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Title 5—Administrative Personnel–Volume 2

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Title 5—Administrative Personnel–Volume 2



Note:Title 5 of the United States Code was revised and enacted into positive law by Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966. New citations for obsolete references to sections of 5 U.S.C. appearing in this volume may be found in a redesignation table under Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, United States Code.

Part


chapter i—Office of Personnel Management (Continued)

715

CHAPTER I—OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

SUBCHAPTER B—CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED)

PARTS 700-714 [RESERVED]

PART 715—NONDISCIPLINARY SEPARATIONS, DEMOTIONS, AND FURLOUGHS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3302, 7301; E.O. 10577, 3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 218; E.O. 11222, 3 CFR, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 306.

Subpart A [Reserved]

Subpart B—Voluntary Separations

§ 715.201 Applicability.

This subpart applies to separation actions requested by employees in the executive departments and independent establishments of the Federal Government, including Government-owned or controlled corporations, and in those portions of the legislative and judicial branches of the Federal Government and the government of the District of Columbia having positions in the competitive service.


[33 FR 12482, Sept. 4, 1968]


§ 715.202 Resignation.

(a) General. An employee is free to resign at any time, to set the effective date of his resignation, and to have his reasons for resigning entered in his official records.


(b) Withdrawal of resignation. An agency may permit an employee to withdraw his resignation at any time before it has become effective. An agency may decline a request to withdraw a resignation before its effective date only when the agency has a valid reason and explains that reason to the employee. A valid reason includes, but is not limited to, administrative disruption or the hiring or commitment to hire a replacement. Avoidance of adverse action proceedings is not a valid reason.


[33 FR 12482, Sept. 4, 1968, as amended at 36 FR 9765, May 28, 1971; 38 FR 18446, July 11, 1973; 38 FR 26601, Sept. 24, 1973]


PART 720—AFFIRMATIVE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7201; 42 U.S.C. 2000e, unless otherwise noted.


Source:44 FR 22031, Apr. 13, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Principal Statutory Requirements

§ 720.101 Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program.

This section incorporates the statutory requirements for establishing and conducting an equal opportunity recruitment program consistent with law within the Federal civil service. The policy in 5 U.S.C. 7201(b) reads as follows: “It is the policy of the United States to insure equal employment opportunities for employees without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The President shall use his existing authority to carry out this policy.” 5 U.S.C. 7201(c) requires under regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management:



“(1) That each Executive agency conduct a continuing program for the recruitment of members of minorities for positions in the agency to carry out the [anti-discrimination] policy set forth in subsection (b) in a manner designed to eliminate underrepresentation of minorities in the various categories of civil service employment within the Federal service, with special efforts directed at recruiting in minority communities, in educational institutions, and from other sources from which minorities can be recruited; and


“(2) That the Office conduct a continuing program of—


“(A) Assistance to agencies in carrying out programs under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and


“(B) Evaluation and oversight of such recruitment programs to determine their effectiveness in eliminating such minority underrepresentation.”


This section and all implementing guidance shall be interpreted consistent with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000c et seq.

[44 FR 22031, Apr. 13, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 193, Jan. 4, 1983]


Subpart B—Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program

§ 720.201 Regulatory requirements.

This subpart contains the regulations of the Office of Personnel Management which implement the above provisions of title 5, United States Code, and are prescribed by the Office under authority of 5 U.S.C. 7201.


§ 720.202 Definitions.

For the purposes of this subpart:


(a) Underrepresentation means a situation in which the number of women or members of a minority group within a category of civil service employment constitutes a lower percentage of the total number of employees within the employment category than the percentage women or the minority constitutes within the civilian labor force of the United States, in accordance with § 720.205 (c) and (d).


(b) Category of civil service employment means such groupings of Federal jobs by grades and/or occupations as the Office of Personnel Management deems appropriate within the General Schedule and the prevailing wage systems.


(c) Minority refers only to those groups classified as “minority” for the purpose of data collection by the Office of Personnel Management and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in furtherance of Federal equal employment opportunity policies. The term, “women,” includes nonminority as well as minority women.


(d) Civilian labor force (CLF) includes all persons 16 years of age and over, except those in the armed forces, who are employed or who are unemployed and seeking work. CLF data are defined by the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are reported in the most recent decennial or mid-decade census, or current population survey, under title 13 of the United States Code or any other reliable statistical study.


(e) Recruitment means the total process by which the Federal Government and the Federal agencies locate, identify and assist in the employment of qualified applicants from underrepresented groups for job openings in categories of employment where underrepresentation has been determined. It includes both innovative internal and external recruitment actions. It is also intended to cover processes designed to prepare qualifiable applicants (those who have the potential but do not presently meet valid qualification requirements) for such job openings through programs of training, work experience or both.


(f) Applicant pool means all types of listings from which selections may be made, including (but not limited to) promotion lists, competitive certificates and inventories of eligibles, applicant supply files, and lists of eligibles for certain noncompetitive appointments.


§ 720.203 Responsibilities of the Office of Personnel Management.

(a) The Office of Personnel Management will provide appropriate data to assist Federal agencies in making determinations of underrepresentation. The process for making such determinations is described in sections II and III (c) of the “Guidelines for the Development of a Federal Recruitment Program to Implement 5 U.S.C. 7201, as amended” (See appendix to this part). The Office will develop and publish more specific criteria for statistical measurements to be used by individual agencies, and will develop further guidance on—


(1) Agency employment statistics and civilian labor force statistics to be used in making determinations of underrepresentation, on a national, regional or other geographic basis as appropriate;


(2) Groupings of grades and/or other occupational categories to be used in implementing agency programs;


(3) Occupational categories and job series for which expanded external recruitment efforts are most appropriate, and those for which expanded and innovative internal recruitment is appropriate; and


(4) Other factors which may be considered by the agency, in consultation with Office of Personnel Management, to make determinations of underrepresentation and to develop recruitment programs focused on specific occupational categories.


(b) The Office will assist agencies in carrying out their programs by—


(1) Identifying major recruitment sources of women and members of minority groups and providing guidance on internal and external recruitment activities directed toward the solution of specific underrepresentation problem;


(2) Supplementing agency recruitment efforts, utilizing existing networks for dissemination of job information, and involving the participation of minority group and women’s organizations where practicable;


(3) Examining existing Federal personnel procedures to identify those which (i) may serve as impediments to innovative internal and external recruitment and (ii) are within the administrative control of the Office or the Federal agencies;


(4) Determining whether applicant pools used in filling jobs in a category of employment where underrepresentation exists include sufficient candidates from any underrepresentated groups, except where the agency controls such pools (see § 720.204(c));


(5) Providing such other support, as the Office deems appropriate.


(c) The Office will monitor and, in conjunction with the personnel management evaluation program of the Office, evaluate agency programs to determine their effectiveness in eliminating underrepresentation.


(d) The Office will work with agencies to develop effective mechanisms for providing information on Federal job opportunities targeted to reach candidates from underrepresented groups.


(e) The Office will conduct a continuing program of guidance and instruction to supplement these regulations.


(f) The Office will coordinate further activities to implement equal opportunity recruitment programs under this subpart with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission consistent with law, Executive Order 12067, and Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978.


§ 720.204 Agency programs.

(a) Each Executive agency having positions in the pay systems covered by this program must conduct a continuing program for the recruitment of minorities and women for positions in the agency and its components to carry out the policy of the United States to insure equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The head of each agency must specifically assign responsibility for program implementation to an appropriate agency official. All agency officials who have responsibility for the program will be evaluated on their effectiveness in carrying it out as part of their periodic performance appraisals.


(b) Programs established under this subpart must be designed to cover recruitment for all positions in pay plans covered by this program including part-time and temporary positions.


(c) Where an agency or the Office of Personnel Management has determined that an applicant pool does not adequately provide for consideration of candidates from any underrepresented group, the agency or agency component must take one or more of the following actions:


(1) Expand or otherwise redirect their recruitment activities in ways designed to increase the number of candidates from underrepresented groups in that applicant pool;


(2) Use selection methods involving other applicant pools which include sufficient numbers of members of underrepresented groups;


(3) Notify the office responsible for administering that applicant pool, and request its reopening of application receipt in support of expanded recruitment activities or certifying from equivalent registers existing in other geographic areas; and/or


(4) Take such other action consistent with law which will contribute to the elimination of underrepresentation in the category of employment involved.


(d) Agencies must notify and seek advice and assistance from the Office of Personnel Management in cases where their equal opportunity recruitment programs are not making measurable progress in eliminating identified underrepresentation in the agency work force.


§ 720.205 Agency plans.

(a) Each agency must have an up-to-date equal opportunity recruitment program plan covering recruitment for positions at various organizational levels and geographic locations within the agency. Such plans must be available for review in appropriate offices of the agency and must be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management on request. In accordance with agreement reached between the Office and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, such plans must be incorporated in the agency’s equal employment opportunity plans required under section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, pursuant to regulations and instructions of the Commission, provided they are separable parts of those plans for purposes of review by and submission to the Office of Personnel Management. Agency organizational and geographical components which are required to develop and submit Equal Employment Opportunity plans, under instructions issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, must also have up-to-date special recruitment program plans. On a determination by the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with EEOC, that additional component plans are needed to implement an agency’s program effectively, the Office will instruct the agency to develop additional plans. Agencies must comply with such instructions.


(b) Agency plans must include annual specific determinations of underrepresentation for each group and must be accompanied by quantifiable indices by which progress toward eliminating underrepresentation can be measured.


(c) Where an agency or agency component is located in a geographical area where the percentage of underrepresented groups in the area civilian labor force is higher than their percentage in the national labor force, the agency or component must base its plans on the higher level of representation in the relevant civilian labor force.


(d) Where an agency or agency component is located in a geographical area where participation of a particular underrepresented group is significantly lower than its participation in the national labor force, the agency or component may, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, use the lower percentage in determining underrepresentation. An agency may not use a figure lower than the relevant regional or nationwide labor force percentage where recruitment on a regional or nationwide basis is feasible for particular categories of employment. Factors such as size of the agency or unit, nature of jobs and their wage or pay scale may be considered in focusing recruitment for various job categories.


(e) In addition to the underrepresentation determinations described in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section, agency plans must, at a minimum, include:


(1) An assessment of grades or job categories and numbers of jobs in such categories expected to be filled in the current year, and on a longer term basis (based on anticipated turnover, expansion, hiring limits and other relevant factors) identification of those occupational categories and positions suitable for external recruitment, and description of special targeted recruitment programs for such jobs and positions;


(2) A similar assessment for job categories and positions likely to be filled by recruitment from within the agency and/or the Federal civil service system and a description of recruitment programs developed to increase minority and female candidates from internal sources for such positions;


(3) A further assessment of internal availability of candidates from underrepresentated groups for higher job progressions by identifying job-related skills, knowledges and abilities which may be obtained at lower levels in the same or similar occupational series, or through other experience;


(4) A description of methods the agency intends to use to locate and develop minority and female candidates for each category of underrepresentation and an indication of how such methods differ from and expand upon the recruitment activities of the agency prior to establishment of the special recruitment program or the last revision to the agency’s plans;


(5) A description of specific, special efforts planned by the agency (or agency component) to recruit in communities, educational institutions, and other likely sources of qualified minority and female candidates;


(6) A description of efforts which will be undertaken by the agency to identify jobs which can be redesigned so as to improve opportunities for minorities and women, including jobs requiring bilingual or bicultural capabilities or not requiring English fluency.


(7) A list of priorities for special recruitment program activities based on agency identification of:


(i) Immediate and longer range job openings for each occupational/grade-level grouping for which underrepresentation has been determined;


(ii) Hiring authorities which may be used to fill such jobs;


(iii) The possible impact of its actions on underrepresentation.


(8) Identification of training and job development programs the agency will use to provide skills, knowledge and abilities to qualify increased numbers of minorities and women for occupational series and grade levels where they are significantly underrepresented.


(9) Identification of problems for which the assistance of the Office of Personnel Management is needed and will be requested.


(f) Equal opportunity recruitment program plans must be consistent with agency Upward Mobility program plans and should be developed with full consideration of the agency’s overall recruiting and staffing planning objectives.


(g) All plans required under this subpart must be developed not later than October 1, 1979.


[44 FR 22031, Apr. 13, 1979, as amended at 44 FR 33046, June 8, 1979]


§ 720.206 Selection guidelines.

This subpart sets forth requirements for a recruitment program, not a selection program. Nevertheless, agencies are advised that all selection processes including job qualifications, personnel procedures and criteria must be consistent with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (43 FR 38290; August 25, 1978).


§ 720.207 Reports.

(a) Not later than November 1 of each year, agencies must submit an annual report on their equal opportunity recruitment program to the Office of Personnel Management, in a form prescribed by the Office. The Office may require submission of any additional reports it considers necessary in carrying out its responsibilities under this subpart.


(b) The Office will report to Congress on the implementation and operation of the program on a Governmentwide basis not later than January 31 of each year, as required by law. Such reports will include assessments of agencies progress, or lack of progress, in meeting the objectives of the program.


Subpart C—Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7201; 42 U.S.C. 2000e; 38 U.S.C. 101(2), 2011(3), 2014; 5 U.S.C. 3112; 29 U.S.C. 791(b).


Source:48 FR 193, Jan. 4, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

§ 720.301 Purpose and authority.

This subpart sets forth requirements for agency disabled veteran affirmative action programs (DVAAPs) designed to promote Federal employment and advancement opportunities for qualified disabled veterans. The regulations in this subpart are prescribed pursuant to responsibilities assigned to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under 38 U.S.C. 4214, and section 307 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 3112).


[70 FR 72068, Dec. 1, 2005]


§ 720.302 Definition.

As used in this subpart, the terms veteran and disabled veteran have the meanings given to these terms in title 38 of the United States Code.


§ 720.303 Agency programs.

(a) Continuing Programs. Each Department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch, including the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission, shall conduct a continuing affirmative program for the recruitment, hiring, placement, and advancement of disabled veterans.


(b) Program Responsibility. The head of each agency shall assign overall program responsibility to an appropriate agency official. The official so designated shall be at a high enough level to ensure effective program administration and the devotion of adequate resources to the program.


(c) Problem Analysis. (1) Annually, OPM will provide appropriate data on the employment of disabled veterans to each agency participating in the Central Personnel Data File (CPDF). These data will be taken from CPDF. For DVAAP purposes, CPDF data are considered to be the official record of the status of disabled veteran employment within each participating agency. Each participating agency is responsible for assuring that such records are timely, accurate, and complete.


(2) CPDF data must be analyzed by participating agencies to identify problem areas and deficiencies in the employment and advancement of disabled veterans. (OPM will establish with each agency not participating in CPDF, the nature and extent of data to be used in identifying problems and deficiencies.) Based on this analysis, agencies shall develop methods to improve the recruitment, hiring, placement, and advancement of disabled veterans, or revise or redirect existing methods, as necessary. These methods must then be translated into action items.


§ 720.304 Agency plan.

(a) Plan Development. As part of the affirmative action plan it prepares pursuant to section 501(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791 (b)) (“Section 501(b) Plan”), each Department, agency, or instrumentality in the executive branch must have an up-to-date affirmative action plan for the employment and advancement of disabled veterans.


(1) Each agency must review its plan on an annual basis, together with its accomplishments for the previous fiscal year, updated employment data, and any changes in agency mission or structure, and update the plan as necessary. Agency operating components and field installations required to develop separate plans under paragraph (b) of this section, below, must perform the same type of annual review and update of their plans.


(2) Plans shall cover a time period of not less than one year and may cover a longer period if concurrent with the agency’s Section 501(b) Plan. Each plan must specify the period of time it covers.


(3) Initial plans for fiscal year 1983 required under this subpart must be developed by January 30, 1983 and must be in effect on that day.


(b) Plan Coverage. (1) Each agency must have an agencywide plan covering all of its operating components and field installations. Agencywide plans shall include instructions assigning specific responsibilities on affirmative actions to be taken by the agency’s various operating components and field installations to promote the employment and advancement of disabled veterans. OPM must be informed when headquarters offices require plans at the field or installation level.


(2) Agency operating components and field installations must have a copy of the plan covering them, and must implement their responsibilities under it. OPM may require operating components and field installations to develop separate plans in accordance with program guidance and/or instructions.


(c) Plan Submission. Affirmative action plans developed under this section shall be submitted to OPM upon request. The Office of Personnel Management will review a selection of agency plans each fiscal year.


(d) Plan Certification. Each agency must certify to OPM by December 1 of each year that it has an up-to-date plan as required by this section. This certification must indicate the date the agency’s most recent plan was effective or was last amended.


(e) Plan Content. Disabled veteran affirmative action plans shall, at a minimum, contain:


(1) A statement of the agency’s policy with regard to the employment and advancement of disabled veterans, especially those who are 30 percent or more disabled.


(2) The name and title of the official assigned overall responsibility for development and implementation of the action plan.


(3) An assessment of the current status of disabled veteran employment within the agency, with emphasis on those veterans who are 30 percent or more disabled.


(4) A description of recruiting methods which will be used to seek out disabled veteran applicants, including special steps to be taken to recruit veterans who are 30 percent or more disabled.


(5) A description of how the agency will provide or improve internal advancement opportunities for disabled veterans.


(6) A description of how the agency will inform its operating components and field installations, on a regular basis, of their responsibilities for employing and advancing disabled veterans.


(7) A description of how the agency will monitor, review, and evaluate its planned efforts, including implementation at operating component and field installation levels during the period covered by the plan.


§ 720.305 Agency accomplishment reports.

(a) Not later than December 1 of each year, agencies must submit an annual accomplishment report on their disabled veterans affirmative action program to the Office of Personnel Management, covering the previous fiscal year.


(b) Agency annual accomplishment reports must describe:


(1) Methods used to recruit and employ disabled veterans, especially those who are 30 percent or more disabled.


(2) Methods used to provide or improve internal advancement opportunities for disabled veterans.


(3) A description of how the activities of major operating components and field installations were monitored, reviewed, and evaluated.


(4) An explanation of the agency’s progress in implementing its affirmative action plan during the fiscal year. Where progress has not been shown, the report will cite reasons for the lack of progress, along with specific plans for overcoming cited obstacles to progress.


§ 720.306 Responsibilities of The Office of Personnel Management.

(a) Program Review. OPM will monitor agency program implementation through review of agency plans, direct agency contact, review of employment data, and through other appropriate means. As it deems appropriate, OPM will conduct onsite evaluations of program effectiveness, both at agency headquarters and at field installations or operating components.


(b) Technical Assistance. The Office of Personnel Management will provide technical assistance, guidance, instructions, data, and other information as appropriate to supplement and support agency programs for disabled veterans.


(c) Semiannual Reports. As provided by 38 U.S.C. 2014(d), OPM will, on at least a semiannual basis, publish reports on Government-wide progress in implementing affirmative action programs for disabled veterans.


(d) Report to Congress. As required by 38 U.S.C. 2014(e), OPM will report to Congress each year on the implementation and progress of the program. These reports will include specific assessments of agency progress or lack of progress in meeting the objectives of the program.


[48 FR 193, Jan. 4, 1983, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


§ 720.307 Interagency report clearance.

The reports contained in this regulation have been cleared in accordance with FPMR 101-11.11 and assigned interagency report control number 0305-OPM-AN.


Subparts D-I [Reserved]

Subpart J—Equal Opportunity Without Regard to Politics or Marital Status

§ 720.901 Equal opportunity without regard to politics or marital status.

(a) In appointments and position changes. In determining the merit and fitness of a person for competitive appointment or appointment by noncompetitive action to a position in the competitive service, an appointing officer shall not discriminate on the basis of the person’s political affiliations, except when required by statute, or on the basis of marital status


(b) In adverse actions and termination of probationers. An agency may not take an adverse action against an employee covered by part 752 of this chapter, not effect the termination of a probationer under part 315 of this chapter, (1) for political reasons, except when required by statute, or (2) because of marital status.


(5 U.S.C. 2301, 2302, 7202, 7203, 7204)

[44 FR 48149, Aug. 17, 1979]


Appendix to Part 720—Guidelines for the Development of a Federal Recruitment Program To Implement 5 U.S.C. Section 7201, as Amended
1



1 This section originally was section 701(b) (2nd Proviso) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88-352, July 2, 1964), codified as 5 U.S.C. 7151. Section 7151 was further amended by section 310 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. This Act also redesignated section 7151 as section 7201, effective January 11, 1979. (Sec. 703(a)(1) of the Act.)


I. Background Information. A. In 1964 the Congress adopted a basic anti-discrimination policy for Federal employment, stating:


It is the policy of the United States to insure equal employment opportunities for employees without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. [5 U.S.C. 7151]
2




2 Ibid.


In 1978, Congress reaffirmed and amended this policy as part of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 [Sec. 310 of Pub. L. 95-454], requiring immediate development of a recruitment program designed to eliminate underrepresentation of minority groups in specific Federal job categories. Section 310 directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:


1. To establish Guidelines proposed to be used for a program designed to eliminate such underrepresentation;


2. To make, in consultation with OPM, initial determinations of underrepresentation which are proposed to be used in this program; and


3. To transmit the determinations made under (2) above to the Executive Agencies, the Office of Personnel Management and the Congress, within 60 days of enactment.


The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
3
is directed by this amendment:




3 This Office was created by Reorganization Plan No. 2, issued pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 901 et seq. It will assume personnel management functions of the present Office of Personnel Management on January 1, 1979.


1. To issue regulations to implement a program under EEOC Guidelines within 180 days after enactment, which shall provide that Executive agencies conduct continuing recruitment programs to carry out the anti-discrimination policy in a manner designed to eliminate underrepresentation in identified categories of civil service;


2. To provide continuing assistance to Federal agencies in carrying out such programs;


3. To conduct a continuing program of evaluation and oversight to determine the effectiveness of such programs;


4. To establish occupational, professional and other groupings within which appropriate recruitment will occur, based upon the determinations of underrepresentation pursuant to these Guidelines; and


5. To report annually to the Congress on this program, not later than January 31 of each year.


Congress further directed that the recruitment program must be administered consistent with provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978.
4




4 Conference Report on Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, No. 95-1272, p. 145.


B. In framing these Guidelines and making its initial determinations of underrepresentation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Commission) is acting pursuant to its obligations and authority under 5 U.S.C. 7201, as amended; Section 717 of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978 (issued pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) and Executive Order 12067, issued under this Plan (43 FR 28967, June 30, 1978). This Commission must develop and/or ensure the development of uniform, coherent and effective standards for administration and enforcement of all Federal anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity laws, policies and programs, and to ensure the elimination of duplication and inconsistency in such programs.


C. A review of the legislative history of Federal equal employment opportunity policy provides further guidance on the scope and nature of determinations and guidelines to be issued for this program.


The basic policy statement on Federal equal employment policy enacted by the Congress in 1964 (5 U.S.C. 7151, redesignated as section 7201) gave the President authority for implementation. Executive Order 11246 (1966), expanded and superseded by Executive Order 11478 (1969) with respect to Federal employment, required Federal agencies to develop affirmative action programs designed to eliminate discrimination and assure equal employment opportunity.


In 1972, Congress found that serious discrimination persisted in Federal employment. It found that minorities and women were significantly absent at higher levels in Federal employment, and severely underrepresented in some Federal agencies and in some geographic areas where they constituted significant proportions of the population. After a detailed review of Federal employment practices and statistics, the Congress concluded that:


The disproportionate distribution of minorities and women throughout the Federal bureaucracy and their exclusion from higher level policy-making and supervisory positions indicates the government’s failure to pursue its policy of equal employment opportunity.
5




5 Legislative History of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, p. 83. See pp. 82-86 and 421-425 for Congressional Findings.


Congress found that this exclusion resulted from overt and “systemic” discriminatory practices.


These findings, among others, led Congress to extend title VII coverage to Federal employment in Section 717 of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.


The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 clearly states, for the first time, that “it is the policy of the United States * * * to provide * * * a Federal workforce reflective of the Nation’s diversity * * *”
6
The Act establishes in law as the first merit principle that recruitment should be designed to achieve a Federal workforce from “all segments of society.” Among the personnel practices prohibited by the Act is discrimination prohibited under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7
Therefore, the Civil Service Reform Act and its directive for a special recruitment program clearly unite requirements for basic Federal personnel policy with requirements for Federal equal employment policy.




6 Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, Section 3.




7 Section 101(a) of the Act, 5 U.S.C. 2301(b)(1) and 2302(b)(1)(A), as amended.


It is clear from the legislative history of Federal equal employment policy that the legal standards of title VII must be applied to Federal employment. Thus, guidelines for a recruitment program designed to eliminate underrepresentation in Federal agency employment must be developed consistent with the framework of affirmative action programs.


D. Guided by the review of the legislative history, and the responsibilities and authorities cited in I(B) of this appendix, the Commission is issuing these Guidelines to provide a framework for development of recruitment program regulations by OPM. The Commission may later provide more detailed guidance, through consultation with OPM, designed to achieve an overall Federal equal employment program which is consistent with, and which effectively implements title VII requirements.


II. Initial Determinations of Underrepresentation. A. Pursuant to Section 7201, underrepresentation exists when the percentages of minority and female Federal employees in specific grades are less than their percentages in the civilian labor force. “Minority” refers only to those groups classified as “minority” for the purpose of data collection by the Commission and OPM in furtherance of Federal equal employment opportunity policies. The civilian labor force includes all persons 16 years of age and over except the armed forces, who are employed or seeking employment. Such a determination of underrepresentation is designated in these Guidelines as “below the Section 7201 level”.


B. The Commission has examined existing data on Federal employment and the civilian labor force and has made initial determinations of underrepresentation of groups by race, national origin and sex in specific grades of the major Federal pay systems, under the legal authorities cited in I(B), of this appendix.


C. The Table which follows shows the grades at which the percentage of each group in the Federal workforce falls below its percentage in the civilian labor force. The table covers four major Federal pay systems which account for more than 95 percent of Federal employees, excluding the Postal Service.
8




8 The initial determinations are based on data for only those agencies covered by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. The Commission will make subsequent determinations on other agencies covered by title VII, e.g. the U.S. Postal Service, TVA, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Reserve Board.


Civilian Labor Force and Federal Employment Grades at Which Minorities and Women Are Below the 7201 Level, by Selected Pay Systems, and by Sex, Race, and National Origin—1977

Sex/Race/National Origin
Percent of Civilian Labor Force
Grades Below the 7201 Level
Gen Sched and Equivalent
Non-spvsry Regular Wage
Leader Regular Wage
Spvsry Regular Wage
Number of Grades18151519
Women41.09+2+2+All
White34.09+AllAllAll
Black4.611+5+5+5+
Hispanic1.76+All2, 4+All
AsAm/PacIs.61, 10+2+2+All
AmIn/AlNa.113+9+1, 5, 6, 9+4, 9, 11+
Minority Men8.93+13+11, 14+13+
Black5.34, 6+12+11+11+
Hispanic2.8All14+1, 1513-15, 17+
AsAm/PacIs.71-8, 10, 16+9, 14+1, 3, 8, 9, 12+1, 3, 8, 9, 17+
AmIn/AlNa.2None141, 13+17+

Notes. 1. Comparable data for white men shown below are for reference.


White Men50.11-81-41-51-3

2. + means “and all grades above”.

3. Detail may not add to total because of rounding.

Sources: Civilian Labor Force information based on data from the Current Population Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment and Earnings, Vol. 25, No. 1, January 1978.

Information on grades below 7201 level based on Office of Personnel Management data from Equal Employment Opportunity Statistics, November 20, 1977 (publication in process).


D. The initial determinations of underrepresentation were based upon average 1977 labor force data from the Current Population Survey published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Employment and Earnings, January 1978), and 1977 Federal workforce statistics from Equal Employment Opportunity Statistics (publication in process).


The labor force figures are published annually; the Federal employment statistics semiannually. These measures, and any modifications agreed upon by the Commission and OPM, will be updated annually.


Regional and area Federal employment statistics are available from the Office of Personnel Management. The latest reliable local labor force data by race, national origin, and sex is from the 1970 Census. The Commission and OPM will consult on appropriate labor force measures to be used for local analyses.


E. These initial determinations are based upon a preliminary analysis of the data, and may be further refined by the Commission, in consultation with OPM, to include geographic and occupational underrepresentation. It is further recognized that for the purpose of developing regulations, the OPM, in consultation with the Commission, will undertake more specific analyses of data use and applicability necessary to develop programs for the Federal agencies pursuant to Section 7201(a)(2)(C). The OPM may establish criteria for grouping agencies, for treating agency components separately and for grouping grades and pay systems. In addition, OPM may study other available data sources and use other techniques to assure statistically significant findings of underrepresentation. Based upon these studies, OPM may make recommendations to the Commission for future determinations of underrepresentation.


III. Procedures for Developing Recruitment Programs. A. The program developed and implemented by OPM under Section 7201 should be designed to result in applicant pools with sufficient qualified members of underrepresented groups. Where the supply of such groups initially appears to be low for specific occupational, professional and other groupings, the program should be designed so that recruitment efforts stimulate interest of underrepresented groups in those occupations where there are realistic projections of Federal employment opportunities.


B. In establishing groupings for determining underrepresentation, OPM should utilize broad occupational categories to the extent possible.


C. The Commission recognizes that OPM’s regulations should allow flexibility in development and design of each Federal agency’s recruitment program. However, all statistical comparisons must be computed in a manner consistent with the method utilized in II C of this appendix.


The Commission recommends that each agency program meet several minimum requirements. The program should be based on a determination of underrepresentation in the agency’s total workforce, in appropriate geographic components; by grade; by broad occupational, professional and other groupings in comparison to the national civilian labor force, according to the criteria developed by OPM under these guidelines.


Where an agency or major component thereof (such as Headquarters and Regional Offices) is located in a geographic area where the percentage of underrepresented groups in the area civilian labor force is higher than their percentage in the national labor force, the agency or appropriate component should conduct its recruitment program for that component on the basis of the higher level of representation in the relevant civilian labor force.


Where an agency or major component thereof is located in a geographic area where participation of a particular underrepresented group in the area labor force is significantly lower than their participation in the national labor force, such agency or component may, in consultation with OPM, utilize the lower applicable civilian labor force percentage in determining underrepresentation for the component. In no event, however, may the agency utilize a figure lower than the regional or nationwide Section 7201 level for positions where recruitment on a regional or nationwide basis is feasible. Factors such as size of the agency or unit, nature of jobs and their wage or pay scale may be considered to set goals and to justify a recruitment program focused on various job categories.


IV. Scope of Actions Covered by This Program. A. “Recruitment” under this program is defined as the total process by which the Federal Government and the Federal agencies locate, identify and assist in the employment of qualified or qualifiable applicants from underrepresented groups for job openings in grades and in occupational categories where underrepresentation has been determined. This process should include innovative internal, as well as targeted external, recruitment actions.


B. Prior to developing regulations, the Office should review data on personnel actions and other information, to identify those job categories for which internal recruitment and external recruitment is most appropriate and feasible, and to provide guidance to the Federal agencies for targeting their recruitment programs, based on this information. OPM should advise all agencies that all job qualifications, personnel procedures and criteria must be consistent with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (43 FR 38290 August 25, 1978) OPM should consider the following in providing guidance to agencies:


1. External Recruitment Programs. a. Such programs should focus on grade levels and/or job categories where underrepresentation has been identified and where external recruitment realistically will result in hiring opportunities.


Recruitment programs also should include a review of job functions to determine those jobs that may be better performed by persons who are bicultural and who have bilingual capabilities, and those jobs that can be performed by persons not fluent in English.


b. Where eligibility lists are used for filling jobs, it is recommended that the regulations require, an analysis by race, national origin and sex, to determine whether the list contains sufficient candidates from groups underrepresented in those jobs. OPM should require that where the list does not have such representation, expanded recruitment procedures be designed to assure that members of underrepresented groups qualified to perform the job(s) are included in the pool of applicants from which the selecting official makes the selection. Such expanded recruitment procedures may include additional external recruitment or various actions (such as described in 2. below) to reach members of these groups within the Federal workforce who are qualified or qualifiable for these jobs.


2. Internal Recruitment Programs. a. Internal recruitment programs should be designed by agencies to identify currently qualified or qualifiable persons for job categories and series where underrepresentation prevails, according to the national determinations and the determinations made by each agency under these guidelines.


b. Further, OPM should work with Federal agencies to develop effective mechanisms for providing information on Federal job opportunities, targeted to reach Federal employees from underrepresented groups in all agencies in order to broaden the applicant pool.


V. Consistency with Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978. A. The Office shall develop regulations and implement this program in consultation with the Commission and with other affected agencies in such manner that their recruitment programs may be incorporated as a consistent and effective element of the agencies’ national and regional equal employment opportunity plans. Each agency is required to implement such plans under the direction and guidance of the Commission in accordance with Section 717 of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Executive Order 12067.


B. Procedures shall be established by OPM and the Commission to assure appropriate consultation in development of the regulations.


C. Pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 1 and to Executive Order 12067 issued thereunder, the Commission will establish procedures to provide appropriate consultation and review of the program on a continuing basis, to maximize its effectiveness and eliminate any duplication, conflict or inconsistency in requirements for equal opportunity programs in the Federal agencies.


D. In preparing its annual report to the Congress pursuant to the Act, OPM should do so in consultation with the Commission.


[44 FR 22031, Apr. 13, 1979; 44 FR 76747, Dec. 28, 1979]


PART 723—ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT


Authority:29 U.S.C. 794.


Source:53 FR 25880, 25885, July 8, 1988, unless otherwise noted.

§ 723.101 Purpose.

The purpose of this regulation is to effectuate section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service.


§ 723.102 Application.

This regulation (§§ 723.101-723.170) applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency, except for programs or activities conducted outside the United States that do not involve individuals with handicaps in the United States.


§ 723.103 Definitions.

For purposes of this regulation, the term—


Assistant Attorney General means the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice.


Auxiliary aids means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or activities conducted by the agency. For example, auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired vision include readers, Brailled materials, audio recordings, and other similar services and devices. Auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired hearing include telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with hearing aids, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD’s), interpreters, notetakers, written materials, and other similar services and devices.


Complete complaint means a written statement that contains the complainant’s name and address and describes the agency’s alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the agency of the nature and date of the alleged violation of section 504. It shall be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on his or her behalf. Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify (by name, if possible) the alleged victims of discrimination.


Facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, rolling stock or other conveyances, or other real or personal property.


Historic preservation programs means programs conducted by the agency that have preservation of historic properties as a primary purpose.


Historic properties means those properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or properties designated as historic under a statute of the appropriate State or local government body.


Individual with handicaps means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.


As used in this definition, the phrase:


(1) Physical or mental impairment includes—


(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or


(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alcoholism.


(2) Major life activities includes functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.


(3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.


(4) Is regarded as having an impairment means—


(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation;


(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or


(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.


Qualified individual with handicaps means—


(1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, an individual with handicaps who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute, regulation, or agency policy to receive education services from the agency;


(2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature;


(3) With respect to any other program or activity, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and


(4) Qualified handicapped person as that term is defined for purposes of employment in 29 CFR 1613.702(f), which is made applicable to this regulation by § 723.140.


Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 394 (29 U.S.C. 794)), as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-516, 88 Stat. 1617); the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-602, 92 Stat. 2955); and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-506, 100 Stat. 1810). As used in this regulation, section 504 applies only to programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies and not to federally assisted programs.


Substantial impairment means a significant loss of the integrity of finished materials, design quality, or special character resulting from a permanent alteration.


§§ 723.104-723.109 [Reserved]

§ 723.110 Self-evaluation.

(a) The agency shall, by September 6, 1989, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this regulation and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.


(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or organizations representing individuals with handicaps, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).


(c) The agency shall, for at least three years following completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:


(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified; and


(2) A description of any modifications made.


§ 723.111 Notice.

The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this regulation and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.


§§ 723.112-723.129 [Reserved]

§ 723.130 General prohibitions against discrimination.

(a) No qualified individual with handicaps shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.


(b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap—


(i) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;


(ii) Afford a qualified individual with handicaps an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;


(iii) Provide a qualified individual with handicaps with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;


(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to individuals with handicaps or to any class of individuals with handicaps than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with handicaps with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;


(v) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards;


(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with handicaps in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.


(2) The agency may not deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.


(3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would—


(i) Subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or


(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps.


(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—


(i) Exclude individuals with handicaps from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or


(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps.


(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap.


(6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this regulation.


(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to individuals with handicaps or the exclusion of a specific class of individuals with handicaps from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of individuals with handicaps is not prohibited by this regulation.


(d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with handicaps.


§§ 723.131-723.139 [Reserved]

§ 723.140 Employment.

No qualified individual with handicaps shall, on the basis of handicap, be subject to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities.


§§ 723.141-723.148 [Reserved]

§ 723.149 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited.

Except as otherwise provided in § 723.150, no qualified individual with handicaps shall, because the agency’s facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by individuals with handicaps, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.


§ 723.150 Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

(a) General. The agency shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. This paragraph does not—


(1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps;


(2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or


(3) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 723.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.


(b) Methods—(1) General. The agency may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, use of accessible rolling stock, or any other methods that result in making its programs or activities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The agency is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section. The agency, in making alterations to existing buildings, shall meet accessibility requirements to the extent compelled by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), and any regulations implementing it. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirements of this section, the agency shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to qualified individuals with handicaps in the most integrated setting appropriate.


(2) Historic preservation programs. In meeting the requirements of § 723.150(a) in historic preservation programs, the agency shall give priority to methods that provide physical access to individuals with handicaps. In cases where a physical alteration to an historic property is not required because of § 723.150(a) (2) or (3), alternative methods of achieving program accessibility include—


(i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible;


(ii) Assigning persons to guide individuals with handicaps into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or


(iii) Adopting other innovative methods.


(c) Time period for compliance. The agency shall comply with the obligations established under this section by November 7, 1988, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made by September 6, 1991, but in any event as expeditiously as possible.


(d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities will be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the agency shall develop, by March 6, 1989, a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or organizations representing individuals with handicaps, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments (both oral and written). A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. The plan shall, at a minimum—


(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency’s facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with handicaps;


(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;


(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and


(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.


§ 723.151 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations.

Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.


§§ 723.152-723.159 [Reserved]

§ 723.160 Communications.

(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.


(1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford an individual with handicaps an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency.


(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with handicaps.


(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature.


(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD’s) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used to communicate with persons with impaired hearing.


(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.


(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.


(d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 723.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.


§§ 723.161-723.169 [Reserved]

§ 723.170 Compliance procedures.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities conducted by the agency.


(b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791).


(c) The Assistant Director for Personnel and EEO shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to the Assistant Director for Personnel and EEO, Office of Personnel Management, Room 1479, 1900 E St., NW., Washington, DC 20415.


(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause.


(e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate Government entity.


(f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps.


(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—


(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;


(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and


(3) A notice of the right to appeal.


(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 723.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.


(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.


(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal.


(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.


(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.


[53 FR 25880 and 25885, July 8, 1988, as amended at 53 FR 25880, July 8, 1988]


PART 724—IMPLEMENTATION OF TITLE II OF THE NOTIFICATION AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEE ANTIDISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION ACT OF 2002


Authority:Sec. 204 of Pub. L. 107-174, 116 Stat. 566; Presidential Memorandum dated July 8, 2003, “Delegation of Authority Under Section 204(a) of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2002.”


Source:71 FR 27187, May 10, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Reimbursement of Judgement Fund

§ 724.101 Purpose and scope.

This subpart implements Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 concerning the obligation of Federal agencies to reimburse the Judgment Fund for payments. The regulations describe agency obligations and the procedures for reimbursement and compliance.


§ 724.102 Definitions.

In this part:


Agency means an Executive agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105, the United States Postal Service, or the Postal Rate Commission;


Antidiscrimination Laws refers to 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(9) as applied to conduct described in 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16.


Applicant for Federal employment means an individual applying for employment in or under a Federal agency;


Discipline means any one or a combination of the following actions: reprimand, suspension without pay, reduction in grade or pay, or removal.


Employee means an individual employed in or under a Federal agency;


Former Employee means an individual formerly employed in or under a Federal agency;


Judgment Fund means the Judgment Fund established by 31 U.S.C. 1304;


No FEAR Act means the “Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002;”


Notice means the written information provided by Federal agencies about the rights and protections available under Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws.


Payment, subject to the following exception, means a disbursement from the Judgment Fund on or after October 1, 2003, to an employee, former employee, or applicant for Federal employment, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 2414, 2517, 2672, 2677 or with 31 U.S.C. 1304, that involves alleged discriminatory or retaliatory conduct described in 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1) and (b)(8) or (b)(9) as applied to conduct described in 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1) and/or (b)(8) or conduct described in 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16. For a proceeding involving more than one disbursement from the Judgment Fund, however, this term shall apply only if the first disbursement occurred on or after October 1, 2003.


Training means the process by which Federal agencies instruct their employees regarding the rights and remedies applicable to such employees under the Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws.


Whistleblower Protection Laws refers to 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8) or 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(9) as applied to conduct described in 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8).


[71 FR 27187, May 10, 2006, as amended at 71 FR 41098, July 20, 2006; 71 FR 78037, Dec. 28, 2006]


§ 724.103 Agency obligations.

A Federal agency (or its successor agency) must reimburse the Judgment Fund for payments covered by the No FEAR Act. Such reimbursement must be made within a reasonable time as described in § 724.104.


§ 724.104 Procedures.

(a) The procedures that agencies must use to reimburse the Judgment Fund are those prescribed by the Financial Management Service (FMS), the Department of the Treasury, in Chapter 3100 of the Treasury Financial Manual. All reimbursements to the Judgment Fund covered by the No FEAR Act are expected to be fully collectible from the agency. FMS will provide written notice to the agency’s Chief Financial Officer within 15 business days after payment from the Judgment Fund.


(b) Within 45 business days of receiving the FMS notice, agencies must reimburse the Judgment Fund or contact FMS to make arrangements in writing for reimbursement.


§ 724.105 Compliance.

An agency’s failure to reimburse the Judgment Fund, to contact FMS within 45 business days after receipt of an FMS notice for reimbursement under § 724.104 will be recorded on an annual basis and posted on the FMS Web site. After an agency meets the requirements of § 724.104, the recording will be eliminated no later than the next annual posting process.


§ 724.106 Effective date.

This subpart is effective on October 1, 2003.


Subpart B—Notification of Rights and Protections and Training


Source:71 FR 41098, July 20, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§ 724.201 Purpose and scope.

(a) This subpart implements Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 concerning the obligation of Federal agencies to notify all employees, former employees, and applicants for Federal employment of the rights and protections available to them under the Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws. This subpart also implements Title II concerning the obligation of agencies to train their employees on such rights and remedies. The regulations describe agency obligations and the procedures for written notification and training.


(b) Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither that Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d).


§ 724.202 Notice obligations.

(a) Each agency must provide notice to all of its employees, former employees, and applicants for Federal employment about the rights and remedies available under the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws applicable to them.


(b) The notice under this part must be titled, “No FEAR Act Notice.”


(c) Each agency must provide initial notice within 60 calendar days after September 18, 2006. Thereafter, the notice must be provided by the end of each successive fiscal year and any posted materials must remain in place until replaced or revised.


(d) After the initial notice, each agency must provide the notice to new employees within 90 calendar days of entering on duty.


(e) Each agency must provide the notice to its employees in paper (e.g., letter, poster or brochure) and/or electronic form (e.g., e-mail, internal agency electronic site, or Internet Web site). Each agency must publish the initial notice in the Federal Register. Agencies with Internet Web sites must also post the notice on those Web sites, in compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For agencies with components that operate Internet Web sites, the notice must be made available by hyperlinks from the Internet Web sites of both the component and the parent agency. An agency may meet its paper and electronic notice obligation to former employees and applicants by publishing the initial notice in the Federal Register and posting the notice on its Internet Web site if it has one.


(f) To the extent required by law and upon request by employees, former employees and applicants, each agency must provide the notice in alternative, accessible formats.


(g) Unless an agency is exempt from the cited statutory provisions, the following is the minimum text to be included in the notice. Each agency may incorporate additional information within the model paragraphs, as appropriate.



Model Paragraphs

No Fear Act Notice

On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the “Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002,” which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to “require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.” Public Law 107-174, Summary. In support of this purpose, Congress found that “agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.” Public Law 107-174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1).


The Act also requires this agency to provide this notice to Federal employees, former Federal employees and applicants for Federal employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.


Antidiscrimination Laws

A Federal agency cannot discriminate against an employee or applicant with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. Discrimination on these bases is prohibited by one or more of the following statutes: 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 29 U.S.C. 631, 29 U.S.C. 633a, 29 U.S.C. 791 and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16.


If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability, you must contact an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action, before you can file a formal complaint of discrimination with your agency. See, e.g. 29 CFR 1614. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, you must either contact an EEO counselor as noted above or give notice of intent to sue to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action. If you are alleging discrimination based on marital status or political affiliation, you may file a written complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) (see contact information below). In the alternative (or in some cases, in addition), you may pursue a discrimination complaint by filing a grievance through your agency’s administrative or negotiated grievance procedures, if such procedures apply and are available.


Whistleblower Protection Laws

A Federal employee with authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action must not use that authority to take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a personnel action against an employee or applicant because of disclosure of information by that individual that is reasonably believed to evidence violations of law, rule or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, unless disclosure of such information is specifically prohibited by law and such information is specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.


Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a written complaint (Form OSC-11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505 or online through the OSC Web site—http://www.osc.gov.


Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity

A Federal agency cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws listed above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for engaging in protected activity, you must follow, as appropriate, the procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws sections or, if applicable, the administrative or negotiated grievance procedures in order to pursue any legal remedy.


Disciplinary Actions

Under the existing laws, each agency retains the right, where appropriate, to discipline a Federal employee for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OSC has initiated an investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), agencies must seek approval from the Special Counsel to discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws or permits an agency to take unfounded disciplinary action against a Federal employee or to violate the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of discrimination


Additional Information

For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, refer to 5 CFR part 724, as well as the appropriate offices within your agency (e.g., EEO/civil rights office, human resources office or legal office). Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC Web site—http://www.eeoc.gov and the OSC Web site—http://www.osc.gov.


Existing Rights Unchanged

Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d).


§ 724.203 Training obligations.

(a) Each agency must develop a written plan to train all of its employees (including supervisors and managers) about the rights and remedies available under the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws applicable to them.


(b) Each agency shall have the discretion to develop the instructional materials and method of its training plan. Each agency training plan shall describe:


(1) The instructional materials and method of the training,


(2) The training schedule, and


(3) The means of documenting completion of training.


(c) Each agency may contact EEOC and/or OSC for information and/or assistance regarding the agency’s training program. Neither agency, however, shall have authority under this regulation to review or approve an agency’s training plan.


(d) Each agency is encouraged to implement its training as soon as possible, but required to complete the initial training under this subpart for all employees (including supervisors and managers) by December 17, 2006. Thereafter, each agency must train all employees on a training cycle of no longer than every 2 years.


(e) After the initial training is completed, each agency must train new employees as part of its agency orientation program or other training program. Any agency that does not use a new employee orientation program for this purpose must train new employees within 90 calendar days of the new employees’ appointment.


Subpart C—Annual Report


Source:71 FR 78037, Dec. 28, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§ 724.301 Purpose and scope.

This subpart implements Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 concerning the obligation of Federal agencies to report on specific topics concerning Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws applicable to them covering employees, former employees, and applicants for Federal employment.


§ 724.302 Reporting obligations.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each agency must report no later than 180 calendar days after the end of each fiscal year the following items:


(1) The number of cases in Federal court pending or resolved in each fiscal year and arising under each of the respective provisions of the Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws applicable to them as defined in § 724.102 of subpart A of this part in which an employee, former Federal employee, or applicant alleged a violation(s) of these laws, separating data by the provision(s) of law involved;


(2) In the aggregate, for the cases identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and separated by provision(s) of law involved:


(i) The status or disposition (including settlement);


(ii) The amount of money required to be reimbursed to the Judgment Fund by the agency for payments as defined in § 724.102 of subpart A of this part;


(iii) The amount of reimbursement to the Fund for attorney’s fees where such fees have been separately designated;


(3) In connection with cases identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the total number of employees in each fiscal year disciplined as defined in § 724.102 of subpart A of this part and the specific nature, e.g., reprimand, etc., of the disciplinary actions taken, separated by the provision(s) of law involved;


(4) The final year-end data about discrimination complaints for each fiscal year that was posted in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity Regulations at subpart G of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (implementing section 301(c)(1)(B) of the No FEAR Act);


(5) Whether or not in connection with cases in Federal court, the number of employees in each fiscal year disciplined as defined in § 724.102 of subpart A of this part in accordance with any agency policy described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section. The specific nature, e.g., reprimand, etc., of the disciplinary actions taken must be identified.


(6) A detailed description of the agency’s policy for taking disciplinary action against Federal employees for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws or for conduct that constitutes another prohibited personnel practice revealed in connection with agency investigations of alleged violations of these laws;


(7) An analysis of the information provided in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section in conjunction with data provided to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in compliance with 29 CFR part 1614 subpart F of the Code of Federal Regulations. Such analysis must include:


(i) An examination of trends;


(ii) Causal analysis;


(iii) Practical knowledge gained through experience; and


(iv) Any actions planned or taken to improve complaint or civil rights programs of the agency with the goal of eliminating discrimination and retaliation in the workplace;


(8) For each fiscal year, any adjustment needed or made to the budget of the agency to comply with its Judgment Fund reimbursement obligation(s) incurred under § 724.103 of subpart A of this part; and


(9) The agency’s written plan developed under § 724.203(a) of subpart B of this part to train its employees.


(b) The first report also must provide information for the data elements in paragraph (a) of this section for each of the five fiscal years preceding the fiscal year on which the first report is based to the extent that such data is available. Under the provisions of the No FEAR Act, the first report was due March 30, 2005 without regard to the status of the regulations. Thereafter, under the provisions of the No FEAR Act, agency reports are due annually on March 30th. Agencies that have submitted their reports before these regulations became final must ensure that they contain data elements 1 through 8 of paragraph (a) of this section and provide any necessary supplemental reports by April 25, 2007. Future reports must include data elements 1 through 9 of paragraph (a) of this section.


(c) Agencies must provide copies of each report to the following:


(1) Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives;


(2) President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate;


(3) Committee on Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate;


(4) Committee on Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives;


(5) Each Committee of Congress with jurisdiction relating to the agency;


(6) Chair, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;


(7) Attorney General; and


(8) Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.


Subpart D—Best Practices


Source:71 FR 78037, Dec. 28, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§ 724.401 Purpose and scope.

This subpart implements Title II of the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 concerning the obligation of the President or his designee (OPM) to conduct a comprehensive study of best practices in the executive branch for taking disciplinary actions against employees for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws and the obligation to issue advisory guidelines for agencies to follow in taking appropriate disciplinary actions in such circumstances.


§ 724.402 Best practices study.

(a) OPM will conduct a comprehensive study in the executive branch to identify best practices for taking appropriate disciplinary actions against Federal employees for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws.


(b) The comprehensive study will include a review of agencies’ discussions of their policies for taking such disciplinary actions as reported under § 724.302 of subpart C of this part.


§ 724.403 Advisory guidelines.

OPM will issue advisory guidelines to Federal agencies incorporating the best practices identified under § 724.402 that agencies may follow to take appropriate disciplinary actions against employees for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Laws.


§ 724.404 Agency obligations.

(a) Within 30 working days of issuance of the advisory guidelines required by § 724.403, each agency must prepare a written statement describing in detail:


(1) Whether it has adopted the guidelines and if it will fully follow the guidelines;


(2) If such agency has not adopted the guidelines, the reasons for non-adoption; and


(3) If such agency will not fully follow the guidelines, the reasons for the decision not to do so and an explanation of the extent to which the agency will not follow the guidelines.


(b) Each agency’s written statement must be provided within the time limit stated in paragraph (a) of this section to the following:


(1) Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives;


(2) President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate;


(3) Chair, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;


(4) Attorney General; and


(5) Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.


PART 730—NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7302 and sec. 1125(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004, Pub. L. 108-136, 117 Stat. 1392.


Source:69 FR 61144, Oct. 15, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

§ 730.101 Purpose.

This part implements 5 U.S.C. 7302, which requires agencies to provide written notice to senior executives and other individuals covered by 18 U.S.C. 207(c)(2)(A)(ii) that they are subject to certain post-employment conflict-of-interest restrictions in 18 U.S.C. 207(c).


§ 730.102 Definitions.

Agency means an Executive agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105, but does not include the General Accounting Office.


Senior executive means a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).


§ 730.103 Coverage.

(a) The following individuals are subject to the post-employment conflict-of-interest restrictions in 18 U.S.C. 207(c), as amended by section 1125(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004:


(1) Any individual, including a senior executive, who is paid at a rate of basic pay equal to or greater than 86.5 percent of the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule; and


(2) Any individual, including a senior executive, who as of November 23, 2003, was paid at a rate of basic pay, exclusive of any locality-based comparability payments under 5 U.S.C. 5304, equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for level 5 of the Senior Executive Service on that date (i.e., $134,000). These employees are subject to the post-employment restrictions through November 24, 2005, without regard to any subsequent changes in position or pay.


(b) Nothing in this part affects individuals serving in positions described in 18 U.S.C. 207(c)(2)(A)(i), (iii), (iv), or (v).


§ 730.104 Notification.

(a) Agencies must provide written notification to senior executives and other individuals covered by the amendment to 18 U.S.C. 207(c)(2)(A)(ii) that they are subject to the post-employment conflict-of-interest restrictions in 18 U.S.C. 207, before, or as part of, any personnel action that affects the employee’s coverage under 18 U.S.C. 207(c)(1), including when employment or service in a covered position is terminated. A copy of the written notice must be provided simultaneously to the Designated Agency Ethics Official (or his or her delegate). The written notice must include information on the applicable penalties or injunctions that may be imposed under 18 U.S.C. 216(a), (b), and (c) for violations of the post-employment restrictions in 18 U.S.C. 207(c). The notice also must indicate that employees covered by 18 U.S.C. 207(c) are subject to 18 U.S.C. 207(f), which imposes additional post-employment restrictions on representing, aiding, or advising certain foreign entities.


(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the post-employment restrictions in 18 U.S.C. 207(c) apply to covered employees without regard to whether they receive written notice from their employing agency.


§ 730.105 Savings provision.

Any post-employment restrictions established under 18 U.S.C. 207 and applicable prior to the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2004, remain in effect.


PART 731—SUITABILITY


Authority:5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 7301, 9201-9206; Pub. L. 116-92, sec. 1122(b)(1); E.O. 10577, 3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 218, as amended; E.O. 13467, 3 CFR, 2009 Comp., p. 198; E.O. 13488, 3 CFR, 2010 Comp., p. 189; 5 CFR, parts 1, 2 and 5; Presidential Memorandum on Enhancing Safeguards to Prevent the Undue Denial of Federal Employment Opportunities to the Unemployed and Those Facing Financial Difficulty Through No Fault of Their Own, January 31, 2014.



Source:73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Scope

§ 731.101 Purpose.

(a) The purpose of this part is to establish criteria and procedures for making determinations of suitability and for taking suitability actions regarding employment in covered positions (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3301, E.O. 10577 (3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 218), as amended, and 5 CFR 1.1, 2.1(a) and 5.2. Section 3301 of title 5, United States Code, directs consideration of “age, health, character, knowledge, and ability for the employment sought.” E.O. 10577 (codified in relevant part at 5 CFR 1.1, 2.1(a) and 5.2) directs OPM to examine “suitability” for competitive Federal employment. This part concerns only determinations of “suitability,” that is, those determinations based on a person’s character or conduct that may have an impact on the integrity or efficiency of the service. Determinations made and actions taken under this part are distinct from objections to eligibles or pass overs of preference eligibles, and OPM’s and agencies’ decisions on such requests, made under 5 U.S.C. 3318 and 5 CFR 332.406, as well as determinations of eligibility for assignment to, or retention in, sensitive national security positions made under E.O. 10450 (3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 936), E.O. 12968, or similar authorities.


(b) Definitions. In this part:


Applicant means a person who is being considered or has been considered for employment.


Appointee means a person who has entered on duty and is in the first year of a subject-to-investigation appointment (as defined in § 731.104).


Core Duty means a continuing responsibility that is of particular importance to the relevant covered position or the achievement of an agency’s mission.


Covered position means a position in the competitive service, a position in the excepted service where the incumbent can be noncompetitively converted to the competitive service, and a career appointment to a position in the Senior Executive Service.


Days means calendar days unless otherwise specified in this part.


Employee means a person who has completed the first year of a subject-to-investigation appointment.


Material means, in reference to a statement, one that is capable of influencing, affects, or has a natural tendency to affect, an official decision even if OPM or an agency does not rely upon it.


Suitability action means an outcome described in § 731.203 and may be taken only by OPM or an agency with delegated authority under the procedures in subparts C and D of this part.


Suitability determination means a decision by OPM or an agency with delegated authority that a person is suitable or is not suitable for employment in covered positions in the Federal Government or a specific Federal agency.


[73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, as amended at 73 FR 66492, Nov. 10, 2008]


§ 731.102 Implementation.

(a) An investigation conducted for the purpose of determining suitability under this part may not be used for any other purpose except as provided in a Privacy Act system of records notice published by the agency conducting the investigation.


(b) Under OMB Circular No. A-130 Revised, issued November 20, 2000, agencies are to implement and maintain a program to ensure that adequate protection is provided for all automated information systems. Agency personnel screening programs may be based on procedures developed by OPM. The Computer Security Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-235) provides additional requirements for Federal automated information systems.


(c) OPM may set forth policies, procedures, criteria, standards, quality control procedures, and supplementary guidance for the implementation of this part in OPM issuances.


§ 731.103 Delegation to agencies.

(a) Subject to the limitations and requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section, OPM delegates to the heads of agencies authority for making suitability determinations and taking suitability actions (including limited, agency-specific debarments under § 731.205) in cases involving applicants for and appointees to covered positions in the agency.


(b) When an agency, acting under delegated authority from OPM, determines that a Governmentwide debarment by OPM under § 731.204(a) may be an appropriate action, it must refer the case to OPM for debarment consideration. Agencies must make these referrals prior to any proposed suitability action, but only after sufficient resolution of the suitability issue(s), through subject contact or investigation, to determine if a Governmentwide debarment appears warranted.


(c) Agencies exercising authority under this part by delegation from OPM must adhere to OPM requirements as stated in this part and OPM’s issuances described in § 731.102(c). Agencies must also implement policies and maintain records demonstrating that they employ reasonable methods to ensure adherence to these OPM issuances.


(d)(1) A hiring agency may not make specific inquiries concerning an applicant’s criminal or credit background in oral or written form (including through the OF-306 or other forms used to conduct suitability investigations for Federal employment, USAJOBS, or any other electronic means) unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. Agencies may request an exception to the provision for making credit inquiries in advance of a conditional offer in accordance with the provisions in 5 CFR part 330, subpart M. For criminal inquiries prior to a conditional offer, this prohibition does not apply to applicants for positions excepted under 5 CFR 920.201(b). Agencies may make inquiries into an applicant’s Selective Service registration, military service, citizenship status, where applicable, or previous work history, prior to making a conditional offer of employment to an applicant.


(2) OPM reserves the right to undertake a determination of suitability based upon evidence of falsification or fraud relating to an examination or appointment at any point when information giving rise to such a charge is discovered. OPM must be informed in all cases where there is evidence of material, intentional false statements, or deception or fraud in examination or appointment, and OPM will take a suitability action where warranted.


(e) When an agency, exercising authority under this part by delegation from OPM, makes a suitability determination or changes a tentative favorable placement decision to an unfavorable decision, based on an OPM report of investigation or upon an investigation conducted pursuant to OPM-delegated authority, the agency must:


(1) Ensure that the records used in making the determination are accurate, relevant, timely, and complete to the extent reasonably necessary to ensure fairness to the person in any determination;


(2) Ensure that all applicable administrative procedural requirements provided by law, the regulations in this part, and OPM issuances as described in § 731.102(c) have been observed;


(3) Consider all available information in reaching its final decision on a suitability determination or suitability action, except information furnished by a non-corroborated confidential source, which may be used only for limited purposes, such as information used to develop a lead or in interrogatories to a subject, if the identity of the source is not compromised in any way; and


(4) Keep any record of the agency suitability determination or action as required by OPM issuances as described in § 731.102(c).


(f) OPM may revoke an agency’s delegation to make suitability determinations and take suitability actions under this part if an agency fails to conform to this part or OPM issuances as described in § 731.102(c).


(g) OPM retains jurisdiction to make final determinations and take actions in all suitability cases where there is evidence that there has been a material, intentional false statement, or deception or fraud in examination or appointment. OPM also retains jurisdiction over all suitability cases involving a refusal to furnish testimony as required by § 5.4 of this chapter. Agencies must refer these cases to OPM for suitability determinations and suitability actions under this authority. Although no prior approval is needed, notification to OPM is required if the agency wants to take, or has taken, action under its own authority (5 CFR part 315, 5 CFR part 359, or 5 CFR part 752) in cases involving material, intentional false statement in examination or appointment, or deception or fraud in examination or appointment; or refusal to furnish testimony as required by § 5.4 of this title. In addition, paragraph (a) of this section notwithstanding, OPM may, in its discretion, exercise its jurisdiction under this part in any case it deems necessary.


[73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, as amended at 81 FR 86561, Dec. 1, 2016; 88 FR 60330, Sept. 1, 2023]


§ 731.104 Appointments subject to investigation.

(a) To establish a person’s suitability for employment, appointments to covered positions identified in § 731.101 require the person to undergo an investigation by OPM or by an agency with delegated authority from OPM to conduct investigations. However, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2), an appointment will not be subject to investigation when the person being appointed has undergone a background investigation and the appointment involves:


(1) Appointment or conversion to an appointment in a covered position if the person has been serving continuously with the agency for at least 1 year in one or more covered positions subject to investigation;


(2) Transfer to a covered position, provided the person has been serving continuously for at least 1 year in a covered position subject to investigation;


(3) Transfer or appointment from an excepted service position that is not a covered position to a covered position, provided the person has been serving continuously for at least 1 year in a position where the person has been determined fit for appointment based on criteria equivalent to the factors provided at 5 CFR 731.202;


(4) Appointment to a covered position from a position as an employee working as a Federal Government contract employee, provided the person has been serving continuously for at least 1 year in a job where a Federal agency determined the contract employee was fit to perform work on the contract based on criteria equivalent to the factors provided at 5 CFR 731.202; or


(5) Appointment to a covered position where there has been a break in service of less than 24 months, and the service immediately preceding the break was in a covered position, an excepted service position, or a contract employee position described in paragraphs (a)(1) to (a)(4) of this section.


(b)(1) Either OPM or an agency with delegated suitability authority may investigate and take a suitability action against an applicant, appointee, or employee in accordance with § 731.105. There is no time limit on the authority of OPM or an agency with delegated suitability authority to conduct the required investigation of an applicant who has been appointed to a position. An employee does not have to serve a new probationary or trial period merely because his or her appointment is subject to investigation under this section. An employee’s probationary or trial period is not extended because his or her appointment is subject to investigation under this section.


(2) An appointment to a covered position also will be subject to investigation when:


(i) The covered position requires a higher level of investigation than previously conducted for the person being appointed; or


(ii) An agency obtains new information in connection with the person’s appointment that calls into question the person’s suitability under § 731.202;


(3) Suitability determinations must be made for all appointments that are subject to investigation.


(c) Positions that are intermittent, seasonal, per diem, or temporary, not to exceed an aggregate of 180 days per year in either a single continuous appointment or series of appointments, do not require a background investigation as described in § 731.106(c)(1). The employing agency, however, must conduct such checks as it deems appropriate to ensure the suitability of the person.


(d) Reinvestigation requirements under § 731.106 for public trust positions are not affected by this section.


(e) For purposes of this section, “criteria equivalent to the factors provided at 5 CFR 731.202” are criteria that provide adequate assurance that the person to be appointed, converted to an appointment, or transferred is suitable to be employed in a covered position, as determined by OPM, in issuances under this regulation. A decision by OPM, or by an agency applying guidance from OPM, that a prior fitness determination was not based on criteria equivalent to the factors provided at 5 CFR 731.202, and that a new investigation or adjudication is necessary is not subject to review under section 731.501 of this part.


[73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, as amended at 73 FR 66492, Nov. 11, 2008; 76 FR 69608, Nov. 9, 2011]


§ 731.105 Authority to take suitability actions.

(a) Neither OPM nor an agency acting under delegated authority may take a suitability action in connection with any application for, or appointment to, a position that is not subject to investigation or check under § 731.104.


(b) OPM may take a suitability action under this part against an applicant or appointee based on any of the criteria of § 731.202;


(c) Except as limited by § 731.103(g), an agency, exercising delegated authority, may take a suitability action under this part against an applicant or appointee based on the criteria of § 731.202;


(d) OPM may take a suitability action under this part against an employee based on the criteria of § 731.202(b)(3), (4), or (8).


(e) An agency may not take a suitability action against an employee. Nothing in this part precludes an agency from taking an adverse action against an employee under the procedures and standards of part 752 of this chapter or terminating a probationary employee under the procedures of part 315 or part 359 of this chapter. An agency must notify OPM to the extent required in § 731.103(g) if it wants to take, or has taken, action under these authorities.


§ 731.106 Designation of public trust positions and investigative requirements.

(a) Risk designation. Agency heads must designate every covered position within the agency at a high, moderate, or low risk level as determined by the position’s potential for adverse impact to the efficiency or integrity of the service. OPM will provide an example of a risk designation system for agency use in an OPM issuance as described in § 731.102(c).


(b) Public Trust positions. Positions at the high or moderate risk levels would normally be designated as “Public Trust” positions. Such positions may involve policy making, major program responsibility, public safety and health, law enforcement duties, fiduciary responsibilities or other duties demanding a significant degree of public trust, and positions involving access to or operation or control of financial records, with a significant risk for causing damage or realizing personal gain.


(c) Investigative requirements. (1) Persons receiving an appointment made subject to investigation under this part must undergo a background investigation. OPM is authorized to establish minimum investigative requirements correlating to risk levels. Investigations should be initiated before appointment but no later than 14 calendar days after placement in the position.


(2) All positions subject to investigation under this part must also receive a sensitivity designation of Special-Sensitive, Critical-Sensitive, or Noncritical-Sensitive, when appropriate. This designation is complementary to the risk designation, and may have an effect on the position’s investigative requirement. Sections 732.201 and 732.202 of this chapter detail the various sensitivity levels and investigative requirements. Procedures for determining investigative requirements for all positions based upon risk and sensitivity will be published in OPM issuances, as described in §§ 731.102(c) and 732.201(b).


(3) If suitability issues develop prior to the required investigation, OPM or the agency may conduct an investigation sufficient to resolve the issues and support a suitability determination or action, if warranted. If the person is appointed, the minimum level of investigation must be conducted as required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section.


(d) Reinvestigation requirements. (1) Agencies must ensure that reinvestigations are conducted and a determination made regarding continued employment of persons occupying public trust positions at least once every 5 years. The nature of these reinvestigations and any additional requirements and parameters will be established in supplemental guidance issued by OPM.


(2) If, prior to the next required reinvestigation, a separate investigation is conducted to determine a person’s eligibility (or continued eligibility) for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position, or as a result of a change in risk level as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, and that investigation meets or exceeds the requirements for a public trust reinvestigation, a new public trust reinvestigation is not required. Such a completed investigation restarts the cycle for a public trust reinvestigation for that person.


(3) Agencies must notify all employees covered by this section of the reinvestigation requirements under this paragraph.


(e) Risk level changes. If an employee or appointee experiences a change to a higher position risk level due to promotion, demotion, or reassignment, or the risk level of the employee’s or appointee’s position is changed to a higher level, the employee or appointee may remain in or encumber the position. Any upgrade in the investigation required for the new risk level should be initiated within 14 calendar days after the promotion, demotion, reassignment or new designation of risk level is final.


(f) Completed investigations. Any suitability investigation (or reinvestigation) completed by an agency under paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section must result in a determination by the employing agency of whether the findings of the investigation would justify an action under this part or under another applicable authority, such as part 315, 359, or 752 of this chapter. Section 731.103 addresses whether an agency may take an action under this part, and whether the matter must be referred to OPM for debarment consideration.


[73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, as amended at 73 FR 66492, Nov. 11, 2008; 76 FR 69608, Nov. 9, 2011]


Subpart B—Suitability Determinations and Actions

§ 731.201 Standard.

The standard for a suitability action defined in § 731.203 and taken against an applicant, appointee, or employee is that the action will protect the integrity or promote the efficiency of the service.


§ 731.202 Criteria for making suitability determinations.

(a) General. OPM, or an agency to which OPM has delegated authority, must base its suitability determination on the presence or absence of one or more of the specific factors (charges) in paragraph (b) of this section.


(b) Specific factors. In determining whether a person is suitable for Federal employment, only the following factors will be considered a basis for finding a person unsuitable and taking a suitability action:


(1) Misconduct or negligence in employment;


(2) Criminal or dishonest conduct;


(3) Material, intentional false statement, or deception or fraud in examination or appointment;


(4) Refusal to furnish testimony as required by § 5.4 of this chapter;


(5) Alcohol abuse, without evidence of substantial rehabilitation, of a nature and duration that suggests that the applicant or appointee would be prevented from performing the duties of the position in question, or would constitute a direct threat to the property or safety of the applicant or appointee or others;


(6) Illegal use of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances without evidence of substantial rehabilitation;


(7) Knowing and willful engagement in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force; and


(8) Any statutory or regulatory bar which prevents the lawful employment of the person involved in the position in question.


(c) Additional considerations. OPM and agencies must consider any of the following additional considerations to the extent OPM or the relevant agency, in its sole discretion, deems any of them pertinent to the individual case:


(1) The nature of the position for which the person is applying or in which the person is employed;


(2) The nature and seriousness of the conduct;


(3) The circumstances surrounding the conduct;


(4) The recency of the conduct;


(5) The age of the person involved at the time of the conduct;


(6) Contributing societal conditions; and


(7) The absence or presence of rehabilitation or efforts toward rehabilitation.


(d) Reciprocity. An agency cannot make a new determination under this section for a person who has already been determined suitable or fit based on character or conduct unless a new investigation is required under § 731.104 or § 731.106, or no new investigation is required but the investigative record on file for the person shows conduct that is incompatible with the core duties of the relevant covered position.


[73 FR 20154, Apr. 15, 2008, as amended at 73 FR 66493, Nov. 11, 2008]


§ 731.203 Suitability actions by OPM and other agencies.

(a) For purposes of this part, a suitability action is one or more of the following:


(1) Cancellation of eligibility;


(2) Removal;


(3) Cancellation of reinstatement eligibility; and


(4) Debarment.


(b) A non-selection, or cancellation of eligibility for a specific position based on an objection to an eligible or pass over of a preference eligible under 5 CFR 332.406, is not a suitability action even if it is based on reasons set forth in § 731.202.


(c) A suitability action may be taken against an applicant or an appointee when OPM or an agency exercising delegated authority under this part finds that the applicant or appointee is unsuitable for the reasons cited in § 731.202, subject to the agency limitations of § 731.103(g).


(d) OPM may require that an appointee or an employee be removed on the basis of a material, intentional false statement, deception or fraud in examination or appointment; refusal to furnish testimony as required by § 5.4 of this chapter; or a statutory or regulatory bar which prevents the person’s lawful employment.


(e) OPM may cancel any reinstatement eligibility obtained as a result of a material, intentional false statement, deception or fraud in examination or appointment.


(f) An action to remove an appointee or employee for suitability reasons under this part is not an action under part 315, 359, or 752 of this chapter. Where behavior covered by this part may also form the basis for an action under parts 315, 359, or 752 of this chapter, an agency may take the action under part 315, 359, or 752 of this chapter, as appropriate, instead of under this part. An agency must notify OPM to the extent required in § 731.103(g) if it wants to take, or has taken, action under these authorities.


(g) Agencies do not need approval from OPM before taking unfavorable suitability actions. However, they are required to report to OPM all unfavorable suitability actions taken under this part within 30 days after they take the action. Also, all actions based on an OPM investigation must be reported to OPM as soon as possible and in no event later than 90 days after receipt of the final report of investigation.


§ 731.204 Debarment by OPM.

(a) When OPM finds a person unsuitable for any reason listed in § 731.202, OPM, in its discretion, may, for a period of not more than 3 years from the date of the unfavorable suitability determination, deny that person examination for, and appointment to, covered positions.


(b) OPM may impose an additional period of debarment following the expiration of a period of OPM or agency debarment, but only after the person again becomes an applicant, appointee, or employee subject to OPM’s suitability jurisdiction, and his or her suitability is determined in accordance with the procedures of this part. An additional debarment period may be based in whole or in part on the same conduct on which the previous suitability action was based, when warranted, or new conduct.


(c) OPM, in its sole discretion, determines the duration of any period of debarment imposed under this section.


§ 731.205 Debarment by agencies.

(a) Subject to the provisions of § 731.103, when an agency finds an applicant or appointee unsuitable based upon reasons listed in § 731.202, the agency may, for a period of not more than 3 years from the date of the unfavorable suitability determination, deny that person examination for, and appointment to, either all, or specific covered, positions within that agency.


(b) The agency may impose an additional period of debarment following the expiration of a period of OPM or agency debarment, but only after the person again becomes an applicant or appointee subject to the agency’s suitability jurisdiction, and his or her suitability is determined in accordance with the procedures of this part. An additional debarment period may be based in whole or in part on the same conduct on which the previous suitability action was based, when warranted, or new conduct.


(c) The agency, in its sole discretion, determines the duration of any period of debarment imposed under this section.


(d) The agency is responsible for enforcing the period of debarment and taking appropriate action if a person applies for, or is inappropriately appointed to, a position at that agency during the debarment period. This responsibility does not limit OPM’s authority to exercise jurisdiction itself and take any action OPM deems appropriate.


§ 731.206 Reporting requirements.

Agencies must report to OPM the level or nature, result, and completion date of each background investigation or reinvestigation, each agency decision based on such investigation or reinvestigation, and any personnel action taken based on such investigation or reinvestigation, as required in OPM issuances.


[76 FR 69608, Nov. 9, 2011]


Subpart C—OPM Suitability Action Procedures

§ 731.301 Scope.

This subpart covers OPM-initiated suitability actions against an applicant, appointee, or employee.


§ 731.302 Notice of proposed action.

(a) OPM will notify the applicant, appointee, or employee (hereinafter, the “respondent”) in writing of the proposed action, the charges against the respondent, and the availability of review, upon request, of the materials relied upon. The notice will set forth the specific reasons for the proposed action and state that the respondent has the right to answer the notice in writing. The notice will further inform the respondent of the time limit for the answer as well as the address to which an answer must be made.


(b) The notice will inform the respondent that he or she may be represented by a representative of the respondent’s choice and that if the respondent wishes to have such a representative, the respondent must designate the representative in writing.


(c) OPM will serve the notice of proposed action upon the respondent by mail or hand delivery no less than 30 days prior to the effective date of the proposed action to the respondent’s last known residence or duty station.


(d) If the respondent encumbers a position covered by this part on the date the notice is served, the respondent is entitled to be retained in a pay status during the notice period.


(e) OPM will send a copy of the notice to any employing agency that is involved.


§ 731.303 Answer.

(a) Respondent’s answer. A respondent may answer the charges in writing and furnish documentation and/or affidavits in support of the answer. To be timely, a written answer must be submitted no more than 30 days after the date of the notice of proposed action.


(b) Agency’s answer. An employing agency may also answer the notice of proposed action. The time limit for filing such an answer is 30 days from the date of the notice. In reaching a decision, OPM will consider any answer the agency makes.


§ 731.304 Decision.

The decision regarding the final suitability action will be in writing, be dated, and inform the respondent of the reasons for the decision and that an unfavorable decision may be appealed in accordance with subpart E of this part. OPM will also notify the respondent’s employing agency of its decision. If the decision requires removal, the employing agency must remove the appointee or employee from the rolls within 5 work days of receipt of OPM’s final decision.


Subpart D—Agency Suitability Action Procedures

§ 731.401 Scope.

This subpart covers agency-initiated suitability actions against an applicant or appointee.


§ 731.402 Notice of proposed action.

(a) The agency must notify the applicant or appointee (hereinafter, the “respondent”) in writing of the proposed action, the charges against the respondent, and the availability for review, upon request, of the materials relied upon. The notice must set forth the specific reasons for the proposed action and state that the respondent has the right to answer the notice in writing. The notice must further inform the respondent of the time limit for the answer as well as the address to which such answer must be delivered.


(b) The notice must inform the respondent that he or she may be represented by a representative of the respondent’s choice and that if the respondent wishes to have such a representative, the respondent must designate the representative in writing.


(c) The agency must serve the notice of proposed action upon the respondent by mail or hand delivery no less than 30 days prior to the effective date of the proposed action to the respondent’s last known residence or duty station.


(d) If the respondent is employed in a position covered by this part on the date the notice is served, the respondent is entitled to be retained in a pay status during the notice period.


§ 731.403 Answer.

A respondent may answer the charges in writing and furnish documentation and/or affidavits in support of the answer. To be timely, a written answer must be submitted no more than 30 days after the date of the notice of proposed action.


§ 731.404 Decision.

The decision regarding the final action must be in writing, be dated, and inform the respondent of the reasons for the decision and that an unfavorable decision may be appealed in accordance with subpart E of this part. If the decision requires removal, the employing agency must remove the appointee from the rolls within 5 work days of the agency’s decision.


Subpart E—Appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board

§ 731.501 Appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

(a) Appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board. When OPM or an agency acting under delegated authority under this part takes a suitability action against a person, that person may appeal the action to the Merit Systems Protection Board (hereinafter “Board”).


(b) Decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board. (1) If the Board finds that one or more of the charges brought by OPM or an agency against the person is supported by a preponderance of the evidence, regardless of whether all specifications are sustained, it must affirm the suitability determination. The Board must consider the record as a whole and make a finding on each charge and specification in making its decision.


(2) If the Board sustains fewer than all the charges, the Board must remand the case to OPM or the agency to determine whether the suitability action taken is appropriate based on the sustained charge(s). However, the agency must hold in abeyance a decision on remand until the person has exhausted all rights to seek review of the Board’s decision, including court review.


(3) Once review is final, OPM or an agency will determine whether the action taken is appropriate based on the sustained charges and this determination will be final without any further appeal to the Board.


(c) Appeal procedures. The procedures for filing an appeal with the Board are found at part 1201 of this title.


Subpart F—Savings Provision

§ 731.601 Savings provision.

No provision of the regulations in this part is to be applied in such a way as to affect any administrative proceeding pending on June 16, 2008. An administrative proceeding is deemed to be pending from the date of the agency or OPM “notice of proposed action” described in §§ 731.302 and 731.402.


PART 732—NATIONAL SECURITY POSITIONS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 3301, 3302, 7312; 50 U.S.C. 403; E.O. 10450, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 936.


Source:56 FR 18654, Apr. 23, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Scope

§ 732.101 Purpose.

This part sets forth certain requirements and procedures which each agency shall observe for determining national security positions pursuant to Executive Order 10450—Security Requirements for Government Employment (April 27, 1953), 18 FR 2489, 3 CFR 1949-1953 Comp., p. 936, as amended.


§ 732.102 Definition and applicability.

(a) For purposes of this part, the term “national security position” includes:


(1) Those positions that involve activities of the Government that are concerned with the protection of the nation from foreign aggression or espionage, including development of defense plans or policies, intelligence or counterintelligence activities, and related activities concerned with the preservation of the military strength of the United States; and


(2) Positions that require regular use of, or access to, classified information. Procedures and guidance provided in OPM issuances apply.


(b) The requirements of this part apply to competitive service positions, and to Senior Executive Service positions filled by career appointment, within the Executive Branch, and agencies may apply them to excepted service positions within the Executive Branch.


[56 FR 18654, Apr. 23, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


Subpart B—Designation and Investigative Requirements

§ 732.201 Sensitivity level designations and investigative requirements.

(a) For purposes of this part, the head of each agency shall designate, or cause to be designated, any position within the department or agency the occupant of which could bring about, by virtue of the nature of the position, a material adverse effect on the national security as a sensitive position at one of three sensitivity levels: Special-Sensitive, Critical-Sensitive, or Noncritical-Sensitive.


(b) Investigative requirements for each sensitivity level are provided in OPM issuances.


[56 FR 18654, Apr. 23, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


§ 732.202 Waivers and exceptions to investigative requirements.

(a) Waivers—(1) General. A waiver of the preappointment investigative requirement contained in section 3(b) of Executive Order 10450 for employment in a sensitive national security position may be made only for a limited period: (i) In case of emergency if the head of the department or agency concerned finds that such action is necessary in the national interest; and (ii) when such finding is made a part of the records of the department or agency.


(2) Specific waiver requirements. (i) The preappointment investigative requirement may not be waived for appointment to positions designated Special-Sensitive under this part.


(ii) For positions designated Critical-Sensitive under this part, the records of the department or agency required by § 732.202(a)(1) of this part shall show what decision was made on obtaining prewaiver checks, as follows: (A) The nature of the emergency precluded obtaining prewaiver checks; or (B) checks were initiated but not all responses were received within 5 days; or (C) checks made and favorably completed are listed.


(iii) The waiver restriction is optional for positions designated Noncritical-Sensitive under this part.


(iv) When waiver is authorized, the required investigation must be initiated within 14 days of placement of the individual in the position.


(b) Exceptions to investigative requirements. (1) Pursuant to section 3(a) of E.O. 10450, the following positions are exempt from the investigative requirements of E.O. 10450, providing that the employing agency conducts such checks as it deems appropriate to insure that the employment or retention of individuals in these positions is clearly consistent with the interests of the national security:


(i) Positions that are intermittent, seasonal, per diem, or temporary, not to exceed an aggregate of 180 days in either a single continuous appointment or series of appointments; or


(ii) Positions filled by aliens employed outside the United States.


(2) Other positions that OPM, in its discretion, deems appropriate may be made exempt based on a written request to OPM by the agency head in whose department or agency the positions are located.


§ 732.203 Periodic reinvestigation requirements.

The incumbent of each position designated Special-Sensitive or Critical-Sensitive under this part shall be subject to periodic reinvestigation of a scope prescribed by OPM 5 years after placement, and at least once each succeeding 5 years. The employing agency will use the results of such periodic reinvestigation to determine whether the continued employment of the individual in a sensitive position is clearly consistent with the interests of the national security.


Subpart C—Due Process and Reporting

§ 732.301 Due process.

When an agency makes an adjudicative decision under this part based on an OPM investigation, or when an agency, as a result of information in an OPM investigation, changes a tentative favorable placement or clearance decision to an unfavorable decision, the agency must:


(a) Insure that the records used in making the decision are accurate, relevant, timely, and complete to the extent reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in any determination.


(b) Comply with all applicable administrative due process requirements, as provided by law, rule, or regulation.


(c) At a minimum, provide the individual concerned:


(1) Notice of the specific reason(s) for the decision; and


(2) An opportunity to respond; and


(3) Notice of appeal rights, if any.


(d) Consider all available information in reaching its final decision.


(e) Keep any record of the agency action required by OPM as published in its issuances.


[56 FR 18654, Apr. 23, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


§ 732.302 Reporting to OPM.

(a) In accordance with section 9(a) of E.O. 10450, each agency conducting an investigation under E.O. 10450 is required to notify OPM when the investigation is initiated.


(b) In accordance with section 14(c) of E.O. 10450, agencies shall report to OPM the action taken with respect to individuals investigated pursuant to E.O. 10450 as soon as possible and in no event later than 90 days after receipt of the final report of investigation.


Subpart D—Security and Related Determinations

§ 732.401 Reemployment eligibility of certain former Federal employees.

(a) Request. A former employee who was terminated, or who resigned while charges were pending, from a department or agency of the Government under a statute or executive order authorizing termination in the interest of national security or on grounds relating to loyalty, and authorizing OPM to determine the eligibility for employment in another department or agency of the Government, may request OPM in writing to determine whether the individual is eligible for employment in another department or agency of the Government.


(b) Action by OPM. (1) OPM shall determine, and will notify the former employee, after appropriate consideration of the case, including such investigation as it considers necessary, whether the individual may be employed in another department or agency of the Government.


(2) If a former Federal employee found ineligible under this section has had an opportunity to comment on the reasons for the action, or has furnished them to OPM or to the former employing agency, OPM may cancel the reinstatement eligibility if the eligibility resulted from the last Federal employment and was obtained through fraud, and OPM may prescribe a period of debarment not to exceed 3 years.


PART 733—POLITICAL ACTIVITY—FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN DESIGNATED LOCALITIES


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7325.d.


Source:63 FR 4558, Jan. 30, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

§ 733.101 Definitions.

In this part:


Accept means to come into possession of something from a person officially on behalf of a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or a partisan political group, but does not include ministerial activities which precede or follow this official act.


Candidate means an individual who seeks nomination or election to any elective office whether or not the person is elected. An individual is deemed to be a candidate if the individual has received political contributions or made expenditures or has consented to another person receiving contributions or making expenditures with a view to bringing about the individual’s nomination or election.


Campaign means all acts done by a candidate and his or her adherents to obtain a majority or plurality of the votes to be cast toward a nomination or in an election.


Election includes a primary, special, runoff, or general election.


Employee means:


Any individual (other than the President, the Vice President, or a member of the uniformed services) employed or holding office in—


(1) An Executive agency other than the General Accounting Office;


(2) A position within the competitive service which is not in an Executive agency; or


(3) The United States Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission.


On Duty means the period when an employee is:


(1) In a pay status other than paid leave, compensatory time off, credit hours, time off as an incentive award, or excused or authorized absence (including leave without pay); or


(2) Representing any agency or instrumentality of the United States Government in an official capacity.


Partisan when used as an adjective means related to a political party.


Partisan political group means any committee, club, or other organization which is affiliated with a political party or candidate for public office in a partisan election, or organized for a partisan purpose, or which engages in partisan political activity.


Partisan political office means any office for which any candidate is nominated or elected as representing a party any of whose candidates for Presidential elector received votes in the last preceding election at which Presidential electors were selected, but does not include any office or position within a political party or affiliated organization.


Person means an individual; a State, local, or foreign government; or a corporation and the subsidiaries it controls, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other organization or institution, including any officer, employee, or agent of such person or entity.


Political activity means an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.


Political contribution means any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value, made for any political purpose.


(1) A political contribution includes:


(i) Any contract, promise, or agreement, express or implied, whether or not legally enforceable, to make a contribution for any political purpose;


(ii) Any payment by any person, other than a candidate or a political party or affiliated organization, of compensation for the personal services of another person which are rendered to any candidate or political party or affiliated organization without charge for any political purpose; and


(iii) The provision of personal services, paid or unpaid, for any political purpose.


(2) A political contribution does not include the value of services provided without compensation by any individual who volunteers on behalf of any candidate, campaign, political party, or partisan political group.


Political management means the direction or supervision of a partisan political group or campaign for partisan political office.


Political party means a national political party, a State political party, or an affiliated organization.


Political purpose means an objective of promoting or opposing a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.


Receive means to come into possession of something from a person officially on behalf of a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or a partisan political group, but does not include ministerial activities which precede or follow this official act.


Room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency thereof includes, but is not limited to:


(1) Any Federally owned space (including, but not limited to, “public buildings” as defined in 40 U.S.C. 612(1)) or Federally leased space in which Federal employees perform official duties on a regular basis;


(2) Public areas as defined in 40 U.S.C. 490(a)(17) and 41 CFR 101-20.003 of buildings under the custody and control of the General Services Administration.


(3) A room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency thereof does not include rooms in the White House, or in the residence of the Vice President, which are part of the Residence area or which are not regularly used solely in the discharge of official duties.


Solicit means to request expressly of another person that he or she contribute something to a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or partisan political group.


Subordinate refers to the relationship between two employees when one employee is under the supervisory authority, control or administrative direction of the other employee.


Uniformed services means uniformed services as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).


[63 FR 4558, Jan. 30, 1998, as amended at 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 733.102 Exclusion of employees in the Criminal Division and National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice.

Employees in the Criminal Division and National Security Division in the Department of Justice (except employees appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate) specifically are excluded from coverage under the provisions of this part.


[79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 733.103 Permitted political activities—employees who reside in designated localities.

(a) This section does not apply to an individual who is employed in an agency or position described in § 733.105(a), unless that individual has been appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.


(b) Employees who reside in a municipality or political subdivision designated by OPM under § 733.107 may:


(1) Run as independent candidates for election to partisan political office in elections for local office in the municipality or political subdivision;


(2) Solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution as, or on behalf of, an independent candidate for partisan political office in elections for local office in the municipality or political subdivision;


(3) Accept or receive a political contribution on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party;


(4) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services as an independent candidate, or on behalf of an independent candidate, for local partisan political office, in connection with the local elections of the municipality or subdivision; and


(5) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party.


§ 733.104 Prohibited political activities—employees who reside in designated localities.

(a) This section does not apply to an individual who is employed in an agency or position described in § 733.105(a), unless that individual has been appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.


(b) Employees who reside in a municipality or political subdivision designated by OPM under § 733.107 may not:


(1) Run as the representative of a political party for local partisan political office;


(2) Solicit a political contribution on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party;


(3) Knowingly solicit a political contribution from any Federal employee, except as permitted under 5 U.S.C. 7323(a)(2)(A)-(C).


(4) Accept or receive a political contribution from a subordinate; or


(5) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services from a subordinate for any political purpose.


(c) An employee covered under this section may not participate in political activities:


(1) While he or she is on duty:


(2) While he or she is wearing a uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies the employing agency or instrumentality or the position of the employee;


(3) While he or she is in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; or


(4) While using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.


(d) An employee described in 5 U.S.C. 7324(b)(2) may participate in political activity otherwise prohibited by § 733.104(c) if the costs associated with that political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury of the United States.


(e) Candidacy for, and service in, a partisan political office shall not result in neglect of, or interference with, the performance of the duties of the employee or create a conflict, or apparent conflict, of interest.


§ 733.105 Permitted political activities—employees who reside in designated localities and are employed in certain agencies and positions.

(a) This section applied to employees who reside in designated localities and are employed in the following agencies or positions:


(1) The Federal Election Commission;


(2) The Election Assistance Commission;


(3) The Federal Bureau of Investigation;


(4) The Secret Service;


(5) The Central Intelligence Agency;


(6) The National Security Council;


(7) The National Security Agency;


(8) The Defense Intelligence Agency;


(9) The Merit Systems Protection Board;


(10) The Office of Special Counsel;


(11) The Office of Criminal Investigation of the Internal Revenue Service.


(12) The Office of Investigative Programs of the United States Customs Service;


(13) The Office of Law Enforcement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms;


(14) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency;


(15) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence;


(16) Career Senior Executive Service positions described in 5 U.S.C. 3132(a)(4);


(17) Administrative Law Judge positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5372;


(18) Contract Appeals Board Member positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5372a; or


(19) Administrative Appeals Judge positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5732b.


(b) This section does not apply to individuals who have been appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, even though they are employed in the agencies and positions described in paragraph (a) of this section.


(c) Employees who are covered under this section and who reside in a municipality or political subdivision designated by OPM under § 733.107 may:


(1) Run as independent candidates for election to partisan political office in elections for local office in the municipality or political subdivision;


(2) Solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution as, or on behalf of, an independent candidate for partisan political office in elections for local office in the municipality or political subdivision;


(3) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services as, or on behalf of, an independent candidate for partisan political office in elections for office in the municipality or subdivision; and


(4) Take an active part in other political activities associated with elections for local partisan political office and in managing the campaigns of candidates for election to local partisan political office in the municipality or political subdivision, but only as an independent candidate or on behalf of, or in opposition to, an independent candidate.


[63 FR 4558, Jan. 30, 1998, as amended at 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 733.106 Prohibited political activities—employees who reside designated localities and are employed in certain agencies and positions.

(a) This section does not apply to individuals who have been appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, even though they are employed in the agencies and positions described in § 733.105(a).


(b) Employees who are employed in the agencies and positions described in § 733.105(a), and who reside in a municipality or political subdivision designated by OPM under § 733.107, may not:


(1) Run as the representative of a political party for local partisan political office;


(2) Solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party;


(3) Knowingly solicit a political contribution from any Federal employee;


(4) Accept or receive a political contribution from a subordinate;


(5) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party;


(6) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services from a subordinate for any political purpose; or


(7) Take an active part in other political activities associated with elections for local partisan political office, when such participation occurs on behalf of a political party, partisan political group, or a candidate for local partisan political office who represents a political party.


(c) An employee covered under this section may not participate in political activities:


(1) While he or she is on duty:


(2) While he or she is wearing a uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies the employing agency or instrumentality or the position of the employee;


(3) While he or she is in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; or


(4) While using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.


(d) Candidacy for, and service in, or partisan political office shall not result in neglect of, or interference with, the performance of the duties of the employee or create a conflict, or apparent conflict, of interest.


§ 733.107 Designated localities.

(a) When OPM determines that, because of special or unusual circumstances, it is in the domestic interest of employees to participate in local elections, OPM may specify as a designated locality:


(1) The District of Columbia,


(2) A municipality or political subdivision in Maryland or Virginia and in the immediate vicinity of the District of Columbia, or


(3) A municipality in which the majority of voters are employed by the Government of the United States.


(b) Information as to the documentation required to support a request for designation is furnished by the General Counsel of OPM on request.


(c) The following municipalities and political subdivisions have been designated, effective on the day specified:



In Maryland

Annapolis (May 16, 1941).

Anne Arundel County (March 14, 1973).

Berwyn Heights (June 15, 1944).

Bethesda (Feb. 17, 1943).

Bladensburg (April 20, 1942).

Bowie (April 11, 1952).

Brentwood (Sept. 26, 1940).

Calvert County (June 18, 1992).

Capitol Heights (Nov. 12, 1940).

Cheverly (Dec. 18, 1940).

Chevy Chase, section 3 (Oct. 8, 1940).

Chevy Chase, section 4 (Oct. 2, 1940).

Chevy Chase View (Feb. 26, 1941).

Chevy Chase Village, Town of (March 4, 1941).

College Park (June 13, 1945).

Cottage City (Jan. 15, 1941).

District Heights (Nov. 2, 1940).

Edmonston (Oct. 24, 1940).

Fairmont Heights (Oct. 24, 1940).

Forest Heights (April 22, 1949).

Frederick County (May 31, 1991).

Garrett Park (Oct. 2, 1940).

Glenarden (May 21, 1941).

Glen Echo (Oct. 22, 1940).

Greenbelt (Oct. 4, 1940).

Howard County (April 25, 1974).

Hyattsville (Sept. 20, 1940).

Kensington (Nov. 8, 1940).

Landover Hills (May 5, 1945).

Martin’s Additions, Village of (Feb. 13, 1941).

Montgomery County (April 30, 1964).

Morningside (May 19, 1949).

Mount Rainier (Nov. 22, 1940).

New Carrollton (July 7, 1981).

North Beach (Sept. 20, 1940).

North Brentwood (May 6, 1941).

North Chevy Chase (July 22, 1942).

Northwest Park (Feb. 17, 1943).

Prince George’s County (June 19, 1962).

Riverdale (Sept. 26, 1940).

Rockville (April 15, 1948).

St. Mary’s County (March 2, 1998).

Seat Pleasant (Aug. 31, 1942).

Somerset (Nov. 22, 1940).

Takoma Park (Oct. 22, 1940).

University Park (Jan. 18, 1941).

Washington Grove (April 5, 1941).

In Virginia

Alexandria (April 15, 1941).

Arlington County (Sept. 9, 1940).

Clifton (July 14, 1941).

Fairfax, City of (Feb. 9, 1954).

Fairfax County (Nov. 10, 1949).

Falls Church (June 6, 1941).

Fauquier County

Herndon (April 7, 1945).

King George County (June 6, 2012).

Loudoun County (Oct. 1, 1971).

Manassas (Jan. 8, 1980).

Manassas Park (March 4, 1980).

Portsmouth (Feb. 27, 1958).

Prince William County (Feb. 14, 1967).

Spotsylvania County (March 2, 1998).

Stafford County (Nov. 2, 1979).

Vienna (March 18, 1946).

Other Municipalities

Anchorage, Alaska (Dec. 29, 1947).

Benicia, Calif. (Feb. 20, 1948).

Bremerton, Wash. (Feb. 27, 1946).

Centerville, Ga. (Sept. 16, 1971).

Crane, Ind. (Aug. 3, 1967).

District of Columbia

Elmer City, Wash. (Oct. 28, 1947).

Huachuca City, Ariz. (April 9, 1959).

New Johnsonville, Tenn. (April 26, 1956).

Norris, Tenn. (May 6, 1959).

Port Orchard, Wash. (Feb. 27, 1946).

Sierra Vista, Ariz. (Oct. 5, 1955).

Warner Robins, Ga. (March 19, 1948).

[63 FR 4558, Jan. 30, 1998, as amended at 73 FR 28026, May 15, 2008; 77 FR 26660, May 7, 2012; 78 FR 66826, Nov. 7, 2013; 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


PART 734—POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES


Authority:5 U.S.C. 1103, 1104, 7325; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978, 92 Stat. 3783, 3 CFR 1978 Comp. p. 323; and E.O. 12107, 3 CFR 1978 Comp. p. 264.


Source:59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 734.101 Definitions.

For the purposes of this part:


Accept means to come into possession of something from a person officially on behalf of a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or a partisan political group, but does not include ministerial activities which precede or follow this official act.


Candidate means an individual who seeks nomination or election to any elective office whether or not the person is elected. An individual is deemed to be a candidate if the individual has received political contributions or made expenditures or has consented to another person receiving contributions or making expenditures with a view to bringing about the individual’s nomination or election.


Campaign means all acts done by a candidate and his or her adherents to obtain a majority or plurality of the votes to be cast toward a nomination or in an election.


Election includes a primary, special, runoff, or general election.


Employee means any individual (other than the President, Vice President, or a member of the uniformed services) employed or holding office in—


(1) An Executive agency other than the General Accounting Office;


(2) A position within the competitive service which is not in an Executive agency; or


(3) The United States Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission.


Employing office shall have the meaning given by the head of each agency or instrumentality of the United States Government covered by this part. Each agency or instrumentality shall provide notice identifying the appropriate employing offices within it through internal agency notice procedures.


Federal employee organization means any lawful nonprofit organization, association, society, or club composed of Federal employees.


Federal labor organization means an organization defined in 5 U.S.C. 7103(a)(4).


Multicandidate political committee means an organization defined in 2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(4).


Nonpartisan election means—


(1) An election in which none of the candidates is to be nominated or elected as representing a political party any of whose candidates for Presidential elector received votes in the last preceding election at which Presidential electors were selected; or


(2) An election involving a question or issue which is not specifically identified with a political party, such as a constitutional amendment, referendum, approval of a municipal ordinance, or any question or issue of a similar character.


Occasional means occurring infrequently, at irregular intervals, and according to no fixed or certain scheme; acting or serving for the occasion or only on particular occasions.


Office means the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.


On Duty means the time period when an employee is:


(1) In a pay status other than paid leave, compensatory time off, credit hours, time off as an incentive award, or excused or authorized absence (including leave without pay); or


(2) Representing any agency or instrumentality of the United States Government in an official capacity.


Partisan when used as an adjective means related to a political party.


Partisan political group means any committee, club, or other organization which is affiliated with a political party or candidate for public office in a partisan election, or organized for a partisan purpose, or which engages in partisan political activity.


Partisan political office means any office for which any candidate is nominated or elected as representing a party any of whose candidates for Presidential elector received votes in the last preceding election at which Presidential electors were selected, but does not include any office or position within a political party or affiliated organization.


Person means an individual; a State, local, or foreign government; or a corporation and subsidiaries it controls, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other organization or institution, including any officer, employee, or agent of such person or entity.


Political Action Committee means any committee, association, or organization (whether or not incorporated) which accepts contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing, or attempting to influence, the nomination or election of one or more individuals to Federal, State, or local elective public office.


Political activity means an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.


Political contribution means any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value, made for any political purpose.


(a) A political contribution includes:


(1) Any contract, promise, or agreement, express or implied, whether or not legally enforceable, to make a contribution for any political purpose;


(2) Any payment by any person, other than a candidate or a political party or affiliated organization, of compensation for the personal services of another person which are rendered to any candidate or political party or affiliated organization without charge for any political purpose; and


(3) The provision of personal services, paid or unpaid, for any political purpose.


(b) A political contribution does not include the value of services provided without compensation by any individual who volunteers on behalf of any candidate, campaign, political party, or partisan political group.


Political management means the direction or supervision of a partisan political group or campaign for partisan political office.


Political party means a national political party, a State political party, or an affiliated organization.


Political purpose means an objective of promoting or opposing a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.


Receive means to come into possession of something from a person officially on behalf of a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or a partisan political group, but does not include ministerial activities which precede or follow this official act.


Recurrent means occurring frequently, or periodically on a regular basis.


Room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency thereof includes, but is not limited to:


(1) Any Federally owned space (including, but not limited to, “public buildings” as defined in 40 U.S.C. 612(1)) or Federally leased space in which Federal employees perform official duties on a regular basis;


(2) Public areas as defined in 40 U.S.C. 490(a)(17) and 41 CFR 101-20.003 of buildings under the custody and control of the General Services Administration.


(3) A room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency thereof does not include rooms in the White House, or in the residence of the Vice President, which are part of the Residence area or which are not regularly used solely in the discharge of official duties.


Solicit means to request expressly of another person that he or she contribute something to a candidate, a campaign, a political party, or partisan political group.


Subordinate refers to the relationship between two employees when one employee is under the supervisory authority, control or administrative direction of the other employee.


Uniformed services means uniformed services as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35099, July 5, 1996; 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.102 Jurisdiction.

(a) The United States Office of Special Counsel has exclusive authority to investigate allegations of political activity prohibited by the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993, as implemented by 5 CFR part 734, prosecute alleged violations before the United States Merit Systems Protection Board, and render advisory opinions concerning the applicability of 5 CFR part 734 to the political activity of Federal employees. (5 U.S.C. 1212 and 1216). Advice concerning the Hatch Act Reform Amendments may be requested from the Office of Special Counsel:


(1) By letter addressed to the Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505;


(2) By telephone on (202) 254-3650, or (1-800) 854-2824;


(3) By fax on (202) 254-3700; or


(4) By email at [email protected].


(b) The Merit Systems Protection Board has exclusive authority to determine whether a violation of the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993, as implemented by 5 CFR part 734, has occurred and to impose a penalty of removal, reduction-in-grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, for violation of the political activity restrictions regulated by this part. (5 U.S.C. 1204 and 7326).


(c) The Office of Personnel Management is authorized to issue regulations describing the political activities which are permitted and prohibited under the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993. (5 U.S.C. 1103, 1104, 7325; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978, 92 Stat. 3783, 3 CFR 1978 Comp. p. 323; and E.O. 12107, 3 CFR 1978 Comp. p. 264.)


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996; 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.103 Multicandidate political committees of Federal labor organizations and Federal employee organizations.

(a) In order to qualify under this part, each multicandidate political committee of a Federal labor organization must provide to the Office the following:


(1) Information verifying that the multicandidate political committee is a multicandidate political committee as defined by 2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(4);


(2) Information identifying the Federal labor organization to which the multicandidate political committee is connected; and


(3) Information that identifies the Federal labor organization as a labor organization defined at 5 U.S.C. 7103(4).


(b) In order to qualify under this part, each multicandidate political committee of a Federal employee organization must provide to the Office the following:


(1) Information verifying that the multicandidate political committee is a multicandidate political committee as defined in 2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(4);


(2) Information identifying the Federal employee organization to which the multicandidate political committee is connected; and


(3) Information indicating that the multicandidate political committee was in existence as of October 6, 1993.


§ 734.104 Restriction of political activity.

No further proscriptions or restrictions may be imposed upon employees covered under this regulation except:


(a) Employees who are appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate;


(b) Employees who are appointed by the President;


(c) Non-career senior executive service members;


(d) Schedule C employees, 5 CFR 213.3301, 213.3302; and


(e) Any other employees who serve at the pleasure of the President.


Subpart B—Permitted Activities

§ 734.201 Exclusion from coverage.

This subpart does not apply to employees in the agencies and positions described in subpart D of this part.


§ 734.202 Permitted activities.

Employees may take an active part in political activities, including political management and political campaigns, to the extent not expressly prohibited by law and this part.


§ 734.203 Participation in nonpartisan activities.

An employee may:


(a) Express his or her opinion privately and publicly on political subjects;


(b) Be politically active in connection with a question which is not specifically identified with a political party, such as a constitutional amendment, referendum, approval of a municipal ordinance or any other question or issue of a similar character;


(c) Participate in the nonpartisan activities of a civic, community, social, labor, or professional organization, or of a similar organization; and


(d) Participate fully in public affairs, except as prohibited by other Federal law, in a manner which does not compromise his or her efficiency or integrity as an employee or the neutrality, efficiency, or integrity of the agency or instrumentality of the United States Government in which he or she is employed.


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996; 79 FR 25485, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.204 Participation in political organizations.

An employee may:


(a) Be a member of a political party or other political group and participate in its activities;


(b) Serve as an officer of a political party or other political group, a member of a national, State, or local committee of a political party, an officer or member of a committee of a political group, or be a candidate for any of these positions;


(c) Attend and participate fully in the business of nominating caucuses of political parties;


(d) Organize or reorganize a political party organization or political group; and


(e) Participate in a political convention, rally, or other political gathering.


(f) Serve as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention.



Example 1:An employee of the Department of Education may serve as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a State or national party convention.


Example 2:A noncareer member of the Senior Executive Service, or other employee covered under this subpart, may serve as a vice-president of a political action committee, as long as the duties of the office do not involve personal solicitation, acceptance, or receipt of political contributions. Ministerial activities which precede or follow the official acceptance and receipt, such as handling, disbursing, or accounting for contributions are not covered under the definitions of accept and receive in § 734.101. Sections 734.208 and 734.303 describe in detail permitted and prohibited activities which are related to fundraising.


Example 3:An employee of the Federal Communications Commission may make motions or place a name in nomination at a nominating caucus.


Example 4:An employee of the Department of the Interior may serve as an officer of a candidate’s campaign committee as long as he does not personally solicit, accept, or receive political contributions. Sections 734.208 and 734.303 of this part describe in detail permitted and prohibited activities which are related to fundraising.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.205 Participation in political campaigns.

Subject to the prohibitions in § 734.306, an employee may:


(a) Display pictures, signs, stickers, badges, or buttons associated with political parties, candidates for partisan political office, or partisan political groups, as long as these items are displayed in accordance with the provisions of § 734.306 of subpart C of this part;


(b) Initiate or circulate a nominating petition for a candidate for partisan political office;


(c) Canvass for votes in support of or in opposition to a partisan political candidate or a candidate for political party office;


(d) Endorse or oppose a partisan political candidate or a candidate for political party office in a political advertisement, broadcast, campaign literature, or similar material;


(e) Address a convention, caucus, rally, or similar gathering of a political party or political group in support of or in opposition to a partisan political candidate or a candidate for political party office; and


(f) Take an active part in managing the political campaign of a partisan political candidate or a candidate for political party office.



Example 1:An employee of the Environmental Protection Agency may broadcast endorsements for a partisan political candidate via a public address system attached to his or her private automobile.


Example 2:An employee of the Department of Interior may canvass voters by telephone on behalf of a political party or partisan political candidate.


Example 3:An employee of the Department of Agriculture may stand outside of polling places on election day and hand out brochures on behalf of a partisan political candidate or political party.


Example 4:An employee may appear in a television or radio broadcast which endorses a partisan political candidate and is sponsored by the candidate’s campaign committee, a political party, or a partisan political group.


Example 5:An independent contractor is not covered by this part and may display a political button while performing the duties for which he or she is contracted.


Example 6:An employee of the Department of Commerce who is on official travel may take annual leave in the morning to give an address at a breakfast for a candidate for partisan political office.


Example 7:An employee may manage the political campaign of a candidate for public office including supervising paid and unpaid campaign workers.


Example 8:While not on duty, a Federal employee may distribute campaign leaflets by hand to homes or parked cars even though the leaflet may contain information concerning where to send contributions among other factual material about a partisan political candidate. However, should a member of the public stop the employee and request further information about contributions, the employee should refer that request to another campaign worker who is not a Federal employee.


Example 9:An employee may place in his or her front yard a sign or banner supporting a partisan political candidate.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.206 Participation in elections.

An employee may:


(a) Register and vote in any election;


(b) Act as recorder, watcher, challenger, or similar officer at polling places;


(c) Serve as an election judge or clerk, or in a similar position; and


(d) Drive voters to polling places for a partisan political candidate, partisan political group, or political party.



Example:An employee may drive voters to polling places in a privately owned vehicle, but not in a Government-owned or leased vehicle.

§ 734.207 Candidacy for public office.

An employee may:


(a) Run as an independent candidate in a partisan election covered by 5 CFR part 733; and


(b) Run as a candidate in a nonpartisan election.



Example 1:An employee who is a candidate for public office in a nonpartisan election is not barred by the Hatch Act from soliciting, accepting, or receiving political contributions for his or her own campaign; however, such solicitation, acceptance, or receipt must comply with part 2635 of this title as well as any other directives that may apply, e.g., The Federal Property Management Regulations in 41 CFR chapter 101.

§ 734.208 Participation in fundraising.

(a) An employee may make a political contribution to a political party, political group, campaign committee of a candidate for public office in a partisan election and multicandidate political committee of a Federal labor or Federal employee organization.


(b) Subject to the prohibitions stated in section 734.303, an employee may—


(1) Attend a political fundraiser;


(2) Accept and receive political contributions in a partisan election described in 5 CFR part 733;


(3) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services from any individual; and


(4) Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions, as long as:


(i) The person who is solicited for a political contribution belongs to the same Federal labor organization, or Federal employee organization, as the employee who solicits, accepts, or receives the contribution;


(ii) The person who is solicited for a political contribution is not a subordinate employee; and


(iii) The request is for a contribution to the multicandidate political committee of a Federal labor organization or to the multicandidate political committee of a Federal employee organization in existence on October 6, 1993.


(c) Subject to the provisions of § 734.306, an employee may make a financial contribution to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment made under § 550.311(b) of this chapter, if the head of the employee’s agency permits agency employees to make such allotments to political action committees.


(d) An employee who is covered under this subpart and is a payroll official in an agency where employees are permitted to make allotments to political action committees may process the completed direct deposit forms for voluntary allotments which have been made to such committees under section 550.311(b) of this title.



Example 1:An GS-12 employee of the Department of Treasury who belongs to the same Federal employee organization as a GS-5 employee of the Department of Treasury may solicit a contribution for the multicandidate political committee when she is not on duty as long as the GS-5 employee is not under the supervisory authority of the GS-12 employee.


Example 2:An employee of the National Park Service may give a speech or keynote address at a political fundraiser when he is not on duty, as long as the employee does not solicit political contributions, as prohibited in § 734.303(b) of this part.


Example 3:An employee’s name may appear on an invitation to a political fundraiser as a guest speaker as long as the reference in no way suggests that the employee solicits or encourages contributions, as prohibited in § 734.303 of this part and described in example 2 thereunder. However, the employee’s official title may not appear on invitations to any political fundraiser, except that an employee who is ordinarily addressed using a general term of address, such as “The Honorable,” may use or permit the use of that term of address for such purposes.


Example 4:When an employee of the Department of Transportation is not on duty, he or she may engage in activities which do not require personal solicitations of contributions, such as organizing mail or phone solicitations for political contributions. Activities such as stuffing envelopes with requests for political contributions also are permitted. However, he or she may not sign the solicitation letter unless the solicitation is for the contribution of uncompensated volunteer services of individuals who are not subordinate employees. An employee may not knowingly send to his or her subordinate employees a letter soliciting the contribution of their uncompensated services. However, he or she may sign a letter that solicits contributions of uncompensated volunteer services as part of a general mass mailing that might reach a subordinate employee, as long as the mass mailing is not specifically targeted to his or her subordinate employees.


Example 5:An employee who is not on duty may participate in a phone bank soliciting the uncompensated services of individuals. However, an employee may not make phone solicitations for political contributions even anonymously.


Example 6:An employee of the Department of Agriculture who is on official travel and is not in a pay status nor officially representing the Department may write invitations in his hotel room to a meet-the-candidate reception which he plans to hold in his home.


Example 7:An employee may serve as an officer or chairperson of a political fundraising organization or committee as long as he or she does not personally solicit, accept, or receive political contributions. For example, the employee may organize or manage fundraising activities as long as he or she does not violate the above prohibition.


Example 8:The head of a cabinet-level department may contribute one of her worn-out cowboy boots to the campaign committee of a Senatorial candidate to be auctioned off in a fundraising raffle for the benefit of the candidate’s campaign.


Example 9:An employee may help organize a fundraiser including supplying names for the invitation list as long as he or she does not personally solicit, accept, or receive contributions.


Example 10:An employee on travel may engage in political activity when he or she is not on duty without taking annual leave.


Example 11:A Federal employee may solicit, accept, or receive the uncompensated volunteer services of any individual, except a subordinate employee, to work on behalf of a partisan political candidate or organization. However, such solicitation, acceptance, or receipt must comply with part 2635 of this title as well as any other directives that may apply, e.g., the Federal Property Management Regulations in 41 CFR chapter 101. Further, Federal employees are subject to criminal anti-coercion provisions found at 18 U.S.C. 610.


Example 12:An employee who desires to make a financial contribution to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment personally may obtain blank direct deposit forms from his or her payroll office. However, he or she may not complete the form while he or she is on duty, on Federal property, or in a Federally owned or leased vehicle. Moreover, he or she may not personally deliver his or her completed form, or the completed form of another employee, to the payroll office. However, the employee may mail his or her direct deposit form to his or her agency payroll office.


Example 13:Employees who are permitted to solicit, accept, or receive political contributions under the circumstances described in § 734.208(b)(4) may not solicit, accept, or receive such contributions either while they are on duty, or while they are on Federal premises, or both.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996]


Subpart C—Prohibited Activities

§ 734.301 Exclusion from coverage.

This subpart does not apply to employees in the agencies and positions described in subpart D of this part.


§ 734.302 Use of official authority; prohibition.

(a) An employee may not use his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.


(b) Activities prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section include, but are not limited to:


(1) Using his or her official title while participating in political activity;


(2) Using his or her authority to coerce any person to participate in political activity; and


(3) Soliciting, accepting, or receiving uncompensated individual volunteer services from a subordinate for any political purpose.



Example 1:An employee who signs a letter seeking uncompensated volunteer services from individuals may not identify himself or herself by using his or her official title. However, the employee may use a general form of address, such as “The Honorable.”


Example 2:A noncareer member of the Senior Executive Service, or another employee covered by this subpart, may not ask his or her subordinate employees to provide uncompensated individual volunteer services for a political party, partisan political group, or candidate for partisan political office. Moreover, he or she may not accept or receive such services from a subordinate employee who offers to donate them.


Example 3:An employee may not require any person to contribute to a partisan political campaign in order to win a Federal contract:

[61 FR 35100, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.303 Fundraising.

An employee may not knowingly:


(a) Personally solicit, accept or receive a political contribution from another person, except under the circumstances specified in § 734.208(b);


(b) Personally solicit political contributions in a speech or keynote address given at a fundraiser;


(c) Allow his or her official title to be used in connection with fundraising activities; or


(d) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services from an individual who is a subordinate.



Example 1:An employee may not host a fundraiser at his or her home. However, a spouse who is not covered under this part may host such a fundraiser and the employee may attend. The employee may not personally solicit contributions to the fundraiser. Moreover, the employee may not accept, or receive political contributions, except under the circumstances stated in § 734.208(b).


Example 2:An employee’s name may not appear on an invitation to a fundraiser as a sponsor of the fundraiser, or as a point of contact for the fundraiser.


Example 3:An employee may not ask a subordinate employee to volunteer on behalf of a partisan political campaign.


Example 4:An employee may not call the personnel office of a business or corporation and request that the corporation or business provide volunteers or services for a campaign. However, an employee may call an individual who works for a business or corporation and request that specific individual’s services for a campaign.

§ 734.304 Candidacy for public office.

An employee may not run for the nomination or as a candidate for election to partisan political office, except as specified in § 734.207.


§ 734.305 Soliciting or discouraging the political participation of certain persons.

(a) An employee may not knowingly solicit or discourage the participation in any political activity of any person who has an application for any compensation grant, contract, ruling, license, permit, or certificate pending before the employee’s employing office.


(b) An employee may not knowingly solicit or discourage the participation in any political activity of any person who is the subject of, or a participant in, an ongoing audit, investigation, or enforcement action being carried out by the employee’s employing office.


(c) Each agency or instrumentality of the United States shall determine when a matter is pending and ongoing within employing offices of the agency or instrumentality for the purposes of this part.


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 79 FR 25486, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.306 Participation in political activities while on duty, in uniform, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or using a Federal vehicle.

(a) An employee may not participate in political activities subject to the provisions of subpart E of this part:


(1) While he or she is on duty;


(2) While he or she is wearing a uniform, badge, insignia, or other similar item that identifies the employing agency or instrumentality or the position of the employee;


(3) While he or she is in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; or


(4) While using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.


(b) The prohibitions in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to employees covered under subpart E of this part.



Example 1:While on leave without pay, an employee is not subject to the prohibition in § 734.306(a)(1) because he or she is not on duty. However, while on leave without pay, the employee remains subject to the other prohibitions in subpart C.


Example 2:A Postal Service employee who uses her private vehicle to deliver mail may place a political bumper sticker on the vehicle, as long as she covers the bumper sticker while she is on duty.


Example 3:An employee who uses his or her privately owned vehicle on a recurrent basis for official business may place a partisan political bumper sticker on the vehicle, as long as he or she covers the bumper sticker while the vehicle is being used for official duties.


Example 4:An employee who uses his or her privately owned vehicle on official business, must cover any partisan political bumper sticker while the vehicle is being used for official duties, if the vehicle is clearly identified as being on official business.


Example 5:A noncareer member of the Senior Executive Service, or any other employee covered by this subpart, who uses his or her privately owned vehicle only on an occasional basis to drive to another Federal agency for a meeting, or to take a training course, is not required to cover a partisan political bumper sticker on his or her vehicle.


Example 6:An employee may not place a partisan political bumper sticker on any Government owned or Government leased vehicle.


Example 7:An employee may place a bumper sticker on his or her privately owned vehicle and park his or her vehicle in a parking lot of an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government or in a non-Federal facility for which the employee receives a subsidy from his or her employing agency or instrumentality.


Example 8:When an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government leases offices in a commercial building and that building includes the headquarters of a candidate for partisan political office, an employee of that agency or instrumentality may do volunteer work, when he or she is not on duty, at the candidate’s headquarters and in other areas of the building that have not been leased by the Government.


Example 9:A Government agency or instrumentality leases all of the space in a commercial building; employees may not participate in political activity in the public areas of the leased building.


Example 10:An employee of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may not engage in political activities while wearing a NASA flight patch, NASA twenty-year pin or anything with an official NASA insignia.


Example 11:If a political event begins while an employee is on duty and continues into the time when he or she is not on duty, the employee must wait until he or she is not on duty to attend the event. Alternatively, an employee may request annual leave to attend the political event when it begins.


Example 12:Officials of labor organizations who have been given official time to perform representational duties are on duty.


Example 13:An employee may stuff envelopes for a mailing on behalf of a candidate for partisan political office while the employee is sitting in the park during his or her lunch period if he or she is not considered to be on duty during his or her lunch period.


Example 14:An employee who works at home may engage in political activities at home when he or she is not in a pay status or representing the Government in an official capacity.


Example 15:An employee who is appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate (PAS) may attend a political event with any non-PAS employee whose official duties do not require accompanying the PAS as long as the non-PAS employee is not on duty.


Example 16:A noncareer member of the Senior Executive Service, or any other employee covered by this subpart, may not wear partisan political buttons or display partisan political pictures, signs, stickers, or badges while he or she is on duty or at his or her place of work.


Example 17:An employee may not engage in political activity in the cafeteria of a Federal building, even if the cafeteria is in space leased by a contractor.


Example 18:An employee who contributes financially to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment made under § 550.311(b) of this title may not complete the direct deposit forms while he or she is on duty, in a “room or building” defined in § 734.101 or in a Federally owned or leased vehicle.


Example 19:An employee who contributes financially to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment may not personally deliver his or her completed direct deposit form, or the completed direct deposit form of another employee, to the payroll employees who would process or administer such forms. However, the employee may mail his or her direct deposit form to his or her agency payroll office.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35101, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.307 Campaigning for a spouse or family member.

An employee covered under this subpart who is the spouse or family member of either a candidate for partisan political office, candidate for political party office, or candidate for public office in a nonpartisan election, is subject to the same prohibitions as other employees covered under this subpart.



Example 1:An employee who is married to a candidate for partisan political office may attend a fundraiser for his or her spouse, stand in the receiving line, sit at the head table, and urge others to vote for his or her spouse. However, the employee may not personally solicit, accept, or receive contributions of money or the paid or unpaid services of a business or corporation, or sell or collect money for tickets to the fundraiser.


Example 2:An employee who is the daughter of a candidate for partisan political office may appear in a family photograph which is printed in a campaign flier. She may distribute fliers at a campaign rally as long as she does not personally solicit contributions.


Example 3:An employee who is married to a candidate for political partisan political office may appear with her spouse in a political advertisement or a broadcast, and urge others to vote for her spouse, as long as the employee does not personally solicit political contributions.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35101, July 5, 1996]


Subpart D—Employees in Certain Agencies and Positions

§ 734.401 Coverage.

(a) This subpart applies to employees in the following agencies and positions:


(1) The Federal Election Commission;


(2) The Election Assistance Commission;


(3) The Federal Bureau of Investigation;


(4) The Secret Service;


(5) The Central Intelligence Agency;


(6) The National Security Council;


(7) The National Security Agency;


(8) The Defense Intelligence Agency;


(9) The Merit Systems Protection Board;


(10) The Office of Special Counsel;


(11) The Office of Criminal Investigation of the Internal Revenue Service.


(12) The Office of Investigative Programs of the United States Customs Service;


(13) The Office of Law Enforcement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms;


(14) The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice;


(15) The National Security Division of the Department of Justice;


(16) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency;


(17) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence;


(18) Career Senior Executive Service positions described in 5 U.S.C. 3132(a)(4);


(19) Administrative Law Judge positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5372;


(20) Contract Appeals Board Member positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5372a; or


(21) Administrative Appeals Judge positions described in 5 U.S.C. 5732b.


(b) Employees appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate in the agencies and positions described in paragraph (a) of this section are excluded from coverage under this subpart.


(c) All employees covered under this subpart are free to engage in political activity to the widest extent consistent with the restrictions imposed by law and this subpart.


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35101, July 5, 1996; 79 FR 25486, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.402 Expression of an employee’s individual opinion.

Each employee covered under this subpart retains the right to participate in any of the following political activities, as long as such activity is not performed in concert with a political party, partisan political group, or a candidate for partisan political office:


(a) Express his or her opinion as an individual privately and publicly on political subjects and candidates;


(b) Display a political picture, sign, sticker, badge, or button, as long as these items are displayed in accordance with the provisions of § 734.406;


(c) Sign a political petition as an individual;


(d) Be politically active in connection with a question which is not specifically identified with a political party, such as a constitutional amendment, referendum, approval of a municipal ordinance, or any other question or issue of a similar character; and


(e) Otherwise participate fully in public affairs, except as prohibited by other Federal law, in a manner which does not compromise his or her efficiency or integrity as an employee or the neutrality, efficiency, or integrity of the agency or instrumentality of the United States Government in which he or she is employed.



Example 1:An employee may purchase air time on a radio or television station to endorse a partisan political candidate. However, he or she may not endorse such a candidate in a commercial or program which is sponsored by the candidate’s campaign committee, a political party, or a partisan political group.


Example 2:An employee may address a political convention or rally but not on behalf, or at the request of, a political party, partisan political group, or an individual who is running for the nomination or as a candidate for election to partisan political office.


Example 3:An employee may print at her own expense one thousand fliers which state her personal opinion that a partisan political candidate is the best suited for the job. She may distribute the fliers at a shopping mall on the weekend. However, she may not distribute fliers printed by the candidate’s campaign committee, a political party, or a partisan political group.


Example 4:An employee may place in his or her yard a sign supporting a candidate for partisan political office.


Example 5:An employee may stand outside of a political party convention with a homemade sign which states his or her individual opinion that one of the candidates for nomination is the best qualified candidate.


Example 6:An employee, including a career SES employee, may wear a button with a partisan political theme when the employee is not on duty or at his or her place of work.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35101, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.403 Participation in elections.

Each employee covered under this subpart retains the right to:


(a) Register and vote in any election;


(b) Take an active part, as a candidate or in support of a candidate, in a nonpartisan election; and


(c) Serve as an election judge or clerk, or in a similar position, to perform nonpartisan duties as prescribed by State or local law.


§ 734.404 Participation in political organizations.

(a) Each employee covered under this subpart retains the right to:


(1) Participate in the nonpartisan activities of a civic, community, social, labor, or professional organization, or of a similar organization;


(2) Be a member of a political party or other partisan political group and participate in its activities to the extent consistent with other Federal law;


(3) Attend a political convention, rally, fund-raising function, or other political gathering; and


(4) Make a financial contribution to a political party, partisan political group, or to the campaign committee of a candidate for partisan political office.


(b) Subject to the provisions in § 734.406, an employee covered under this subpart may make a financial contribution to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment made under § 550.311(b) of this chapter if the head of the employee’s agency permits agency employees to make such allotments to political action committees.


(c) An employee who is covered under this subpart and is a payroll official in an agency where employees are permitted to make allotments to political action committees may process the completed direct deposit forms for voluntary allotments which have been made to such committees under § 550.311(b) of this chapter.



Example 1:An employee, or a noncareer SES employee who is subject to subpart D of part 734, may attend a political convention or rally solely as a spectator. However, the employee and noncareer SES employee may not participate in demonstrations or parades which are sponsored by a political party, a partisan political group, or an individual who is running for nomination to be a candidate for partisan political office.


Example 2:An employee may attend a political party’s annual barbecue, but he or she may not organize, distribute invitations to, or sell tickets to the barbecue.


Example 3:An employee who desires to contribute to a political action committee through an allotment personally may obtain blank direct deposit forms from his or her payroll office. The employee may not complete the direct deposit form while he or she is on duty, on Federal property, or in a Federally owned or leased vehicle. The employee also may not personally deliver his or her completed direct deposit form, or the completed direct deposit form of another employee, to his or her payroll office. However, the employee may mail the completed form to his or her agency payroll office.

[61 FR 35101, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.405 Campaigning for a spouse or family member.

An employee covered under this subpart who is the spouse or family member of either a candidate for partisan political office, or a candidate for political party office, may appear in photographs of the candidate’s family which might appear in a political advertisement, a broadcast, campaign literature, or similar material. A spouse or a family member who is covered by the Hatch Act Reform Amendments also may attend political functions with the candidate. However, the spouse or family member may not distribute campaign literature or solicit, accept, or receive political contributions.



Example 1:An employee who is the spouse of a candidate for partisan political office may stand in the receiving line and sit at the head table during a political dinner honoring the spouse.


Example 2:An employee who is the daughter of a candidate for partisan political office may appear in a family photograph which is printed in a campaign flier, but she may not distribute the flier at a campaign rally.

§ 734.406 Participation in political activities while on duty, in uniform, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or using a Federal vehicle; prohibition.

(a) An employee covered under this subpart may not participate in political activities:


(1) While he or she is on duty;


(2) While he or she is wearing a uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies the employing agency or instrumentality or the position of the employee;


(3) While he or she is in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; or


(4) While using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.



Example 1:An employee who uses his or her privately owned vehicle on a recurrent basis for official business may place a bumper sticker on the vehicle, as long as he or she covers the bumper sticker while the vehicle is being used for official duties.


Example 2:An employee who uses his or her privately owned vehicle on official business, must cover any partisan political bumper sticker while the vehicle is being used for official duties, if the vehicle is clearly identified as being on official business.


Example 3:An employee or career SES employee who uses his or her privately owned vehicle only on an occasional basis to drive to another Federal agency for a meeting, or to take a training course, if not required to cover a partisan political bumper sticker on his or her vehicle.


Example 4:An employee may not place a partisan political bumper sticker on any Government owned or Government leased vehicle.


Example 5:An employee may place a bumper sticker on his or her privately owned vehicle and park the vehicle in a parking lot of an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government or in a non-Federal facility for which the employee receives a subsidy from his or her employing agency or instrumentality.


Example 6:An employee, or noncareer SES employee who is subject to subpart D of this part 734, may not wear partisan political buttons or display partisan political pictures, signs, stickers, or badges while he or she is on duty or at his or her place of work.


Example 7:An employee who contributes financially to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment made under § 550.311(b) of this title may not complete the direct deposit forms while he or she is on duty, in a “room or building” defined in § 734.101, or in a Federally owned or leased vehicle.


Example 8:An employee who contributes financially to a political action committee may not personally deliver his or her completed direct deposit form, or the completed direct deposit form of another employee, to the payroll employees who would process or administer such forms. However, the employee may mail his or her direct deposit form to his or her agency payroll office.

(b) [Reserved]


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35102, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.407 Use of official authority; prohibition.

An employee covered under this subpart may not use his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.


§ 734.408 Participation in political management and political campaigning; prohibitions.

An employee covered under this subpart may not take an active part in political management or in a political campaign, except as permitted by subpart D of this part.


[61 FR 35102, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.409 Participation in political organizations; prohibitions.

An employee covered under this subpart may not:


(a) Serve as an officer of a political party, a member of a national, State, or local committee of a political party, an officer or member of a committee of a partisan political group, or be a candidate for any of these positions;


(b) Organize or reorganize a political party organization or partisan political group;


(c) Serve as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention; and


(d) Address a convention, caucus, rally, or similar gathering of a political party or partisan political group in support of or in opposition to a candidate for partisan political office or political party office, if such address is done in concert with such a candidate, political party, or partisan political group.


§ 734.410 Participation in political fundraising; prohibitions.

An employee covered under this subpart may not:


(a) Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions; or


(b) Organize, sell tickets to, promote, or actively participate in a fundraising activity of a candidate for partisan political office or of a political party, or partisan political group.


§ 734.411 Participation in political campaigning; prohibitions.

An employee covered under this subpart may not:


(a) Take an active part in managing the political campaign of a candidate for partisan political office or a candidate for political party office;


(b) Campaign for partisan political office;


(c) Canvass for votes in support of or in opposition to a candidate for partisan political office or a candidate for political party office, if such canvassing is done in concert with such a candidate, or of a political party, or partisan political group;


(d) Endorse or oppose a candidate for partisan political office or a candidate for political party office in a political advertisement, broadcast, campaign literature, or similar material if such endorsement or opposition is done in concert with such a candidate, political party, or partisan political group;


(e) Initiate or circulate a partisan nominating petition.


§ 734.412 Participation in elections; prohibitions.

An employee covered under this subpart may not:


(a) Be a candidate for partisan political office;


(b) Act as recorder, watcher, challenger, or similar officer at polling places in concert with a political party, partisan political group, or a candidate for partisan political office;


(c) Drive voters to polling places in concert with a political party, partisan political group, or a candidate for partisan political office.


[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35102, July 5, 1996]


§ 734.413 Employees of the Federal Election Commission; prohibitions.

(a) An employee of the Federal Election Commission may not request or receive from, or give to, an employee, a Member of Congress, or an officer of a uniformed service a political contribution.


(b) This section does not cover employee of the Federal Election Commission who are appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.


Subpart E—Special Provisions for Certain Presidential Appointees and Employees Paid from the Appropriation for the Executive Office of the President

§ 734.501 Permitted and prohibited activities.

Except as otherwise specified in this part 734, employees who are appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate are subject to the provisions of subparts B and C of this part.


§ 734.502 Participation in political activity while on duty, in uniform, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or using a Federal vehicle.

(a) This section applies to an employee:


(1) The duties and responsibilities of whose position continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; and


(2) Who is—


(i) An employee paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of President; or


(ii) An employee appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate whose position is located within the United States, who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws;


(b) For the purposes of this subpart, normal duty hours and normal duty post will be determined by the head of each agency or instrumentality of the United States.


(c) An employee described in paragraph (a) of this section may participate, subject to any restrictions that may be imposed in accordance with § 734.104, in political activities:


(1) While he or she is on duty;


(2) While he or she is wearing a uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies the agency or instrumentality of the United States Government or the position of the employee;


(3) While he or she is in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; or


(4) While using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.


(d) An employee, to whom subpart E of this part does not apply, who is not on duty may participate in political activities in rooms of the White House or the Residence of the Vice President which are part of the Residence area or which are not regularly used solely in the discharge of official duties.



Example 1:An Inspector General is appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. According to section 3(c) of that Act, he or she does not qualify as an employee who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. therefore, he or she may not participate in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies his or her office or position, while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or while using a Government-owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.


Example 2:An employee who is covered by this subpart and wears a uniform as an incident of her office may wear the uniform while she is giving a speech at a political fundraiser.


Example 3:The head of an executive department may hold a partisan political meeting or host a reception which is not a fundraiser in his conference room during normal business hours.


Example 4:An employee accompanies the Secretary of Transportation to a political party convention as part of the Secretary’s security or administrative detail. The employee is considered to be on duty while protecting or performing official duties for the Secretary regardless of the nature of the function that the Secretary is attending.


Example 5:An American Ambassador overseas obtains authorization from the Department of State to depart post in order to take a vacation away from post. During the period she is authorized to be on vacation away from post, she is not considered to be on duty for the purpose of the Hatch Act Reform Amendments and may engage in any political activity permitted under the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993.

[59 FR 48769, Sept. 23, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35102, July 5, 1996; 79 FR 25486, May 5, 2014]


§ 734.503 Allocation and reimbursement of costs associated with political activities.

(a) The costs associated with the political activities described in § 733.502(c) of this chapter may not be paid for by money derived from the Treasury of the United States. Costs associated with a political activity are deemed not to be paid for by money derived from the Treasury of the United States if the Treasury is reimbursed for the costs within a reasonable period of time.


(b) For the purposes of this section, costs associated with a political activity do not include any costs that the Government would have or have incurred regardless of whether the activity was political. Examples of such costs are:


(1) The compensation of the employee described in § 734.502(a);


(2) The value of any office or other real property owned or leased by the Government;


(3) The compensation and expenses of any Government employee that is required in the performance of his or her duties to accompany or assist the person engaging in the political activity; and


(4) The cost of special security arrangements for the person engaging in the political activity, including special transportation vehicles or methods.


(c)(1) An employee covered under this subpart must apportion the costs of mixed travel based on the time spent on political activities and the time spent performing official duties. Prorating the cost of travel involves determining the “total activity time” which is the amount of time actually spent by the employee in meetings, receptions, rallies, and similar activities. Time spent in actual travel, private study, or rest and recreation is not included in the computation of the “total activity time”. The proration of the cost then is determined based on how the “total activity time” was spent. The formula is as follows:



Time spent in official meetings, receptions, etc. + Time spent in political meetings, receptions, rallies = Total activity time

Time spent in official activity ÷ Total activity time = Percentage of trip that is official

Time spent in political activity ÷ Total activity time = Percentage of trip that is political

The percentage figure that represents the political portion of the trip is then multiplied by the amount that would be reimbursed to the Government if all of the travel was political. The product of that calculation represents the amount to be paid by the political entity or organization.

(2) The allocation method must be applied to all of the relevant costs of mixed travel.


(3) Expenses that are associated specifically with a political activity and not with any official activity must be treated as political, and expenses associated specifically with an official activity and not with any political activity must be treated as official.


(4) In allocating the costs of travel other than air travel, the allocation formula should be applied to any Government maximum for that type of expenditure.


(5) The determination of the proper amount of allocation must be based on the facts and circumstances involved.


(6) In the event that a minor, clearly incidental percentage of the activity of a mixed trip is devoted to either official or political activity, e.g. less than 3%, the entire trip should be treated as if it was wholly of the type represented by the substantial figure. The balance should be treated as de minimis and need not be reimbursed as political or charged as official.


(d) For any cost of a political activity of an employee that is required to be reported to the Federal Election Commission under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) or the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act (PECFA), the employee shall use the same method of allocation as used under the FECA or PECFA and regulations thereunder in lieu of the allocation method in paragraph (c) of this section.



Example 1:The Secretary, an employee described by section 7324(b)(2) of title 5 of the United States Code, holds a catered political activity (other than a fundraiser) in her office. Her security detail attends the reception as part of their duty to provide security for her. The Secretary will not be in violation of the Hatch Act Reform Amendments if the costs of her office, her compensation, and her security detail are not reimbursed to the Treasury. A violation of the Hatch Act Amendments occurs if Government funds, including reception or discretionary funds, are used to cater the political activity, unless the Treasury is reimbursed for the cost of the catering within a reasonable time.


Example 2:There should be no allocation between official and political funds for a sound system rented for a single event.


Example 3:If on a mixed trip a Government employee is only entitled to $26 per diem for food on a wholly official trip and the trip is 50% political and 50% official, the Government share would be 50% of $26, not 50% of the actual amount spent.


Example 4:The President is transported by special motorcade to and from the site of the political event. The expense of the motorcade is for special security arrangements. Thus, it would not be a violation of the Hatch Act Reform Amendments if the costs of the security arrangements, including the cost of the motorcade, are not reimbursed to the Treasury.

§ 734.504 Contributions to political action committees through voluntary payroll allotments prohibited.

An employee described in § 734.502(a) may not financially contribute to a political action committee through a voluntary allotment made under § 550.311(b) of this title.


[61 FR 35102, July 5, 1996]


Subpart F—Employees Who Work on An Irregular or Occasional Basis

§ 734.601 Employees who work on an irregular or occasional basis.

An employee who works on an irregular or occasional basis or is a special Government employee as defined in 18 U.S.C. 202(a) is subject to the provisions of the applicable subpart of this part when he or she is on duty.



Example:An employee appointed to a special commission or task force who does not have a regular tour of duty may run as a partisan political candidate, but may actively campaign only when he or she is not on duty.

Subpart G—Related Statutes and Executive Orders

§ 734.701 General.

In addition to the provisions regulating political activity set forth in subparts A through G of this part, there are a number of statutes and Executive orders that establish standards to which the political activity of an employee, a Federal labor organization, a Federal employee organization, and a multicandidate political committee must conform. The list set forth in § 734.702 references some of the more significant of those statutes. It is not comprehensive and includes only references to statutes of general applicability.


§ 734.702 Related statutes and Executive orders.

(a) The prohibition against offering anything of value in consideration of the use or promise of use of influence to procure appointive office (18 U.S.C. 210).


(b) The prohibition against solicitation or acceptance of anything of value to obtain public office for another (18 U.S.C. 211).


(c) The prohibition against intimidating, threatening, or coercing voters in Federal elections (18 U.S.C. 594).


(d) The prohibition against use of official authority to interfere with a Federal election by a person employed in any administrative position by the United States in connection with any activity financed in whole or in part by Federal funds (18 U.S.C. 595).


(e) The prohibition against the promise of employment, compensation, or benefits from Federal funds in exchange for political activity (18 U.S.C. 600).


(f) The prohibition against the deprivation of or threat of deprivation of employment in exchange for political contributions (18 U.S.C. 601).


(g) The prohibition against soliciting political contributions (18 U.S.C. 602).


(h) The prohibition against making certain political contributions (18 U.S.C. 603).


(i) The prohibition against soliciting or receiving assessments, subscriptions, or contributions for political purposes from persons on Federal relief or work relief (18 U.S.C. 604).


(j) The prohibition against disclosing and receiving lists or names of persons on relief for political purposes (18 U.S.C. 605).


(k) The prohibition against intimidating employees to give or withhold a political contribution (18 U.S.C. 606).


(l) The prohibition against soliciting political contributions in navy yards, forts, or arsenals (18 U.S.C. 607).


(m) The prohibition against coercing employees of the Federal Government to engage in, or not to engage in, any political activity (18 U.S.C. 610).


(n) The prohibition against certain personnel practices (5 U.S.C. 2302).


(o) The prohibition against making, requesting, considering, or accepting political recommendations (5 U.S.C. 3303).


(p) The prohibitions against misuse of a Government vehicle (31 U.S.C. 1344).


(q) The requirements and prohibitions stated in the Federal Election Campaign Act (2 U.S.C. 431-455).


(r) The prohibitions against soliciting for gifts to superiors, giving donations for such gifts, and accepting gifts from employees who receive a lower rate of pay (5 U.S.C. 7351).


(s) The prohibitions against soliciting or accepting things of value from specified persons (5 U.S.C. 7353).


(t) The prohibitions and requirements stated in the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) and Executive Order 12674 (54 FR 15159-15162; 3 CFR 1989 Comp. 215-218) as modified by Executive Order 12731 (55 FR 42547-42550; 3 CFR 1990 Comp. 306-311).


PART 735—EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7301; E.O. 12674, 54 FR 15159, 3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 215, as modified by E.O. 12731, 55 FR 42547, 3 CFR, 1990 Comp., p. 306.


Source:71 FR 46073, Aug. 11, 2006, unless otherwise noted.


Editorial Note:Part 1001, added to this chapter at 31 FR 873, Jan. 22, 1966 and revised at 32 FR 11113, Aug. 1, 1967, 36 FR 6874, Apr. 9, 1971, 61 FR 36996, July 16, 1996, and 71 FR 43345, Aug. 1, 2006, supplements this part 735.

Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 735.101 Definitions.

In this part:


Agency means an Executive agency (other than the Government Accountability Office) as defined by 5 U.S.C. 105, the Postal Service, and the Postal Rate Commission.


Employee means any officer or employee of an agency, including a special Government employee, but does not include a member of the uniformed services.


Government means the United States Government.


Special Government employee means an officer or employee specified in 18 U.S.C. 202(a) except one who is employed in the legislative branch or by the District of Columbia.


Uniformed services has the meaning given that term by 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).


§ 735.102 What are the grounds for disciplinary action?

An employee’s violation of any of the regulations in subpart B of this part may be cause for disciplinary action by the employee’s agency, which may be in addition to any penalty prescribed by law.


§ 735.103 What other regulations pertain to employee conduct?

In addition to the standards of conduct in subpart B of this part, an employee shall comply with the standards of ethical conduct in 5 CFR part 2635, as well as any supplemental regulation issued by the employee’s agency under 5 CFR 2635.105. An employee’s violation of those regulations may cause the employee’s agency to take disciplinary action, or corrective action as that term is used in 5 CFR part 2635. Such disciplinary action or corrective action may be in addition to any penalty prescribed by law.


Subpart B—Standards of Conduct

§ 735.201 What are the restrictions on gambling?

(a) While on Government-owned or leased property or on duty for the Government, an employee shall not conduct or participate in any gambling activity, including operating a gambling device, conducting a lottery or pool, participating in a game for money or property, or selling or purchasing a numbers slip or ticket.


(b) This section does not preclude activities:


(1) Necessitated by an employee’s official duties; or


(2) Occurring under section 7 of Executive Order 12353 and similar agency-approved activities.


§ 735.202 What are the restrictions on conduct that safeguard the examination process?

(a) An employee shall not, with or without compensation, teach, lecture, or write for the purpose of the preparation of a person or class of persons for an examination of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or other agency to which examining authority has been delegated, or Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service that depends on information obtained as a result of the employee’s Government employment.


(b) This section does not preclude the preparation described in paragraph (a) of this section if:


(1) The information upon which the preparation is based has been made available to the general public or will be made available on request; or


(2) Such preparation is authorized in writing by the Director of OPM, or his or her designee, or by the head of an agency to which examining authority had been delegated, or his or her designee, or by the Director General of the Foreign Service, or his or her designee, as applicable.


§ 735.203 What are the restrictions on conduct prejudicial to the Government?

An employee shall not engage in criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct, or other conduct prejudicial to the Government.


PART 736—PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIONS


Authority:Pub. L. 93-579; (5 U.S.C. 552a).


Source:56 FR 18655, Apr. 23, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Scope

§ 736.101 Purpose and definitions.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this part is to specify certain requirements for personnel investigations conducted by OPM, and for those conducted under delegated authority from OPM. The requirements of this part apply to suitability and national security investigations conducted under parts 731 and 732 of this chapter; they also apply to investigations to determine eligibility or qualifications not covered in parts 731 and 732 of this chapter. The requirements of this part apply to employees in the civil service of the Executive Branch and to persons performing contract, voluntary or indirect services for the Federal Government, as set forth in subsection (b) below.


(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this part, (1) Federal employment includes the following range of services performed for the Federal government: (i) All employment in the competitive or excepted service or the Senior Executive Service in the Executive Branch; (ii) appointments, salaried or unsalaried, to Federal Advisory Committees or to membership agencies; (iii) cooperative work assignments in which the individual has access to Federal materials such as examination booklets, or performs service for, or under supervision of, a Federal agency while being paid by another organization such as a State or local government; (iv) volunteer arrangements in which the individual performs service for, or under the supervision of, a Federal agency; and (v) volunteer or other arrangements in which the individual represents the United States Government or any agency thereof.


(2) Agency means any authority of the Government of the United States, whether or not it is within or subject to review by another agency, and includes any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government-controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the Government, or any independent regulatory agency.


(3) Personnel investigation means an investigation conducted by written or telephone inquiries or through personal contacts to determine the suitability, eligibility, or qualifications of individuals for Federal employment, for work on Federal contracts, or for access to classified information or restricted areas.


§ 736.102 Notice to investigative sources.

(a) The agency investigator will notify the source from whom information is requested, whether in person or by telephone, of the purpose for which the information is being sought and of the uses that may be made of the information. The interviewing agent must notify each person interviewed and each custodian of records contacted that all information provided, including the record source’s identity, may be disclosed upon the request of the subject of the investigation.


(b) The interviewing agent may grant a pledge to keep confidential the identity of an information source upon specific request by the source. In addition, the agent has discretion to offer the source a pledge of confidentiality where the agent believes that such a pledge is necessary to obtain information pertinent to the investigation. A pledge of confidentiality may not be assumed by the source. The interviewing agent may not suggest to a source that the source request confidentiality.


(c) Where information is requested by written inquiry, the form, instructions, or correspondence used by an agency will include: (1) Notification that all information furnished by the source, including the source’s identity, except for custodians of law enforcement or educational records, may be disclosed upon the request of the subject of the investigation; and (2) Space for the information source to request a pledge that the source’s identity will not be disclosed to the subject of the investigation; or (3) An offer to make special arrangements to obtain significant information which the source feels unable to furnish without a promise that the source’s identity will be kept confidential.


(d) A pledge of confidentiality, if granted, extends only to the identity of the source, and to any information furnished by the source that would reveal the identity of the source.


§ 736.103 Protecting the identity of a source.

When a source is granted a promise that the source’s identity will be kept confidential, the investigative agency and all other agencies that receive information obtained under the promise are required to take all reasonable precautions to protect the source’s identity. Each agency will prepare for its investigators and agents implementing instructions consistent with this part.


§ 736.104 Public availability of investigative files.

(a) Investigative files are records subject to the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act and are made available to requesters in accordance with the provisions of those Acts.


(b) Requests for investigative records are to be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management, Federal Investigations Processing Center, FOI/PA, Boyers, Pennsylvania 16018.


Subpart B—Investigative Requirements

§ 736.201 Responsibilities of OPM and other Federal agencies.

(a) Unless provided otherwise by law, the investigation of persons entering or employed in the competitive service, or by career appointment in the Senior Executive Service, is the responsibility of OPM.


(b) Requests for delegated investigating authority. Agencies may request delegated authority from OPM to conduct or contract out investigations of persons entering or employed in the competitive service or by career appointment in the Senior Executive Service. Such requests shall be made in writing by agency heads, or designees, and specify the reason(s) for the request.


(c) Timing of investigations. Investigations required for positions must be initiated within 14 days of placement in the position except for: Positions designated Critical-Sensitive under part 732 of this chapter must be completed preplacement, or post-placement with approval of a waiver in accordance with § 732.202(a) of this chapter; and for positions designated Special-Sensitive under part 732 of this chapter must be completed preplacement.


PART 752—ADVERSE ACTIONS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7504, 7514, and 7543, Pub. L. 115-91, 131 Stat. 1283, and Pub. L. 114-328, 130 Stat. 2000.



Source:74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A —Discipline of Supervisors Based on Retaliation Against Whistleblowers


Source:85 FR 65983, Oct. 16, 2020, unless otherwise noted.

§ 752.101 Coverage.

(a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to actions taken under 5 U.S.C. 7515.


(b) Definitions. In this subpart—


Agency—


(1) Has the meaning given the term in 5 U.S.C. 2302(a)(2)(C), without regard to whether any other provision of this chapter is applicable to the entity; and


(2) Does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).


Day means a calendar day.


Grade means a level of classification under a position classification system.


Insufficient evidence means evidence that fails to meet the substantial evidence standard described in 5 CFR 1201.4(p).


Pay means the rate of basic pay fixed by law or administrative action for the position held by the employee, that is, the rate of pay before any deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any kind.


Prohibited personnel action means taking or failing to take an action in violation of paragraph (8), (9), or (14) of 5 U.S.C. 2302(b) against an employee of an agency.


Supervisor means an employee who would be a supervisor, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 7103(a)(10), if the entity employing the employee was an agency.


Suspension means the placing of an employee, for disciplinary reasons, in a temporary status without duties and pay.


[85 FR 65983, Oct. 16, 2020, as amended 87 FR 67782, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.102 Standard for action and penalty determination.

(a) Except for actions taken against supervisors covered under subchapter V of title 5, an agency may take an action under this subpart for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the service as described in 5 U.S.C. 7503(a) and 7513(a). For actions taken under this subpart against supervisors covered under subchapter V of title 5, an agency may take an action based on the standard described in 5 U.S.C. 7543(a).


(b) Subject to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), if the head of the agency in which a supervisor is employed, an administrative law judge, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Special Counsel, a judge of the United States, or the Inspector General of the agency in which a supervisor is employed has determined that the supervisor committed a prohibited personnel action, the head of the agency in which the supervisor is employed, consistent with the procedures required under this subpart—


(1) For the first prohibited personnel action committed by the supervisor—


(i) Shall propose suspending the supervisor for a period that is not less than 3 days; and


(ii) May propose an additional action determined appropriate by the head of the agency, including a reduction in grade or pay; and


(2) For the second prohibited personnel action committed by the supervisor, shall propose removing the supervisor.


§ 752.103 Procedures.

(a) Non-delegation. If the head of an agency is responsible for determining whether a supervisor has committed a prohibited personnel action for purposes of § 752.102(b), the head of the agency may not delegate that responsibility.


(b) Scope. An action carried out under this subpart—


(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, shall be subject to the same requirements and procedures, including those with respect to an appeal, as an action under 5 U.S.C. 7503, 7513, or 7543; and


(2) Shall not be subject to—


(i) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of 5 U.S.C. 7503(b);


(ii) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of 5 U.S.C. 7513; and


(iii) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of 5 U.S.C. 7543.


(c) Notice. A supervisor against whom an action is proposed to be taken under this subpart is entitled to written notice that—


(1) States the specific reasons for the proposed action;


(2) Informs the supervisor about the right of the supervisor to review the material that is relied on to support the reasons given in the notice for the proposed action; and


(d) Answer and evidence. (1) A supervisor who receives notice under paragraph (c) of this section may, not later than 14 days after the date on which the supervisor receives the notice, submit an answer and furnish evidence in support of that answer.


(2) If, after the end of the 14-day period described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, a supervisor does not furnish any evidence as described in that clause, or if the head of the agency in which the supervisor is employed determines that the evidence furnished by the supervisor is insufficient, the head of the agency shall carry out the action proposed under § 752.102 (b), as applicable.


[85 FR 65983, Oct. 16, 2020, as amended at 87 FR 67782, Nov. 10, 2022]


Subpart B—Regulatory Requirements for Suspension for 14 Days or Less

§ 752.201 Coverage.

(a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart covers suspension for 14 days or less.


(b) Employees covered. This subpart covers:


(1) An employee in the competitive service who has completed a probationary or trial period, or who has completed 1 year of current continuous employment in the same or similar positions under other than a temporary appointment limited to 1 year or less, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(2) An employee in the competitive service serving in an appointment which requires no probationary or trial period, and who has completed 1 year of current continuous employment in the same or similar positions under other than a temporary appointment limited to 1 year or less, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(3) An employee with competitive status who occupies a position under Schedule B of part 213 of this chapter, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(4) An employee who was in the competitive service and had competitive status as defined in § 212.301 of this chapter at the time the employee’s position was first listed involuntarily under any schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(5) An employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3), including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily; and


(6) An employee of the Government Publishing Office, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily.


(c) Exclusions. This subpart does not apply to a suspension for 14 days or less:


(1) Of an administrative law judge under 5 U.S.C. 7521;


(2) Taken for national security reasons under 5 U.S.C. 7532;


(3) Taken under any other provision of law which excepts the action from subchapter I, chapter 75, of title 5, U.S. Code;


(4) Of a re-employed annuitant;


(5) Of a National Guard Technician;


(6) Taken under 5 U.S.C. 7515; or


(7) Of an employee whose position has been determined to be of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, as defined in § 210.102 of this subchapter by—


(i) The President for a position that the President has excepted from the competitive service unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (b) of this section;


(ii) The Office of Personnel Management for a position that the Office has excepted from the competitive service unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (b) of this section; or


(iii) The President or the head of an agency for a position excepted from the competitive service by statute unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (b) of this section.


(d) Definitions. In this subpart—


Current continuous employment means a period of employment immediately preceding a suspension action without a break in Federal civilian employment of a workday.


Day means a calendar day.


Similar positions means positions in which the duties performed are similar in nature and character and require substantially the same or similar qualifications, so that the incumbent could be interchanged between the positions without significant training or undue interruption to the work.


Suspension means the placing of an employee, for disciplinary reasons, in a temporary status without duties and pay.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65985, Oct. 16, 2020; 89 FR 25047, Apr. 9, 2024]


§ 752.202 Standard for action.

(a) An agency may take action under this subpart for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the service as set forth in 5 U.S.C. 7503(a).


(b) An agency may not take a suspension against an employee on the basis of any reason prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65985, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67782, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.203 Procedures.

(a) Statutory entitlements. An employee under this subpart whose suspension is proposed under this subpart is entitled to the procedures provided in 5 U.S.C. 7503(b).


(b) Notice of proposed action. The notice must state the specific reason(s) for the proposed action, and inform the employee of his or her right to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for action given in the notice. The notice must further include detailed information with respect to any right to appeal the action pursuant to section 1097(b)(2)(A) of Public Law 115-91, the forums in which the employee may file an appeal, and any limitations on the rights of the employee that would apply because of the forum in which the employee decides to file.


(c) Employee’s answer. The employee must be given a reasonable time, but not less than 24 hours, to answer orally and in writing and to furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer.


(d) Representation. An employee covered by this subpart is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative. An agency may disallow as an employee’s representative an individual whose activities as representative would cause a conflict of interest or position, or an employee of the agency whose release from his or her official position would give rise to unreasonable costs or whose priority work assignments preclude his or her release.


(e) Agency decision. (1) In arriving at its decision, the agency will consider only the reasons specified in the notice of proposed action and any answer of the employee or his or her representative, or both, made to a designated official.


(2) The agency must specify in writing the reason(s) for the decision and advise the employee of any grievance rights under paragraph (f) of this section. The agency must deliver the notice of decision to the employee on or before the effective date of the action.


(f) Grievances. The employee may file a grievance through an agency administrative grievance system (if applicable) or, if the suspension falls within the coverage of an applicable negotiated grievance procedure, an employee in an exclusive bargaining unit may file a grievance only under that procedure. Sections 7114(a)(5) and 7121(b)(1)(C) of title 5, U.S. Code, and the terms of any collective bargaining agreement, govern representation for employees in an exclusive bargaining unit who grieve a suspension under this subpart through the negotiated grievance procedure.


(g) Agency records. The agency must maintain copies of, and will furnish to the Merit Systems Protection Board and to the employee upon their request, the following documents:


(1) Notice of the proposed action;


(2) Employee’s written reply, if any;


(3) Summary of the employee’s oral reply, if any;


(4) Notice of decision; and


(5) Any order effecting the suspension, together with any supporting material.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65985, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67782, Nov. 10, 2022]


Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—Regulatory Requirements for Removal, Suspension for More Than 14 Days, Reduction in Grade or Pay, or Furlough for 30 Days or Less

§ 752.401 Coverage.

(a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to the following actions:


(1) Removals;


(2) Suspensions for more than 14 days, including indefinite suspensions;


(3) Reductions in grade;


(4) Reductions in pay; and


(5) Furloughs of 30 days or less.


(b) Actions excluded. This subpart does not apply to:


(1) An action imposed by the Merit Systems Protection Board under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 1215;


(2) The reduction in grade of a supervisor or manager who has not completed the probationary period under 5 U.S.C. 3321(a)(2) if such a reduction is to the grade held immediately before becoming a supervisor or manager;


(3) A reduction-in-force action under 5 U.S.C. 3502;


(4) A reduction in grade or removal under 5 U.S.C. 4303;


(5) An action against an administrative law judge under 5 U.S.C. 7521;


(6) A suspension or removal under 5 U.S.C. 7532;


(7) Actions taken under any other provision of law which excepts the action from subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code;


(8) Action that entitles an employee to grade retention under part 536 of this chapter, and an action to terminate this entitlement;


(9) A voluntary action by the employee;


(10) Action taken or directed by the Office of Personnel Management under part 731 of this chapter;


(11) Termination of appointment on the expiration date specified as a basic condition of employment at the time the appointment was made;


(12) Action that terminates a temporary or term promotion and returns the employee to the position from which temporarily promoted, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay, if the agency informed the employee that it was to be of limited duration;


(13) Cancellation of a promotion to a position not classified prior to the promotion;


(14) Placement of an employee serving on an intermittent or seasonal basis in a temporary nonduty, nonpay status in accordance with conditions established at the time of appointment;


(15) Reduction of an employee’s rate of basic pay from a rate that is contrary to law or regulation, including a reduction necessary to comply with the amendments made by Public Law 108-411, regarding pay-setting under the General Schedule and Federal Wage System and regulations in this subchapter implementing those amendments;


(16) An action taken under 5 U.S.C. 7515.; or


(17) An action taken against a technician in the National Guard concerning any activity under 32 U.S.C. 709(f)(4), except as provided by 32 U.S.C. 709(f)(5).


(c) Employees covered. This subpart covers:


(1) A career or career conditional employee in the competitive service who is not serving a probationary or trial period, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service;


(2) An employee in the competitive service—


(i) Who is not serving a probationary or trial period under an initial appointment, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service; or


(ii) Except as provided in the former section 1599e of title 10, for individuals hired prior to December 31, 2022 (the date that section was otherwise repealed by Public Law 117-81, section 1106), who has completed 1 year of current continuous service under other than a temporary appointment limited to 1 year or less, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service;


(3) An employee in the excepted service who is a preference eligible in an Executive agency as defined at section 105 of title 5, United States Code, the U.S. Postal Service, or the Postal Regulatory Commission and who has completed 1 year of current continuous service in the same or similar positions, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(4) A Postal Service employee covered by Public Law 100-90 who has completed 1 year of current continuous service in the same or similar positions and who is either a supervisory or management employee or an employee engaged in personnel work in other than a purely nonconfidential clerical capacity, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(5) An employee in the excepted service who is a nonpreference eligible in an Executive agency as defined at 5 U.S.C. 105, and who has completed 2 years of current continuous service in the same or similar positions under other than a temporary appointment limited to 2 years or less, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(6) An employee with competitive status who occupies a position in Schedule B of part 213 of this chapter, including such an employee whose position is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(7) An employee who was in the competitive service and had competitive status as defined in § 212.301 of this chapter at the time the employee’s position was first listed involuntarily under any schedule of the excepted service and who still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily;


(8) An employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3), including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into a different schedule of the excepted service and still occupies that position or occupies any other position to which the employee is moved involuntarily; and


(9) An employee of the Government Publishing Office, including such an employee who is moved involuntarily into the excepted service.


(d) Employees excluded. This subpart does not apply to:


(1) An employee whose appointment is made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate;


(2) An employee whose position has been determined to be of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, as defined in § 210.102 of this chapter by—


(i) The President for a position that the President has excepted from the competitive service unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (c) of this section;


(ii) The Office of Personnel Management for a position that the Office has excepted from the competitive service unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (c) of this section; or


(iii) The President or the head of an agency for a position excepted from the competitive service by statute unless the incumbent was moved involuntarily to such a position after accruing rights as delineated in paragraph (c) of this section;


(3) A Presidential appointee;


(4) A reemployed annuitant;


(5) A Foreign Service member as described in section 103 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980;


(6) An employee of the Central Intelligence Agency or the Government Accountability Office;


(7) An employee of the Veterans Health Administration (Department of Veterans Affairs) in a position which has been excluded from the competitive service by or under a provision of title 38, United States Code, unless the employee was appointed to the position under section 7401(3) of title 38, United States Code;


(8) A nonpreference eligible employee with the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Panama Canal Commission, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, or any other intelligence component of the Department of Defense (as defined in section 1614 of title 10, United States Code), or an intelligence activity of a military department covered under subchapter I of chapter 83 of title 10, United States Code;


(9) An employee described in section 5102(c)(11) of title 5, United States Code, who is an alien or noncitizen occupying a position outside the United States;


(10) A nonpreference eligible employee serving a probationary or trial period under an initial appointment in the excepted service pending conversion to the competitive service, unless he or she meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(5) of this section;


(11) An employee whose agency or position has been excluded from the appointing provisions of title 5, United States Code, by separate statutory authority in the absence of any provision to place the employee within the coverage of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code; and


(12) An employee in the competitive service serving a probationary or trial period, unless he or she meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this section.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65986, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022; 89 FR 25048, Apr. 9, 2024]


§ 752.402 Definitions.

In this subpart—


Current continuous employment means a period of employment or service immediately preceding an adverse action without a break in Federal civilian employment of a workday.


Day means a calendar day.


Furlough means the placing of an employee in a temporary status without duties and pay because of lack of work or funds or other nondisciplinary reasons.


Grade means a level of classification under a position classification system.


Indefinite suspension means the placing of an employee in a temporary status without duties and pay pending investigation, inquiry, or further agency action. The indefinite suspension continues for an indeterminate period of time and ends with the occurrence of the pending conditions set forth in the notice of action which may include the completion of any subsequent administrative action.


Pay means the rate of basic pay fixed by law or administrative action for the position held by the employee, that is, the rate of pay before any deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any kind.


Similar positions means positions in which the duties performed are similar in nature and character and require substantially the same or similar qualifications, so that the incumbent could be interchanged between the positions without significant training or undue interruption to the work.


Suspension means the placing of an employee, for disciplinary reasons, in a temporary status without duties and pay for more than 14 days.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65986, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.403 Standard for action.

(a) An agency may take an adverse action, including a performance-based adverse action or an indefinite suspension, under this subpart only for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the service.


(b) An agency may not take an adverse action against an employee on the basis of any reason prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65986, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.404 Procedures.

(a) Statutory entitlements. An employee against whom action is proposed under this subpart is entitled to the procedures provided in 5 U.S.C. 7513(b).


(b) Notice of proposed action. (1) An employee against whom an action is proposed is entitled to at least 30 days’ advance written notice unless there is an exception pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section. The notice must state the specific reason(s) for the proposed action and inform the employee of his or her right to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for action given in the notice. The notice must further include detailed information with respect to any right to appeal the action pursuant to section 1097(b)(2)(A) of Public Law 115-91, the forums in which the employee may file an appeal, and any limitations on the rights of the employee that would apply because of the forum in which the employee decides to file.


(2) When some but not all employees in a given competitive level are being furloughed, the notice of proposed action must state the basis for selecting a particular employee for furlough, as well as the reasons for the furlough.


(3) Under ordinary circumstances, an employee whose removal or suspension, including indefinite suspension, has been proposed will remain in a duty status in his or her regular position during the advance notice period. In those rare circumstances where the agency determines that the employee’s continued presence in the workplace during the notice period may pose a threat to the employee or others, result in loss of or damage to Government property, or otherwise jeopardize legitimate Government interests, the agency may elect one or a combination of the following alternatives:


(i) Assigning the employee to duties where he or she is no longer a threat to safety, the agency mission, or to Government property;


(ii) Allowing the employee to take leave, or carrying him or her in an appropriate leave status (annual, sick, leave without pay, or absence without leave) if the employee has absented himself or herself from the worksite without requesting leave;


(iii) Curtailing the notice period when the agency can invoke the provisions of paragraph (d)(1) of this section; or


(iv) Placing the employee in a paid, nonduty status for such time as is necessary to effect the action. After publication of regulations for 5 U.S.C. 6329b, and the subsequent agency implementation period in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6329b, an agency may place the employee in a notice leave status when applicable.


(c) Employee’s answer. (1) An employee may answer orally and in writing except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. The agency must give the employee a reasonable amount of official time to review the material relied on to support its proposed action, to prepare an answer orally and in writing, and to secure affidavits, if the employee is in an active duty status. The agency may require the employee to furnish any answer to the proposed action, and affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer, within such time as would be reasonable, but not less than 7 days.


(2) The agency will designate an official to hear the employee’s oral answer who has authority either to make or recommend a final decision on the proposed adverse action. The right to answer orally in person does not include the right to a formal hearing with examination of witnesses unless the agency provides for such hearing in its regulations. Under 5 U.S.C. 7513(c), the agency may, in its regulations, provide a hearing in place of or in addition to the opportunity for written and oral answer.


(3) If the employee wishes the agency to consider any medical condition which may contribute to a conduct, performance, or leave problem, the employee must be given a reasonable time to furnish medical documentation (as defined in § 339.104 of this chapter) of the condition. Whenever possible, the employee will supply such documentation within the time limits allowed for an answer.


(d) Exceptions. (1) Section 7513(b) of title 5, U.S. Code, authorizes an exception to the 30 days’ advance written notice when the agency has reasonable cause to believe that the employee has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed and is proposing a removal or suspension, including indefinite suspension. This notice exception is commonly referred to as the “crime provision.” This provision may be invoked even in the absence of judicial action.


(2) The advance written notice and opportunity to answer are not required for furlough without pay due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as sudden breakdowns in equipment, acts of God, or sudden emergencies requiring immediate curtailment of activities.


(e) Representation. Section 7513(b)(3) of title 5, U.S. Code, provides that an employee covered by this part is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative. An agency may disallow as an employee’s representative an individual whose activities as representative would cause a conflict of interest or position, or an employee of the agency whose release from his or her official position would give rise to unreasonable costs or whose priority work assignments preclude his or her release.


(f) Agency review of medical information. When medical information is supplied by the employee pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the agency may, if authorized, require a medical examination under the criteria of § 339.301 of this chapter, or otherwise, at its option, offer a medical examination in accordance with the criteria of § 339.302 of this chapter. If the employee has the requisite years of service under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, the agency must provide information concerning disability retirement. The agency must be aware of the affirmative obligations of the provisions of 29 CFR 1614.203, which require reasonable accommodation of a qualified individual with a disability.


(g) Agency decision. (1) In arriving at its decision, the agency will consider only the reasons specified in the notice of proposed action and any answer of the employee or his or her representative, or both, made to a designated official and any medical documentation reviewed under paragraph (f) of this section.


(2) The notice must specify in writing the reasons for the decision and advise the employee of any appeal or grievance rights under § 752.405 of this part. The agency must deliver the notice of decision to the employee on or before the effective date of the action.


(h) Applications for disability retirement. Section 831.1204(e) of this chapter provides that an employee’s application for disability retirement need not delay any other appropriate personnel action. Section 831.1205 and § 844.202 of this chapter set forth the basis under which an agency must file an application for disability retirement on behalf of an employee.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65986, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.405 Appeal and grievance rights.

(a) Appeal rights. Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 7513(d), an employee against whom an action is taken under this subpart is entitled to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.


(b) Grievance rights. As provided at 5 U.S.C. 7121(e)(1), if a matter covered by this subpart falls within the coverage of an applicable negotiated grievance procedure, an employee may elect to file a grievance under that procedure or appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under 5 U.S.C. 7701, but not both. Sections 7114(a)(5) and 7121(b)(1)(C) of title 5, U.S. Code, and the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, govern representation for employees in an exclusive bargaining unit who grieve a matter under this subpart through the negotiated grievance procedure.


§ 752.406 Agency records.

The agency must maintain copies of, and will furnish to the Merit Systems Protection Board and to the employee upon his or her request, the following documents:


(a) Notice of the proposed action;


(b) Employee’s written reply, if any;


(c) Summary of the employee’s oral reply, if any;


(d) Notice of decision; and


(e) Any order effecting the action, together with any supporting material.


Subpart E [Reserved]

Subpart F—Regulatory Requirements for Taking Adverse Action Under the Senior Executive Service

§ 752.601 Coverage.

(a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than 14 days and removals from the civil service as set forth in 5 U.S.C. 7542.


(b) Actions excluded. (1) An agency may not take a suspension action of 14 days or less.


(2) This subpart does not apply to actions taken under 5 U.S.C. 1215, 3592, 3595, 7532, or 7515.


(c) Employees covered. This subpart covers the following appointees:


(1) A career appointee—


(i) Who has completed the probationary period in the Senior Executive Service;


(ii) Who is not required to serve a probationary period in the Senior Executive Service; or


(iii) Who was covered under 5 U.S.C. 7511 immediately before appointment to the Senior Executive Service.


(2) A limited term or limited emergency appointee—


(i) Who received the limited appointment without a break in service in the same agency as the one in which the employee held a career or career-conditional appointment (or an appointment of equivalent tenure as determined by the Office of Personnel Management) in a permanent civil service position outside the Senior Executive Service; and


(ii) Who was covered under 5 U.S.C. 7511 immediately before appointment to the Senior Executive Service.


(d) Employees excluded. This subpart does not cover an appointee who is serving as a reemployed annuitant.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65987, Oct. 16, 2020]


§ 752.602 Definitions.

In this subpart—


Career appointee, limited term appointee, and limited emergency appointee have the meaning given in 5 U.S.C. 3132(a).


Day means calendar day.


Suspension has the meaning given in 5 U.S.C. 7501(2).


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65987, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.603 Standard for action.

(a) An agency may take an adverse action under this subpart only for reasons of misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or failure to accept a directed reassignment or to accompany a position in a transfer of function.


(b) An agency may not take an adverse action under this subpart on the basis of any reason prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65987, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.604 Procedures.

(a) Statutory entitlements. An appointee against whom action is proposed under this subpart is entitled to the procedures provided in 5 U.S.C. 7543(b).


(b) Notice of proposed action. (1) An appointee against whom an action is proposed is entitled to at least 30 days’ advance written notice unless there is an exception pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section. The notice must state the specific reason(s) for the proposed action and inform the appointee of his or her right to review the material that is relied on to support the reasons for action given in the notice. The notice must further include detailed information with respect to any right to appeal the action pursuant to section 1097(b)(2)(A) of Public Law 115-91, the forums in which the employee may file an appeal, and any limitations on the rights of the employee that would apply because of the forum in which the employee decides to file.


(2) Under ordinary circumstances, an appointee whose removal has been proposed will remain in a duty status in his or her regular position during the advance notice period. In those rare circumstances where the agency determines that the appointee’s continued presence in the work place during the notice period may pose a threat to the appointee or others, result in loss of or damage to Government property, or otherwise jeopardize legitimate Government interests, the agency may elect one or a combination of the following alternatives:


(i) Assigning the appointee to duties where he or she is no longer a threat to safety, the agency mission, or Government property;


(ii) Allowing the appointee to take leave, or carrying him or her in an appropriate leave status (annual, sick, leave without pay, or absence without leave) if the appointee has absented himself or herself from the worksite without requesting leave;


(iii) Curtailing the notice period when the agency can invoke the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section; or


(iv) Placing the appointee in a paid, no duty status for such time as is necessary to effect the action. After publication of regulations for 5 U.S.C. 6329b, and the subsequent agency implementation period in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6329b, an agency may place the employee in a notice leave status when applicable.


(c) Appointee’s answer. (1) The appointee may answer orally and in writing except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. The agency must give the appointee a reasonable amount of official time to review the material relied on to support its proposed action, to prepare an answer orally and in writing, and to secure affidavits, if the appointee is in an active duty status. The agency may require the appointee to furnish any answer to the proposed action, and affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer, within such time as would be reasonable, but not less than 7 days.


(2) The agency will designate an official to hear the appointee’s oral answer who has authority either to make or to recommend a final decision on the proposed adverse action. The right to answer orally in person does not include the right to a formal hearing with examination of witnesses unless the agency provides for such hearing in its regulations. Under 5 U.S.C. 7543(c), the agency may in its regulations provide a hearing in place of or in addition to the opportunity for written and oral answer.


(3) If the appointee wishes the agency to consider any medical condition that may have affected the basis for the adverse action, the appointee must be given reasonable time to furnish medical documentation (as defined in § 339.104 of this chapter) of the condition. Whenever possible, the appointee will supply such documentation within the time limits allowed for an answer.


(d) Exception. Section 7543(b)(1) of title 5, U.S. Code, authorizes an exception to the 30 days’ advance written notice when the agency has reasonable cause to believe that the appointee has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed and is proposing a removal or suspension. This notice exception is commonly referred to as the “crime provision.” This provision may be invoked even in the absence of judicial action.


(e) Representation. Section 7543(b)(3) of title 5, U.S. Code, provides that an appointee covered by this part is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative. An agency may disallow as an appointee’s representative an individual whose activities as representative would cause a conflict of interest or position, or an employee of the agency whose release from his or her official position would give rise to unreasonable costs or whose priority work assignments preclude his or her release.


(f) Agency review of medical information. When medical information is supplied by the appointee pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the agency may, if authorized, require a medical examination under the criteria of § 339.301 of this chapter, or otherwise, at its option, offer a medical examination in accordance with the criteria of § 339.302 of this chapter. If the appointee has the requisite years of service under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, the agency must provide information concerning disability retirement. The agency must be aware of the affirmative obligations of the provisions of 29 CFR 1614.203, which require reasonable accommodation of a qualified individual with a disability.


(g) Agency decision. (1) In arriving at its decision, the agency will consider only the reasons specified in the notice of proposed action and any answer of the appointee or the appointee’s representative, or both, made to a designated official and any medical documentation reviewed under paragraph (f) of this section.


(2) The notice must specify in writing the reasons for the decision and advise the appointee of any appeal rights under § 752.605 of this part. The agency must deliver the notice of decision to the appointee on or before the effective date of the action.


(h) Applications for disability retirement. Section 831.1204(e) of this chapter provides that an appointee’s application for disability retirement need not delay any other appropriate personnel action. Section 831.1205 and § 844.202 of this chapter set forth the basis under which an agency must file an application for disability retirement on behalf of an appointee.


[74 FR 63532, Dec. 4, 2009, as amended at 85 FR 65987, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 67783, Nov. 10, 2022]


§ 752.605 Appeal rights.

(a) Under 5 U.S.C. 7543(d), a career appointee against whom an action is taken under this subpart is entitled to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.


(b) A limited term or limited emergency appointee who is covered under § 752.601(c)(2) also may appeal an action taken under this subpart to the Merit Systems Protection Board.


§ 752.606 Agency records.

The agency must maintain copies of, and will furnish to the Merit Systems Protection Board and to the appointee upon his or her request, the following documents:


(a) Notice of the proposed action;


(b) Appointee’s written reply, if any;


(c) Summary of the appointee’s oral reply, if any;


(d) Notice of decision; and


(e) Any order effecting the action, together with any supporting material.


PART 754—COMPLAINT PROCEDURES, ADVERSE ACTIONS, AND APPEALS FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY INQUIRIES PRIOR TO CONDITIONAL OFFER


Authority:5 U.S.C. 554(a)(2), 1103(a)(5)(A), 1104(a)(2), 9201-9205, and Pub. L. 116-92, sec. 1122(b)(1).



Source:88 FR 60330, Sept. 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Complaint Procedures

§ 754.101 Coverage.

(a) Actions covered. A complaint, or any other information, submitted by an applicant for an appointment to a civil service position relating to compliance with section 9202 of title 5, United States Code.


(b) Definitions. In this subpart, Agency, applicant, appointing authority, conditional offer, criminal history record information, and employee have the meanings set forth in 5 CFR 920.101.


§ 754.102 Agency complaint process.

(a) Complaint intake. (1) Within 90 days of the effective date of this part, each agency must establish and publicize an accessible program for the agency to receive a complaint, or any other information, from an applicant, and any applicable supporting material, relating to the agency’s compliance with section 9202 of title 5, United States Code and part 920 of this chapter, in accordance with the guidelines and standards established in this section and the issuances described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.


(2) An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information, to an agency within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance by an employee of an agency with section 9202 of title 5, United States Code and part 920 of this chapter.


(3) The agency shall extend the 30-calendar-day time limit in paragraph (a)(2) of this section when the applicant shows that the applicant was not notified of the time limits and was not otherwise aware of them, that the applicant did not know and reasonably should not have known that the non-compliance with 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter occurred, to consider a reasonable accommodation of a disability, or for other proper and adequate reasons considered by the agency.


(4) The agency must conduct outreach to inform an applicant of the procedure for submitting a complaint when it has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant is attempting to file a complaint.


(b) Agency investigation. (1) Acting under delegated authority from OPM and subject to the limitations and requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, the agency employing the employee against whom the complaint has been filed shall investigate the complaint, unless the employee is an administrative law judge appointed under 5 U.S.C. 3105. To carry out this function in an impartial manner, the same agency official(s) responsible for executing and advising on the recruitment action may not also be responsible for managing, advising, or overseeing the agency complaint process established in this section.


(2) In carrying out its delegated responsibilities under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the agency shall develop an impartial and appropriate factual record adequate for OPM to make findings on the claims raised by any written complaint. An appropriate factual record is one that allows a reasonable fact finder to draw conclusions as to whether non-compliance with 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter occurred. Agencies have discretion to determine the appropriate fact-finding methods that efficiently and thoroughly address the matters at issue.


(3) The agency must delegate to the investigator sufficient authority to secure the production, from agency employees and contractors, of documentary and testimonial evidence needed to investigate and report on the complaint.


(4) The applicant or applicant’s representative must be given a reasonable time to respond to a request for documentary and testimonial evidence. This time period will not exceed 10 calendar days under ordinary circumstances. However, in the agency’s discretion, an agency may grant an extension under extenuating circumstances.


(5) The agency shall complete its investigation within 60 calendar days of the date of the filing of the complaint. An agency may extend the investigation period when the agency has provided more than 10 calendar days for the applicant to respond to a request for documentary and testimonial evidence pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section. Notwithstanding an extension, the agency shall complete the investigation as expeditiously as possible.


(6) Within 30 calendar days of completing its investigation, the agency shall provide to OPM an administrative report. This report should include the applicant’s complaint, or any other information submitted by the applicant, the agency’s factual findings, a complete copy of all information gathered during the investigation, and any other information that the agency believes OPM should consider. The report should be submitted to the Manager, Employee Accountability, Accountability and Workforce Relations, Employee Services, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW, Room 7H28, Washington, DC 20415 or [email protected].


(c) OPM adjudication. (1) At OPM’s discretion, OPM may request the agency provide additional information as necessary.


(2) OPM shall notify the agency and the subject(s) of the complaint in writing of its assessment of the complaint, including any decision to initiate adverse action proceedings under subpart B of this part.


(d) OPM oversight. (1) OPM may revoke an agency’s delegation under this section if an agency fails to conform to this section or OPM issuances as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.


(2) OPM retains jurisdiction to make final determinations and take actions regarding the receipt and investigation of complaints, or any other information; record-keeping; and reporting related to an allegation of non-compliance with 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section notwithstanding, OPM may, in its discretion, exercise its jurisdiction under this section in any case it deems necessary.


(3) OPM may set forth policies, procedures, standards, and supplementary guidance for the implementation of this section in OPM issuances.


§ 754.103 Applicant representatives.

An applicant may select a representative of the applicant’s choice to assist the applicant during the complaint process. An agency may disallow as an applicant’s representative an individual whose activities as a representative would cause a conflict of interest or position; an agency employee who cannot be released from official duties because of the priority needs of the Government; or an agency employee whose release would give rise to unreasonable costs to the Government.


Subpart B—Adverse Actions

§ 754.201 Coverage.

(a) Actions covered. This subpart applies to actions taken under 5 U.S.C. 9204.


(b) Employees covered. This subpart covers an employee of an agency as defined and “employee” has the meaning given the term in 5 CFR 920.101.


(c) Definitions. In this subpart—


Civil penalty means a monetary penalty imposed on an employee of a covered agency when it has been determined the employee has violated the Fair Chance Act.


Day means a calendar day.


Director means the Director of OPM or Director’s designee.


Suspension means the placing of an employee of a covered agency in a temporary status without duties and pay when it has been determined the employee violated the Fair Chance Act.


§ 754.202 Penalty determination.

(a) First violation. If the Director or Director’s designee determines, after OPM provides the procedural rights in § 754.203, that an employee of an agency has violated 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter, the Director or Director’s designee shall issue to the employee a written warning that includes a description of the violation and the additional penalties that may apply for subsequent violations; and direct the agency to file such warning in the employee’s official personnel record file.


(b) Subsequent violations. If the Director or Director’s designee determines, after OPM provides the procedural rights in § 754.203, that an employee of an agency has committed a subsequent violation of 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter, the Director or Director’s designee may take the following action:


(1) For a second violation, order a suspension of the employee for a period of not more than 7 days.


(2) For a third violation, order a suspension of the employee for a period of more than 7 days.


(3) For a fourth violation—


(i) Order a suspension of the employee for a period of more than 7 days; and


(ii) Order the employee’s agency to collect a civil penalty against the employee in an amount that is not more than $250, and remit the penalty amount to the U.S. Department of Treasury for deposit in the Treasury.


(4) For a fifth violation—


(i) Order a suspension of the employee for a period of more than 7 days; and


(ii) Order the employee’s agency to collect a civil penalty against the employee in an amount that is not more than $500, and remit the penalty amount to the U.S. Department of Treasury for deposit in the Treasury.


(5) For any subsequent violation—


(i) Order a suspension of the employee for a period of more than 7 days; and


(ii) Order the employee’s agency to collect a civil penalty against the employee in an amount that is not more than $1,000, and remit the penalty amount to the U.S. Department of Treasury for deposit in the Treasury.


(c) Duration of suspension and penalty amount. The Director or Director’s Designee has discretion to determine the duration of a suspension and the amount of a penalty under this section, subject only to the minimum and maximum durations and amounts specified in this section.


(d) Agency responsibilities. An agency shall carry out an order of the Director to suspend an employee, or to collect and remit a civil penalty, pursuant to processing and recordkeeping instructions issued by OPM.


(1) The agency shall carry out the order of the Director to suspend the employee as soon as practicable.


(2) The agency shall carry out the order of the Director to collect and remit a civil penalty as soon as practicable, unless the employee timely appeals the action under § 754.204, in which case the agency shall collect and remit the civil penalty as soon as practicable after the Merit Systems Protection Board issues a final decision sustaining the action.


(e) Administrative law judges. Paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section do not apply if the Director or Director’s designee believes that an administrative law judge has violated 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter. In any such case the Director or Director’s designee shall file a complaint with the Merit Systems Protection Board proposing an action set forth in 5 U.S.C. 9204 and describing with particularity the facts that support the proposed agency action, and the Board will determine whether the action is for good cause under its regulations in 5 CFR part 1201, subpart D.


§ 754.203 Procedures.

(a) Notice of proposed action. An employee against whom action is proposed under this subpart is entitled to at least 30 days’ advance written notice. The notice must state the specific reason(s) for the proposed action and inform the employee of the right to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action given in the notice before any final decision is made by the Director or Director’s designee.


(b) Employee’s answer. (1) An employee may answer orally and in writing. The employee’s agency must give the employee a reasonable amount of official time to review the material relied on to support OPM’s proposed action, to prepare and present an answer orally and in writing, and to secure affidavits, if the employee is in an active duty status. OPM may require the employee to furnish any answer to the proposed action, and affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the employee’s answer, within such time as would be reasonable, but not less than 7 days.


(2) The Director or Director’s Designee may designate an Office of Personnel Management official to hear the employee’s oral answer, and confer authority on that person to make or recommend a final decision on the proposed adverse action.


(c) Representation. An employee covered by this part is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative. An agency may disallow as an employee’s representative an individual whose activities as representative would cause a conflict of interest or position, or an employee of the agency whose release from the employee’s official position would give rise to unreasonable costs or whose priority work assignments preclude release.


(d) OPM decision. (1) In arriving at a decision, the Director or Director’s Designee will consider only the complaint, the applicant’s supporting material, the agency’s administrative file, the reasons specified in the notice of proposed action, and any oral and written answer by the employee or the employee’s representative.


(2) The decision notice must specify in writing the reasons for the decision and advise the employee of any appeal rights.


(e) Administrative Law Judges. This section does not apply if the Director or Director’s designee believes that an administrative law judge has violated 5 U.S.C. 9202 and part 920 of this chapter.


§ 754.204 Appeal rights.

(a) An employee against whom an action is taken by OPM under § 754.203 may appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board, under the regulations of the Board, but only to the extent the action concerns suspensions for more than 14 days or combines a suspension and a civil penalty. An appeal must be filed by not later than 30 days after the effective date of the action. The procedures for filing an appeal with the Board are found at 5 CFR part 1201.


(b) If the Board finds that one or more of the charges brought by OPM against the employee is supported by a preponderance of the evidence, regardless of whether all specifications are sustained, it must affirm OPM’s action. The Board may neither review whether the adverse action is for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the service, nor mitigate the duration of a suspension or the amount of a civil penalty ordered under this part.


(c) An appeal against OPM is the exclusive avenue of appeal. The employee has no right to file a separate appeal against the employing agency for processing a personnel action as ordered by OPM under § 754.202.


(d) OPM’s action under § 754.202 of this part is not subject to an agency’s administrative grievance procedure or a negotiated grievance procedure under a collective bargaining agreement between an exclusive bargaining representative and any agency.


§ 754.205 Agency records.

The complaint, the applicant’s supporting material, the agency’s administrative file, the notice of the proposed action, the employee’s written reply, if any, summary or transcript of the employee’s oral reply, if any, the notice of decision, and any order to the covered agency effecting the action together with any supporting material, must be maintained in the applicable Privacy Act system of records.


PART 771—AGENCY ADMINISTRATIVE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM


Authority:5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3302, 7301; E.O. 9830, 3 CFR 1945-1948 Comp., pp. 606-624; E.O. 11222, 3 CFR 1964-1969 Comp., p. 306.

§ 771.101 Continuation of Grievance Systems.

Each administrative grievance system in operation as of October 11, 1995, that has been established under former regulations under this part must remain in effect until the system is either modified by the agency or replaced with another dispute resolution process.


[60 FR 47040, Sept. 11, 1995]


PART 772—INTERIM RELIEF


Authority:5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3302, and 7301; Pub. L. 101-12.


Source:57 FR 3712, Jan. 31, 1992, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 772.101 Basic authority.

This part establishes a mechanism for agencies to provide interim relief to employees and applicants for employment who prevail in an initial decision issued by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) as required by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, Pub. L. 101-12 (codified at 5 U.S.C. 7701(b)(2)(A)). The interim relief provisions of the law are applicable whether or not alleged reprisal for whistleblowing is at issue in an appeal to MSPB.


§ 772.102 Interim personnel actions.

When an employee or applicant for employment appeals an action to MSPB and the appeal results in an initial decision by an MSPB administrative judge granting interim relief under 5 U.S.C. 7701(b)(2)(A) and a petition for review of the initial decision is filed (or will be filed) with the full Board under 5 U.S.C. 7701(e)(1)(A), the agency shall provide the relief ordered in the initial decision by taking an interim personnel action subject to the following terms:


(a) Interim personnel actions shall be made effective upon the date of issuance of the initial decision and must be initiated on or before the date of a petition for review by the agency or within a reasonable period after the date it becomes aware of a petition for review by the appellant;


(b) The relief provided by interim personnel actions shall end:


(1) When the full Board issues a final decision on a petition for review filed by an applicant for employment, employee, and/or agency under 5 U.S.C. 7701(e)(1)(A),


(2) When the initial decision becomes final pursuant to an action of the full Board or pursuant to a decision by an applicant for employment, employee, and/or agency to withdraw (or change intentions to file) any petition for review filed under 5 U.S.C. 7701(e)(1)(A), or


(3) When the applicant for employment or employee requests or reaches agreement with the agency that the interim relief ordered in the initial decision be cancelled;


(c) Interim relief shall entitle the applicant for employment or employee to the same compensation and benefits he or she would receive if the relief effected had not been on an interim basis except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section;


(d) An interim personnel action shall not be taken if the MSPB administrative judge, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7701(b)(2)(A)(i), determines that granting interim relief is not appropriate;


(e) An interim personnel action under this part shall not entitle the applicant for employment or employee to an award of back pay or attorney fees.


[57 FR 3712, Jan. 31, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 36353, July 18, 1994; 59 FR 65704, Dec. 21, 1994]


PART 792—FEDERAL EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH, COUNSELING, AND WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 7361-7363; Sec. 643, Pub. L. 106-58, 113 Stat. 477; 40 U.S.C. 590(g).

Subpart A—Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and Services for Federal Civilian Employees

§ 792.101 Statutory requirements.

Sections 7361 and 7362 of title 5, United States Code, provide that the Office of Personnel Management is responsible for developing and maintaining, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and with other agencies, appropriate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services for Federal civilian employees with alcohol and drug abuse problems. To the extent feasible, agencies are encouraged to extend services to families (including domestic partners and their children) of alcohol and/or drug abusing employees and to employees who have family members (including domestic partners and their children) who have alcohol and/or drug problems. Such programs and services should make optimal use of existing Government facilities, services, and skills.


[77 FR 42907, July 20, 2012]


§ 792.102 General.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to offer appropriate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services for Federal civilian employees with alcohol and drug problems. Short-term counseling or referral, or offers thereof, constitute the appropriate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services for alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and drug abuse required under subchapter VI of chapter 73 of title 5, United States Code. Federal agencies must establish programs to assist employees with these problems in accordance with that subchapter.


[77 FR 42907, July 20, 2012]


§ 792.103 Coverage.

This part applies to all positions in Executive agencies as defined in section 105 of title 5 of the United States Code, and to those positions in the legislative and judicial branch of the Federal Government which are in the competitive service.


[49 FR 27921, July 9, 1984]


§ 792.104 Responsibilities of the Office of Personnel Management.

OPM shall provide overall leadership for the Government-wide alcoholism and drug abuse program in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. To accomplish this, OPM shall develop and issue policy and program guidance, provide technical assistance to agencies, and determine the overall effectiveness of the Government-wide program, as well as those programs at individual agencies, based on program information required of agencies.


[49 FR 27921, July 9, 1984]


§ 792.105 Agency responsibilities.

(a) Agencies shall establish and administer programs through which practitioners who are knowledgeable in counseling and referral services can offer and provide employees who have alcohol and/or drug problems short-term counseling and/or referrals for long-term counseling or treatment.


(b) Agencies must issue internal instructions implementing the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 7361-7363 and this subpart.


(c) Whenever a manager/supervisor becomes aware that a Federal employee’s use of alcohol and/or drugs may be contributing to a performance or conduct deficiency, the manager/supervisor shall recommend counseling and refer the employee to the agency counseling program. If an employee fails to participate in any rehabilitative program or, having participated, the employee fails to bring conduct or performance up to satisfactory level, the agency shall evaluate the employee accordingly and initiate an appropriate performance-based or adverse action.


(d) As requested, agencies shall annually submit a report to OPM on their counseling activities for the past fiscal year at a time, and in a manner, set by OPM.


[49 FR 27921, July 9, 1984, as amended at 50 FR 16692, Apr. 29, 1985; 77 FR 42908, July 20, 2012]


Subpart B—Agency Use of Appropriated Funds for Child Care Costs for Lower Income Employees


Source:77 FR 42908, July 20, 2012, unless otherwise noted.

§ 792.201 Purpose.

The purpose of this subpart is to implement section 590(g) of title 40, United States Code, which permits an Executive agency to use appropriated funds to improve the affordability of child care for lower-income employees. The law applies to child care in the United States and in overseas locations. Employees can benefit from reduced child care rates at Federal child care centers, non-Federal child care centers, and in family child care homes.


§ 792.202 Definitions.

In this subpart—


Child means a child who bears any of the following relationships to an employee, the employee’s spouse, or the employee’s domestic partner:


(1) A biological child;


(2) An adopted child;


(3) A stepchild;


(4) A foster child;


(5) A child for whom a judicial determination of support has been obtained; or


(6) A child to whose support the employee, the employee’s spouse, or the employee’s domestic partner makes regular and substantial contributions.


Child care provider means an individual or entity providing child care services for which Federal employees’ families are eligible. The provider must be licensed or regulated, and the provider’s services can be provided in a Federally-sponsored child care center, a non-Federal center, or a family child care home.


Child care subsidy program means the program established by an agency in using appropriated funds, as provided in this subpart, to assist lower-income employees with child care costs. The program can include such activities as determining which employees receive a subsidy and the size of their subsidies; distributing agency funds to participating providers; and tracking and reporting information to OPM such as total cost and employee use of the program.


Disabled child means a child who is unable to care for himself or herself because of a physical or mental condition as determined by a physician or licensed or certified psychologist.


Domestic partner means a person in a domestic partnership with an employee of the same sex.


Domestic partnership means a committed relationship between two adults of the same sex in which the partners—


(1) Are each other’s sole domestic partner and intend to remain so indefinitely;


(2) Maintain a common residence, and intend to continue to do so (or would maintain a common residence but for an assignment abroad or other employment-related, financial, or similar obstacle);


(3) Are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to consent to a contract;


(4) Share responsibility for a significant measure of each other’s financial obligations;


(5) Are not married or joined in a civil union to anyone else;


(6) Are not the domestic partner of anyone else;


(7) Are not related in a way that, if they were of opposite sex, would prohibit legal marriage in the U.S. jurisdiction in which the domestic partnership was formed;


(8) Are willing to certify, if required by the agency, that they understand that willful falsification of any documentation required to establish that an individual is in a domestic partnership may lead to disciplinary action and the recovery of the cost of benefits received related to such falsification, as well as constitute a criminal violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001, and that the method for securing such certification, if required, will be determined by the agency; and


(9) Are willing promptly to disclose, if required by the agency, any dissolution or material change in the status of the domestic partnership.


Employee means an employee as defined in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.


Executive agency means an Executive agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105 but does not include the Government Accountability Office.


Federally-sponsored child care center means a child care center located in a building or space that is owned or leased by the Federal Government.


OPM means the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.


§ 792.203 Child care subsidy programs; eligibility.

(a)(1) An Executive agency may establish a child care subsidy program in which the agency uses appropriated funds, in accordance with this subpart, to assist lower-income employees of the agency with their child care costs. The assistance may be provided for both full-time and part-time child care, and may include before-and-after-school programs and daytime summer programs.


(2) Two or more agencies may pool their funds to establish a child care subsidy program for the benefit of employees who are served by a Federally-sponsored child care center in a multi-tenant facility.


(3)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, an agency may impose restrictions on the use of appropriated funds for its child care subsidy program based on consideration of employees’ needs, its own staffing needs, the local availability of child care, and other factors as determined by the agency. For example, an agency may decide to restrict eligibility for subsidies to—


(A) Full-time permanent employees;


(B) Employees using an agency on-site child care center;


(C) Employees using full-time child care; or


(D) Employees using child care in specific locations.


(ii) An agency may not limit the payment of subsidies to accredited child care providers.


(b) Subject to any restrictions applicable under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, an employee who qualifies as a lower-income employee under the agency’s child care subsidy program is eligible to receive a child care subsidy for the care of each child under age 13 or, in the case of a disabled child, under age 18.


§ 792.204 Agency responsibilities; reporting requirement.

(a) Before funds may be obligated as provided in this subpart, an agency intending to initiate a child care subsidy program must provide notice to the Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as well as to OPM.


(b) Agencies must notify the committees referred to in paragraph (a) of this section and OPM annually of their intention to provide child care subsidies. Funds may be obligated immediately after the notifications have been made.


(c) Agencies are responsible for tracking the utilization of their funds and reporting the results to OPM at such time and in such manner as OPM prescribes.


[77 FR 42908, July 20, 2012, as amended at 80 FR 75786, Dec. 4, 2015]


§ 792.205 Administration of child care subsidy programs.

(a) An agency may administer its child care subsidy program directly or by contract with another entity, using procedures prescribed under the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Regardless of what entity administers the program, the Federal agency is responsible for establishing how eligibility and subsidy amounts will be determined.


(b) An agency contract must specify that any unexpended funds will be returned to the agency after the contract is completed.


§ 792.206 Payment of subsidies.

(a) Payment of child care subsidies must be made directly to child care providers, unless one of the following exceptions applies:


(1) In overseas locations, the agency may pay the employee if the provider deals only in foreign currency.


(2) In unique circumstances, an agency may obtain written permission from OPM to pay the employee directly.


(b) An agency may make advance payments to a child care provider in certain circumstances, such as when the provider requires payment up to one month in advance of rendering services. An agency may not make advance payments for more than one month before the employee receives child care services except where an agency has contracted with another entity to administer the child care subsidy program, in which case the agency may advance payments to the entity administering the program as long as the requirements in § 792.205(b) are met.


PART 831—RETIREMENT


Authority:5 U.S.C. 8347; Sec. 831.102 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8334; Sec. 831.106 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a; Sec. 831.108 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8336(d)(2); Sec. 831.114 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8336(d)(2) and Sec. 1313(b)(5) of Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135; Sec. 831.201(b)(1) also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8347(g); Sec. 831.201(b)(6) also issued under 5 U.S.C. 7701(b)(2); Sec. 831.201(g) also issued under Secs. 11202(f), 11232(e), and 11246(b) of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251; Sec. 831.201(g) also issued under Secs. 7(b) and (e) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419; Sec. 831.201(i) also issued under Secs. 3 and 7(c) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419; Sec. 831.202 also issued under Sec. 111 of Pub. L. 99-500, 100 Stat. 1783, and Sec. 111 of Pub. L. 99-591, 100 Stat. 3341-348, and also Sec. 1 of Pub. L. 110-279, 122 Stat. 2602, as amended by Sec. 1(a) of Pub. L. 116-21, 133 Stat. 903; Sec. 831.204 also issued under Sec. 102(e) of Pub. L. 104-8, 109 Stat. 102, as amended by Sec. 153 of Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321; Sec. 831.205 also issued under Sec. 2207 of Pub. L. 106-265, 114 Stat. 784; Sec. 831.206 also issued under Sec. 1622(b) of Pub. L. 104-106, 110 Stat. 515; Sec. 831.301 also issued under Sec. 2203 of Pub. L. 106-265, 114 Stat. 780; Sec. 831.303 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8334(d)(2) and Sec. 2203 of Pub. L. 106-235, 114 Stat. 780; Sec. 831.502 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8337, and under Sec. 1(3), E.O. 11228, 3 CFR 1965-1965 Comp. p. 317; Sec. 831.663 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8339(j) and (k)(2); Secs. 831.663 and 831.664 also issued under Sec. 11004(c)(2) of Pub. L. 103-66, 107 Stat. 412; Sec. 831.682 also issued under Sec. 201(d) of Pub. L. 99-251, 100 Stat. 23; Sec. 831.912 also issued under Sec. 636 of Appendix C to Pub. L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763A-164; Subpart P also issued under Sec. 535(d) of Title V of Division E of Pub. L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 2042; Subpart Q also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8336a; Subpart V also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8343a and Sec. 6001 of Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-275; Sec. 831.2203 also issued under Sec. 7001(a)(4) of Pub. L. 101-508, 104 Stat. 1388-328; Pub. L. 115-352, 132 Stat. 5067 (5 U.S.C. 101).


Source:33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Administration and General Provisions

§ 831.101 Administration.

(a) OPM has charge of the adjudication of all claims arising under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, and of all matters directly or indirectly concerned with these adjudications.


(b) In the adjudication of claims arising under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, OPM shall consider and take appropriate action on counterclaims filed by the Government as set-offs against amounts in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.


(c) For purposes of this part, the term “Associate Director” means the Associate Director for Compensation in OPM.


[33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968, as amended at 34 FR 17617, Oct. 31, 1969]


§ 831.102 Basic records.

Every Federal department, agency, corporation or branch, whether executive, legislative, or judicial, and the District of Columbia Government (included in this part collectively in the term department or agency) having employees or Members of Congress (hereinafter referred to in this part as Members) subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, shall initiate and maintain retirement accounts for those employees and Members as prescribed by OPM issuances.


[33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


§ 831.103 Evidence.

(a) Standard Form 2806 (Individual Retirement Record) is the basic record for action on all claims for annuity or refund, and those pertaining to deceased employees, deceased Members, or deceased annuitants.


(b) When the records of the department or agency concerned are lost, destroyed, or incomplete, the department or agency shall request the General Accounting Office, through OPM, to furnish the data that it considers necessary for a proper determination of the rights of the claimant. When an official record cannot develop the required information, the department, agency, or OPM should request inferior or secondary evidence which is then admissible.


§ 831.104 Application.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, applications under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, shall be filed with OPM and shall be on forms prescribed by OPM.


(b) Applications to make deposit for military service shall be filed in accordance with subpart U of this part.


[48 FR 38783, Aug. 26, 1983]


§ 831.105 Computation of interest.

(a) The computation of interest is on the basis of 30 days to the month. Interest is computed for the actual calendar time involved in each case, but whenever applicable the rule of average applies.


(b) Interest is allowed on current deductions and deposits at the rate of 4 percent per year to December 31, 1947, and 3 percent per year thereafter, compounded annually, to December 31, 1956. After December 31, 1956, except as provided below, interest is allowed at the rate of 3 percent per year, compounded annually, to date of final separation or transfer to a position that is not covered by the retirement system. After December 31, 1956, interest is not allowed:


(1) When an employee has one year or less of covered service,


(2) For any fractional part of a month in the total service, or


(3) For more than five years’ civilian service.


(c) Interest at the rate of 3 percent per year through December 31, 1984, and, thereafter, at the yearly rate determined by the Secretary of Treasury, compounded annually, is allowed on voluntary contributions during periods of employment and, after the employee or Member has completed at least 5 years’ civilian service, during periods of separation until the beginning date of annuity or death, whichever is earlier. For refund purposes, however, interest on voluntary contributions terminates on the date of the employee’s or Member’s final separation or on the date of the employee’s or Member’s last transfer to a position in which he or she is not subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code


(d) For noncontributory service performed before October 1, 1982, and for redeposits of refunds paid on an application received by either the individual’s employing agency or OPM before October 1, 1982, interest at the rate of 4 percent per year to December 31, 1947, and at the rate of 3 percent per year thereafter, compounded annually, is charged. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance of a deposit from the midpoint of each service period for which deposit is involved; interest is charged on the outstanding balance of a refund from the date the refund was paid. Interest is charged to the date of deposit or commencing date of annuity, whichever is earlier, except that interest is not charged for any period of separation from the service which began before October 1, 1956.


(e) For noncontributory service performed on or after October 1, 1982, and for redeposits of refunds paid on an application received by the individual’s employing agency or OPM on or after October 1, 1982, interest is charged at the rate of 3 percent per year through December 31, 1984, and, thereafter, at the yearly rate determined by the Secretary of Treasury, compounded annually. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance of a deposit from the midpoint of each service period for which deposit is involved; interest is charged on the outstanding balance of a refund from the date the refund was paid. Interest is charged to the date of deposit.


(f) No interest is charged on a deposit for military service if that deposit is made before October 1, 1984, or within 2 years of the date that an individual first becomes an employee or Member under the civil service retirement system, whichever is later. When interest is charged on a deposit for military service, it is charged on the outstanding balance at the rate of 3 percent per year, compounded annually, from October 1, 1984, or 2 years from the date the individual first becomes an employee or Member, whichever is later, through December 31, 1984, and thereafter at the yearly rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.


(g) For calendar year 1985 and for each subsequent calendar year, OPM will publish a notice in the Federal Register to notify the public of the interest rate that will be in effect during that calendar year.


(h) Interest under §§ 831.631, 831.632, 831.682, and 831.684 is compounded annually and accrued monthly.


(1) The initial interest on each monthly difference between the reduced annuity rate and the annuity rate actually paid equals the amount of the monthly difference times the difference between (i) 1.06 raised to the power whose numerator is the number of months between the date when the monthly difference in annuity rates occurred and the date when the initial interest is computed and whose denominator is 12; and (ii) 1.


(2) The total initial interest due is the sum of all of the initial interest on each monthly difference computed in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) of this section.


(3) Additional interest on any uncollected balance will be compounded annually and accrued monthly. The additional interest due each month equals the remaining balance due times the difference between (i) 1.06 raised to the 1/12th power; and (ii) 1.


(i)(1) When an individual’s civilian service involves several deposit and/or redeposit periods, OPM will normally use the following order of precedence in applying each installment payment against the full amount due:


(i) Redeposits of refunds paid on applications received by the individual’s employing agency or OPM on or after October 1, 1982;


(ii) Redeposits of refunds paid on applications received by the individual’s employing agency or OPM before October 1, 1982;


(iii) Deposits for noncontributory civilian service performed on or after October 1, 1982; and


(iv) Deposits for noncontributory service performed before October 1, 1982.


(2) If an individual specifically requests a different order of precedence, that request will be honored.


(j) Interest under § 831.662 is compounded annually and accrued monthly.


(1) The initial interest on each monthly difference between the reduced annuity rate and the annuity rate actually paid equals the amount of the monthly difference times the difference between—


(i) The sum of one plus the interest rate set under § 831.105(g) raised to the power whose numerator is the number of months between the date when the monthly difference in annuity rates occurred and the date when the initial interest is computed and whose denominator is 12; and


(ii) 1.


(2) The total initial interest due is the sum of all of the initial interest on each monthly difference computed in accordance with paragraph (j)(1) of this section.


(k) If OPM determines that additional interest was assessed on a deposit for full-time volunteer service as a volunteer or a volunteer leader with the Peace Corps or Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) due to its own administrative error, OPM may pay, on behalf of the employee, Member, or annuitant, any additional interest assessed due to the administrative error.


[33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968, as amended at 47 FR 43637, Oct. 1, 1982; 48 FR 38783, Aug. 26, 1983; 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 52 FR 32287, Aug. 27, 1987; 55 FR 9099, Mar. 12, 1990; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993; 86 FR 20437, Apr. 20, 2021]


§ 831.106 Disclosure of information.

(a)(1) The Office has in its possession or under its control records containing the following types of information:


(i) Documentation of Federal service subject to the Civil Service Retirement System.


(ii) Documentation of service credit and refund claims made under the Civil Service Retirement System.


(iii) Retirement and death claims files, including documents supporting the retirement application, health benefits and life insurance eligibility, medical records supporting disability claims, and designations of beneficiaries.


(iv) Claims review and correspondence files pertaining to benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.


(v) Suitability determination files on applicants for Federal employment found unsuitable for employment on medical grounds.


(vi) Documentation of claims made for life insurance and health benefits by annuitants under a Federal Government retirement system other than the Civil Service Retirement System.


(vii) Documentation of voluntary contributions made by eligible individuals.


(viii) Health Unit medical records for OPM employees.


(2) These records may be disclosed to the individual to whom the information pertains, or with prior written consent of the individual to any agency or other person, except that medical evidence about which a prudent physician would hesitate to inform the individual, will be disclosed only to a licensed physician designated in writing for that purpose by the individual or by his or her representative.


(3) Civil service retirement records will be disclosed consistent with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), including, but not limited to, disclosures.


(i) Pursuant to a routine use promulgated for such records and printed in the Office’s annual publication of notices of systems of records, except that;


(ii) A beneficiary designated in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Retirement law (5 U.S.C. 8342(b)) shall, during the lifetime of the designator, be disclosed to the designator only, at his or her signed, written request. Such beneficiary designations that may appear in records being disclosed must be removed before access to a record is permitted. If information pertaining to a designation of beneficiary is specifically asked for by a court of competent jurisdiction, it may be released to the court, but with a written notice that it is released under protest.


(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, the Office shall not disclose information from the files, records, reports, or other papers and documents pertaining to a claim filed with the Office, whether potential, pending, or adjudicated. This information is deemed privileged and confidential.


(b) On written request the Office shall return, to the person entitled to them, certificates of discharges, adoption papers, marriage certificates, decrees of divorce, letters testamentary or of administration, when they are no longer needed in the settlement of the claim. If papers returned constitute part of the material and essential evidence in a claim, the Office shall retain in the file photo or other copies of them or of the parts which appear to be of evidential value.


[47 FR 12937, Mar. 26, 1982]


§ 831.107 Computation of time.

In computing a period of time prescribed by this part, the day of the action or event after which the designated period of time begins to run is not included. The last day of the period is included unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday; in this event, the period runs until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday.


[33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968. Redesignated at 44 FR 37889, June 29, 1979]


§ 831.109 Initial decision and reconsideration.

(a) Who may file. Except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section any individual or agency whose rights or interests under the Civil Service Retirement System are affected by an initial decision of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may request OPM to review its initial decision.


(b) Actions covered elsewhere. (1) A request for reconsideration of termination of annuity payments under 5 U.S.C. 8311-22 shall be made in accordance with the procedures set out in subpart K of this part.


(2) A request for reconsideration of a decision to collect a debt will be made in accordance with § 831.1304(b).


(c) Initial decision. A decision shall be considered an initial decision when rendered by OPM in writing and stating the right to reconsideration.


(d) Reconsideration. A request for reconsideration must be in writing, must include the individual’s name, address, date of birth and claim number, if applicable, and must state the basis for the request.


(e) Time limits on reconsideration. (1) A request for reconsideration must be received by OPM within 30 calendar days from the date of the original decision.


(2) The representative of the Associate Director for Compensation responsible for reconsiderations may extend the time limit for filing when the individual shows that he/she was not notified of the time limit and was not otherwise aware of it, or that he/she was prevented by circumstances beyond his/her control from making the request within the time limit.


(f) Final decision. (1) After reconsideration, the Associate Director’s representative shall issue a final decision which shall be in writing, shall fully set forth the findings and conclusions of the reconsideration, and shall contain notice of the right to request an appeal provided in § 831.110. Copies of the final decision shall be sent to the individual, to any competing claimants and, where applicable, to the agency.


(2) OPM may issue a final decision providing the opportunity to appeal under § 831.110 rather than an opportunity to request reconsideration under paragraph (c) of this section. Such a decision must be in writing and state the right to appeal under § 831.110.


(g) Competing claimants. (1) When a competing claimant files a request for reconsideration under this section, the other competing claimants shall be notified of the request and given an opportunity to submit written substantiation of their claim.


(2) When a determination in favor of one claimant would affect another claimant, all claimants concerned will be notified of that decision and those adversely affected will be given an opportunity to request reconsideration. OPM shall not execute its decision until the time limit for requesting reconsideration has expired. If reconsideration has been requested, OPM shall take no action after the reconsideration decision is rendered until the time limit to appeal has expired.


[45 FR 23632, Apr. 8, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 1330, Jan. 11, 1984; 50 FR 34664, Aug. 27, 1985; 62 FR 22873, Apr. 28, 1997]


§ 831.110 Appeals.

Appeals to MSPB. Except as noted in this paragraph, an individual or agency whose rights or interests under the Civil Service Retirement System (Subchapter III of chapter 83, title 5, United States Code) are affected by a final decision of the representative of the Associate Director for Compensation, Office of Personnel Management, may request the Merit Systems Protection Board to review such decision in accord with procedures prescribed by the Board. Decisions of OPM and the Associate Director for Compensation made in accord with the procedures referenced in § 831.109(b)(1) are made under subchapter II of chapter 83, title 5, United States Code. Such decisions are not appealable to the Merit Systems Protection Board under 5 U.S.C. 8347(d).


[44 FR 37890, June 29, 1979, as amended at 45 FR 23633, Apr. 8, 1980; 48 FR 38784, Aug. 26, 1983]


§ 831.111 Employee deductions and agency contributions.

(a) Agency share. When an agency fails to withhold some or all of an employee deduction under 5 U.S.C. 8334(a) for any pay period, the agency is still responsible for submitting the correct agency contribution to OPM. The agency must submit as the agency share, a payment equal to the amount that would have been submitted if the error had not been made (or a payment equal to the difference between the amount already submitted as the agency share and the amount that should have been submitted). The payment should be submitted to OPM in the manner currently prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions as soon as possible, but not later than provided by standards established by OPM.


(b) Employee share. (1) If, through administrative error, an agency did not withhold any of the employee deductions required by 5 U.S.C. 8334(a) for any pay period, the employee may, at his or her option—


(i) Request the agency that employed him or her when the error was made to correct his or her records and arrange to pay any resulting overpayment of pay to the agency (unless it is waived by the agency); or


(ii) Pay the deposit plus any applicable interest (under certain conditions, the deposit may be made at any time until the final adjudication of his or her application for retirement) directly to OPM by submitting SF 2803; or


(iii) Have the period of service treated like the nondeduction service described in § 831.303.


(2) When the agency withholds part of the required employee deductions for any pay period, the balance must be submitted to OPM in the manner currently prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions as soon as possible, but not later than provided by standards established by OPM. The agency must correct its error. The employee does not have the option to pay a deposit directly to OPM when partial deductions have been withheld.


(3) If the agency waives the employee’s repayment of the salary overpayment that resulted from the administrative error, the agency must also submit (in addition to the agency contribution) the employee’s share of the unpaid contributions to OPM in the manner currently prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions.


[53 FR 35295, Sept. 13, 1988, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001]


§ 831.112 Definitions of employee.

(a) Determinations involving an employee’s ability to make a deposit or redeposit. A person may make a deposit or redeposit under section 8334 of title 5, United States Code, if he or she is an “employee.” For purposes of this paragraph, an employee is—


(1) A person currently employed in a position subject to the civil service retirement law; or


(2) A former employee (whose annuity has not been finally adjudicated) who retains civil service retirement annuity rights based on a separation from a position in which retirement deductions were properly withheld and remain (or have been redeposited in whole or in part) in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.


(b) Determinations involving the payment of survivor benefits at an employee’s or former employee’s death. To determine entitlement to survivor benefits, OPM establishes whether the deceased individual was an “employee” or a “retiree” on the date of death. If the decedent was an “employee” on the date of death, survivor benefits are paid as though the individual died in service. If the decedent was a “retiree” on the date of death, survivor benefits are only paid as provided in the individual’s election, provided it was properly made. However, if a former employee was eligible only for a deferred annuity at age 62, survivor benefits are only paid if the individual was a “retiree” on the date of death. For purposes of this paragraph—


(1) Employee is a person—


(i) Who had not been separated from service prior to his or her death, even if he or she had applied for retirement (for example, an applicant for disability annuity) and the application had been approved; or


(ii) Whose death occurs before the commencing date of annuity, even though separation has occurred.


(2) Retiree or annuitant is a person—


(i) Who has been separated from service and met all the requirements to receive an annuity including having filed an application for the annuity prior to his or her death; and


(ii) Whose death occurs on or after the commencing date of annuity.


(c) Determinations involving the requirement of spousal consent for elections of alternative annuity and survivor annuity benefits. Spousal consent is required as specified in §§ 831.614 and 831.2203(c), if the employee/annuitant is married on the commencing date of annuity, regardless of whether that date is before or after the date of separation from service.


[56 FR 45883, Sept. 9, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.113 Payments to children.

For purposes of section 8345(e) of title 5, United States Code, persons who have attained age 18 are considered adults regardless of the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside.


[56 FR 45884, Sept. 9, 1991]


§ 831.114 Voluntary early retirement-substantial delayering, reorganization, reduction in force, transfer of function, or other workforce restructuring.

(a) A specific designee is defined as a senior official within an agency who has been specifically designated to sign requests for voluntary early retirement authority under a designation from the head of the agency. Examples include a Chief Human Capital Officer, an Assistant Secretary for Administration, a Director of Human Resources Management, or other official.


(b) An agency’s request for voluntary early retirement authority must be signed by the head of the agency or by a specific designee.


(c) The request must contain the following information:


(1) Identification of the agency or specified component(s) for which the authority is being requested;


(2) Reasons why the agency needs voluntary early retirement authority. This must include a detailed summary of the agency’s personnel and/or budgetary situation that will result in an excess of personnel because of a substantial delayering, reorganization, reduction in force, transfer of function, or other workforce restructuring or reshaping, consistent with agency human capital goals;


(3) The date on which the agency expects to effect the substantial delayering, reorganization, reduction in force, transfer of function, or other workforce restructuring or reshaping;


(4) The time period during which the agency plans to offer voluntary early retirement;


(5) The total number of non-temporary employees in the agency (or specified component(s));


(6) The total number of non-temporary employees in the agency (or specified component(s)) who may be involuntarily separated, downgraded, transferred, or reassigned as a result of the substantial delayering, reorganization, reduction in force, transfer of function, or other workforce restructuring or reshaping;


(7) The total number of employees in the agency (or specified component(s)) who are eligible for voluntary early retirement;


(8) An estimate of the total number of employees in the agency (or specified component(s)) who are expected to retire early during the period covered by the request for voluntary early retirement authority; and


(9) A description of the types of personnel actions anticipated as a result of the agency’s need for voluntary early retirement authority. Examples include separations, transfers, reassignments, and downgradings.


(d) OPM will evaluate a request for voluntary early retirement based on:


(1) A specific request to OPM from the agency for voluntary early retirement authority;


(2) A voluntary separation incentive payment implementation plan, as discussed in part 576, subpart A, of this chapter, which must outline the intended use of the incentive payments and voluntary early retirement; or


(3) The agency’s human capital plan, which must outline its intended use of voluntary separation incentive payments and voluntary early retirement authority, and the changes in organizational structure it expects to make as the result of projected separations and early retirements.


(e) Regardless of the method used, the request must include all of the information required by paragraph (c) of this section.


(f) OPM may approve an agency’s request for voluntary early retirement authority to cover the entire period of the substantial delayering, reorganization, reduction in force, transfer of function, or other workforce restructuring or reshaping described by the agency, or the initial portion of that period with a requirement for subsequent information and justification if the period covers multiple years.


(g) After OPM approves an agency’s request, the agency must immediately notify OPM of any subsequent changes in the conditions that served as the basis for the approval of the voluntary early retirement authority. Depending upon the circumstances involved, OPM will modify the authority as necessary to better suit the agency’s needs.


(h) The agency may further limit voluntary early retirement offers based on:


(1) An established opening and closing date for the acceptance of applications that is announced to employees at the time of the offer; or


(2) The acceptance of a specified number of applications for voluntary early retirement, provided that, at the time of the offer, the agency notified employees that it retained the right to limit the number of voluntary early retirements.


(i) Within the timeframe specified for its approved voluntary early retirement authority, the agency may subsequently establish a new or revised closing date, or reduce or increase the number of early retirement applications it will accept, if management’s downsizing and/or reshaping needs change. If the agency issues a revised closing date, or a revised number of applications to be accepted, the new date or number of applications must be announced to the same group of employees included in the original announcement. If the agency issues a new window period with a new closing date, or a new instance of a specific number of applications to be accepted, the new window period or number of applications to be accepted may be announced to a different group of employees as long as they are covered by the approved voluntary early retirement authority.


(j) Chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, requires that agencies treat employees on military duty, for all practical purposes, as though they were still on the job. Further, employees are not to be disadvantaged because of their military service. In accordance with these provisions, employees on military duty who would otherwise be eligible for an offer of voluntary early retirement will have 30 days following their return to duty to either accept or reject an offer of voluntary early retirement. This will be true even if the voluntary early retirement authority provided by OPM has expired.


(k) An employee who separates from the service voluntarily after completing 25 years of service, or becoming age 50 and completing 20 years of service, is entitled to an annuity if, on the date of separation, the employee:


(1) Is serving in a position covered by a voluntary early retirement offer; and


(2) Meets the following conditions which are covered in 5 U.S.C. 8336(d)(2):


(i) Has been employed continuously, by the agency in which the employee is serving, for at least the 31-day period ending on the date on which such agency requests the determination referred to in section 831.114(b);


(ii) Is serving under an appointment that is not time limited;


(iii) Has not been duly notified that such employee is to be involuntarily separated for misconduct or unacceptable performance;


(iv) Is separated from the service voluntarily during a period in which, as determined by the Office of Personnel Management (upon request of the agency) under regulations prescribed by the Office:


(A) Such agency (or, if applicable, the component in which the employee is serving) is undergoing substantial delayering, substantial reorganization, substantial reductions in force, substantial transfer of function, or other substantial workforce restructuring (or shaping);


(B) A significant percentage of employees serving in such agency (or component) are likely to be separated or subject to an immediate reduction in the rate of basic pay (without regard to subchapter VI of chapter 53, or comparable provisions); or


(C) Identified as being in positions which are becoming surplus or excess to the agency’s future ability to carry out its mission effectively; and


(v) As determined by the agency under regulations prescribed by the Office, is within the scope of the offer of voluntary early retirement, which may be made based on the following criteria:


(A) 1 or more organizational units;


(B) 1 or more occupational series or levels;


(C) 1 or more geographical locations;


(D) Specific periods;


(E) Skills, knowledge, or other factors related to a position; or


(F) Any appropriate combination of such factors.


(l) Agencies are responsible for ensuring that employees are not coerced into voluntary early retirement. If an agency finds any instances of coercion, it must take appropriate corrective action.


(m) Except as provided in paragraph (j) of this section, an agency may not offer or process voluntary early retirements beyond the stated expiration date of a voluntary early retirement authority or offer early retirements to employees who are not within the scope of the voluntary early retirement authority approved by OPM.


(n) OPM may terminate a voluntary early retirement authority if it determines that the condition(s) that formed the basis for the approval of the authority no longer exist.


(o) OPM may amend, limit, or terminate a voluntary early retirement authority to ensure that the requirements of this subpart are properly being followed.


[69 FR 33278, June 15, 2004, as amended at 69 FR 50265, Aug. 16, 2004; 80 FR 75786, Dec. 4, 2015]


§ 831.115 Garnishment of CSRS payments.

CSRS payments are not subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or other legal process except as expressly provided by Federal law.


[76 FR 9961, Feb. 23, 2011]


§ 831.116 Garnishment of payments after disbursement.

(a) Payments that are covered by 5 U.S.C. 8346(a) and made by direct deposit are subject to 31 CFR part 212, Garnishment of Accounts Containing Federal Benefit Payments.


(b) This section may be amended only by a rulemaking issued jointly by the Department of the Treasury and the agencies defined as a “benefit agency” in 31 CFR 212.3.


[76 FR 9961, Feb. 23, 2011]


§ 831.117 Computation of the supplemental liability.

(a) OPM will compute each supplemental liability of the Fund using demographic factors specific to the populations for which the supplemental liability applies.


(b) The supplemental liability will be computed based on the economic assumptions used by the Board of Actuaries of the Civil Service Retirement System for the most recent valuation of the System.


(c) Each supplemental liability shall be rounded to the nearest one hundred million dollars.


[82 FR 49279, Oct. 25, 2017]


Subpart B—Coverage

§ 831.201 Exclusions from retirement coverage.

(a) The following groups of employees in the executive branch of the Government are excluded from subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code:


(1) Employees serving under appointments limited to one year or less, except annuitants appointed by the President to fill unexpired terms of office on or after January 1, 1976.


(2) Intermittent employees—non-full-time employees without a prearranged regular tour of duty.


(3) Employees whose salary, pay, or compensation on an annual basis is $12 a year or less.


(4) Member or patient employees in Government hospitals or homes.


(5) Employees paid on a piecework basis, except those whose work schedule provides for regular or full-time service.


(6) Intermittent alien employees engaged on work outside the continental limits of the United States.


(7) Employees serving under temporary appointments pending establishment of registers, or pending final determination of eligibility for permanent appointment.


(8) Officers in Charge, clerks in fourth-class post offices, substitute rural carriers, and special-delivery messengers at second- third-, and fourth-class post offices.


(9) Consular agents appointed under authority of section 551 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946 (22 U.S.C. 951).


(10) Employees serving under emergency-indefinite appointments not exceeding 5 years.


(11) United States citizens given “overseas limited appointments.”


(12) Employees serving under nonpermanent appointments made pursuant to section 1 of Executive Order 10180 of November 13, 1950.


(13) Employees serving under nonpermanent appointments, designated as indefinite, made after January 23, 1955, the effective date of the repeal of Executive Order 10180.


(14) Employees serving under term appointments.


(15) Temporary employees of the Census Bureau employed under temporary limited appointments exceeding 1 year.


(16) Employees serving under limited term, limited emergency and noncareer (designated as indefinite) appointments in the Senior Executive Service.


(17) Health care employees of the National Health Service Corps serving under appointments limited to four years or less in health manpower shortage areas.


(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not deny retirement coverage when:


(1) Employment in an excluded category follows employment subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, without a break in service or after a separation from service of 3 days or less, except in the case of:


(i) An alien employee whose duty station is located in a foreign country; or


(ii) An employee hired by the Census Bureau under a temporary, intermittent appointment to perform decennial census duties.


(2) The employee receives a career or career-conditional appointment under part 315 of this chapter;


(3) The employee is granted competitive status under legislation, Executive order, or civil service rules and regulations, while he or she is serving in a position in the competitive service; or


(4) The employee is granted merit status under 35 CFR chapter I, subchapter E;


(5) The appointment meets the definition of a provisional appointment contained in §§ 316.401 and 316.403 of this chapter;


(6) The employee receives an interim appointment under § 772.102 of this chapter and was covered by CSRS at the time of the separation for which interim relief is required.


(c) Members of the following boards and commissions of the government of the District of Columbia appointed on or after August 13, 1960, are excluded from subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, except that this exclusion does not operate in the case of a member serving on August 13, 1960, who is reappointed on expiration of term without a break in service or after a separation from service of 3 days or less:



Board of Accountancy.

Board of Examiners and Registrars of Architects.

Board of Barber Examiners.

Boxing Commission.

Board of Cosmetology.

Board of Dental Examiners.

Electrical Board.

Commission on Licensure to Practice the Healing Arts.

Board of Examiners in the Basic Sciences.

Board of Examiners in Medicine and Osteopathy.

Motion Picture Operators’ Board.

Nurses’ Examining Board.

Board of Optometry.

Board of Pharmacy.

Plumbing Board.

Board of Podiatry Examiners.

Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Real Estate Commission.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Board.

Steam and Other Operating Engineers’ Board.

Undertakers’ Committee.

Board of Examiners of Veterinarian Medicine.

(d) The following groups of employees of the government of the District of Columbia, appointed on or after October 1, 1965, are excluded from subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code:


(1) Employees serving under appointments limited to one year or less, except temporary teachers of the District of Columbia public school system.


(2) Intermittent employees—non-full-time employees without a prearranged regular tour of duty.


(3) Employees whose pay on an annual basis is $12.00 per year or less.


(4) Patient or inmate employees in District Government hospitals, homes or penal institutions.


(5) Employees paid on a contract or fee basis.


(6) Employees paid on a piecework basis, except those whose work schedule provides for regular or full-time service.


(7) Employees serving under temporary appointments pending establishment of registers, or pending final determination of eligibility for permanent appointment.


(e) Paragraph (d) of this section does not deny retirement coverage when (1) employment in an excluded category follows employment subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, without a break in service or after a separation from service of 3 days or less, or (2) the employee is granted competitive status under legislation, Executive order, or the Civil Service rules and regulations, while he is serving in a position in the competitive service.


(f) Also excluded are any temporary employees, appointed for one year or less, by the government of the District of Columbia under any program or project established pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.), and summer trainees employed by the Government of the District of Columbia in furtherance of the President’s Youth Opportunity Campaign.




(g) Individuals first employed by the government of the District of Columbia on or after October 1, 1987, in a position subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, are excluded from such subchapter, except:


(1) Employees of St. Elizabeths Hospital who were covered under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, before October 1, 1987, appointed by the District of Columbia government on October 1, 1987, as provided in section 6 of Pub. L. 98-621, and deemed employed by the District of Columbia government before October 1, 1987, under section 109 of Pub. L. 100-238;


(2) Effective on and after October 1, 1997, the effective date of section 11246 of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 stat. 251, nonjudicial employees of the District of Columbia Courts employed in a position which is not excluded from CSRS under the provisions of this section;


(3) Effective on and after April 1, 1999, the effective date of section 7(e) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419, employees of the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia employed in a position which is not excluded from CSRS under the provisions of this section;


(4) The District of Columbia Department of Corrections Trustee, authorized by section 11202 of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, and an employee of the Trustee if the Trustee or employee is a former Federal employee appointed with a break in service of 3 days or less, and in the case of an employee of the Trustee is employed in a position which is not excluded from CSRS under the provisions of this section;


(5) The District of Columbia Pretrial Services, Parole, Adult Probation and Offender Supervision Trustee, authorized by section 11232 of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, as amended by section 7(b) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419, and an employee of the Trustee, if the Trustee or employee is a former Federal employee appointed with a break in service of 3 days or less, and, in the case of an employee of the Trustee, is employed in a position which is not excluded from CSRS under the provisions of this section, and;


(6) Subject to an election under § 831.204, employees of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority.


(h) Employees who have elected coverage under another retirement system in accordance with part 847 of this chapter are excluded from subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, during that and all subsequent periods of service (including service as a reemployed annuitant).


(i)(1) A former employee of the District of Columbia who is appointed in a Federal position by the Department of Justice, or by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency established by section 11233(a) of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, as amended by section 7(c) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419, is excluded from CSRS beginning on the date of the Federal appointment, if the employee elects to continue coverage under a retirement system for employees of the District of Columbia under section 3 of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419, and if the following conditions are met:


(i) The employee is hired by the Department of Justice or by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency during the period beginning August 5, 1997, and ending 1 year after the date on which the Lorton Correctional Complex is closed, or 1 year after the date on which the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency assumes its duties, whichever is later; and


(ii) The employee elects to continue coverage under a retirement system for employees of the District of Columbia no later than June 1, 1999 or 60 days after the date of the Federal appointment, whichever is later.


(2) An individual’s election to continue coverage under a retirement system for employees of the District of Columbia remains in effect until the individual separates from service with the Department of Justice or the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.


[33 FR 12498, Sept. 4, 1968, as amended at 45 FR 24856, Apr. 11, 1980; 45 FR 46782, July 11, 1980; 47 FR 2285, Jan. 15, 1982; 48 FR 38784, Aug. 26, 1983; 51 FR 23037, June 25, 1986; 52 FR 38220, Oct. 15, 1987; 53 FR 42936, Oct. 25, 1988; 56 FR 4930, Feb. 7, 1991; 56 FR 10142, Mar. 11, 1991; 57 FR 3713, Jan. 31, 1992; 61 FR 41720, Aug. 9, 1996; 62 FR 50996, Sept. 30, 1997; 63 FR 9402, Feb. 25, 1998; 64 FR 15288, Mar. 31, 1999]


§ 831.202 Continuation of coverage for food service employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate Restaurants.

(a) Congressional employees who were covered by the Civil Service Retirement System and provide food service operations for the House of Representatives or the Senate Restaurants can elect to continue their retirement coverage under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, when such food service operations are transferred to a private contractor. Senate Restaurants employees will be covered by Civil Service Retirement System Offset for the period of employment with the contractor. These regulations also apply to any successor contractors.


(b) Eligibility requirements. To be eligible for continuation of retirement coverage, an employee must:


(1)(i) Be a Congressional employee (as defined in section 2107 of title 5, United States Code), other than an employee of the Architect of the Capitol, engaged in providing food service operations for the House of Representatives under the administrative control of the Architect of the Capitol, or


(ii) Be a Senate Restaurants employee who is an employee of the Architect of the Capitol on July 17, 2008;


(2) Be subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code;


(3) Elect to remain covered under civil service retirement provisions no later than the day before the date on which the food service operations transfer from the House of Representatives or the Senate Restaurants to a private contractor; and


(4) Become employed to provide food services under contract without a break in service. A “break in service” means a separation from employment of at least three calendar days.


(c) Employee deductions. An employee who elects to continue coverage under title 5 retirement provisions is deemed to consent to deductions from his or her basic pay for the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund in the amount determined in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8334(k). The employer providing the food services under contract must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund the amounts deducted from an employee’s pay.


(d) Employer contributions. The employer providing food services under contract must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund amounts equal to any agency contributions that would be required if the individual were a Congressional employee covered by the Civil Service Retirement System.


(e) Beginning with annuity payments commencing on or after April 14, 2020, the rate of basic pay paid by a Contractor (defined by 2 U.S.C. 2051(a)(2)) to a covered former Senate Restaurants Employee (defined by 2 U.S.C. 2051(a)(1)) for any period of continuous service performed as an employee of the contract shall be deemed to be basic pay for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 8331(3) and (4).


(f) The agency contributions and employee deductions that must be paid in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8423 and 2 U.S.C. 2051(c)(6)(A)(ii) for the period on or after June 12, 2019, until April 14, 2020 must be treated in accordance with § 831.111 of this chapter.


[52 FR 5069, Feb. 19, 1987, and 53 FR 10055, Mar. 29, 1988. Redesignated at 53 FR 10055, Mar. 29, 1988; 85 FR 20576, Apr. 14, 2020]


§ 831.203 Continuation of coverage for employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

(a) Permanent Federal Aviation Administration employees assigned to Washington National Airport or Dulles International Airport who elect to transfer to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, retain their retirement coverage under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code.


(b) Eligibility requirements. To be eligible for continuation of retirement coverage, an employee must (1) be a permanent Federal Aviation Administration employee assigned to the Metropolitan Washington Airports who elects to transfer to the Airports Authority; (2) be subject to subchapter III chapter 83 of title 5 United States Code on the day before the date the lease takes effect; and (3) become continually employed by the Airports Authority without a break in service. A “break in service” means a separation from employment of at least 3 calendar days.


(c) Employee deductions. Employees of the Airports Authority who have continuing coverage under title 5 retirement provisions are deemed to consent to deductions from their basic pay for the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. The amounts deducted will be the same as if the employees were still employed by the Federal Government. The Airports Authority must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund the amounts deducted from an employee’s pay.


(d) Employer contributions. The Airports Authority must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund amounts equal to any agency contributions that would be required for employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System.


(e) Sick leave. An employee who retires, or dies leaving a survivor entitled to an annuity, from the Airports Authority within the 5 year period beginning on the date the lease takes effect will be permitted to credit unused sick leave in his or her annuity computation. After the 5 year period, use of unused sick leave in the annuity computation will be permitted if the employee is under a formal leave system as defined in § 831.302.


[52 FR 19125, May 21, 1987, and 53 FR 10055, Mar. 29, 1988. Redesignated at 53 FR 10055, Mar. 29, 1988]


§ 831.204 Elections of retirement coverage under the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995.

(a) Who may elect—(1) General rule. Any individual appointed by the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (the Authority) in a position not excluded from CSRS coverage under § 831.201 may elect to be deemed a Federal employee for CSRS purposes unless the employee has elected to participate in a retirement, health or life insurance program offered by the District of Columbia.


(2) Exception. A former Federal employee being appointed by the Authority on or after October 26, 1996, no more than 3 days (not counting District of Columbia holidays) after separation from Federal employment cannot elect to be deemed a Federal employee for CSRS purposes unless the election was made before separation from Federal employment.


(b) Opportunity to elect FERS. An individual who elects CSRS under paragraph (a) of this section after a break of more than 3 days between Federal service and employment with the Authority may elect FERS in accordance with 5 CFR 846.201(b)(ii).


(c) Procedure for making an election. The Authority or the agency providing administrative support services to the Authority (Administrative Support Agency) must establish a procedure for notifying employees of their election rights and for accepting elections.


(d) Time limit for making an election. (1) An election under paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be made within 30 days after the employee receives the notice under paragraph (c) of this section.


(2) The Authority or its Administrative Support Agency will waive the time limit under paragraph (d)(1) of this section upon a showing that—


(i) The employee was not advised of the time limit and was not otherwise aware of it; or


(ii) Circumstances beyond the control of the employee prevented him or her from making a timely election and the employee thereafter acted with due diligence in making the election.


(e) Effect of an election. (1) An election under paragraph (a) of this section is effective on the commencing date of the employee’s service with the Authority.


(2) An individual who makes an election under paragraph (a) of this section is ineligible, during the period of employment covered by that election, to participate in any retirement system for employees of the government of the District of Columbia.


(f) Irrevocability. An election under paragraph (a) of this section becomes irrevocable when received by the Authority or its Administrative Support Agency.


(g) Employee deductions. The Authority or its Administrative Support Agency must withhold, from the pay of an employee of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Assistance Authority who has elected to be deemed a Federal employee for CSRS purposes, an amount equal to the percentage withheld from Federal employees’ pay for periods of service covered by CSRS and, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund the amounts deducted from an employee’s pay.


(h) Employer contributions. The District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Assistance Authority must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund amounts equal to any agency contributions required under CSRS.


[61 FR 58458, Nov. 15, 1996]


§ 831.205 CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM.

If an agency determines that an employee is CSRS-covered, the agency must submit its determination to OPM for written approval. This requirement does not apply if the employee has been employed in Federal service with CSRS coverage within the preceding 365 days.


[66 FR 15608, Mar. 19, 2001]


§ 831.206 Continuation of coverage for former Federal employees of the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

(a) A Federal employee who—


(1) Was covered under CSRS;


(2) Was employed by the Department of Defense to support the Civilian Marksmanship Program as of the day before the date of the transfer of the Program to the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety; and


(3) Was offered and accepted employment by the Corporation as part of the transition described in section 1612(d) of Public Law 104-106, 110 Stat. 517—remains covered by CSRS during continuous employment with the Corporation unless the individual files an election under paragraph (c) of this section. Such a covered individual is treated as if he or she were a Federal employee for purposes of this part, and of any other part within this title relating to CSRS. The individual is entitled to the benefits of, and is subject to all conditions under, CSRS on the same basis as if the individual were an employee of the Federal Government.


(b) Cessation of employment with the Corporation for any period terminates eligibility for coverage under CSRS during any subsequent employment by the Corporation.


(c) An individual described by paragraph (a) of this section may at any time file an election to terminate continued coverage under the Federal benefits described in § 1622(a) of Public Law 104-106, 110 Stat. 521. Such an election must be in writing and filed with the Corporation. It takes effect immediately when received by the Corporation. The election applies to all Federal benefits described by § 1622(a) of Public Law 104-106, 110 Stat. 521, and is irrevocable. Upon receipt of an election, the Corporation must transmit the election to OPM with the individual’s retirement records.


(d) The Corporation must withhold from the pay of an individual described by paragraph (a) of this section an amount equal to the percentage withheld from the pay of a Federal employee for periods of service covered by CSRS and, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund the amounts deducted from the individual’s pay.


(e) The Corporation must, in accordance with procedures established by OPM, pay into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund amounts equal to any agency contributions required under CSRS.


[74 FR 66565, Dec. 16, 2009]


Subpart C—Credit for Service

§ 831.301 Military service.

(a) Service of an individual who first became an employee or Member under the civil service retirement system before October 1, 1982. A period of honorable active service after December 31, 1956, in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, or, after June 30, 1960, in the Regular Corps or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, or, after June 30, 1961, as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly Coast and Geodetic Survey and Environmental Science Services Administration), performed before the date of separation on which civil service annuity entitlement is based shall be included in the computation of the annuity provided—


(1) The employee or Member has completed 5 years’ (18 months’ for survivors of employees or Members who die in service) civilian service;


(2) The employee or Member is not receiving military retired pay awarded for reasons other than (i) service-connected disability incurred in combat with an enemy of the United States, (ii) service-connected disability caused by an instrumentality of war and incurred in line of duty during a period of war (as that term is used in chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code), or (iii) under chapter 67 of title 10, United States Code; and


(3)(i) The employee, Member, or survivor is not entitled, or upon application would not be entitled, to monthly old-age or survivors benefits under § 202 of the Social Security Act (41 U.S.C. 402) based on the individual’s wages or self-employment income, or


(ii) For an employee, Member, or survivor who is entitled, or upon application would be entitled, to monthly old-age or survivors benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act (41 U.S.C. 402) based on the individual’s wages or self-employment income, the employee, Member, or survivor has completed a deposit in accordance with subpart U of this part, or the annuity has been reduced under § 831.303(d), for each full period of such military service performed after December 1956. If a deposit has not been completed or the annuity has not been reduced under § 831.303(d), periods of military service performed after December 31, 1956 (other than periods of military service covered by military leave with pay from a civilian position), are excluded from credit from and after the first day of the month in which the individual (or survivor) becomes entitled, or upon proper application would be entitled, to Social Security benefits under section 202. Military service performed prior to January 1957 is included in the computation of the annuity regardless of whether a deposit is made for service after December 31, 1956.


(ii) For an employee, Member, or survivor who is entitled, or upon application would be entitled, to monthly old-age or survivors benefits under § 202 of the Social Security Act (41 U.S.C. 402) based on the individual’s wages or self-employment income, the employee, Member, or survivor has completed a deposit in accordance with subpart U of this part, for each full period of such military service performed after December 1956.


If a deposit has not been completed, periods of military service performed after December 31, 1956 (other than periods of military service covered by military leave with pay from a civilian position), are excluded from credit from and after the first day of the month in which the individual (or survivor) becomes entitled, or upon proper application would be entitled, to Social Security benefits under § 202. Military service performed prior to January 1957 is included in the computation of the annuity regardless of whether a deposit is made for service after December 31, 1956.

(b) Service of an individual who first becomes an employee or Member under the civil service retirement system on or after October 1, 1982. A period of honorable active service after December 31, 1956, in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, or, after June 30, 1960, in the Regular Corps or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, or, after June 30, 1961, as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly Coast and Geodetic Survey and Environmental Science Services Administration), performed before the date of separation on which civil service annuity entitlement is based shall be included in the computation of the annuity provided—


(1) The employee or Member has completed 5 years’ (18 months’ for survivors of employees or Members who die in service) civilian service;


(2) The employee or Member is not receiving military retired pay awarded for reasons other than (i) service-connected disability incurred in combat with an enemy of the United States, (ii) service-connected disability caused by an instrumentality of war and incurred in line of duty during a period of war (as that term is used in chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code), or (iii) under chapter 67 of title 10, United States Code; and


(3) The employee, Member, or survivor has completed a deposit in an amount equal to 7 percent of his or her basic pay under section 204 of title 37, United States Code, (plus interest, if any) or the annuity has been reduced under § 831.303(d), for each full period of such military service performed after December 1956. Military service performed prior to January 1957 is included in the computation of the annuity regardless of whether a deposit is made for service after December 31. 1956.


(c) Military retirees and recipients of Veterans Administration benefits. An employee or Member applying for annuity, who otherwise meets all conditions for receiving credit for military service, but who is in receipt of retired or retainer pay which bars credit for military service, may elect to waive the retired or retainer pay and have the military service added to civilian service for annuity computation purposes. An applicant for disability retirement, who is receiving a Veterans Administration pension or compensation in lieu of military retired or retainer pay, may elect to waive the retired or retainer pay and renounce the Veterans Administration pension or compensation and have the military service added to civilian service for annuity computation purposes.


(d) Widow(er)s and former spouses entitled to annuity based on the service of employees or Members who die in service—(1) Military service is included unless the widow(er) or former spouse elects otherwise. Effective April 25, 1987, unless a widow(er) or former spouse of an employee or Member who dies—on or after that date—before being separated from service files a written election to the contrary, his or her annuity will include credit for periods of military service (subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section) that would ordinarily be excluded from the computation of the employee’s or Member’s annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8332(c)(2).


(2) Reduction by the amount of survivor benefits payable based on the military service. (i) In paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, “survivor benefits under a retirement system for members of the uniformed services” means survivor benefits before any offsets for benefits payable from another Federal benefit system except for those payable under title II of the Social Security Act. The amount of the survivor benefit to be deducted will be the amount payable to the current or former spouse and attributable to the decedent’s retired or retainer pay for the period of military service to be included in the CSRS survivor annuity. However, the survivor benefit will never be reduced below the amount payable based on the civilian service alone.


(ii) OPM will obtain information on the amount of any monthly survivor benefits payable to each applicant for CSRS current or former spouse annuity. OPM will reduce the CSRS survivor annuity by the monthly military survivor benefit on its commencing date. OPM will not make a subsequent adjustment unless it is necessary to increase or decrease the CSRS survivor benefit because of a change in the amount of military survivor benefits attributable to the period of service or a change in the period of military service to be included in the CSRS annuity when the survivor annuitant becomes eligible for benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.


(3) Widow(er)s or former spouses of employees or Members who die on or after April 25, 1987—election not to be included. OPM will accept a written election from a widow(er) or former spouse who does not wish to be covered by § 831.301(d) provided it is postmarked within the period ending 30 calendar days after the date of the first regular monthly annuity payment.


(4) Widow(er)s or former spouses of employees or Members who die before April 25, 1987—application to OPM for credit. Widow(er)s or former spouses of employees or Members who died before April 25, 1987, must apply to OPM in writing to have credit for military service included in the survivor annuity computation. If the survivor annuity is increased by including credit for the military service, the increase will be effective on the first of the month following the 60th calendar day after the date the written application for inclusion of the military service is received in OPM.


[48 FR 38784, Aug. 26, 1983, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 52 FR 10026, Mar. 30, 1987; 53 FR 6555, Mar. 2, 1988; 66 FR 15608, Mar. 19, 2001]


§ 831.302 Unused sick leave.

(a) For annuity computation purposes, the service of an employee who retires on immediate annuity or dies leaving a survivor entitled to annuity is increased by the days of unused sick leave to his credit under a formal leave system.


(b) An immediate annuity is one which begins to accrue not later than 1 month after the employee is separated.


(c) A formal leave system is one which is provided by law or regulation or operates under written rules specifying a group or class of employees to which it applies and the rate at which sick leave is earned.


(d) In general, 8 hours of unused sick leave increases total services by 1 day. In cases where more or less than 8 hours of sick leave would be charged for a day’s absence, total service is increased by the number of days in the period between the date of separation and the date that the unused sick leave would have expired had the employee used it (except that holidays falling within the period are treated as work days, and no additional leave credit is earned for that period).


(e) If an employee’s tour of duty changes from part time to full time or full time to part time within 180 days before retirement, the credit for unused sick leave is computed as though no change had occurred.


[34 FR 17617, Oct. 31, 1969]


§ 831.303 Civilian service.

(a) Periods of civilian service performed before October 1, 1982, for which retirement deductions have not been taken. Periods of creditable civilian service performed by an employee or Member after July 31, 1920, but before October 1, 1982, for which retirement deductions have not been taken shall be included in determining length of service to compute annuity under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code; however, if the employee, Member, or survivor does not elect either to complete the deposit describes by section 8334(c) of title 5, United States Code, or to eliminate the service from annuity computation, his or her annuity is reduced by 10 percent of the amount which should have been deposited (plus interest) for the period of noncontributory service.


(b) Periods of service for which refunded deductions have not been redeposited, and periods of civilian service performed on or after October 1, 1982, for which retirement deductions have not been taken. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, a period of service for which refunded deductions have not been redeposited, and a period of creditable civilian service performed by an employee or Member on or after October 1, 1982, for which retirement deductions have not been taken, shall be included in determining length of service to compute the annuity under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, only if—


(1) The employee or Member subsequently becomes eligible for an annuity payable under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code; and


(2) The employee, Member, or survivor makes a deposit (or redeposit) for the full period of service. If more than one distinct period of service is covered by a single refund, the periods of service covered by that refund are considered to be single full periods of service. However, in all other instances, a distinct period of nondeduction civilian service (i.e., a period of nondeduction service that is not interrupted by a break in service of more than three days) and a distinct period of redeposit civilian service (i.e., a period of redeposit service that is not interrupted by a break in service of more than three days) are considered as separate full periods of service, even when they are immediately consecutive. A period of nondeduction service which begins before October 1, 1982, and ends on or after that date is also considered two full periods of service: one ending on September 30, 1982, and the other beginning on October 1, 1982.


(c)(1)(i) An employee or Member whose retirement is based on a separation before October 28, 2009, and who has not completed payment of a redeposit for refunded deductions based on a period of service that ended before October 1, 1990, will receive credit for that service in computing the nondisability annuity for which the individual is eligible under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, provided the nondisability annuity commences after December 1, 1990; and


(ii) An employee or Member whose retirement is based on a separation on or after October 28, 2009, and who has not completed payment of a redeposit for refunded deductions based on a period of service that ended before March 1, 1991, will receive credit for that service in computing the nondisability annuity for which the individual is eligible under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code.


(2) The beginning monthly rate of annuity payable to a retiree whose annuity includes service credited in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section will be reduced by an amount equal to the redeposit owed, or unpaid balance thereof, divided by the present value factor for the retiree’s attained age (in full years) at the time of retirement. The reduced monthly rate will then be rounded down to the next lower dollar amount and becomes the rate of annuity payable.


(3) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the term “present value factor” has the same meaning as defined in § 831.603 and “time of retirement” has the same meaning as defined in § 831.2202.


(d)(1) Civilian and military service of an individual affected by an erroneous retirement coverage determination. An employee or survivor who owed a deposit under section 8411(c)(1)(B) or 8411(f) of title 5, United States Code (FERS rules) for:


(i) Civilian service that was not subject to retirement deductions, or


(ii) Military service performed after December 31, 1956, will receive credit for the service without payment of the deposit if, because of an erroneous retirement coverage determination, the service is subsequently credited under chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code (CSRS rules).


(2)(i) The beginning monthly rate of annuity payable to a retiree whose annuity includes service credited under paragraph (d)(1) of this section and service creditable under CSRS rules that would not be creditable under FERS rules is reduced by an amount equal to the CSRS deposit owed, or unpaid balance thereof, divided by the present value factor for the retiree’s age (in full years) at the time of retirement. The result is rounded to the next highest dollar amount, and is the monthly actuarial reduction amount.


(ii)(A) The beginning monthly rate of annuity payable to a survivor whose annuity includes service credited under paragraph (d)(1) of this section is reduced by an amount equal to the CSRS deposit owed, or unpaid balance thereof, divided by the present value factor for the survivor’s age (in full years) at the time of death. The result is rounded to the next highest dollar amount, and is the monthly actuarial reduction amount.


(B) The survivor annuity is not reduced if the employee annuity was reduced under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.


(3) For the purpose of paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the term “present value factor” has the same meaning as defined in § 831.603 and “time of retirement” has the same meaning as defined in § 831.2202.


[48 FR 38785, Aug. 26, 1983, as amended at 56 FR 6550, Feb. 19, 1991; 66 FR 15608, Mar. 19, 2001; 79 FR 46618, Aug. 8, 2014; 82 FR 49279, Oct. 25, 2017]


§ 831.304 Service with the Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

(a) Definitions and special usages. In this section—


(1) Basic pay is computed at the rate of $15 per month for the first 9 months of study; $20 per month for the 10th through the 21st month of study; and $30 per month for any month in excess of 21.


(2) Cadet Nurse Corps service means any student or graduate nurse training, in a non-Federal institution, as a participant in a plan approved under section 2 of the Act of June 15, 1943 (57 Stat. 153).


(3) CSRS means the Civil Service Retirement System.


(b) Conditions for creditability. As provided by Pub. L. 99-638, an individual who performed service with the Cadet Nurse Corps is entitled to credit under CSRS if—


(1) The service as a participant in the Corps totaled 2 years or more;


(2) The individual submits an application for service credit to OPM no later than January 10, 1988;


(3) The individual is employed by the Federal Government in a position subject to CSRS at the time he or she applies to OPM for service credit; and


(4) The individual makes a deposit for the service before separating from the Federal Government for retirement purposes. Contrary to the policy “deeming” the deposit to be made for alternative annuity computation purposes, these deposits must be physically in the possession of the individual’s employing agency before his or her separation for retirement purposes.


(c) Processing the application for service credit. Upon receiving an application requesting credit for service with the Cadet Nurse Corps, OPM will determine whether all conditions for creditability have been met, compute the deposit (including any interest) as specified by sections 8334(e) (2) and (3) of title 5, United States Code, based upon the appropriate percentage of basic pay that would have been deducted from the individual’s pay at the time the service was performed, and advise the agency and the employee of the total amount of the deposit due.


(d) Agency collection and submission of deposit. (1) The individual’s employing agency must establish a deposit account showing the total amount due and a payment schedule (unless deposit is made in one lump sum), and record the date and amount of each payment.


(2) lf the individual cannot make payment in one lump sum, the employing agency must accept installment payments (by allotments or otherwise). However, the employing agency is not required to accept individual checks in amounts less than $50.


(3) If the employee dies before completing the deposit, the surviving spouse may elect to complete the payment to the employing agency in one lump sum; however, the surviving spouse will not be able to initiate an application for such service credit.


(4) Payments received by the employing agency must be remitted to OPM immediately for deposit to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.


(5) Once the employee’s deposit has been paid in full or closed out, the employing agency must submit the documentation pertaining to the deposit to OPM in accordance with published instructions.


[52 FR 43047, Nov. 9, 1987]


§ 831.305 Service with a nonappropriated fund instrumentality after June 18, 1952, but before January 1, 1966.

(a) Definitions and special usages. In this section—


(1) Service in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality is any service performed by an employee that involved conducting arts and crafts, drama, music, library, service (i.e., recreation) club, youth activities, sports or recreation programs (including any outdoor recreation programs) for personnel of the armed forces. Service is not creditable if it was performed in programs other than those specifically named in this subsection.


(2) Certification by the head of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality can also be certification by the National Personnel Records Center or by an official of another Federal agency having possession of records that will verify an individual’s service.


(3) CSRS means the Civil Service Retirement System.


(b) Conditions for creditability. Pursuant to Pub. L. 99-638 and provided the same period of service has not been used to obtain annuity payable from a nonappropriated fund retirement plan, an individual who performed service in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality is entitled to credit under CSRS if—


(1) The service was performed after June 18, 1952, but before January 1, 1966; and


(2) The individual was employed in a position subject to CSRS on November 9, 1986.


(c) Deposit for service is not necessary. It is not necessary for an individual to make a deposit for service performed with a nonappropriated fund instrumentality to receive credit for such service. However, if the individual does not elect to make a deposit, his or her annuity is reduced by 10 percent of the amount that should have been deposited for the period of service (including any interest) as specified by sections 8334(e) (2) and (3) of title 5, United States Code. When an employee elects an alternative annuity and also elects to make the deposit, OPM will deem the deposit to be made for purposes of computing the alternative annuity.


(d) Crediting other service in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality. Service not creditable under this section may become creditable for retirement eligibility purposes under the provisions outlined in 5 CFR part 847, subpart H.


[52 FR 43048, Nov. 9, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 2178, Jan. 16, 2003]


§ 831.306 Service as a National Guard technician before January 1, 1969.

(a) Definitions. In this section—(1) Service as a National Guard technician is service performed under section 709 of title 32, United States Code (or under a prior corresponding provision of law) before January 1, 1969.


(2) CSRS means the Civil Service Retirement System.


(b) Conditions for crediting service to CSRS employees after November 5, 1990. An employee subject to CSRS retirement deductions whose only service as a National Guard technician was performed prior to January 1, 1969, is entitled to credit under CSRS if—


(1) The individual submits to OPM an application for service credit in a form prescribed by OPM;


(2) The individual is employed by the Federal Government in a position subject to CSRS retirement deductions after November 5, 1990; and


(3) The individual completes the deposit for the service through normal service credit channels before final adjudication of his or her application for retirement or has the deposit deemed made when he or she elects the alternative form of annuity.


(c) Processing the CSRS employee’s application for service credit. (1) If an employee described in paragraph (b) of this section makes an application for service credit, OPM will determine whether all conditions for creditability have been met, compute the deposit and send the employee notice of the payment required and the procedures for submitting the payments to OPM.


(2) The deposit will be computed based on—


(i) The appropriate percentage of basic pay that would have been deducted from the individual’s pay at the time the service was performed; and


(ii) Interest at the rate of 3 percent per year computed as specified by section 8334(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, until the date the deposit is paid.


(d) Conditions for crediting service to CSRS annuitants and former Federal employees who separated after December 31, 1968, and before November 6, 1990—(1) Former Federal employees. Former Federal employees who were subject to CSRS retirement deductions and separated after December 31, 1968, but before November 6, 1990, with title to a deferred annuity, may make a deposit for pre-1969 National Guard technician service provided they—


(i) Submit a written service credit application for the pre-1969 National Guard technician service to OPM before November 6, 1991; and


(ii) Complete a deposit for the additional service in a lump sum or in installment payments of $50 or more. Payments must be completed before their retirement claim is finally adjudicated, unless the deposit is deemed made when they elect an alternative form of annuity.


(2) Annuitants and survivors. Individuals who were entitled to receive an immediate annuity (or survivor annuity benefits) as of November 6, 1990, may make a deposit for pre-1969 National Guard technician service provided they—


(i) Submit a written application for service credit to OPM before November 6, 1991; and


(ii) Complete a deposit for the additional service in a lump sum or in equal monthly annuity installments to be completed within 24 months of the date of the complete written application.


(3) To determine the commencing date of the deposit installment payment period for annuitants and survivors, the “date of application” will be considered to be the first day of the second month beginning after OPM receives a complete written application from the individual.


(4) To be a complete application, the individual’s written request for pre-1969 National Guard technician service credit must also include a certification of the dates of employment and the rates of pay received by the individual during the employment period. The individual may obtain certification of his or her service from the Adjutant General of the State in which the service was performed.


(e) Processing annuitants’, survivors’ or former employees’ applications for service credit—(1) OPM determines creditable service. OPM will determine whether all conditions for crediting the additional service have been met, compute the amount of the deposit, and notify the individual.


(2) Computing the deposit. The deposit will be computed based on—


(i) The appropriate percentage of basic pay that would have been deducted from the individual’s pay at the time the service was performed; and


(ii) Interest at the rate of 3 percent per year as specified by section 8334(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, to—


(A) The midpoint of the 24-month installment period or if paid in a lump sum, the date payment is made if the individual is an annuitant or survivor; or


(B) The date the deposit is paid or the commencing date of annuity, whichever comes first, if the individual is a former employee.


(3) Individuals who are annuitants or survivors as of November 6, 1990. (i) OPM will notify annuitants and survivors of the amount of the deposit and give them a proposed installment schedule for paying the deposit from monthly annuity payments. The proposed installment payments will consist of equal monthly payments that will not exceed a period 24 months from the date a complete written application is received by OPM.


(ii) The annuitant or survivor may allow the installments to be deducted from his or her annuity as proposed or make payment in a lump sum within 30 days from the date of the notice.


(iii) Increased annuity payments will begin to accrue the first day of the month after OPM receives a complete written application.


(iv) If an annuitant dies before completing the deposit installment payments, the remaining installments will be deducted as established for the annuitant, from benefits payable to the survivor annuitant (but not if the only survivor benefit is payable to a child or children of the deceased), if any. If no survivor annuity is payable, OPM may collect the balance of the deposit from any lump-sum benefits payable or the decedent’s estate, if any.


(4) Former employees who separated after December 31, 1968, but before November 6, 1990. A former employee with title to a deferred annuity that commences after November 6, 1990, will be billed for the amount of the deposit due and informed of the procedures for sending payments to OPM. If payment is to be made in installments, each payment must be at least $50 and the total deposit due must be completed before final adjudication of the retirement claim, unless the deposit is deemed made when he or she elects an alternative form of annuity.


[56 FR 6554, Feb. 19, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 55595, Oct. 29, 1991; 56 FR 67467, Dec. 31, 1991]


§ 831.307 Contract service.

Contract service with the United States will only be included in the computation of, or used to establish title to, an annuity under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, if—


(a) The employing agency exercised an explicit statutory authority to appoint an individual into the civil service by contract; or


(b) The head of the agency which was party to the contract, based on a timely-filed application, in accordance with section 110 of Public Law 100-238, and the regulations promulgated by OPM pursuant to that statute, certifies that the agency intended that an individual be considered as having been appointed to a position in which (s)he would have been subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, and deposit has been paid in accordance with OPM’s regulations.


[55 FR 53135, Dec. 27, 1990]


Subpart D—Voluntary Contributions


Source:56 FR 43863, Sept. 5, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

§ 831.401 Purpose and scope.

This subpart describes the procedures that employees and Members must follow in making voluntary contributions under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This subpart also describes the procedures that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will follow in accepting voluntary contributions, crediting interest on voluntary contribution accounts, and paying benefits based on voluntary contributions.


§ 831.402 Definitions.

In this subpart:


Applicant for retirement means a person who is currently eligible to retire under CSRS on an immediate or deferred annuity, and who has filed an application to retire, other than an application for phased retirement status, that has not been finally adjudicated.


Balance means the amount of voluntary contributions deposited and not previously withdrawn, plus earned interest on those voluntary contributions, less any amount paid as additional annuities (including any amount paid as survivor annuity) based on the voluntary contributions.


CSRS means the Civil Service Retirement System as described in subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code.


Eligible individual means a person eligible to make voluntary contributions under § 831.403.


Full retirement status means the status of a phased retiree who has ceased employment and is entitled, upon application, to a composite retirement annuity.


Phased retiree means a retirement-eligible employee who—


(1) Has entered phased retirement status under subpart Q of this part; and


(2) Has not entered full retirement status.


Voluntary contributions means contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund under section 8343 of title 5, United States Code.


[56 FR 43863, Sept. 5, 1991, as amended at 79 FR 46618, Aug. 8, 2014]


§ 831.403 Eligibility to make voluntary contributions.

(a) Voluntary contributions may be made only by—


(1) Employees (including phased retirees) or Members currently subject to CSRS, and


(2) Applicants for retirement, including phased retirees who apply for full retirement status under subpart Q of this part.


(b) Voluntary contributions may not be accepted from an employee, Member, or applicant for retirement who—


(1) Has not deposited amounts covering all creditable civilian service performed by him or her; or


(2) Has previously received a refund of voluntary contributions and who has not been reemployed subject to CSRS after a separation of more than 3 calendar days.


(c) An employee or Member covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including an employee or Member who elected to transfer or was automatically placed in FERS, may not open a voluntary contributions account or make additional contributions to an existing voluntary contribution account.


[56 FR 43863, Sept. 5, 1991, as amended at 79 FR 46619, Aug. 8, 2014]


§ 831.404 Procedure for making voluntary contributions.

(a) To make voluntary contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, an eligible individual must first apply on a form prescribed by OPM. OPM will establish a voluntary contribution account for each eligible individual who elects to make voluntary contributions and notify the individual that a voluntary contribution account has been established. An eligible individual may not make voluntary contributions until notified by OPM that an account has been so established.


(b) After receiving notice from OPM under paragraph (a) of this section, an eligible individual may forward voluntary contributions to the Office of Personnel Management, at the address designated for that purpose. Voluntary contributions must be in the amount of $25 or multiples thereof, by money order, draft, or check payable to OPM.


(c) The total voluntary contributions made by an employee or Member may not exceed, as of the date any contribution is received, 10 percent of the aggregate basic pay received by the eligible individual.


(1) Employees are responsible for not exceeding the 10 percent limit.


(2) When the employee retires or withdraws the voluntary contributions, OPM will check to determine whether the 10 percent limit has been exceeded.


(3) If the total of voluntary contributions received from the employee exceeds the 10 percent limit, OPM will refund without interest any amount that exceeds the 10 percent limit.


§ 831.405 Interest on voluntary contributions.

(a) Interest on voluntary contributions is computed under § 831.105.


(b) Voluntary contributions begin to earn interest on the date deposited by OPM.


(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, voluntary contributions stop earning interest on the earliest of—


(1) The date when OPM authorizes payment to the individual of the balance as a withdrawal (831.406);


(2) The date when the employee or Member separates or transfers to a position not subject to CSRS or FERS; or


(3) The date when the employee transfers to a retirement system other than CSRS or FERS.


(d) If an employee separates with entitlement to a deferred annuity and either dies without withdrawing his or her voluntary contributions or uses his or her voluntary contributions to purchase additional annuity, voluntary contributions stop earning interest on the earlier of—


(1) The date the former employee or Member dies; or


(2) The commencing date of the former employee’s or Member’s deferred annuity.


§ 831.406 Withdrawal of voluntary contributions.

(a) Before receiving additional annuity payments based on the voluntary contributions, a person who has made voluntary contributions may withdraw the balance while still an employee or Member, or after separation.


(b) A person entitled to payment of lump-sum benefits under the CSRS order for precedence set forth in section 8342(c) of title 5, United States Code, is entitled to payment of the balance, if any, on the death of—


(1) An employee or Member;


(2) A separated employee or Member who has not retired;


(3) A retiree, unless a survivor benefit is payable based on an election under § 831.407; or


(4) A person receiving a survivor annuity based on voluntary contributions.


§ 831.407 Purchase of additional annuity.

(a) At the time of retirement CSRS (or under FERS, if transferred from CSRS), a person may use the balance of a voluntary contribution account to purchase one of the following types of additional annuity:


(1) Annuity without survivor benefit; or


(2) Reduced annuity payable during the life of the employee or Member with one-half of the reduced annuity to be payable after his or her death to a person, named at time of retirement, during the life of the named person.


(b) Any natural person may be designated as survivor under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.


(c) If the applicant for retirement elects an annuity without survivor benefit, each $100 credited to his or her voluntary contribution account, including interest, purchases an additional annuity at the rate of $7 per year, plus 20 cents for each full year, if any, he or she is over age 55 at date of retirement.


(d) If the applicant for retirement elects an annuity with survivor benefit, each $100 credited to his or her voluntary contribution account, including interest, purchases an additional annuity at the rate of $7 per year, plus 20 cents for each full year, if any, he or she is over age 55 at date of retirement, multiplied by the following percentage:


(1) Ninety percent of such amount if the named person is the same age or older than the applicant for retirement, or is less than 5 years younger than the applicant for retirement;


(2) Eighty-five percent if the named person is 5 but less than 10 years younger;


(3) Eighty percent if the named person is 10 but less than 15 years younger;


(4) Seventy-five percent if the named person is 15 but less than 20 years younger;


(5) Seventy percent if the named person is 20 but less than 25 years younger;


(6) Sixty-five percent if the named person is 25 but less than 30 years younger; and


(7) Sixty percent if the named person is 30 or more years younger.


Subpart E—Eligibility for Retirement

§ 831.501 Time for filing application.

An employee or Member who is eligible for retirement must file a retirement application with his or her agency. A former employee or Member who is eligible for retirement must file a retirement application with OPM. The application should not be filed more than 60 days before becoming eligible for benefits. If the application is for disability retirement, the applicant and the employing agency should refer to subpart L of this part. If the application is for phased retirement status, the employee and the employing agency should refer to subpart Q of this part.


[79 FR 46619, Aug. 8, 2014]


§ 831.502 Automatic separation; exemption.

(a) When an employee meets the requirements for age retirement on any day within a month, he is subject to automatic separation at the end of that month. The department or agency shall notify the employee of the automatic separation at least 60 days in advance of the separation. If the department or agency fails through error to give timely notice, the employee may not be separated without his consent until the end of the month in which the notice expires.


(b) The head of the agency, when in his or her judgment the public interest so requires, may exempt a law enforcement officer, firefighter, nuclear materials courier, or customs and border protection officer from automatic separation until that employee becomes 60 years of age.


(c) The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense, under such regulations as each may prescribe, may exempt an air traffic controller having exceptional skills and experience as a controller from automatic separation until that controller becomes 61 years of age.


(d) When a department or agency lacks authority and wishes to secure an exemption from automatic separation for one of its employees other than a Presidential appointee, beyond the age(s) provided by statute, i.e., age 60 for a law enforcement officer, firefighter, nuclear materials courier, or customs and border protection officer, and age 61 for an air traffic controller, the department or agency head shall submit a recommendation to that effect to OPM.


(1) The recommendation shall contain:


(i) A statement that the employee is willing to remain in service;


(ii) A statement of facts tending to establish that his/her retention would be in the public interest;


(iii) The period for which the exemption is desired, which period may not exceed 1 year; and,


(iv) The reasons why the simpler method of retiring the employee and immediately reemploying him or her is not being used.


(2) The recommendation shall be accompanied by a medical certificate showing the physical fitness of the employee to perform his or her work.


(e) OPM may approve an exemption only before the automatic separation date applicable to the employee. For this reason, the department or agency shall forward the recommendation to OPM at least 30 days before this separation date.


[76 FR 41997, July 18, 2011]


§ 831.503 Retirement based on involuntary separation.

(a) General. An employee who would otherwise be eligible for retirement based on involuntary separation from the service is not entitled to an annuity under section 8336(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, if the employee has declined a reasonable offer of another position.


(b) Criteria for reasonable offer. For the purposes of determining entitlement to annuity based on such involuntary separation, the offer of a position must meet all of the following conditions to be considered a reasonable offer:


(1) The offer must be made in writing;


(2) The employee must meet established qualification requirements; and


(3) The offered position must be—


(i) In the employee’s agency, including an agency to which the employee with his or her function is transferred in a transfer of functions between agencies;


(ii) Within the employee’s commuting area as defined in § 831.1202 of this part, unless geographic mobility is a condition of the employee’s employment;


(iii) Of the same tenure and work schedule; and


(iv) Not lower than the equivalent of two grades or pay levels below the employee’s current grade or pay level, without consideration of the employee’s eligibility to retain his or her current grade or pay under part 536 of this chapter or other authority. In movements between pay schedules or pay systems, the comparison rate of the grade or pay level that is two grades below that of the current position will be compared with the comparison rate of the grade or pay level of the offered position. For this purpose, “comparison rate” has the meaning given that term in § 536.103 of this chapter, except paragraph (2) of that definition should be used for the purpose of comparing grade or levels of work in making reasonable offer determinations in all situations not covered by paragraph (1) of that definition.


[48 FR 38786, Aug. 26, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 58 FR 49179, Sept. 22, 1993; 70 FR 31315, May 31, 2005; 73 FR 66156, Nov. 7, 2008]


Subpart F—Survivor Annuities


Source:50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, unless otherwise noted.

Organization and Structure of Regulations on Survivor Annuities

§ 831.601 Purpose and scope.

(a) This subpart explains the annuity benefits payable in the event of the death of employees, retirees, and Members; the actions that employees, retirees, Members, and their current spouses, former spouses, and eligible children must take to qualify for survivor annuities; and the types of evidence required to demonstrate entitlement to provide survivor annuities or qualify for survivor annuities.


(b) Unless otherwise specified, this subpart, except §§ 831.682 and 831.683 and the provisions relating to children’s survivor annuities, only applies to employees and Members who retire under a provision of law that permits election of a reduced annuity to provide a survivor annuity.


[55 FR 9099, Mar. 12, 1990, as amended at 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.602 Relation to other regulations.

(a) Part 838 of this chapter contains information about former spouses’ entitlement to survivor annuities based on provisions in court orders or court-approved property settlement agreements.


(b) Subpart T of this part contains information about entitlement to lump-sum death benefits.


(c) Parts 870, 871, 872 and 873 of this chapter contain information about coverage under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program.


(d) Part 890 of this chapter contains information about coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.


(e) Section 831.109 contains information about the administrative review rights available to a person who has been denied a survivor annuity or an opportunity to make an election under this subpart.


(f) Subparts C and U of this part contain information about service credit deposits by survivors of employees or Members.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 58 FR 43493, Aug. 17, 1993]


§ 831.603 Definitions.

As used in this subpart—


CSRS means subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code.


Current spouse means a living person who is married to the employee, Member, or retiree at the time of the employee’s, Member’s, or retiree’s death.


Current spouse annuity means a recurring benefit under CSRS that is payable (after the employee’s, Member’s, or retiree’s death) to a current spouse who meets the requirements of § 831.642.


Deposit means a deposit required by the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98-615, 98 Stat. 3195. Deposit, as used in this subpart does not include a service credit deposit or redeposit under sections 8334(c) or (d) of title 5, United States Code.


First regular monthly payment means the first annuity check payable on a recurring basis (other than an estimated payment or an adjustment check) after OPM has initially adjudicated the regular rate of annuity payable under CSRS and has paid the annuity accrued since the time of retirement. The “first regular monthly payment” is generally preceded by estimated payments before the claim can be adjudicated and by an adjustment check (including the difference between the estimated rate and the initially adjudicated rate).


Former spouse means a living person who was married for at least 9 months to an employee, Member, or retiree who performed at least 18 months of creditable service in a position covered by CSRS and whose marriage to the employee was terminated prior to the death of the employee, Member, or retiree. Except in §§ 831.682 and 831.683, former spouse includes only persons who were married to an employee or Member on or after May 7, 1985, or who were the spouse of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, regardless of the date of termination of the marriage.


Former spouse annuity means a recurring benefit under CSRS that is payable to a former spouse after the employee’s, Member’s, or retiree’s death.


Fully reduced annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS received by a retiree who has elected the maximum allowable reduction in annuity to provide a current spouse annuity and/or a former spouse annuity or annuities.


Insurable interest annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS to a retiree who has elected a reduction in annuity to provide a survivor annuity to a person with an insurable interest in the retiree.


Marriage means a marriage recognized in law or equity under the whole law of the jurisdiction with the most significant interest in the marital status of the employee, Member, or retiree unless the law of that jurisdiction is contrary to the public policy of the United States. If a jurisdiction would recognize more than one marriage in law or equity, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will recognize only one marriage, but will defer to the local courts to determine which marriage should be recognized.


Member means a Member of Congress.


Net annuity means the net annuity as defined in § 838.103 of this chapter.


Partially reduced annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS to a retiree who has elected less than the maximum allowable reduction in annuity to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity.


Present value factor means the amount of money (earning interest at an assumed rate) required at the time of annuity commencement to fund an annuity that starts at the rate of $1 a month and is payable in monthly installments for the annuitant’s lifetime based on mortality rates for annuitants paid from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; and increases each year at an assumed rate of cost of living adjustment. Assumed rates of interest, mortality, and cost-of-living adjustments used in computing the present value are those used by the Board of Actuaries of the Civil Service Retirement System for valuation of the System based on dynamic assumptions. The present value factors are unisex factors obtained as a composite of sex-distinct present value factors.


Qualifying court order means a court order that awards a former spouse annuity and that satisfies the requirements of section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, for awarding a former spouse annuity.


Retiree means a former employee or Member who is receiving recurring payments under CSRS based on service by the employee or Member. “Retiree,” as used in this subpart, does not include a current spouse, former spouse, child, or person with an insurable interest receiving a survivor annuity.


Self-only annuity means the recurring unreduced payments under CSRS to a retiree with no survivor annuity to anyone.


Time of retirement means the effective commencing date for a retired employee’s or Member’s annuity.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 57 FR 33597, July 29, 1992; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993; 82 FR 49280, Oct. 25, 2017]


Elections at the Time of Retirement

§ 831.611 Election at time of retirement of fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(a) A married employee or Member retiring under CSRS will receive a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity unless—


(1) The employee or Member, with the consent of the current spouse, elects a self-only annuity, a partially reduced annuity, or a fully reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, in accordance with § 831.612(b) or § 831.614; or


(2) The employee or Member elects a self-only annuity, a partially reduced annuity or a fully reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, and current spousal consent is waived in accordance with § 831.608.


(b) Qualifying court orders that award former spouse annuities prevent payment of current spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.614.


(c) The maximum rate of a current spouse annuity is 55 percent of the rate of the retiring employee’s or Member’s self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962. The maximum rate of a current spouse annuity is 50 percent of the rate of the retiring employee’s or Member’s self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position covered under CSRS between September 30, 1956, and October 11, 1962.


(d)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if—


(i) The employee’s or Member’s separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or


(ii) The reduction is to provide a current spouse annuity (under § 831.631) for a spouse acquired after retirement.


(2) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity under this section for former employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.612 Election at time of retirement of a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity.

(a) An unmarried employee or Member retiring under CSRS may elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or annuities.


(b) A married employee or Member retiring under CSRS may elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or annuities instead of a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, if the current spouse consents to the election in accordance with § 831.614 or spousal consent is waived in accordance with § 831.618.


(c) An election under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section is void to the extent that it—


(1) Conflicts with a qualifying court order; or


(2) Would cause the total of current spouse annuities and former spouse annuities payable based on the employee’s or Member’s service to exceed 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) of the self-only annuity to which the employee or Member would be entitled.


(d) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a former spouse annuity will terminate on the first day of the month after the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies, or the former spouse’s eligibility for a former spouse annuity terminates under the terms of a qualifying court order, unless—


(1) The retiree elects, within 2 years after the former spouse’s death or remarriage, to continue the reduction to provide or increase a former spouse annuity for another former spouse, or to provide or increase a current spouse annuity; or


(2) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide another former spouse annuity.


(e) The maximum rate of a former spouse annuity under this section or § 831.632 is 55 percent of the rate of the retiring employee’s or Member’s self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962. The maximum rate of a former spouse annuity under this section or § 831.632 is 50 percent of the rate of the retiring employee’s or Member’s self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position covered under CSRS between September 30, 1956, and October 11, 1962.


(f)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if—


(i) The employee’s or Member’s separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or


(ii) The reduction is to provide a former spouse annuity (under § 831.632) for a former spouse from whom the employee or Member was divorced after retirement.


(2) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section for employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.613 Election of insurable interest annuity.

(a) At the time of retirement, an employee or Member in good health, who is applying for a non-disability annuity, may elect an insurable interest annuity. Spousal consent is not required, but an election under this section does not exempt a married employee or Member from the provisions of § 831.611(a).


(b) An insurable interest annuity may be elected by an employee or Member electing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity or annuities.


(c)(1) In the case of a married employee or Member, an election under this section may not be made on behalf of a current spouse unless that current spouse has consented to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity in accordance with § 831.611(a)(1).


(2) A consent (to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity in accordance with § 831.611(a)(1)) required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section to be eligible to be the beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity is cancelled if—


(i) The retiree fails to qualify to receive the insurable interest annuity; or


(ii) The retiree changes his or her election to receive an insurable interest annuity under § 831.621; or


(iii) The retiree elects a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.685.


(3) An election of a partially reduced annuity under § 831.622(b) or § 831.685 to provide a current spouse annuity for a current spouse who is the beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity is void unless the spouse consents to the election.


(4) If a retiree who had elected an insurable interest annuity to benefit a current spouse elects a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity (or, with the consent of the current spouse, a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity) under § 831.622(b) or § 831.685, the election of the insurable interest annuity is cancelled.


(5)(i) A retiring employee or Member may not elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity and an insurable interest annuity to benefit the same former spouse.


(ii) If a retiring employee or Member who is required by court order to provide a former spouse annuity elects an insurable interest annuity to benefit the former spouse with the court-ordered entitlement—


(A) If the benefit based on the election is greater than or equal to the benefit based on the court order, the election of the insurable interest annuity will satisfy the requirements of the court order as long as the insurable interest annuity continues.


(B) If the benefit based on the election is less than the benefit based on the court order, the election of the insurable interest annuity is void.


(iii) An election under § 831.632 of a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to benefit a former spouse by a retiree who elected and continues to receive an insurable interest annuity to benefit that former spouse is void.


(d) To elect an insurable interest annuity, an employee or Member must indicate the intention to make the election on the application for retirement; submit evidence to demonstrate that he or she is in good health; and arrange and pay for the medical examination that shows that he or she is in good health. A report of the medical examination, signed and dated by a licensed physician, must be furnished to OPM on such forms and at such time and place as OPM may prescribe.


(e) An insurable interest annuity may be elected to provide a survivor benefit only for a person who has an insurable interest in the retiring employee or Member.


(1) An insurable interest is presumed to exist with—


(i) The current spouse;


(ii) The current same-sex domestic partner;


(iii) A blood or adopted relative closer than first cousins;


(iv) A former spouse;


(v) A former same-sex domestic partner;


(vi) A person to whom the employee or Member is engaged to be married, or a person with whom the employee or Member has agreed to enter into a same-sex domestic partnership;


(vii) A person with whom the employee or Member is living in a relationship that would constitute a common-law marriage in jurisdictions recognizing common-law marriages;


(2) For purposes of this section, the term “same-sex domestic partner” means a person in a domestic partnership with an employee or annuitant of the same sex and the term “domestic partnership” is defined as a committed relationship between two adults, of the same sex, in which the partners—


(i) Are each other’s sole domestic partner and intend to remain so indefinitely;


(ii) Maintain a common residence, and intend to continue to do so (or would maintain a common residence but for an assignment abroad or other employment-related, financial, or similar obstacle);


(iii) Are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to consent to contract;


(iv) Share responsibility for a significant measure of each other’s financial obligations;


(v) Are not married or joined in a civil union to anyone else;


(vi) Are not the domestic partner of anyone else;


(vii) Are not related in a way that, if they were of opposite sex, would prohibit legal marriage in the U.S. jurisdiction in which the domestic partnership was formed; and


(viii) Are willing to certify, if required by OPM, that they understand that willful falsification of any documentation required to establish that an individual is in a domestic partnership may lead to disciplinary action and the recovery of the cost of benefits received related to such falsification, as well as constitute a criminal violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001.


(3) When an insurable interest is not presumed, the employee or Member must submit affidavits from one or more persons with personal knowledge of the named beneficiary’s insurable interest in the employee or Member. The affidavits must set forth the relationship, if any, between the named beneficiary and the employee or Member, the extent to which the named beneficiary is dependent on the employee or Member, and the reasons why the named beneficiary might reasonably expect to derive financial benefit from the continued life of the employee or Member.


(4) The employee or Member may be required to submit documentary evidence to establish the named beneficiary’s date of birth.


(f) After receipt of all required evidence to support an election of an insurable interest annuity, OPM will notify the employee or Member of initial monthly annuity rates with and without the election of an insurable interest annuity and the initial rate payable to the named beneficiary. No election of an insurable interest annuity is effective unless the employee or Member confirms the election in writing, dies, or becomes incompetent no later than 60 days after the date of the notice described in this paragraph.


(g) (1) When an employee or Member elects both an insurable interest annuity and a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity and/or a former spouse annuity or annuities, each reduction is computed based on the self-only annuity computation. The combined reduction may exceed the maximum 40 percent reduction in the retired employee’s or Member’s annuity permitted under section 8339(k)(1) of title 5, United States Code, applicable to insurable interest annuities.


(2) The rate of annuity paid to the beneficiary of an insurable interest election, when the employee or Member also elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity, equals 55 (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) percent of the rate of annuity after the insurable interest reduction. The additional reduction to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity is not considered in determining the rate of annuity paid to the beneficiary of the insurable interest election.


(h)(1) Except as provided in § 831.612(d), if a retiree who is receiving a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity has also elected an insurable interest annuity to benefit a current spouse and if the eligible former spouse remarries before age 55, dies, or loses eligibility under the terms of the court order, and no other former spouse is entitled to a survivor annuity based on an election made in accordance with § 831.632 or a qualifying court order, the retiree may elect, within 2 years after the former spouse’s remarriage, death, or loss of eligibility under the terms of the court order, to convert the insurable interest annuity to a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, effective on the first day of the month following the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility.


(2) An election under paragraph (h)(1) of this section cancels any consent not to receive a current spouse annuity required by paragraph (c) of this section for the current spouse to be eligible for an annuity under this section.


(3) When a former spouse receiving an annuity under section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, loses eligibility to that annuity, a beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity who was the current spouse at both the time of the retiree’s retirement and death may, within 2 years after the former spouse’s death, remarriage, or loss of eligibility under the terms of the court order, elect to receive a current spouse annuity instead of the annuity he or she had been receiving. The election is effective on the first day of the month following the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility.


(i) Upon the death of the current spouse, a retiree whose annuity is reduced to provide both a current spouse annuity and an insurable interest benefit for a former spouse is not permitted to convert the insurable interest annuity to a reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity.


(j) An employee or Member may name only one natural person as the named beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity. OPM will not accept the designation of contingent beneficiaries and such a designation is void.


(k)(1) An election under this section is prospectively voided by an election of a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.631 that would benefit the same person.


(2)(i) If the spouse is not the beneficiary of the election under this section, a retiree may prospectively void an election under this section at the time the retiree elects a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.631.


(ii) A retiree’s election to void an election under paragraph (k)(2)(i) of this section must be filed at the same time as the election under § 831.631.


(3) An annuity reduction under this section terminates on the first day of the month after the beneficiary of the insurable interest annuity dies.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31931, Sept. 8, 1986; 52 FR 10216, Mar. 31, 1987; 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993, as amended at 66 FR 66711, Dec. 27, 2001; 77 FR 42911, July 20, 2012]


§ 831.614 Election of a self-only annuity or partially reduced annuity by married employees and Members.

(a) A married employee may not elect a self-only annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity without the consent of the current spouse or a waiver of spousal consent by OPM in accordance with § 831.618.


(b) Evidence of spousal consent or a request for waiver of spousal consent must be filed on a form prescribed by OPM.


(c) The form will require that a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths certify that the current spouse presented identification, gave consent, signed or marked the form, and acknowledged that the consent was given freely in the notary’s or official’s presence.


(d) The form described in paragraph (c) of this section may be executed before a notary public, an official authorized by the law of the jurisdiction where executed to administer oaths, or an OPM employee designated for that purpose by the Associate Director.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990; 58 FR 52880, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.615 [Reserved]

§ 831.616 Elections by previously retired retiree with new title to an annuity.

(a) A reemployed retiree (after 5 or more years of reemployed annuitant service) who elects a redetermined annuity under section 8344 of title 5, United States Code, is subject to §§ 831.611 through 831.622 at the time of the redetermination.


(b) A disability retiree who recovers from disability or is restored to earning capacity is subject to §§ 831.611 through 622 at the time that he or she retires under section 8336 or 8338 of title 5, United States Code.


(c) A retiree who is dropped from the retirement rolls and subsequently gains a new annuity right by fulfilling the requirements of section 8333(b) of title 5, United States Code, is subject to §§ 831.611 through 831.622 when he or she retires under that new annuity right.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.617 [Reserved]

§ 831.618 Waiver of spousal consent requirement.

(a) The spousal consent requirement will be waived upon a showing that the spouse’s whereabouts cannot be determined. A request for waiver on this basis must be accompanied by—


(1) A judicial determination that the spouse’s whereabouts cannot be determined; or


(2) (i) Affidavits by the employee or Member and two other persons, at least one of whom is not related to the employee or Member, attesting to the inability to locate the current spouse and stating the efforts made to locate the spouse; and


(ii) Documentary corroboration such as tax returns filed separately or newspaper stories about the spouse’s disappearance.


(b) The spousal consent requirement will be waived based on exceptional circumstances if the employee or Member presents a judicial determination finding that—


(1) The case before the court involves a Federal employee who is in the process of retiring from Federal employment and the spouse of that employee;


(2) The nonemployee spouse has been given notice and an opportunity to be heard concerning this order;


(3) The court has considered sections 8339(j)(1) of title 5, United States Code, and this section as they relate to waiver of the spousal consent requirement for a married Federal employee to elect an annuity without a reduction to provide a survivor benefit to a spouse at retirement; and


(4) The court finds that exceptional circumstances exist justifying waiver of the nonemployee spouse’s consent.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31932, Sept. 8, 1986; 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.619 Marital status at time of retirement.

An employee or Member is unmarried at the time of retirement for all purposes under this subpart only if the employee or Member was unmarried on the date that the annuity begins to accrue.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


Changes of Survivor Elections

§ 831.621 Changes of election before final adjudication.

An employee or Member may name a new survivor or change his election of type of annuity if, not later than 30 days after the date of the first regular monthly payment, the named survivor dies or the employee or Member files with OPM a new written election. All required evidence of spousal consent or justification for waiver of spousal consent, if applicable, must accompany any new written election under this section.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.622 Changes of election after final adjudication.

(a) Except as provided in section 8339 (j) or (k) of title 5, United States Code, or §§ 831.682, 831.684, 831.685, or paragraph (b) of this section, an employee or Member may not revoke or change the election or name another survivor later than 30 days after the date of the first regular monthly payment.


(b)(1) Except as provided in § 831.613 and paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, a retiree who was married at the time of retirement and has elected a self-only annuity, or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, or a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, or an insurable interest annuity may elect, no later than 18 months after the time of retirement, an annuity reduction or an increased annuity reduction to provide a current spouse annuity.


(2) A current spouse annuity based on an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section cannot be paid if it will, when combined with any former spouse annuity or annuities that are required by court order, exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.641.


(3) To make an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the retiree must pay, in full, a deposit determined under § 831.662, plus interest, at the rate provided under § 831.105(g), no later than 18 months after the time of retirement.


(4) If a retiree makes an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and is prevented from paying the deposit within the 18-month time limit because OPM did not send him or her a notice of the amount of the deposit at least 30 days before the time limit expires, the time limit for making the deposit will be extended to 30 days after OPM sends the notice of the amount of the deposit.


(5) An election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, cancels any spousal consent under § 831.611 to the extent of the election.


(6) An election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is void unless it is filed with OPM before the retiree dies.


(7) If a retiree who had elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or former spouse annuities makes an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section which would cause the combined current spouse annuity and former spouse annuity (or annuities) to exceed the maximum allowed under § 831.641, the former spouse annuity (or annuities) must be reduced to not exceed the maximum allowable under § 831.641.


[51 FR 31932, Sept. 8, 1986, as amended at 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


Post-Retirement Elections

§ 831.631 Post-retirement election of fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases of retirees who retired before May 7, 1985, and married after retirement but before February 27, 1986:


(1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.


(2) A retiree who was married and elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a postretirement marriage, to provide a current spouse annuity. If a retiree elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this paragraph, the election must equal the election made at the time of retirement.


(3) The reduction under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section commences on the first day of the month beginning 1 year after the date of the post-retirement marriage.


(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases involving retirees who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or married on or after February 27, 1986—


(1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.


(2) A retiree who was married at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage—


(i) A fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity if—


(A) The retiree was awarded a fully reduced annuity under § 831.611 at the time of retirement; or


(B) The election at the time of retirement was made with a waiver of spousal consent in accordance with § 831.618; or


(C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to a person other than the spouse who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the post-retirement election; or


(ii) A partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity no greater than the current spouse annuity elected for the current spouse at retirement if—


(A) The retiree elected a partially reduced annuity under § 831.614 at the time of retirement;


(B) The election at the time of retirement was made with spousal consent in accordance with § 831.614; and


(C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to the same person who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the post-retirement election.


(3)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or (b)(4) of this section, a retiree making an election under this section must deposit an amount equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if the reduction elected under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred.


(ii) An election under this section may be made without deposit, if that election prospectively voids an election of an insurable interest annuity.


(4)(i) An election under this section is irrevocable when received by OPM.


(ii) An election under this section is effective when the marriage duration requirements of § 831.642 are satisfied.


(iii) If an election under paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section does not become effective, no deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is required.


(iv) If payment of the deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is not required because the election never became effective and if some or all of the deposit has been paid, the amount paid will be returned to the retiree, or, if the retiree has died, to the person who would be entitled to any lump-sum benefits under the order of precedence in section 8342 of title 5, United States Code.


(5) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a current spouse annuity will terminate effective on the first day of the month after the marriage to the current spouse ends, unless—


(i) The retiree elects, within 2 years after a divorce terminates the marriage, to continue the reduction to provide for a former spouse annuity; or


(ii) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide a former spouse annuity.


(c)(1) Qualifying court orders prevent payment of current spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.641.


(2) If an election under this section causes the total of all current and former spouse annuities provided by a qualifying court order or elected under § 831.612, § 831.632, or this section to exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.641, OPM will accept the election but will pay the portion in excess of the maximum only when permitted by § 831.641(c).


(d) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity under this section equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $3600.


[55 FR 9101, Mar. 12, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 16263, Apr. 22, 1991; 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.632 Post-retirement election of fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity.

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, when the marriage of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, terminates after retirement, he or she may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. Such an election must be filed with OPM within 2 years after the retiree’s marriage to the former spouse terminates.


(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, and whose marriage was terminated on or after May 7, 1985, may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity if the retiree while married to the former spouse had elected, prior to May 7, 1985, a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity for that spouse. Such an election must be filed with OPM within 2 years after the retiree’s marriage to the former spouse terminates.


(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, and before February 27, 1986, and whose marriage terminated before May 7, 1985, may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. Such an election must be made no later than February 27, 1988.


(b)(1) Qualifying court orders prevent payment of former spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.641.


(2) A retiree who elects a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity may not elect to provide a former spouse annuity in an amount that either—


(i) Is smaller than the amount required by a qualifying court order; or


(ii) Would cause the sum of all current and former spouse annuities based on a retiree’s elections under §§ 831.611, 831.612, 831.631 and this section to exceed 55 percent of the rate of the retiree’s self-only annuity if the retiree’s retirement was based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962, or 50 percent of the rate of the retiree’s self-only annuity if the retiree’s retirement was based on a separation from a position under CSRS before October 11, 1962.


(3) An election under this section is void—


(i) In the case of a married retiree, if the current spouse does not consent to the election on a form as described in § 831.614(c) and spousal consent is not waived by OPM in accordance with § 831.618; or


(ii) To the extent that it provides a former spouse annuity for the spouse who was married to the retiree at the time of retirement in an amount that is inconsistent with any joint designation or waiver made at the time of retirement under § 831.611 (a)(1) or (a)(2); or


(iii) In the case of an election under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, to the extent that it provides a former spouse annuity that exceeds the proportion of the retiree’s annuity to which the former spouse would have been entitled as a current spouse annuity as of May 7, 1985.


(c) An election under this section is not permitted unless the retiree agrees to deposit the amount equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if the reduction elected under paragraph (a) of this section had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred.


(d) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a former spouse annuity will terminate on the first day of the month after the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies, or the former spouse’s eligibility for a former spouse annuity terminates under the terms of a qualifying court order, unless—


(1) The retiree elects, within 2 years after the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility, to continue the reduction to provide or increase a former spouse annuity for another former spouse, or to provide or increase a current spouse annuity; or


(2) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide another former spouse annuity.


(e)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if—


(i) The employee’s or Member’s separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or


(ii) The reduction is to provide a former spouse annuity (under § 831.632) for a former spouse whom the employee or Member married after retirement.


(2) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section for employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2
1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31932, Sept. 8, 1986; 52 FR 3209, Feb. 3, 1987; 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990; 56 FR 16262, Apr. 22, 1991; 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


Eligibility

§ 831.641 Division of a survivor annuity.

(a) Except as provided in §§ 831.682 and 831.683, the maximum combined total of all current and former spouse annuities (not including any benefits based on an election of an insurable interest annuity) payable based on the service of a former employee or Member equals 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) of the rate of the self-only annuity that otherwise would have been paid to the employee, Member, or retiree.


(b) By using the elections available under this subpart or to comply with a court order under subpart Q, a survivor annuity may be divided into a combination of former spouse annuities and a current spouse annuity so long as the aggregate total of current and former spouse annuities does not exceed the maximum limitation in paragraph (a) of this section.


(c) Upon termination of former spouse annuity payments because of death or remarriage of the former spouse, or by operation of a court order, the current spouse will be entitled to a current spouse annuity or an increased current spouse annuity if—


(1) The employee or Member died while employed in a position covered under CSRS; or


(2) The current spouse was married to the employee or Member continuously from the time of retirement and did not consent to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity; or


(3) The current spouse married a retiree after retirement and the retiree elected, under § 831.631, to provide a current spouse annuity for that spouse in the event that the former spouse annuity payments terminate.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986; 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52282, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.642 Marriage duration requirements.

(a) The surviving spouse of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or of a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, or of an employee or Member who dies while serving in a position covered by CSRS on or after May 7, 1985, or of an employee or Member who died while serving in a position covered by CSRS before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, can qualify for a current spouse annuity only if—


(1) The surviving spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree had been married for at least 9 months, as explained in paragraph (b) of this section; or


(2) A child was born of the marriage, as explained in paragraph (c) of this section; or


(3) The death of the employee, Member, or retiree was accidental as explained in paragraph (d) of this section.


(b) For satisfying the 9-month marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the aggregate time of all marriages between the spouse applying for a current spouse annuity and the employee, Member, or retiree is included.


(c) For satisfying the child-born-of-the-marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, any child, including a posthumous child, born to the spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree is included. This includes a child born out of wedlock or of a prior marriage between the same parties.


(d)(1) A death is accidental if it results from homicide or from bodily injuries incurred solely through violent, external, and accidental means. The term “accidental” does not include a death—


(i) Caused wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by disease or bodily or mental infirmity, or by medical or surgical treatment or diagnosis thereof; or


(ii) Caused wholly or partially, directly, or indirectly, by ptomaine, by bacterial infection, except only septic infection of and through a visible wound sustained solely through violent, external, and accidental means; or


(iii) Caused wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by hernia, no matter how or when sustained; or


(iv) Caused by or the result of intentional self-destruction or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane; or


(v) Caused by or as a result of the self-administration or illegal or illegally obtained drugs.


(2) A State judicial or administrative adjudication of the cause of death for criminal or insurance purposes is conclusive evidence of whether a death is accidental.


(3) A death certificate showing the cause of death as accident or homicide is prima facie evidence that the death was accidental.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985; 50 FR 21031, May 22, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986; 56 FR 16263, Apr. 22, 1991. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.643 Time for filing applications for death benefits.

(a) A survivor of a deceased employee, Member, or retiree, may file an application for annuity, personally or through a representative, at any time within 30 years after the death of the employee, Member, or retiree.


(b) A former spouse claiming eligibility for an annuity based on § 831.683 may file an application at any time between November 8, 1984 and May 7, 1989. Within this period, the date that the first correspondence indicating a desire to file a claim is received by OPM will be treated as the application date for meeting timeliness deadlines and determining the commencing date of the survivor annuity under § 831.683 if the former spouse is eligible on that date.


[55 FR 9102, Mar. 12, 1990, as amended at 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.644 Remarriage.

(a)(1) If a recipient of a current spouse annuity remarried before November 8, 1984, the current spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the recipient remarried before attaining age 60.


(2) If a recipient of a current spouse annuity remarries on or after November 8, 1984, a current spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the recipient remarries before attaining age 55.


(b) A former spouse annuity or eligibility for a future former spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the month in which the former spouse remarries before attaining age 55.


(c) If a current spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage of the recipient, the annuity is reinstated on the day of the termination of the remarriage by death, annulment, or divorce if—


(1) The surviving spouse elects to receive this annuity instead of a survivor benefit to which he or she may be entitled, under CSRS or another retirement system for Government employees, by reason of the remarriage; and


(2) Any lump sum paid on termination of the annuity is repaid (in a single payment or by withholding payment of the annuity until the amount of the lump sum has accrued).


(d) (1) If present or future entitlement to a former spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage before age 55, the entitlement will not be reinstated upon termination of the remarriage by death or divorce.


(2) If present or future entitlement to a former spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage before age 55, the entitlement will not be reinstated upon annulment of the remarriage unless—


(i) The decree of annulment states that the marriage is without legal effect retroactively from the marriage’s inception; and


(ii) The former spouse’s entitlement is based on section 4(b)(1)(B) or section (4)(b)(4) of Pub. L. 98-615.


(3) If a retiree who is receiving a reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity and who has remarried that former spouse (before the former spouse attained age 55) dies, the retiree will be deemed to have elected to continue the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity unless the retiree requests (or has requested) in writing that OPM terminate the reduction.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31935, Sept. 8, 1986. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 14202, Mar. 16, 1995]


§ 831.645 Elections between survivor annuities.

(a) A current spouse annuity cannot be reinstated under § 831.644 unless—


(1) The surviving spouse elects to receive the reinstated current spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees, by reason of the remarriage; and


(2) Any lump sum paid on termination of the annuity is returned to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.


(b) A current spouse is entitled to a current spouse annuity based on an election under § 831.631 only upon electing this current spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees.


(c) A former spouse who marries a retiree is entitled to a former spouse annuity based on an election by that retiree under § 831.632, or § 831.682, or a qualifying court order terminating that marriage to that retiree only upon electing this former spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees.


(d) As used in this section, “any other retirement system for Government employees” does not include Survivor Benefit Payments from a military retirement system or social security benefits.


[55 FR 9103, Mar. 12, 1990, as amended at 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


Payment of Survivor Annuities

§ 831.651 Commencing and terminating dates of survivor annuities.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, current spouse annuities, former spouse annuities, children’s survivor annuities, and survivor annuities for beneficiaries of insurable interest annuities under CSRS begin to accrue on the day after death of the employee, Member, or retiree.


(b)(1) A current spouse annuity begins to accrue—


(i) Upon attainment of age 50 when, under section 12 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of February 29, 1948, the annuity is deferred until age 50; or


(ii) Upon OPM’s receipt of a claim for an annuity authorized for unremarried widows and widowers by section 2 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of June 25, 1958, 72 Stat. 218.


(2) A former spouse annuity begins to accrue—


(i) For annuities under § 831.683, on the later of the day after date of death of the retiree or the first day of the second month after the date the application for annuity is received in OPM; or


(ii) For annuities when a former spouse annuity is authorized by court order under section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, on the later of the day after the date of death of the employee, Member, or retiree or the first day of the second month after the court order awarding the former spouse annuity and the supporting documentation required by § 838.721 or § 838.1005 of this chapter are received in OPM.


(c) A survivor annuity terminates at the end of the month preceding death or any other terminating event.


(d) A current spouse annuity terminated for reasons other than death may be restored under conditions defined in sections 8341(e)(2) and 8341(g) of title 5, United States Code.


(e) A survivor annuity accrues on a daily basis, one-thirtieth of the monthly rate constituting the daily rate. An annuity does not accrue for the 31st day of any month, except in the initial month if the survivor’s (of a deceased employee) annuity commences on the 31st day. For accrual purposes, the last day of a 28-day month constitutes 3 days and the last day of a 29-day month constitutes 2 days.


(f) Initial cost-of-living increases on current and former spouse annuities, and annuities to beneficiaries of insurable interest annuities are prorated under section 8340(c) of title 5, United States Code.


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986; 55 FR 9102, Mar. 12, 1990; 57 FR 33597, July 29, 1992; 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


Survivor Election Deposits

§ 831.661 Deposits not subject to waiver.

(a) The deposits required to elect fully or partially reduced annuities under §§ 831.622, 831.631, 831.632, 831.682, 831.684, or 831.685 are not annuity overpayments and their collection is not subject to waiver. They are subject to reconsideration only to determine whether the amount has been correctly computed.


(b) [Reserved]


[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31935, Sept. 8, 1986; 57 FR 33597, July 29, 1992; 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated and amended at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.662 Deposits required to change an election after final adjudication.

The amount of the deposit required under § 831.622 or § 831.685 equals the sum of the monthly differences between the annuity paid to the retiree and the annuity that would have been paid if the additional annuity reduction elected under § 831.622 or § 831.685 had been in effect since the time of retirement, plus 24.5 percent of the increase in the designated base (computed as of the time of retirement) on which the survivor annuity is calculated.


[51 FR 31935, Sept. 8, 1986, as amended at 58 FR 52881, Oct. 13, 1993. Redesignated and amended at 58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.663 Actuarial reduction in annuity of retirees who make post-retirement elections to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity.

(a) Applicability of this section. This section applies to all retirees who are required to pay deposits under § 831.631 or § 831.632 and have not paid any portion of the deposit prior to October 1, 1993, or from annuity accruing before that date.


(b) Other methods of payment not available. Retirees described in paragraph (a) of this section must have a permanent annuity reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section.


(c) Commencing date of the reduction. A reduction under this section commences on the same date as the annuity reduction under § 831.631 or § 831.632.


(d) Computing the amount of the reduction. The annuity reduction under this section is equal to the lesser of—


(1) The amount of the deposit under § 831.631 or § 831.632 divided by the present value factor for the retiree’s age on the commencing date of the reduction under paragraph (c) of this section (plus any previous reduction(s) in the retiree’s annuity required under this section § 831.664); or


(2) Twenty-five percent of the rate of the retiree’s self-only annuity on the commencing date of the reduction under paragraph (c) of this section.


(e) Termination of the reduction. (1) The reduction under this section terminates on the date that the retiree dies.


(2) If payment of a retiree’s annuity is suspended or terminated and later reinstated, or if a new annuity becomes payable, OPM will increase the amount of the original reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section by any cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, occurring between the commencing date of the original reduction and the commencing date of the reinstated or new annuity (but the adjusted reduction may not exceed 25 percent of the rate of the reinstated or new self-only annuity).


[58 FR 52882, Oct. 13, 1993]


§ 831.664 Post-retirement survivor election deposits that were partially paid before October 1, 1993.

(a) Applicability of this sec