U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Presidential Transition Guide

During times of Presidential elections the following are helpful references:

On November 2, 2004, Americans exercised one of their most precious and fundamental freedoms – their right to vote, and in so doing, elected a President. That remarkable process has now concluded, and it is time to focus on the returning Administration’s transition. To facilitate that transition and make certain it accords with the merit system principles which anchor our Federal civil service, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing the attached Presidential Transition Guide.

Even while the Federal civil service is itself in transition – led by the historic transformations undertaken by OPM and the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense – its core values and principles must endure. This Guide provides those returning Administration and agency officials who have transition responsibilities with a detailed description of the various rules, regulations, and policies that govern the establishment of transition teams, the departure and appointment of political appointees, and the treatment of career Federal employees (especially members of the Senior Executive Service) during the transition period.

Our citizens depend on all of us to continue the work of the Federal Government without interruption, and it is vital that the upcoming Presidential transition be absolutely transparent. Please review and share this Guide with those on your staffs who will be accountable for the transition. As the steward of the principles and policies that are embodied in the Guide, we at OPM stand ready to assist you in any way that we can. To that end, we have established an email address, PresidentialTransition@opm.gov, for transition-related issues and questions. You may also contact your OPM Human Capital Officer for additional assistance.

Presidential Transition Guide to Federal Human Resources Management Matters

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