# Federal Agencies Manage Probationary Employment Risks

A federal employee recently accepted a new position requiring a restart of the one-year probationary period amid ongoing reductions in force (RIF) and heightened management discretion in retention decisions. This situation highlights variability in probationary termination practices across agencies, supervisors, and job series, with some layoffs unrelated to employee performance. Procurement professionals and contractors supporting federal agencies should be aware that probationary employment policies can impact workforce stability and retention strategies, influencing contract staffing and continuity.

- Agencies like DHS and CBP experience differing probationary termination rates, affecting workforce planning and contract labor availability.
- Procurement teams should consider the potential for probation-related turnover when structuring contracts and staffing models.
- Contractors may find opportunities in providing workforce management or consulting services to help agencies navigate probationary policies and RIF impacts.
- Understanding agency-specific probation policies can inform risk assessments for contract performance and personnel continuity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

### Key Quotes
> One thing Im still concerned about is the current probationary policy requiring management, at the end of the probationary period, to affirmatively determine that an employee should be retained and that their continued employment is in the public interest.
> — Original poster

> To alleviate a part of your fear - most who did the probation end around to 351 did not base it on cronyism or nepotism... they simply yeeted all probationers.
> — Commenter

### Sources
- [New again after RIF, employee](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEmployees/comments/1wjz4on/new_again_after_rif_employee) - reddit-fedemployees