FederalDaily - March 8, 2006

GSA Cost Cutting Includes Buyouts

To mitigate declining revenues the General Services Administration (GSA) plans to offer early buyouts to employees in the Federal Technology Service (FTS) and Federal Supply Service (FSS), the administration announced last week. The move is part of a larger reorganization strategy to bring FTS and FSS costs in line with revenue. On Feb. 21, David Bibb, GSA acting administrator, approved the reorganization of FTS and FSS into one entity—the Federal Acquisition Service—and submitted the proposal to Congress for approval. Neil Franz, a GSA spokesperson, confirmed that the targeted full-time equivalent (FTE) goal for FAS is 4,130 positions, an 8 percent or 400 FTE reduction from the start of fiscal year 2006. A hiring freeze has been in place at FTS, FSS and other GSA offices since January 2006.

:: Back to Top ::

DoD Continues Allowable NSPS Implementation

The Department of Defense is continuing implementation efforts for the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) despite the Feb. 27 U.S. District Court decision, the agency announced late last week. The court ruling barred implementation of labor relations, adverse actions and appeals portions of NSPS. However, DoD is still moving forward with performance management, compensation, classification and staffing provisions of the new personnel system. Approximately 11,000 employees will be covered by NSPS in April 2006 with Spiral 1.1. DoD plans to deploy Spirals 1.2 and 1.3 in late 2006 and early 2007, but dates have not been finalized.

:: Back to Top ::

Army Expanding Referral Bonus Program

The Army expanded the eligibility for the Referral Bonus Pilot Program, according to a press release published last week. The program—which offers $1,000 for referring recruit applicants—now also includes those working in the Active Duty for Special Work, Hometown Recruiter Assistance and Special Recruiter Assistance programs. Bonuses are available to soldiers that refer individuals with no prior experience to recruiters for the Army, National Guard or reserves. Referred recruits must enlist, complete basic training and graduate advanced individual training. Referrals between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2007, are eligible for the bonus program. For more information on the referral bonus program, go to www.usarec.army.mil/smart/.

:: Back to Top ::

Commission to Study Guard and Reserve Use

A congressionally-appointed commission will review the changing mission and funding for National Guard and reserve components in the changing global environment, the Department of Defense announced on Monday. The 2005 National Defense Authorization Act established the 13-member commission, headed by Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro. Punaro said the commission plans to review the current organization and training as well as future threats and requirements. The scope of the group’s review includes everything from overseas war on terror operations to natural disaster assistance. The commission, set up on March 1, 2006, must submit a preliminary report within 90 days and a final report within one year.

:: Back to Top ::