Archives
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
December 2016
-
Federal Employees Open Season Twitter Chat December 7 at 12-1 p.m. (EST)
Join us @USOPM for a twitter chat with OPM benefits experts who will answer questions about available Open Season benefits on health, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts. Open Season ends on Monday, December 12.
-
FEDVIP (dental and vision) Open Season Extension
OPM has announced that it has extended the opportunity to make FEDVIP dental and vision enrollments/changes/cancellations until midnight on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. This extension is only for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Open Season for FEHB and FSAFEDS has not been extended and ends at midnight today, Monday, December 12, 2016.
-
OPM, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law form Federal Employee Education Alliance
OPM and University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law announced an agreement to offer a Federal Employee (FEDEM) grant equivalent to 10% tuition discount to Federal employees and their spouses admitted to the Master of Science in Law (MSL) or the Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs.
November 2016
-
Open Season Offers Benefit Choices
Federal Benefits Open Season is here! Each year, we encourage all eligible employees and retirees to review their health, dental, vision, and dependent care needs and to make changes to or enroll in one of the available benefit programs.
-
OPM Releases 2015 Veterans Hiring Report
OPM released the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 today.
October 2016
-
Federal Employees Unite to "Show Some Love" as 2016 CFC Builds Momentum
Whether its animal welfare, art and music programs, support for veterans or the environment, cancer research or soup kitchens, the issues Federal employees care about are varied and diverse. But Federal employees share a common goal: they care about the world we live in, and want to make it a better place.
-
Presidential Transition Guide
This Presidential Transition Guide covers employment information that departing and newly-appointed political employees need to know during a transition period.
-
President Obama Authorizes OPM to Create More Opportunities for Feds to Support Community Charities
Today, the President issued an Executive Order making two key changes to Executive Order (EO) 12353, which authorizes OPM to lead the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) program.
-
Federal Agencies Exceed Disability Hiring Goal
OPM today released the Report on the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities in the Federal Executive Branch. Federal employees with disabilities represent 14.41 percent of the overall workforce, accounting for 264,844 people. This is more people with disabilities in Federal service, both in real terms and by percentage, than at any time in the past 35 years.
September 2016
-
USAJOBS Updates Celebrate 20th Anniversary Milestone
OPM is kicking off the 20th anniversary celebration of the USAJOBS website this week, rounding out a nearly yearlong series of updates to the website based on technological advances and user research.
-
OPM Awards Four New Contracts to Support Background Investigations
OPM today announced the awarding of four new contracts to support OPM’s Federal Investigative Services—and the new National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB), scheduled to stand up in the first week of October, 2016—in conducting Federal background investigations.
-
OPM Submits Legislative Proposal to Congress on Civilian Death Gratuity Benefits
OPM today submitted a legislative proposal to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to harmonize death gratuities across the Federal government and provide more equitable benefits for many Federal civilian employees killed in the line of duty.
-
OPM Announces 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results
OPM today released agency-level results from the 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).
-
Open Season for Federal Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts
OPM announced today that premiums for the 2017 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program will rise by an average of 4.4 percent.
-
2016 Virtual Human Resources Training Conference: Hiring Excellence
Register now for the 2016 Virtual HR Conference. The last day to register is tomorrow, Friday, September 9. This year’s conference will focus on recruitment and hiring. Learn from public-sector experts and improve your ability to recruit and hire the best talent and most effective candidates.
-
Report on Cyber Intrusions at OPM
Over the past year OPM has worked diligently with its partners across government and made significant progress to strengthen our cybersecurity posture, and reestablish confidence in this agency’s ability to protect data while delivering on our core missions.
-
A New Look for USAJOBS
As we recognize the 20th Anniversary of USAJOBS, it’s a good time to reflect on how far the site, and the Federal hiring process as a whole, has come.
-
New FSAFEDS Website Up and Running
OPM is happy to announce that the all-new FSAFEDS.com is open for business to serve our current FSAFEDS participants. We’re excited about the new tools and flexibilities that will help you to easily manage your Flexible Spending Accounts.
-
Federal Employees More Engaged
As we get ready to release the agency-by-agency Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results for 2016 on Tuesday, September 20, I’m excited to share a little preview of the data that shows for the second year Federal employees are more satisfied with their jobs and feel more engaged in their workplaces.
-
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
As we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to take this opportunity to reinforce our commitment to help agencies across government inspire people from all communities, including Hispanics, to pursue a career in Federal service.
-
FEVS: A Powerful Employee Engagement Resource
Having an engaged workforce is critical to each agency’s ability to achieve its mission of providing excellent service to the American people. The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) results provide a window into how engaged and satisfied the Federal workforce is.
-
Factsheet: National Background Investigations Bureau
Earlier this year, the Administration announced a series of policy decisions to streamline and enhance how the Federal government conducts background investigations. A central component in this effort is the establishment of the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB), a new semi-autonomous entity within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
August 2016
-
Remarks by Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert
View remarks given by OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert at the DIA Intelligence Information Systems Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
Employee Engagement On the Move
One of any leader’s most important responsibilities is to engage his or her workforce. When your employees don’t work in the same building as you do, creating an engaged workforce can seem even more challenging. As more and more of our colleagues telework or work remotely, it’s even more important that we find ways to make them fully included partners in the work we do every day.
-
Is Going Back to School for You?
The summer is flying by. Youngsters have begun picking out their new notebooks and backpacks as they get ready to go back to school. This may be a good time for Federal employees to consider going back to the classroom to enhance their knowledge and skills.
-
Pathways Helps Meet Federal Workforce Goals
As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Pathways Programs, I’m excited to share a study that highlights the way this program has significantly contributed to the Federal Government’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain a world-class workforce. The Federal Government is only as successful as the people who carry its mission forward.
-
Remarks by Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert
View remarks given by OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert at the Symantec Government Symposium, Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
-
Time to Revisit Federal Life Insurance Choices
Most Federal employees make a decision about life insurance coverage when they join the Federal Government and rarely revisit that decision. But as the circumstances of our lives change, so does our need for protection. Beginning on September 1 and continuing throughout the month, it will be Open Season for Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
-
Newly Established Leave Policy Gives Disabled Veterans More Time to Address Medical Issues
OPM will be issuing final regulations on August 5th to implement the newly created disabled veteran leave category.
-
OPM Announces New Chief Information Officer
Today, OPM announced the hiring of a new permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO). David De Vries, currently the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer at the Department of Defense, will join OPM as CIO in the coming weeks.
-
Pathways Programs Successfully Recruit and Retain Students and Recent College Grads into Federal Service
OPM has released a report on the use and effectiveness of the Pathways Programs, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the program.
-
OPM Announces Open Season for Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance
OPM has announced that there will be a Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Open Season from Thursday, September 1, through Friday, September 30, 2016.
July 2016
-
Strengthening the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce
Every day, Federal departments and agencies face sophisticated and persistent cyber threats that pose strategic, economic, and security challenges to our Nation. Addressing these cyber threats has required a bold reassessment of the way we approach security in the digital age and a significant investment in critical security tools and our cybersecurity workforce.
-
FSAFEDS Program in Transition
As a part of a system-wide upgrade to the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) website, the site will be in transition from July 30 through September 1.
-
Tips for Beating the Heat
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have teamed up to remind all of us, including agencies and employees across government about what they can do to protect all Federal workers during potentially dangerous heat waves.
-
Saint Mary’s University and Office of Personnel Management form Federal Employee Education Alliance
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the OPM have signed an agreement to offer a waived application fee and 10% tuition grant to Federal Government employees and their spouses and dependents.
June 2016
-
Federal employees eligible for tuition reduction through Penn State World Campus
Through a new agreement, 1.8 million Federal Government workers, their spouses and legal dependents can receive a 5 percent reduction of the competitive Penn State World Campus tuition rates, with no program exclusions or out-of-state rates.
-
OPM Welcomes New Director of Diversity and Inclusion
OPM Acting Director Beth F. Cobert announced Tuesday the appointment of Dr. Zina B. Sutch as the agency’s new Director of the Office of Diversity of Inclusion (ODI).
-
Impact of the Metro SafeTrack Project on Washington, DC, Area Federal Employees
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies regarding the impact of the Metro SafeTrack project on Washington, DC, area Federal employees. OPM recommends agencies review their policies and procedures on the use of workplace flexibilities during the SafeTrack project to help mitigate commuting disruptions.
-
More Guidance on the Impact of the Metro SafeTrack Project on Washington, DC, Area Federal Employees
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issues additional guidance to agencies on the use of alternative work schedules during the Metro SafeTrack Project. OPM will continue to issue guidance to assist agencies throughout the SafeTrack project.
-
Inspiring Change through Employee Engagement
The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is one of the most important tools we have in government. It provides us with a tremendous amount of data on the experiences and views of Federal employees.
-
The Importance of Pride Month Has Never Been More Clear
As the nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government sets an example and tone for all other employers, an example that reinforces the fact that employment discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is simply unacceptable.
-
Landmark Summit Highlights Federal Women's Accomplishments
Last week, thousands of Americans came together in Washington, D.C. for the first ever United State of Women conference, a day-long celebration of what women have achieved and conversation about the important work we still need to do to reach gender quality.
-
Important News About Your FSAFEDS Account
On Thursday, September 1, 2016, the FSAFEDS program will transition administration from ADP to WageWorks. You will continue to use the same toll-free phone number, toll-free fax number, and website (www.FSAFEDS.com) to manage your account once WageWorks assumes administration. Read more about the claims submission blackout period.
-
Bringing Together HR Staff and Hiring Managers to Attract America's Top Talent
The Office of Personnel Management and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, and the Presidential Personnel Office launched the Hiring Excellence Campaign, an effort to improve the way we recruit new talent to Federal service.
-
Federal Workers Celebrate Independence Day by Serving their Nation
Each year, Americans celebrate Independence Day with parties, fireworks, parades, and concerts. But not all Americans will be grilling out with family and friends. Federal workers across the country will be hard at work on Monday, serving in a multitude of ways.
May 2016
-
OPM and SSA Partner to Meet the Need for Additional Administrative Law Judges
Every day agencies across the Federal Government come together to provide important services to the American people. This spring, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) joined forces to recruit prospective candidates for administrative law judge (ALJ) positions.
-
Thank You Feds For All You Do
Last week was another great Public Service Recognition Week. Together, we took time to reflect on the great work our Federal workforce does every day. I am continually impressed by the dedication and commitment our two million-strong Federal workforce has to serving the American people.
-
Celebrating the Diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month and is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the vast contributions AAPI communities make to both our nation and as part of the Federal workforce that serves the American people.
-
Recognizing OPM's Leadership in Energy Efficiency
Last month we celebrated the forty-seventh annual Earth Day – a day for celebrating the world around us and raising awareness for the many environmental issues that need our attention in order to have a clean, healthy world.
-
A Living Legacy for One of America's Fallen Heroes
With Memorial Day weekend upon us, Americans will be firing up their grills and shopping for a good sale. But let’s not forget what this holiday is truly about. It’s not about launching the summer season or even thanking our heroic veterans for their service to America. Memorial Day is a somber day of remembrance for the 1.8 million Americans who have given their lives in defense of this country.
-
Make your voice heard: Complete the FEVS
Each year, OPM’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) gives Federal employees across government the opportunity to confidentially tell their supervisors and managers what works well and what needs improvement when it comes to their agency, their specific job and their work environment. Many of you have received an email at your agency email address inviting you to participate in this voluntary, confidential survey. Now is the time for you to express your opinions.
-
Veteran Employment Council Highlights Continued Progress in Federal Hiring and Retention for Vets
Today, the President’s Council on Veterans Employment met to discuss Federal hiring and retention of veterans under the President’s Veterans Employment Initiative.
-
U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Excelsior College Partner to Provide Federal Employees Opportunity to Pursue a Higher Education at Reduced Cost
Excelsior College and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have announced an agreement that will allow the Federal workforce – representing more than 1 million Federal employees – and their spouses/domestic partners to pursue higher education at a reduced tuition rate.
-
Central Michigan University to offer discounted tuition for Federal employees
A new agreement between Central Michigan University and OPM gives Federal employees, their spouses and qualified dependents discounted access to online programs and classes taken at CMU’s satellite locations.
April 2016
-
Remarks by Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert
View remarks given by OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert at the Diversity & Inclusion Collaboration and Innovation Summit held at the Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC.
-
"Banning the Box" in Federal Hiring
Each year, more than 600,000 people are released from Federal and State prisons, and millions more are released from local jails. One in three working-age Americans has an arrest record. Many face long-term, sometimes lifelong, impacts of a criminal record that prevent them from getting a job or accessing housing, higher education, loans, credit, and more.
-
OPM Hosts 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Collaboration and Innovation Summit
Today, OPM kicked-off the 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Collaboration and Innovation Summit, and OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert delivered the opening remarks.
-
OPM, Champlain College Deliver truED and Academic Excellence Government-Wide Through a Federal Alliance
Champlain College today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the truED® agreement with OPM.
March 2016
-
March 16, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN and employees have the OPTION for UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK.
-
Federal Labor-Management Relations Meeting Canceled
The National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations Meeting scheduled for March 16, 2016, has been canceled. For information regarding the next Council meeting please visit LMRCouncil.gov
-
Celebrating Healthy Eating During National Nutrition Month
There’s no better time for Federal employees to focus on healthy eating goals than during National Nutrition Month. The Federal Government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides nutrition advice and tips on how Americans can eat healthy.
-
New HR University Course Supports Workplace Flexibilities
Since the beginning of his Administration, President Obama has been committed to promoting a workplace culture for the 21st century that will support the Federal Government’s ability to attract, empower, and retain a talented and productive workforce by expanding the use of workplace flexibilities and work-life programs.
-
Remarks by Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert
View remarks given by OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert at the Carrier Conference held at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View.
-
Statement from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Regarding the 2016 Administrative Law Judge Examination
OPM is announcing it will open the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Examination to interested applicants in the near future by posting a job opportunity announcement on USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov/).
-
OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert Keynotes the 2016 FEHB Carrier Conference
OPM Acting Director Beth Cobert delivered keynote remarks at the 2016 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Carrier Conference, highlighting progress in the FEHB Program over the past year.
March 2016
-
Honoring Women Trailblazers in Public Service
As we begin a month-long commemoration of National Women’s History Month, I’m glad that this year’s theme honors women in public service. It’s a perfect time for us to reflect on the accomplishments of women in government who succeeded, often against great odds.
-
OPM Helps Agencies Combat Zika
One of our most important responsibilities at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is to help departments and agencies hire the talented employees they need to fulfill their missions. As the world confronts the Zika virus, OPM is enabling Federal officials to more quickly and efficiently bring on the talented individuals they need to aid in the response.
-
Connecting Research to Policy
At the Office of Personnel Management, every day we work to support the President’s Management Agenda’s goal to recruit, hire, and retain a world-class workforce. We develop human resources policies for everything from benefits to employee engagement to performance management to diversity and inclusion.
-
OPM's BIG Chapter Sponsors Important Diversity and Inclusion Sessions
BIG and ODI partnered to host a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) forum that brought together representatives from Claflin University, Bowie State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T, University of the District of Columbia, the Association of Public & Land Grant University, and Prince George’s Community College.
February 2016
-
PRESIDENT’S 2017 BUDGET INCLUDES SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS TO ENHANCE OPM’S CYBERSECURITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Today, the Obama Administration released the President’s FY2017 Budget for the Federal government. The budget provides for significant investments in information technology (IT) infrastructure designed to continue to strengthen OPM’s cyber security posture and the agency’s customer service capabilities.
-
OPM Unveils New USAJOBS Features for Federal Job Seekers
Today, OPM is announcing the release of the first iteration in a rolling set of improvements to the job application components of the USAJOBS website.
-
African American History Month: Celebrating Hallowed Memories
As we begin the annual celebration of African American History Month, we can all be proud of the diversity of our Federal workforce and encourage all Americans to celebrate the leaders who risked their lives to fight for equality for all Americans, regardless of race.
-
OPM A Partner for Heart Health
Do you have something red to wear? Friday, February 5 is National Wear Red Day, a day when wearing red raises awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease and promotes the importance of heart health, including a lifestyle that reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
-
February 9, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN and employees have the OPTION for UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK.
-
Commitment to Customer Service
Customer service is at the core of everything we do at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The President’s fiscal year 2017 budget proposal released this week embraces that core principle and provides additional funding for OPM’s efforts to improve customer service for Federal retirees and their families.
-
Investing in Cybersecurity
The President’s fiscal year 2017 budget and Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP) released this week makes it clear that this Administration is committed to taking bold actions to protect Americans in today’s fast-moving digital world.
-
February 16, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN under 3 hours DELAYED ARRIVAL and employees have the OPTION FOR UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK. Employees should plan to arrive for work no more than 3 hours later than they would be expected to arrive.
-
Engaging the Federal Workforce: How to Do It & Prove It
The People and Culture pillar of the President’s Management Agenda emphasizes the need to develop and sustain an engaged, innovative, and productive Federal workforce.
-
New Features Make Applying for Federal Jobs Easier
Job seekers looking for a Federal job on USAJOBS.gov will find new and improved features this week! These enhancements are the first in a comprehensive redesign that over the coming months will transform USAJOBS.gov into a more user-friendly website.
January 2016
-
OPM Acting Director in San Antonio to Promote Veteran Employment Initiative
Beth Cobert, Acting Director of OPM, is in San Antonio today to discuss the successful implementation of the President’s Executive Order (EO) Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government.
-
OPM and Champlain College Alliance Announce New Information Security M.S. Degree Program
OPM and Champlain College Online announced today the availability of the new online Master of Science in Information Security Operations to Federal employees and their legal dependents through the Champlain College truED® alliance.
-
FACT SHEET: Modernizing & Strengthening the Security & Effectiveness of Federal Background Investigations
Today, the Administration is announcing a series of changes to modernize and strengthen how the Federal Government performs and safeguards background investigations for its employees and contractors.
-
OPM Announces a FEHB Program Limited Enrollment Period for Active Federal Employees
OPM will administer a Limited Enrollment Period for active employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. This Limited Enrollment Period will run from February 1, 2016 until February 29, 2016.
-
A Day of Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King
On Monday, January 18, we will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a National Day of Service. As we reflect on all that Dr. King accomplished in his life, I hope we recognize his dedication to serving others and strive to follow in his footsteps. Let us remember that Dr. King not only fought boldly for equality and opportunity for all, he focused on how he could best serve all Americans.
-
Helping Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
Today I am in San Antonio talking to members of our nation’s Armed Forces and veterans about opportunities for them to continue to serve this great nation by applying for jobs in the civilian workforce.
-
Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
Developing and retaining the Federal cybersecurity workforce is a top priority for OPM as we work to strengthen our Federal networks and systems and safeguard critical data in one of the most important challenges of our time. But we cannot do it alone.
-
January 22, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN and employees have the OPTION for UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK. Employees, who report to their worksite, should depart 4 hours earlier than their normal departure time, but NO LATER THAN 12:00 PM, at which time FEDERAL OFFICES in the Washington, DC area are CLOSED.
-
The Way Forward for Federal Background Investigations
The Government has a responsibility to determine the fitness of Federal employees, members of the Armed Forces, and contractors for the jobs they are hired into and can be trusted in the sensitive work they do on behalf of the American people each and every day. At the same time, we as leaders in Government must work diligently to protect the information these individuals give us in order to verify their readiness.
-
January 25, 2016 Operating Status
FEDERAL OFFICES in the Washington, DC area are CLOSED. Emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency's policies, including written telework agreements.
-
January 26, 2016 Operating Status
FEDERAL OFFICES in the Washington, DC area are CLOSED. Emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency's policies, including written telework agreements.
-
January 27, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN under 3 hours DELAYED ARRIVAL and employees have the OPTION FOR UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK. Employees should plan to arrive for work no more than 3 hours later than they would be expected to arrive.
-
Make a Difference as a Public Servant
If you care about the world and want to help shape a better future for us all, there is nothing more rewarding than choosing a career in public service. You can directly contribute to keeping our country strong and safe.
-
January 28, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN under 3 hours DELAYED ARRIVAL and employees have the OPTION FOR UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK. Employees should plan to arrive for work no more than 3 hours later than they would be expected to arrive.
-
Celebrating Mentoring
January is National Mentoring Month. Since 2010, the President has called on us to set aside time to communicate how mentoring can help us give back, support each other, and develop a world-class Federal workforce.
-
January 29, 2016 Operating Status
Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are OPEN and employees have the OPTION for UNSCHEDULED LEAVE OR UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK.