Federal Managers Association

To register for the National Convention, the Management Training Seminar, or for more information on the event, please visit FMA online at www.fedmanagers.org.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL?

CONGRESS, NATION LOSE DEVOTED PUBLIC SERVANT IN JOHN MURTHA

Congressman John Murtha (D-Pa.) passed away on February 8 due to complications following gallbladder surgery. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chairman was serving in his 19th term in the House of Representatives, the longest-serving Member of Congress in Pennsylvania’s history. He was 77 years old.

Having spent 37 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and as the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress, Rep. Murtha’s vast military experience helped him become one of the most influential national defense advocates in the House, serving as an advisor to multiple presidential administrations on issues relating to national security. In his home state, Congressman Murtha championed efforts to revitalize the economy of western Pennsylvania through job-growth initiatives and an emphasis on economic diversification. His work representing Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District is credited with expanding employment opportunities in a community facing the effects of dwindling coal and steel production.

“Today, with the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.) stated. “He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues.”

Rep. Murtha’s staff in Washington, D.C. and in his local Pennsylvania office will continue to serve the 12th District under supervision of the House Clerk office, according to the Clerk’s Web site. A special election to fill his seat will be held on May 18, 2010.

For more information, please visit: http://clerk.house.gov.

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH?

PENTAGON CREATES GS TUTORIAL TO EASE NSPS TRANSITION

Department of Defense (DOD) employees preparing to transition out of the expiring National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and into the General Schedule (GS) may find life a little easier thanks to a recently unveiled DOD online tutorial designed to help employees acclimate to their future personnel system.

The Web-based guidance, labeled GS 101, provides employees with a look at the General Schedule’s “nuts and bolts,” offering a glimpse of what NSPS employees should expect upon the conversion. The roughly thirty-minute tutorial, which includes a self assessment at the end to gauge individuals’ comprehension of the information provided, focuses on four fundamental GS elements: classification architecture and salary structure; rules and steps involved in position changes within GS; performance management; and, career development.

“This tool is beneficial as a refresher for NSPS employees returning to the General Schedule and as an introduction for those entering the system for the first time,” Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Darryl Perkinson said. “It is important to educate yourself on what to expect in preparation for the transition. I encourage all NSPS employees take the brief amount of time necessary to complete the program to reduce the possibilities of confronting the unexpected.”

The tutorial, which devotes significant attention to the GS pay structure, acknowledges the program only provides general information on the GS system, skimming the surface of a wide variety of issues. DOD encourages individuals discuss unique circumstances with their supervisors or human resources office. Those who complete GS 101 can print a course completion certificate which employees may return to their training offices to receive credit. All of the pages contained in the online tutorial are also available in a PDF file, and each page may be printed individually at any time as well. There is no requirement for NSPS employees to take the course.

“Employees who have never been in the GS system, and there are a few, can go in and walk through that,” said NSPS Transition Office Director John James, Jr. “It really is informative and tells them how the GS system works.”

“Employees should feel free to ask their chain of command about how that process is being implemented,” James continued. “GS is very prescriptive in how the process works. They will be informed how their job will be classified and transitioned.”

For more information or to take the tutorial, please visit: http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps.

OPM DIRECTOR CALLS FOR SCRUTINY OF INCENTIVE PAYMENTS

The expansion of agency recruitment, relocation and retention (3Rs) incentive payments is cause for “concern” in light of current labor market conditions, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director John Berry told Chief Human Capital Officers in a memo dated February 3. Acknowledging these tools have proven vital in agency efforts to meet critical staffing needs, Berry said improvements in the administration and oversight of these incentives are necessary to ensure the payments are justified.

According to the annual report to Congress documenting the use of 3Rs incentives for calendar year 2008, the number of payments increased by more than 21 percent over the previous year, with total costs increasing over 37 percent. A total of 47 agencies allocated over $284 million for 39,512 3Rs incentive payments in 2008, the report details. A lack of comprehensive oversight and knowledge of 3Rs use in the top levels of agencies may be the primary culprit, Berry said, as the responsibility of administering 3Rs programs is often delegated to managers and supervisors in the field. This disconnect, along with insufficient reporting requirements, is likely responsible for this trend, the Director stated.

“OPM is concerned that many agencies rely on their reporting for OPM’s annual 3Rs report to Congress to summarize and understand the nature and trends of 3Rs use, but this data reflects practices in the previous calendar year,” said Berry. “We need to have more contemporaneous and active management of the 3Rs program.”

Berry said his office is in the process of developing improved direction “to help agencies write stronger justifications for 3Rs authorizations” and bolster agencies’ monitoring capabilities. OPM is also poised to release new regulations for consideration which would require an annual review of recruitment and retention incentives allocated by agencies during the previous year to reevaluate their merit. Agencies’ reports on incentive use for calendar year 2009 are due by March 31.

While much of the memo critiqued the use of 3Rs incentives, Berry maintained that the payments are and will continue to be a valuable tool if employed in a judicious manner.

“Over the last several months, we have learned much more about the 3Rs program,” said Berry. “Notably, agencies continue to find the 3Rs essential to meeting their most critical staffing challenges and report they would have difficulties accomplishing their missions or may need to resort to more expensive solutions if they were not available for use.”

To view a copy of the memo, please visit: www.opm.gov.

PRESIDENT SIGNS PAYGO RULE INTO LAW

As part of his Administration’s effort to restore fiscal responsibility in the federal government, President Obama signed into law a congressional resolution (P.L. 111-139) requiring future mandatory spending increases or tax cuts be budget neutral, offset by other spending cuts. In his weekly address delivered on February 13, the President praised the PAYGO, or “pay-as-you-go” rule, describing the provision as a major step forward in reviving policies that led to balanced budgets in the 90s.

“[The PAYGO rule is] pretty simple,” stated Obama. “It says to Congress, you have to pay as you go.  You can’t spend a dollar unless you cut a dollar elsewhere. This is how a responsible family or business manages a budget. And this is how a responsible government manages a budget, as well.” 

Recognizing that many factors, from the recession to rising health care costs, have contributed to recent budget deficits, Obama said Congress shoulders much of the blame for disposing the “common sense rule” of PAYGO.

“It was this rule that helped lead to balanced budgets in the 1990s, by making clear that we could not increase entitlement spending or cut taxes simply by borrowing more money,” stated Obama. “And it was the abandonment of this rule that allowed the previous administration and previous congresses to pass massive tax cuts for the wealthy and create an expensive new drug program without paying for any of it.” 

Republicans in Congress criticized the President when he first proposed restoring the PAYGO rule in June of 2009, noting the request followed the Administration’s spring spending binge which included the massive economic stimulus package. No Republican voted in favor of the congressional resolution reestablishing the rule, though opposition centered on the $1.9 trillion statutory debt limit increase also included in the measure.

For more information on the PAYGO law, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov.

ADMINISTRATION ESTABLISHES BIPARTISAN DEFICIT COMMISSION

President Obama formed a committee to tackle the growing federal deficit with the goal of balancing the budget by 2015 through an executive order on February 18. The bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Commission) will have until December 1, 2010, to approve a final report providing recommendations to achieve this objective.

The Commission will be comprised of eighteen Members of Congress, with no more than ten representing any one political party. The President will select six legislators, while the Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House, Senate Minority Leader and House Minority Leader will each select three Members of Congress from their respective chambers. The President will designate two Co-Chairs from different parties out of the eighteen chosen to serve on the Commission.

The primary responsibility of the Commission will be to “improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run,” according to the Order. Based on recommendations provided by the eighteen Commission members, the President projects the federal government will be able to stabilize the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio “to an acceptable level” when the economy rebounds from the current recession.

“The magnitude and timing of the policy measures necessary to achieve this goal are subject to considerable uncertainty and will depend on the evolution of the economy,” the Order states. “In addition, the Commission shall propose recommendations that meaningfully improve the long-run fiscal outlook, including changes to address the growth of entitlement spending and the gap between the projected revenues and expenditures of the Federal Government.”

The final report due on December 1 requires the approval of fourteen of the eighteen Commission members. The Commission will then dissolve no later than thirty days after submitting the report.

“This is a time for tough decisions and bold leadership on our national debt,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.) in response to the Order. “Reining in our deficits is not a matter for partisan politics – it’s about upholding our responsibility to our children and grandchildren. Leaders of both parties must set aside our differences and work across party lines to avoid saddling future generations with the burden of poor choices in the past.”

To view a copy of the Executive Order, please visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions.

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GET INVOLVED AT THESE EVENTS!

REGISTER TODAY FOR FMA’s 72nd ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION

Registration is still available for the Federal Managers Association’s 72nd annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. Held March 14-17, 2010, in Arlington, Virginia, the Convention will feature a mix of association business, management training and FMA’s annual lobbying day, Day on the Hill. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry will kick off the training day, which will feature four panels of experts covering topics from the recent changes to the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan to strategies to enhance operations in the workplace.

For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.fedmanagers.org/public/events.cfm.

DEFENSE FINANCE 2010
March 25-26, 2010
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, VA

Defense Finance has become the meeting place for Department of Defense financial experts to present updates, share lessons learned and test new ideas for improving and transforming defense finance business operations in support of the war fighter. As you continue the struggle to successfully transform your financial operations, the annual Defense Finance conference is a trusted resource you can depend on to arm you with the tools you need to achieve your goals. Register now and receive a $200 discount with booking code 10479XQ99CL.

For more information, please visit: http://www.wbresearch.com/defensefinanceusa/.

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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 and 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 and Roth, P.C. SBR concentrates its law practice on the representation of Federal employees, with a special emphasis on the representation of executives and managers. SBR 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 you 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

Washington Report Archives