Station Determinations for Pay Purposes............................... 3206--AH84 3753 Pay Under the General Schedule; Subpart F--Locality--Based Comparability Payments... 3206--AJ62 3754 Job Grading Reviews and Appeals of Federal Wage System Employees.................... 3206--AI14 3755 Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the North Dakota and Duluth, Minnesota, 3206--AJ78 Appropriated Fund Wage Areas........................................................ 3756 Prevailing Rate Systems; Change in Federal Wage System Survey Job and Miscellaneous 3206--AJ79 Change.............................................................................. 3757 Pay Administration; Availability Pay for Criminal Investigators..................... 3206--AJ49 3758 Premium Pay Limitations............................................................. 3206--AJ56 3759 Pretax Allotments for Flexible Spending Accounts.................................... 3206--AJ88 3760 Retention Allowances................................................................ 3206--AJ48 3761 Extended Assignment Incentives...................................................... 3206--AJ87 3762 Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIPs)..................................... 3206--AJ76 3763 Prevailing Rate Systems; Change in the Survey Month for the Bureau of Reclamation 3206--AK06 Mid--Pacific Region Survey.......................................................... 3764 Physician's Comparability Allowances................................................ 3206--AJ96 3765 Implementation of Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee 3206--AJ93 Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002...................................... 3766 Employee Responsibilities and Conduct............................................... 3206--AJ74 3767 Agency Use of Appropriated Funds for Child Care Costs for Lower Income Employees.... 3206--AJ77 3768 Retirement; Coverage--Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities........................ 3206--AH57 3769 Coverage for Certain Employees of the District of Columbia.......................... 3206--AI02 3770 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............................................................. 3771 Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Retirement.................................. 3206--AJ39 3772 Continuation of Eligibility for Certain Civil Service Benefits for Former Federal 3206--AJ55 Employees of the Civilian Marksmanship Program...................................... 3773 Retirement--Federal Employees Retirement System; Basic Annuity...................... 3206--AJ82 3774 Retirement--Debt Collection......................................................... 3206--AE72 3775 Correction of Retirement Coverage Errors Under the Federal Erroneous Retirement 3206--AJ38 Coverage Correction Act............................................................. 3776 Retirement Coverage and Service Credit Elections Available to Current and Former 3206--AJ72 Nonappropriated Fund Employees...................................................... 3777 Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program: Miscellaneous Changes and 3206--AG63 Clarifications...................................................................... 3778 Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance: Removal of Premiums and Age Bands from 3206--AJ46 Regulations......................................................................... 3779 Federal Long--Term Care Insurance Regulations....................................... 3206--AJ71 3780 Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Payment of Premiums for Periods of Leave 3206--AG66 Without Pay or Insufficient Pay..................................................... 3781 Federal Employees' Health Benefits Children's Equity................................ 3206--AJ34 3782 Financial Sanctions of Health Care Providers in the Federal Employees' Health 3206--AJ42 Benefits Program.................................................................... 3783 Employees Responsible for the Management or Use of Federal Computer Systems......... 3206--AJ84 3784 General and Miscellaneous........................................................... 3206--AJ97 3785 Retirement--FERS Basic Annuity...................................................... 3206--AE73 3786 Time--In--Grade Restrictions........................................................ 3206--AG06 3787 Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program: Effective Dates......................... 3206--AI37 3788 Grade and Pay Retention............................................................. 3206--AI88 3789 Federal Employees' Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation: Large Provider 3206--AJ20 Agreements, Subcontracts, and Miscellaneous Changes................................. 3790 Implementation of Flexible Spending Accounts for Executive Branch Federal Employees 3206--AJ66 Participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program...................... 3791 Federal Executive Boards............................................................ 3206--AJ68 3792 OPM Employee Responsibilities and Conduct........................................... 3206--AJ69 3793 Posting Regulations................................................................. 3206--AJ73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73772]] Office of Personnel Management--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3794 Personnel Security and Related Programs............................................. 3206--AC21 3795 Investigations...................................................................... 3206--AB92 3796 Retirement--General Administration.................................................. 3206--AI83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Personnel Management--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3797 Implementation of Premium Conversion for Executive Branch Federal Employees 3206--AJ17 Participating in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.............. 3798 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)............................ 3206--AJ31 3799 Protests, Disputes, and Appeals..................................................... 3206--AK07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3710. [bull] PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN AGENCIES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 107--296 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing proposed regulations to implement the requirement in Public Law 107--296, section 1304 for OPM to design a set of systems for assessing human capital management by Federal agencies. These regulations describe the framework for these systems, including the metrics, that agencies will use. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Tyrrell, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ95 _______________________________________________________________________ 3711. AMENDMENT TO SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 3328 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management proposes regulations to delegate to agencies the 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barbara J. Bell, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI52 _______________________________________________________________________ 3712. 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 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AH83 [[Page 73773]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3713. VETERANS RECRUITMENT APPOINTMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--288 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 307 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management proposes to revise its regulations regarding Veterans Readjustment Appointments to implement the provisions of Public Law 107--288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, signed into law on November 7, 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael J. Mahoney, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ90 _______________________________________________________________________ 3714. [bull] EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 3110 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 310 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A plain language rewrite of the regulations to make them more readable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/22/03 68 FR 55012 NPRM Comment Period End 11/21/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Raleigh M. Neville, 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-AK03 _______________________________________________________________________ 3715. 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 provide agencies with greater flexibility and to clarify existing flexibility, the Office of Personnel Management 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI20 _______________________________________________________________________ 3716. 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: These proposed regulations will grant 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; and modifies seasonal employment, includes plain language changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Tyrrell, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI22 _______________________________________________________________________ 3717. 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 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Thomas A. Glennon, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI96 _______________________________________________________________________ 3718. REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 3582; 5 USC 3301; PL 103--296 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 352 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management proposes regulations to update provisions to conform to law allowing employees assigned to international organizations under [[Page 73774]] certain conditions to maintain FERS and FICA retirement coverage. The current regulations require updates because they mention only CSRS retirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael J. Mahoney, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI19 _______________________________________________________________________ 3719. TRAINING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 4118 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 410; 5 CFR 410.309; 5 CFR 410.404; 5 CFR 410.505 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations to address continued service requirements in light of new legislation authorizing the expanded authority for payment of academic degrees. Proposed changes will restore the allowance for agency heads to delegate authority to define requirements for continued service and provide guidance concerning circumstances when the requirement for continued service can be waived. Proposed regulations will also clarify distinctions between training and meetings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: LaVeen Ponds, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1394 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ19 _______________________________________________________________________ 3720. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 4305 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 430, subpart A; 5 CFR 430, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Part 430, subparts A and B, are being revised to improve the readability of the existing regulatory language and to codify existing policies and procedures that are not currently in the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barbara Colchao, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7412, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2720 Fax: 202 606--2395 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ80 _______________________________________________________________________ 3721. CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEMS AND AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON PAY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--296; 5 USC 5305; 5 USC 5307; EO 12748, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp, PL 101--509; PL 103--89 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 430 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management, jointly with the Office of Management and Budget, is issuing proposed regulations to implement a recent statutory amendment increasing the aggregate limitation on pay for employees in Senior Executive Service and scientific or professional positions to the total annual compensation payable to the Vice President. The proposed regulations establish the performance appraisal systems certification requirements that must be met to use the higher aggregate limitation on pay. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barbara Colchao, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7412, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2720 Fax: 202 606--2395 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ86 _______________________________________________________________________ 3722. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nancy H. Kichak, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel [[Page 73775]] Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0722 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ67 _______________________________________________________________________ 3723. CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE GENERAL SCHEDULE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5112 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 511, subpart F; 5 CFR 511, subpart G Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The general schedule classification regulations require updating to reflect current organizational nomenclature following a reorganization within OPM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Leslie J. Pollack, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1426 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AH38 _______________________________________________________________________ 3724. MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES AND STANDARDIZATION OF PAY AND LEAVE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5304; 5 USC 5305; 5 USC 5548; 5 USC 5550a; 5 USC 6124; 5 USC 6133(a); 5 USC 6304(d)(3); PL 102--484; PL 103--337; PL 103--329; EO 11228; 5 USC 6305; 5 USC 6306; 5 USC 6311; PL 103--356; 5 USC 6326; 5 USC 6332; 5 USC 6362; PL 100--566; PL 103--103; PL 105--18; 5 USC 6387; PL 103--3; 5 USC 6391; PL 102--25 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 530; 5 CFR 531; 5 CFR 550, subpart J; 5 CFR 610; 5 CFR 630 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations to clarify and standardize the rules governing the pay and leave of Federal employees. The proposed regulations are being issued to aid and support the standardization of payroll processes under the e--Payroll initiative and enhance understanding of the administration of pay and leave policies and procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Herzberg, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ85 _______________________________________________________________________ 3725. SUPERIOR QUALIFICATIONS APPOINTMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5333 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 531 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management proposes to revise regulations concerning the appointment of superior candidates above the minimum rate of pay for General Schedule positions. The proposed changes clarify and modify what agencies should consider when making these superior qualifications appointments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI00 _______________________________________________________________________ 3726. LOCALITY--BASED COMPARABILITY PAYMENTS; REDEFINITION OF LOCALITY PAY AREAS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5304 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 531, subpart F Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management plans to issue a proposed rule that would redefine one or more existing locality pay areas for General Schedule exmployees based on recommendations of hte Federal Salary Council. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Allan G. Hearne, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2838 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ45 _______________________________________________________________________ 3727. [bull] POST DIFFERENTIALS (NONFOREIGN AREAS); PALMYRA ATOLL Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 5941 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 591 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing interim regulations to establish Palmyra Atoll as a place at which the Governement pays a post differential. The Government pays post differentials to certain civilian Federal employees in specified nonforeign areas as a recruitment incentive based on conditions of environment in the local area compared with conditions in the continental United States. The Department of Interior has asked OPM to establish Palmyra Atoll as a post differential area. [[Page 73776]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donald L. Paquin, Human Resources and Systems Service, Office of Compensation Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2838 RIN: 3206-AK00 _______________________________________________________________________ 3728. [bull] PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; REDEFINITION OF THE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, NONAPPROPIRATED FUND WAGE AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 5343 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management plans to issue a rule that would abolish the San Francisco, CA, nonappropriated fund Federal Wage System wage area. San Francisco County, the sole county of the wage area, would be placed in the Santa Clara, CA, nonappropriated fund wage area as an area of application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Allen, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2848 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AK26 _______________________________________________________________________ 3729. REEMPLOYMENT OF 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: The Office of Personnel Management proposes regulations to establish 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 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Larry Lorenz, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI32 _______________________________________________________________________ 3730. LIST OF AGENTS DESIGNATED TO ACCEPT LEGAL PROCESS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 42 USC 659; 15 USC 1673; EO 12105; 3 CFR 262 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 581, app Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Appendix A to 5 CFR part 581 is being amended to update the addresses and telephone numbers for agents designated to receive legal process. This appendix is also being amended to add a new agency and designated agents. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Darlene M. Carr, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415--1300 Phone: 202 606--1700 Fax: 202 606--2609 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ83 _______________________________________________________________________ 3731. 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 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Rochester, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AH62 _______________________________________________________________________ 3732. 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. [[Page 73777]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Agnes M Kalland, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI62 _______________________________________________________________________ 3733. [bull] CHANGES IN HEALTH BENEFITS ENROLLMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 8913; 50 USC 403p; 22 USC 4069c CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OPM is issuing proposed regulation on changes in health benefits enrollment for annuitants or survivor annuitants when a carrier terminates participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nataya Battle, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AK04 _______________________________________________________________________ 3734. 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 regulations with respect to the acquisition and administration of life insurance contracts for Federal employees. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 Final Action 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Leibach, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI65 _______________________________________________________________________ 3735. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Anne Easton, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ10 _______________________________________________________________________ 3736. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Panagakos, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG28 _______________________________________________________________________ 3737. 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). [[Page 73778]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Christopher H. Ziebarth, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ 3738. 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 12/00/03 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cynthia Reinhold, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG96 _______________________________________________________________________ 3739. 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 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Watson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI47 _______________________________________________________________________ 3740. COMPETITIVE SERVICE AND COMPETITIVE STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301, 5 USC 3302 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is rewriting its regulations in plain language to make them more readable. This includes part 212 that contains the definitions of competitive service and competitive status. This is one aspect of a broader review of OPM's regulations. This regulatory rewrite supports the Administration's effort to use ``plain language'' when disseminating information throughout the Federal community and to the general public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ75 _______________________________________________________________________ 3741. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--347 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 370 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations to implement Governmentwide provisions contained in the E-- Government Act (Pub. L. 107--347). This law authorizes the temporary assignment of employees in the field of information technology (IT) management between the Federal Government and private sector organizations. It also authorizes Federal agencies to accept, on a volunteer basis, the services of non--Federal IT employees. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael J. Mahoney, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ91 _______________________________________________________________________ 3742. STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107--296 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 250 [[Page 73779]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing proposed regulations to implement the requirement in Public Law 107--296, section 1304 for OPM to design a set of systems for assessing human capital management by Federal agencies. These regulations describe the framework for these systems, including the metrics, that agencies will use. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Tyrrell, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ92 _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3743. [bull] BASIC CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS (GENERAL) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 3301; 5 USC 3302 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 210 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a plain language rewrite of its regulations on basic concepts and definitions of part 210 as part of a broader review of OPM's regulations. The purpose of the revisions is to make the regulations more readable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/30/03 68 FR 38644 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ98 _______________________________________________________________________ 3744. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ28 _______________________________________________________________________ 3745. EXCEPTED SERVICE--TEMPORARY ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 3161 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 213 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Since the new law on temporary organizations provides new limitations on temporary organizations, we are amending excepted service appointing authority for hiring persons in temporary organizations to reflect these changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/08/03 68 FR 24605 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/08/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ70 _______________________________________________________________________ 3746. [bull] DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OPM is proposing new regulations regarding the detail of executive branch employees to the legislative branch. The purpose of the revision is to set forth guidelines for [[Page 73780]] executive branch detailees to the legislative branch. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/03 68 FR 53054 NPRM Comment Period End 10/24/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael J. Mahoney, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AK05 _______________________________________________________________________ 3747. 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 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Watson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ11 _______________________________________________________________________ 3748. 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 5 U.S.C. 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 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Watson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ52 _______________________________________________________________________ 3749. [bull] TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT OF EMPLOYEES BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 3376 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 334 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations address the temporary assignment of employees to and from State and local governments, colleges, and universities, Indian tribal governments and selected nonprofit organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/22/03 68 FR 50726 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Suzy Barker, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Employment Service, Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ94 _______________________________________________________________________ 3750. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Jacobs, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG19 _______________________________________________________________________ 3751. AWARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 4506 [[Page 73781]] CFR Citation: 5 CFR 450, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Regulations at 5 C.F.R. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Delores Everett, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1050 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ65 _______________________________________________________________________ 3752. 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 interim regulations 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 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AH84 _______________________________________________________________________ 3753. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Allan G. Hearne, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2838 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ62 _______________________________________________________________________ 3754. 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary D. Wahlert, Human Resources System Service, Family Programs and Employee Relations Div., Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2920 RIN: 3206-AI14 _______________________________________________________________________ 3755. PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; REDEFINITION OF THE NORTH DAKOTA AND DULUTH, MINNESOTA, APPROPRIATED FUND WAGE AREAS 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 the White Earth Indian Reservation portion of Becker County, Clearwater County, and Mahnonen County, Minnesota, from the North Dakota to the Duluth, Minnesota, Federal Wage System Wage Area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/22/03 68 FR 50727 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 73782]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Allen, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2848 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ78 _______________________________________________________________________ 3756. PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; CHANGE IN FEDERAL WAGE SYSTEM SURVEY JOB AND MISCELLANEOUS CHANGE 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 change the grade level of the Industrial Electronic Controls Repairer Federal Wage System survey job description. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/12/03 68 FR 47877 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Allen, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2848 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ79 _______________________________________________________________________ 3757. 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 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kevin Kitchelt, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ49 _______________________________________________________________________ 3758. 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 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Vicki Draper, Strategic Human Resources Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 29415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ56 _______________________________________________________________________ 3759. PRETAX ALLOTMENTS FOR FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5527; EO 10982; 3 CFR, 1959--1963 Comp, p. 263 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 550 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim regulations to enable employees to contribute to pre--tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) through two new allotments from the employee's pay to the employing agency. One of the new allotments will be available for a health care FSA and the other for a dependent care FSA. Flexible spending accounts become effective on July 1, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Herzberg, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., 7H31, Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ88 _______________________________________________________________________ 3760. 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. [[Page 73783]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/10/01 66 FR 5491 NPRM Comment Period End 03/20/01 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ48 _______________________________________________________________________ 3761. EXTENDED ASSIGNMENT INCENTIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5757; PL 107--273 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 575 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim regulations to implement a recent statutory amendment that authorizes the payment of extended assignment incentives to certain categories of Federal employees in positions located in a territory or possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The interim regulations will establish the criteria and procedures for the payment of extended assignment incentives. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/12/03 68 FR 53667 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/12/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lee Kara, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ87 _______________________________________________________________________ 3762. VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE PAYMENTS (VSIPS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--296 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 576 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 106--297, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, requires that most Federal agencies request the authority to offer VSIPs to their employees from the Office of Personnel Management. This change in VSIP procedures has been incorporated into 5 CFR 576 through interim regulations published February 4, 2003. The law also contains the VSIP repayment waiver provisions that were previously found in the interim regulations published under RIN 3206--AG20. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/04/03 68 FR 5529 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/04/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ76 _______________________________________________________________________ 3763. [bull] PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS; CHANGE IN THE SURVEY MONTH FOR THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION MID--PACIFIC REGION SURVEY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 5343 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 532 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management plans to issue a proposed rule that would change the timing of annual wage surveys conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation to determine prevailing rates of pay for supervisors of negotiated rate wage employees in its Mid--Pacific Region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/03 68 FR 62027 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Allen, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2848 Fax: 202 606--4264 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AK06 _______________________________________________________________________ 3764. [bull] PHYSICIAN'S COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 5948; 5 USC 5548 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 595 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing proposed regulations as part of OPM's plain language rewrite initiative. The proposed regulations have been converted to a question--and--answer format and rewritten to ease reader understanding and improve the administration of this program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/03 68 FR 44489 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Vicki Draper, Strategic Human Resources Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 29415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ96 [[Page 73784]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3765. IMPLEMENTATION OF TITLE II OF THE NOTIFICATION AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEE ANTIDISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION ACT OF 2002 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--174, sec. 204; Presidential Memorandum dated July 8, 2003 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 724 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2003, Final. The President assigned the responsibility to the Office of Personnel Management to issue regulations implementing title II of the Act by October 1, 2003 . Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing interim regulations that would implement Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002. The Act requires that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. The regulations would clarify Federal agency reporting and training requirements under the Act and prescribe the procedures for reimbursement of the Judgment Fund. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary D. Wahlert, Human Resources System Service, Family Programs and Employee Relations Div., Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2920 RIN: 3206-AJ93 _______________________________________________________________________ 3766. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 7301; EO 12674, 3 CFR, 1989 Comp, p. 215, as modified by EO 12731; EO 12731, 3 CFR, 1989 Comp, p. 306 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 735 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a plain language rewrite of its regulations regarding the standards that govern employee responsibilities and conduct as part of a broader review of OPM's regulations. The purpose of the revisions is to make the regulations more readable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/15/03 68 FR 1987 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wade Plunkett, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1700 RIN: 3206-AJ74 _______________________________________________________________________ 3767. AGENCY USE OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR CHILD CARE COSTS FOR LOWER INCOME EMPLOYEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106--58, sec 643; PL 107--76 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 792, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing interim regulations to revise the final regulations issued March 14, 2000, implementing the child care subsidy program legislation. We are issuing interim regulations because Congress made permanent the law authorizing agencies in the executive branch of the Federal Government to assist lower income employees with their child care costs, thus making child care more affordable for those employees. OPM is also issuing these revisions as part of a broader review of OPM's regulations to make the regulations more readable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/24/03 68 FR 14127 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bonnie Storm, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1313 RIN: 3206-AJ77 _______________________________________________________________________ 3768. 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, Final. Abstract: These regulations implement the provisions of Public Law 104--106 and Public Law 107--107, which allow 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 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James Giuseppe, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AH57 _______________________________________________________________________ 3769. 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 [[Page 73785]] 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 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI02 _______________________________________________________________________ 3770. 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 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Girouard, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI55 _______________________________________________________________________ 3771. 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 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing an interim rule that permits 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patrick Jennings, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415--0001 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ39 _______________________________________________________________________ 3772. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Howard T. Newland Jr., Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ55 _______________________________________________________________________ 3773. RETIREMENT--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM; BASIC ANNUITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107--296 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 831, 5 CFR 842 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 107--296 authorized agencies to request voluntary early retirement authority (VERA) based on a need for workforce reshaping. Previously, agencies could only request VERA based on demonstrated need to downsize. Public Law 107--296 also provided workforce reshaping flexibility to agencies requesting the authority to offer voluntary separation incentive payments (VSIP). Interim regulations amending 5 CFR part 576 have already been issued to cover the VSIP [[Page 73786]] flexibility. Interim regulations revising parts 831 and 842 of 5 CFR are urgently needed so that agencies can request both VERA and VSIP based on the need for workforce reshaping. At the moment, they can only request VSIP on this basis--which hampers their ability to accomplish the goals set out in the President's management agenda. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/13/03 68 FR 35270 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0960 Fax: 202 606--2329 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ82 _______________________________________________________________________ 3774. 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 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 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Rochester, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AE72 _______________________________________________________________________ 3775. 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 (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 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cynthia Reinhold, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ38 _______________________________________________________________________ 3776. RETIREMENT COVERAGE AND SERVICE CREDIT ELECTIONS AVAILABLE TO CURRENT AND FORMER NONAPPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 8347; 5 USC 8461; PL 107--107, sec 1131; PL 107--107, sec 1132 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 847, subpart H; 5 CFR 847, subpart I Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations amend the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) regulations to establish procedures for employees who want to elect to use service they performed for a Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) of the Department of Defense or Coast Guard to qualify for immediate retirement under CSRS or FERS annuity when employees elect to use NAFI service to qualify for immediate CSRS or FERS retirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 12/28/01 Interim Final Rule 01/16/03 68 FR 2175 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James Giuseppe, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ72 _______________________________________________________________________ 3777. 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 Final Action 06/00/04 [[Page 73787]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Leibach, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG63 _______________________________________________________________________ 3778. 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 does not allow OPM the flexibility to change premiums quickly and 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 04/09/03 68 FR 17315 Final Action 10/04/03 68 FR 59081 Final Action Effective 11/13/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Leibach, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ46 _______________________________________________________________________ 3779. FEDERAL LONG--TERM CARE INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 9008 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 875 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On September 19, 2000, the Long--Term Care Security Act became law. As directed by the Act, OPM published interim regulations on February 4, 2003, which establish the basic rules under which the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program operates. The public comment period ended on April 7, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/04/03 68 FR 5531 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/04/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Cutler, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ71 _______________________________________________________________________ 3780. 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: These regulations 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 final rule, which are under review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/22/96 61 FR 37807 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Agnes M Kalland, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG66 _______________________________________________________________________ 3781. 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 [[Page 73788]] how this requirement will be implemented in the FEHB Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/01/03 68 FR 56523 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/31/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nataya Battle, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ34 _______________________________________________________________________ 3782. 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 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 02/10/03 68 FR 6649 NPRM Comment Period End 04/11/03 Final Action 12/00/03 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 3783. EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OR USE OF FEDERAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 100--235 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 930, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations to revise the rules that govern the training of employees responsible for the management or use of Federal computer systems. The proposal refers the user to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website, which will have the most current information on computer security awareness and training guidelines and removes text that is included on the NIST website, thus, streamlining the regulation where appropriate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/04/03 68 FR 52528 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: LaVeen Ponds, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1394 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ84 _______________________________________________________________________ 3784. [bull] GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 CFR 1 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 990 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing to remove its regulation concerning the submission of claims by preference eligibles to OPM and the recognition of representatives by OPM. The existing regulation is now obsolete. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/27/03 68 FR 28806 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Raleigh M. Neville, 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-AJ97 _______________________________________________________________________ 3785. 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 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 73789]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patrick Jennings, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415--0001 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AE73 _______________________________________________________________________ 3786. 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: The Office of Personnel Management will eliminate the requirement that employees serve one year in--grade to be eligible for promotion above the GS--5 level. The requirement to be eliminated 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tina Vay, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0830 Fax: 202 606--0390 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AG06 _______________________________________________________________________ 3787. 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 final 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 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Anne Easton, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI37 _______________________________________________________________________ 3788. 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne D. Jacobson, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2858 Fax: 202 606--0824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI88 _______________________________________________________________________ 3789. 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 is proposing a new policy that establishes notification and information requirements, including audits, for Federal Employees' Health Benefits 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 08/15/03 68 FR 10000 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mike Kaszynski, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ20 _______________________________________________________________________ 3790. 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 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 [[Page 73790]] Spending Account (DCFSA) in accordance with sections 125, 129, and 152 of the Internal Revenue Code. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael W. Kaszynski, Retirement and Insurance Services, Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Policy and Information Division, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0004 Fax: 202 606--0633 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ66 _______________________________________________________________________ 3791. FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARDS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 CFR 960, Memorandum of the President for Heads of Departments and Agencies CFR Citation: 5 CFR 960 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes regulations designed to make plain language updates, and general or routine modifications with no cost implications. These regulations also will clarify language based on modifications to OPM programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/25/02 67 FR 70559 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paula L. Bridgham, Division for Human Capital Leadership and Merit System Accountability, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1000 Fax: 202 606--3350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ68 _______________________________________________________________________ 3792. OPM EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 7301 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 1001 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a plain language rewrite of its regulations regarding the standards that govern OPM employee's responsibilities and conduct as part of a broader review of OPM's regulations. The purpose of the revisions is to make the regulations more readable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/20/02 67 FR 70029 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wade Plunkett, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1700 RIN: 3206-AJ69 _______________________________________________________________________ 3793. POSTING REGULATIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 110 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations to revise the rules relating to notice of new regulations and information collection requirements. The revisions include eliminating one subpart and renaming the remaining subpart, and making plain language modifications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/06/03 68 FR 10667 NPRM Comment Period End 05/05/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert T. Coco, Division for Management and Chief Financial Officer, Office of Personnel Management, Contracting, Facilities, and Administrative Services Group, Publications Management Branch, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--1822 Fax: 202 606--0909 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ73 _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Long-Term Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3794. 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, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415--4000 [[Page 73791]] Phone: 202 606--1042 RIN: 3206-AC21 _______________________________________________________________________ 3795. 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, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415--4000 Phone: 202 606--1042 RIN: 3206-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 3796. 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 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Panagakos, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--0299 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AI83 _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3797. 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. CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/01/03 68 FR 56525 Final Action Effective 10/31/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nataya Battle Phone: 202 606--0004 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ17 _______________________________________________________________________ 3798. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 5 CFR 970 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/26/03 68 FR 66533 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: J. David Cope Phone: 202 606--2851 Fax: 202 606--2153 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3206-AJ31 _______________________________________________________________________ 3799. [bull] PROTESTS, DISPUTES, AND APPEALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 1733 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OPM is issuing a final rule to reflect the change of address for the Interior Board of Contract Appeals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 10/31/03 68 FR 62022 Final Rule Effective 10/31/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alfred F. Chatterton III, Chief, Procurement Division, Administration Group, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415 Phone: 202 606--2240 RIN: 3206-AK07 [FR Doc. 03-27744 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325-44-S