Federal Register #2026-15654

OPM Final Rule on Probationary and Trial Period Appeals for Federal Employees

This regulatory action from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) introduces new procedures for federal employee appeals during probationary and trial periods. - Government Buyer: - Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Personnel Management Office - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement opportunity - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured; this is a rulemaking action - Notable Requirements: - Establishes a new, limited appeals process for employees terminated during probationary/trial periods and for supervisors/managers who do not complete probation - Appeals are adjudicated by OPM, not other agencies - Discrimination claims are excluded from this process and must be handled by the EEOC - Updates and amends several federal regulations (5 CFR Parts 11, 230, 315, 432, 751, 752) - Applies only to actions taken after the rule's effective date - Does not impose compliance obligations on the public or private sector - No contract value, period of performance, or procurement details are applicable

Description

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule to change the circumstances and procedures for adjudicating appeals from employees terminated during their probationary and trial periods, as well as supervisors and managers who fail to complete their probationary periods. The rule establishes a new, limited appeals process adjudicated by OPM, replacing the prior procedures that were rendered inoperative by an executive order. It also makes conforming amendments to existing regulations. The rule is effective September 2, 2026, and does not apply to actions taken before this date.

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