Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-15666
OPM Revises Reduction-in-Force Appeals Process for Federal Employees
Buyer
Office of Personnel Management
Posted
August 03, 2026
Identifier
2026-15666
This opportunity concerns a regulatory change, not a procurement action. - Government Buyer: - Office of Personnel Management (OPM), United States Federal Government - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a purchase or contract opportunity - No products or services are being requested - Key Regulatory Changes: - OPM will now adjudicate appeals for federal employees affected by reduction-in-force (RIF) actions, replacing the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) - Applies to RIF actions such as furloughs over 30 days, separations, or demotions - Establishes a uniform, record-based appeal process - Clarifies the burden of proof for appellants and requires agencies to produce a complete record - Preserves other statutory remedies and limits grievance arbitration for RIF appeals - Includes requirements for agency record detail, disclosure protections, and adjudicator-separation safeguards - Notable Requirements: - Applies only to RIF actions with a specific notice under 5 CFR 351.802 - Focuses on improving timeliness, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of appeals - No contract value, products, or services are associated with this action
Description
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final regulations revising the appeal process for employees affected by a reduction-in-force (RIF) action, including furloughs over 30 days, separations, or demotions. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) will be replaced by OPM as the adjudicative agency for these appeals. The rule establishes a uniform, record-based appeal process, clarifies the appellant's burden, requires production of the complete agency record, preserves collateral statutory remedies, and applies prospectively to improve timeliness, consistency, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining administrative review. This final rule applies only to RIF actions for which an agency issues a specific RIF notice on or after September 2, 2026.