Buyout Authority Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 15:31:48 -0400 To: "E - All WRD Employees" From: "Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, USGS" Subject: Buyout Authority In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 406 MEMORANDUM August 27, 1997 To: All Water Resources Division Employees From: Robert M. Hirsch Chief Hydrologist Subject: Buyout Authority On August 26, 1997, the Office of Management and Budget approved the U.S. Geological Survey's request to offer Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP's or buyouts) to employees of the Bureau based on specific criteria identified by each major office and program division. The Water Resources Division (WRD) requested authority to approve up to 155 buyouts that are targeted at units that either are or could be facing financial difficulties. Without buyout authority, loss of funding could lead to directed reassignments of personnel or even the possibility of a Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Each member of the division's Senior Staff was asked to identify organizational components that fit this description. At this time, those organizational components include all offices funded by Washington Office Technical Service Charge (WOTSC) and Data Collection and Analysis (DC&A) funds; the immediate offices of the four Regional Hydrologists, including regional staff located elsewhere; the Yucca Mountain Project Branch; the Office of External Research; publications-related units in the California and Florida Districts; the Wyoming District; all employees in publications-related series in the Central Region; employees assigned to the FY 1991 NAWQA Study Units in the Central Region; and the Central Region Drilling Project. Some of you may have been hoping for an expanded listing of eligible units or even division-wide eligibility, but in order to be fiscally responsible, we had to base our decisions on the intent of the legislation that authorized our expenditure of funds for buyouts. An application for the buyout was attached to the Associate Director for Operations' memorandum on VSIP's to all U.S. Geological Survey employees, issued earlier today. Please note that applications must be forwarded to your Servicing Personnel Office by September 19, 1997. If you are in one of the targeted organizational components listed above, and decide to apply, you should be aware that your application will be considered a commitment to vacate your position if the application is approved. Before approval, each application will be evaluated by the appropriate Senior Staff member based on the following criteria: 1) can the employee's position be abolished or can another comparably graded employee assume those responsibilities and if so, can that position be abolished; 2) can the critical functions of the abolished position be carried out elsewhere; 3) is money available to pay for the buyout; and 4) will the employee retire or resign not later than December 30, 1997. Please remember that buyouts are a tool to manage and control staffing levels and that they are not an entitlement. Since the availability of funding to pay for the buyouts is an issue, applicants are encouraged to elect a retirement or separation date on or as close to October 1, 1997, as possible. We recognize that project commitments could influence this date, but the Division's potential savings are maximized, the earlier the employee vacates the position. Applications forwarded to the Servicing Personnel Offices from eligible WRD employees after September 19, 1997, will be considered, but will be less likely to be accepted due to availability of funds or buyout slots. The Senior Staff and I have worked together for several months arriving at our decision to offer selective buyouts. We are confident that we have made the appropriate decision, and appreciate your understanding and continuing support. *************************************************************** * Robert M. Hirsch rhirsch@usgs.gov * * 409 National Center 703-648-5215 * * U.S. Geological Survey fax 703-648-5002 * * Reston, VA 20192 * ***************************************************************