Federal Register #2026-07245

OPM Increases Maximum Uniform Allowance for Federal Employees

This opportunity involves a regulatory update from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) impacting federal uniform allowances: - Government Buyer: - Office of Personnel Management (OPM), a United States federal agency - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or vendors are named - Products/Services Requested: - Uniform Allowance: Maximum annual allowance increased from $800 to $1,500 for federal employees required to wear uniforms, including law enforcement and public safety personnel - Uniform Allowance Program Administration: Agencies must establish and maintain written policies for administering uniform allowance programs, ensuring compliance with 5 U.S.C. 5901-5903 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The rule clarifies the definition of uniforms and explicitly distinguishes them from personal protective equipment (PPE), which is excluded from uniform allowance funds - Agencies are required to maintain accountability and proper use of uniform allowance funds through written policies - The rule applies to civilian federal employees governed by Title 5, with some agencies having independent statutory authorities for uniform allowances - No specific products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are listed - The Department of Energy (DOE) is also rescinding legacy regulations related to energy efficiency grant programs, but this is not directly related to the uniform allowance rule - Place of Performance/Delivery: Applies across federal agencies, with OPM as the primary office

Description

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a direct final rule to increase the maximum annual uniform allowance and the maximum allowable cost payable by agencies for furnishing uniforms from $800 to $1,500. The rule clarifies the purpose and definition of uniforms, requires agencies to maintain policies for administering uniform allowance programs, and provides guidance on appropriate and inappropriate uses of the allowance, distinguishing uniforms from personal protective equipment. The rule is effective July 13, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by May 14, 2026.

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