Federal Managers Association

For more information about the scholarship application process, please visit www.fedmanagers.org, click on “Members Only” and sign in. You will find information on the scholarship program under the “Member Benefits” section. To learn how to contribute to the FMA-FEEA Scholarship Fund, please contact FEEA at www.feea.org or call 1-800-323-4140. Please note that FEEA has a new Combined Federal Campaign number, 11185, which should be used when making a pledge this winter. The Federal Managers Association sends a sincere thank you to each and every chapter and member who made a donation to this worthy program.

To view more information on the work of FEEA, please visit their Web site at: www.feea.org

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WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL?

DEMOCRATS INCREASE MAJORITY HOLD IN CONGRESS

The Democratic Party increased its majority in both the House and Senate on November 4, thereby ensuring a stronger control of the agenda for the new 111th Congress. While three races in the Senate remain undecided as of press time, Democrats were able to build on their majority by picking up a net of five seats previously belonging to Republicans, bringing their current total to 57 (including two independents who typically caucus with the Democrats). Georgia, Minnesota, and Alaska feature races that still remain undecided. Democrats were initially optimistic they could acquire the 60 seats necessary to override a filibuster, but at this point that goal appears unattainable.

Of particular interest is the Senate race in Alaska, where Republican incumbent Ted Stevens is seeking reelection despite being found guilty on seven counts of failure to disclose gifts he received from VECO Corporation, a former Alaskan oil services company. Each of the seven counts carries a maximum of five years in jail, and though the Senator vows to appeal the court’s decision, his election to the Senate would mark the first by a convicted felon. Stevens popularity in his home state stems from the large amount of federal funds he was able to bring to Alaska over the years. Stevens remains steadfast in his belief he is innocent and says he has no plans to resign from his position should he be reelected.

In Georgia, incumbent and Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) holds a slight lead over Democratic challenger Jim Martin, formerly a member of the Georgia state House of Representatives. Neither candidate, however, received a majority of votes, as Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley pulled three percent of the vote. Georgia law dictates that when no candidate receives a majority of votes, a runoff election is held, to take place on December 2.

In Minnesota, 1,211,542 voters chose incumbent Norm Coleman (R), who sits on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee,while 1,211,304 selected challenger Al Franken (D), a difference of 238, according to CNN figures. Coleman declared victory in the state, but Franken believes a mandatory recount, to start later this month, may alter the final numbers.

In the House, Democrats are poised to pick up a net of 18 seats as of press time, with eight races still undecided. Democrats are projected to hold 254 seats to the Republicans’ 173, not including the eight undecided, their widest majority in 15 years. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.) was optimistic that the 111th Congress would strive to work together and reach across party lines to tackle issues, such as the economy and the War in Iraq, that continue to create unease and even panic in the lives of the American public. Members of Congress from both sides urged leaders to govern from the center in order to unify the country.

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) will continue to track leadership shakeups, including the vacant post for the top Republican seat on the House Oversight andGovernment Reform Committee. Former Ranking Member Tom Davis (R-Va.) did not run for reelection this term.

FMA National President Darryl Perkinson commented, “I would like to congratulate all of the candidates in both the House and Senate that continue to strive for a better America. FMA is eager to continue working with those individuals returning to the Hill while building relationships with our new legislative leaders. Advancing the civil service must remain a priority, and the 111th Congress is positioned to do just that.”

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH?

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA WINS HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

In the midst of a financial crisis and continued engagement on multiple battlefronts abroad, American voters selected Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to lead the country as President for the next four years. Compared to recent President-Elects, Obama enjoyed a relative landslide victory in his quest to become the first African-American President in U.S. history, winning 349 electoral votes compared to his Republican adversary and Senate colleague John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) 163.

As of press time, over 120 million eligible voters cast ballots as both party nominees urged Americans of all ages and races to express their opinions to determine the country’s future direction. Various media outlets declared Obama victorious as the final voting booths closed, well before votes on the West Coast were confirmed. Obama, who enjoyed a surge of support in polls leading up to Election Day, excitedly addressed a crowd of supporters in Chicago’s Grant Park following McCain’s congratulatory address from his home state of Arizona.

“I would like to congratulate Senator Obama on his hard fought victory and I wish him all the best as he assumes the Presidency and leads our country for the next four years,” FMA National President Darryl Perkinson commented. “Americans are facing difficult times, and the tasks at hand for the incoming President are difficult. Our civil service is facing many challenges itself, as the retirement tsunami begins to erode our strong employee base. Personnel reforms affecting so many of our dedicated civil servants deserve increased attention as well.”

During his speech in Chicago following his victory, President-Elect Obama told America, “I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it’s been done in America for 221 years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.”

The current economic crises facing America will lie at the forefront of Obama’s agenda, as voter polls indicated that shoring up the U.S. economy was the number one item on voters’ minds. On Friday afternoon, in the pair’s first press conference following the election, Obama and Vice President-Elect Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) confirmed their resolve to tackle the financial meltdown affecting so many Americans.The War in Iraq will also garner significant attention, as recent successes may lead to an established timetable for troop withdrawal. President Bush, in recent televised speeches before and after the election, reinforced his commitment to work with the President-Elect to smooth the transition process. Bush promised to consult with Obama on any final issues that may arise before the power change.

“I look forward to working with Senator Obama and his team when he assumes the Presidency as we continue our commitment to ensuring the federal government provides the American people with the highest level of service,” Perkinson continued. “With the support of the President and the 111th Congress, the civil service must continue to grow in order to meet the needs of the public.”

2008 FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFITS OPEN SEASON BEGINS

Today officially marks the beginning of the 2008 Federal Benefits Open Season, a month-long period that allows federal employees to reevaluate their participation in various health benefits programs. Running through December 8, the Open Season provides feds the opportunity to make decisions on their health, dental, and vision plans that they would otherwise be unable to make during the rest of the year.

The Federal Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) all participate in the annual Open Season. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which directs the Open Season, encourages all federal employees to invest time in researching all of the options available through these programs, taking into account any need for expanded coverage while weighing the effects of rising premium costs.

“All health or dental programs are not alike,” OPM states on its Federal Benefits Fast Facts information page. “Open Season is about exercising your right of choice.”

Employees enrolled in FEHB and FEDVIP will continue to receive coverage automatically if they choose to abstain from participating in the Open Season, but the benefits they receive and the premiums charged may change. When the Open Season closes on December 8, all decisions in coverage are final; employees unhappy with the benefits they chose to receive or who opted out of the process will not be able to adjust their benefits packages until the next Open Season.

“Failure to consider your health plan choices could leave you without the healthcare services or supplies you need or with a premium you can’t afford,” OPM cautions. “This is the time to make elections you usually can’t make any other time of the year.”

For more information on the 2008 Federal Benefits Open Season, please visit OPM’s Web site at: www.opm.gov/insure.

UNION EMPLOYEES DROPPED FROM NSPS CONVERSION PLANS

The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced that it is dropping plans to bring union employees into its new pay for performance personnel system, following regulations published in September governing the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) on labor relations, adverse actions, and employee appeals. Several federal employee unions have voiced objections to NSPS and the new regulations, arguing they restrict collective bargaining rights. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has said it plans to take action, representing the interests of several unions in a class-action lawsuit against the personnel system.

Federal labor unions have long objected to the Pentagon’s personnel system, arguing it promotes cronyism and criticizing its limitations on collective bargaining rights. The fiscal year 2008 Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 110-181 , included several provisions intended to appease many of the union grievances with the system. The latest regulation changes, however, are once again drawing intense criticism for failing to allow unions to adequately negotiate rates of pay.

“The Defense Department did an end run around Congress’ original intent, slipped its new regulations into the Defense Authorization bill and included provisions absolving itself of oversight and increasing its ability to indiscriminately affect employee pay,” John Gage, AFGE national president, stated. “Further these new regulations do nothing to address the critical failures inherent in the system. NSPS is still vague. It still lacks transparency. And, it is still a clear attempt to weaken the ability of employees to have a real voice at the workplace.”

NSPS Program Executive Officer Brad Bunn explained the motivation behind the regulation changes, “We have been working diligently to update the regulations. The updates align regulations with NDAA 2008, as well as adjust and clarify the rules to ensure uniform and consistent application of NSPS program principles.”

Bunn emphasized that DOD remains committed to the new personnel system. “NSPS continues to be a top priority for the Department. Approximately 183,000 DoD employees presently work under the system.”

For more information regarding the regulation changes, please visit the NSPS Web site at: www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/.

BUSH CONFIDENT IN PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

As President Bush wraps up the final months of his two terms in the White House, preparing President-Elect Barack Obama for the challenges ahead remains a crucial task. Bush has continually voiced his support for assisting whichever candidate emerged from the November 4 election victorious, and in recent days he has renewed that commitment in several press conferences held on the White House grounds.

Critical to a smooth Presidential transition that comes during an economic crisis at home and war abroad, Bush established a Transition Coordinating Council (TCC) consisting of the President’s Chief of Staff, experts in areas that affect the transition, and senior officials in fields that concern homeland security, the economy, and national security. Bush has also assured President-Elect Obama that individual agencies are taking agency-specific steps to address the transition and create as streamlined a process as possible.

“The President has directed his Cabinet and staff to be forward-leaning in all of their efforts to ensure a smooth and effective transition,” the White House announced last week. “It has never been more critical that a transition from one Administration to the next be as seamless as possible. This Administration has gone to great lengths to prepare the Federal government for the transition to a new Administration and to help the major-party candidates prepare for a Presidential transition.”

The 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, P.L. 108-408, allowed the Bush Administration to reach out to both parties prior to the election, establishing a nonpartisan approach to a streamlined transition. Building off of efforts that began in the summer of 2008, Bush continues to push for a comprehensive, nonpartisan process of preparation. Addressing Executive Office employees on Friday, Bush asked for everyone’s support to maintain America’s strength throughout the process.

“This will also be America's first wartime presidential transition in four decades,” Bush told his audience. “We're in a struggle against violent extremists determined to attack us -- and they would like nothing more than to exploit this period of change to harm the American people. So over the next 75 days, all of us must ensure that the next President and his team can hit the ground running. For more than a year now, departments and agencies throughout the federal government have been preparing for a smooth transition.

“We've provided intelligence briefings to the President-Elect,” the President continued, “and the Department of Justice has approved security clearances for members of his transition staff. In the coming weeks, we will ask administration officials to brief the Obama team on ongoing policy issues, ranging from the financial markets to the war in Iraq. I look forward to discussing those issues with the President-Elect early next week.”

For more information on the Bush Administration’s efforts to aid in the Presidential transition, please visit the White House Web site at: www.whitehouse.gov.

PRESIDENT BUSH ATTACKS EARMARKS IN FY09 CR

In his 2008 State of the Union Address, President Bush clearly stated his commitment to reducing unnecessary government funding through earmarks in the fiscal year 2009 spending bills. As congressional leaders are finding out, this applies to the FY09 Continuing Resolution(CR), P.L. 110-329, which funds the government in the absence of individual appropriations bills through March 6, 2009. Following Bush’s orders, all earmarked projects, programs, or grants must be funded only if they meet three specific criteria laid out by the President.

On January 29, 2008, Bush signed Executive Order 13457, “Protecting American Taxpayers from Government Spending on Wasteful Earmarks.” The Order emphasized the President’s goal to reform the culture of earmarking present in Congress that results in wasteful pork-barrel spending. Concerned with the prevalence and manner in which legislators direct funding towards individual projects, the President issued the Order to bring more transparency and accountability to the budget process.

“It is the policy of the Federal Government to be judicious in the expenditure of taxpayer dollars,” the Order states. “To ensure the proper use of taxpayer funds that are appropriated for Government programs and purposes, it is necessary that the number and cost of earmarks be reduced, that their origin and purposes be transparent, and that they be included in the text of the bills voted upon by Congress and presented to the President.”

In a memorandum dated October 23, 2008, delivered to department and agency heads, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Jim Nussle outlines how E.O. 13457 applies to the 2009 Continuing Resolution. According to the memorandum, an agency is obligated to fund an earmark only if the earmark: was in the statutory text of the CR; was of a continuing nature and not a one-time expenditure; and, could not be carried out by funding the earmark in FY09 following the expiration of the FY09 CR if Congress approves continued funding in FY09 for said earmark.

For appropriations laws and other legislation enacted after the date of this order, executive agencies should not commit, obligate, or expend funds on the basis of earmarks included in any non-statutory source, including requests in reports of committees of the Congress or other congressional documents, or communications from or on behalf of Members of Congress, or any other non-statutory source, except when required by law or when an agency has itself determined a project, program, activity, grant, or other transaction to have merit under statutory criteria or other merit-based decision making,” E.O. 13457 dictates.

For more information on Executive Order 13457 or the Presidents memorandum, please visit the White House Web site at: www.whitehouse.gov.

TELEWORK STUDY HIGHLIGHTS MOBILITY OF MODERN WORKER

Telework Exchange, a public-private partnership based organization committed to advancing the use of telework in the federal community, released a report on October 15 detailing the current use of telework in the civil service. Based on the observation of recent trends in federal employee mobility, the report illuminates the positive manner in which telework compliments an evolving workforce featuring employees who are able to conduct a large portion of their duties outside of their respective central offices.

Entitled, Out of Office: Federal Mobile Workforce Trends, the study proposes that the expansion of current telework programs not only benefits the employees involved, but will also result in significant productivity gains for government agencies. Highlighting in particular the use of smartphones, tools that are particularly useful for mobile employees, the Telework Exchange argues that limitations previously impeding workers from successful production outside of the office no longer apply to the new breed of federal employee.

The Telework Exchange study features data collected in September 2008, consisting of surveys completed by 446 individuals representing 21 federal agencies. Roughly 82 percent of the participants said they spend at least a portion of their time working outside of their central offices. Employees in the GS-12 pay grade or higher represented over 80 percent of respondents.

Statistics detailed in the report advance telework as both beneficial for federal employees and the agencies they serve. Employees equipped with smartphones provide the starkest evidence in support of telework. The study found that mobile workers using smartphones gained 54 minutes of increased productivity per day. If agencies increased the availability of smartphones, allowing for greater use by the 1.4 million mobile workers who currently do not have access, the government stands to gain 1.27 million hours of productivity per day. As the average federal employee receives $29 and hour, this translates into a savings of $37 million in productivity per day.

Federal employee perception of agency support for telework programs is remarkably low: only 16 percent of employees surveyed said their agencies did a great job of advancing their work mobility. With such strong evidence revealing the cost savings teleworking with smartphones entails, many employees are concerned that a deep bias exists in agency management impeding the growth of the practice. Teleworking requires greater trust in employees, as direct oversight is reduced. If employee productivity remains as strong as the Telework Exchange study indicates, however, it may be hard for more agencies not to consider expanding their own telework programs.

For more information on the study, please visit the Telework Exchange Web site at: www.teleworkexchange.com.

WHITE HOUSE RELEASES 4TH QUARTER MANAGEMENT SCORECARD

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its Executive Branch Management Scorecard for the fourth quarter of FY08, providing a summary of agency performance. Overall, agencies made significant gains in the commercial services management category in the final quarter of fiscal year 2008. Four agencies, the State Department, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CORPS), improved their status in the category. All 26 agencies and departments received at least satisfactory grades for performance improvement, a strong indicator of the attention paid to the Bush Administration’s calls for agency streamlining.

The Executive Branch Management Scorecard monitors how well 26 departments and major agencies are executing the government-wide management initiatives as part of the President’s Management Agenda. The five initiatives include: human capital, competitive sourcing, financial performance, e-government, and budget and performance integration. The scorecard employs a grading system common today in business: green for success, yellow for mixed results, and red for unsatisfactory.

Overall, agencies received much higher grades in the implementation of Bush’s management agenda, with only six agencies receiving poor evaluations in one of the five sub-categories within the criteria. Conversely, thirteen agencies received poor evaluations in at least one of the five sub-categories in terms of current performance status. The Department of Agriculture, Defense Department (DOD), VA, CORPS, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), received two unsatisfactory marks each.

The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security (DHS) were the only two agencies that did not receive a green score in any category. The report card revealed that the status of DHS is improving, however, indicating efforts are being made to improve overall agency performance.

To view a copy of the scorecard, please visit the White House Web site at: www.whitehouse.gov.

U.S. SPECIAL COUNSEL RESIGNS UNDER FIRE

U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) head Scott Bloch resigned from office on October 20 following a long series of accusations attacking his investigative techniques. Bloch, appointed in 2004 to lead the agency charged with protecting the rights of federal employees, including the enforcement of whistleblower protection laws and the Hatch Act, faced criticism from many House Republicans and agency employees alike. Several OSC employees, including Bloch’s top deputy Jim Byrne, called for his replacement, but he was never formally asked to resign.

Bloch’s term as head of the OSC is set to officially end on January 5, but he could retain the ability to remain in office for up to one year or until the Senate confirmed a successor. In a letter to President Bush, however, Bloch said he reached the decision to leave in January and forgo the extra time in office.

In May, following charges that Bloch destroyed evidence that investigators were attempting to use to prove he retaliated inappropriately against former employees, the FBI raided OSC’s offices and the home of Bloch. Stemming from this event was a resounding call from Republicans for Bloch to resign and for several OSC employees to testify against their boss.

“As you well know, doing the right thing can result in much criticism and controversy from every side. I am proud to have enforced your stated policy goal of upholding the rule of law, enforcing the law as it is written, not according to fads or special interest pressure,” Bloch wrote in his letter of resignation to the President dated October 20. “It has been an honor to serve in your administration, to embrace the duties you entrusted to me and to carry out the oath I took before Justice Thomas and before God. With honesty, honor, and commitment, I have sought to execute the responsibilities of this office without regard to interest groups, partisan concerns or pressures from outside the law.”

For a copy of the letter, and for more information on the Office of Special Counsel, please visit: www.osc.gov.

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GET INVOLVED AT THESE EVENTS!

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM: FEDERAL 2008

The Premier Federal Symposium on Human Capital Management

The Federal Managers Association strongly encourages attendance at the Human Capital Management Symposium: Federal 2008, designed to strengthen and streamline the developments and efforts within human capital management in the federal government.  The conference takes place on November 19-21, 2008, at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA . Attendees will hear detailed case studies of programs that have been implemented, as well as best practices, and panel discussions in which participation is encouraged, enabling you and your colleagues to bring ideas and solutions back to the office to enhance the initiatives and developments within your agency. FMA is proud to cosponsor this high-quality conference.

For more information, please visit www.HCMFederal.com.

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Long Term Care Partners, LLC, FMA Corporate Partner. Long Term Care Partners is the administrator of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Program is available to Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives. With more than 210,000 enrollees, it is the largest employer-sponsored long term care insurance program in the country. FLTCIP policies are simple to understand and offer enrollees some distinct advantages, including comprehensive coverage, competitive and stable rates, international coverage, and administrative service standards that are the highest in the long-term care insurance industry. Policies are sold direct through a highly-trained, non-commissioned staff with no high pressure sales tactics – simply sound advice. Visit www.LTCFEDS.com or http://www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.asp for more information.

FSAFEDS, the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, FMA Corporate Partner. FSAFEDS provides consumers and corporations a single source of health management decision guidance through its integrated suite of consumer-driven healthcare solutions. Its innovative consumer experience offers comprehensive care, planning, spending, productivity and strategic management services that help guide participants to be healthier and more productive. Visit www.fsafeds.com for more information.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Employee Program, FMA Corporate Partner. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association represents the independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. The 40 local member companies of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association have provided millions of families with top-quality, affordable health insurance for more than 70 years. For the one in four Americans who carry Blue Cross and Blue Shield cards, the Blue Plans symbolize health security. Visit www.fepblue.org and join the best, most-recognized group of health insurance providers in the world.

GEICO, FMA Corporate Partner. GEICO was created over 60 years ago to insure Federal employees.  Over the years GEICO has continuously strengthened its affiliation with the Federal workforce.  GEICO’s Federal program supports the GEICO Public Service Awards, which have honored federal workers (active and retired) who have contributed to the public good since 1980.  Find out how much you could save with GEICO auto insurance as an FMA member by getting a quick, line-by-line rate quote at http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go51.htm?logo=00781. When you request a quote, GEICO will make a contribution to support the work of FMA.

Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux and Roth, P.C. SBVR concentrates its law practice on the representation of Federal employees, with a special emphasis on the representation of executives and managers. SBVR serves as General Counsel to the Federal Managers Association and is uniquely situated to recognize the interests and viewpoints of Federal managers. For up to two free half-hour legal consultations and reduced legal fees as an FMA member, please visit:  www.shawbransford.com.

FEDS (Federal Employee Defense Services) provides premier professional liability insurance benefits to the federal employee community. The FEDS liability insurance policy costs only $270 a year, and if you are a manager, supervisor, or law enforcement officer, your agency will reimburse you up to ½ of the cost. Your net cost would be $135 per year. FEDS provides federal employees with the protection they need to do their jobs. You simply can’t afford not to have it! SPECIAL OFFER: Three months free when you make the switch from another federal employee professional liability program. To learn more, visit: http://www.fedsprotection.com. Be sure to note your FMA membership when join FEDS.

The Federal Managers Association and Management Concepts have teamed up to present the Federal Managers Practicum — a targeted certificate program for Federal managers. As the official development program for FMA, the Federal Managers Practicum helps FMA members develop critical skills to meet new workplace demands and deepen their managerial capabilities. Also, FMA members receive 20% off any book purchase and each book is guaranteed to win you a promotion! For more Practicum information, click here. For a catalog of discounted publications, go to Management Concepts. To order, call Vanessa Gillette at 703-270-4107.

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The Washington Report is published biweekly by the Federal Managers Association.
Jessica Klement, Editor; FMA Staff Writers.

The Federal Managers Association, established in 1913, is the oldest, largest, most influential association representing the interests of the nearly 200,000 managers, supervisors and executives serving in today’s Federal government.

1641 Prince Street ~ Alexandria VA 22314-2818 ~ (703) 683-8700 ~ FAX (703) 683-8707 ~ E-Mail Info@fedmanagers.org

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