The Post's Stephen Barr is the author of The Federal Diary, which runs Sunday through Friday in the Metro section. Steve has been a reporter and editor at The Post since 1979, including stints as Federal Page editor, congressional editor and a staff writer covering the federal bureaucracy.
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Stephen Barr: Thanks to all joining in this discussion today. The big news is all behind closed doors--the meetings between union officials and Pentagon officials over creation of the National Security Personnel System. I suspect some of you are a little tired of this topic, but some aspects of the proposed changes, especially related to pay, seem likely to spill over to non-defense agencies. Meanwhile, the House held a hearing on the TSP and a proposal to add a real estate investment trust fund. Interestingly, the TSP reported it had received only one letter from an employee in the last two years asking for such a fund. With that, on to the questions.
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Washington, D.C.:
I am a federal worker who works for DOD, and beginning in July, we will be under the new system. A lot of my co-workers are already complaining that this new personnel system will not work fairly in their favor. They are basically saying that it will promote favoritism and personality conflicts between the employees and their supervisors. What are your thoughts??? Thank you for answering my question.
Stephen Barr: A very tough question. I don't think the Pentagon is going into this to create a bunch of unhappy campers in the DoD workforce. But DoD faces some big hurdles: can it train managers to properly administer the new system; will it set up an appeals and review process so that employees can challenge their performance ratings and get a fair hearing; will there be enough money to show that the best employees are getting higher than normal raises?
This is a big change. Unions are not happy with restrictions being placed on bargaining. And that raises the question of whether hard feelings caused there could hamper the success of the other changes, especially in pay and performance management.
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Washington, D.C.:
Hello Stephen,
I'm looking for advice from you and the rest of the feds out there in cyberspace. I'm applying for my first job with the Federal Government. I'm looking for advice, the application process feels harder then applying for college. I don't have any contacts within the agency I'm applying to(CDC), but I think I'm really good for the job, but I was wondering if it is even worth it if I don't know anyone there. In the past I have gotten all my jobs by networking.
Any advice would be great, thanks!
Stephen Barr: A warm welcome to the government! Yes, I suspect it is more difficult to obtain a job at an agency these days than it is to get into college. There are many factors in play beyond your control: a too-long hiring process, a too-complicated hiring process, a surplus of applicants for many jobs, and budget woes at some agencies.
For starters, get your application in and make sure you describe your education and experience and relate it as best you can to the job you want. Follow up with a phone call to the person handling the applications.
Look at other ways to enter the career service, such as intern programs, where you spend a couple of years on probation. Many agencies like to hire that way.
Anybody out there with some added thoughts for this person?
Best of luck with your job hunt at the CDC!
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Virginia:
Is there any point in applying for a federal job vacancy that is only open for 2 weeks or less? Seems to me that it is usually an internal promotion or the job has a candidate in mind already...any insight?
Stephen Barr: Hard to say, but that sounds like the agency has an inside candidate that it wants to move up. But if you think you are well qualified for the job, I say, go for it!
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Transit Benefits Update:
Yesterday's Senate Finance committee markup of the surface transportation authorization bill includes a provision that would increase the monthly cap on the transit benefits subsidy from $105 to $155, effective January 2006. Starting in 2008, the cap would be indexed for inflation (as would the cap on parking benefits, though this doesn't apply to Feds). This would be a big help to users of MARC, VRE, commuter buses, vanpools, and the outer Metro stations, who've been socked with big fare increases the last few years. Hopefully, the higher level will survive when the bill goes to the floor and through conference.
Stephen Barr: Thanks for bringing this to our attention! Good news for all of us who ride the subway!
(By the way, I went to the Nats game last night via subway. Had nary a problem, although the trains were full and seats in short supply.)
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Washington, D.C.:
Hi Steve,
Yet another security clearance question. What are some other areas in the U.S. where a security clearance is desirable? Obviously, as the heart of our government, D.C. has the most demand. But if I want to move in a few years and use my SC to leverage better pay, what are some geographic areas where it might mean more?
Thanks.
Stephen Barr: I'm not sure these days it has so much to do with geography as with your position/job. If you are in certain lines of federal work, you will always need a security clearance no matter where you go, including jobs with contractors. Clearly, D.C. is a magnet, but so are military bases, research labs and overseas service, etc.
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Arlington, Va.:
About the NSPS, what is the process at Defense and where is it headed? Do you think the Pentagon will make changes recommended by the senators you wrote about?
Stephen Barr: Interesting question. As I mentioned above, the unions and Defense are in a "meet and confer" period, at least 30 days long, to try and reach consensus on various parts of the proposed regulation to create the NSPS. Frankly, I expect Defense to play hardball and keep as many of the changes as they can, but the Pentagon will be influenced by the Senate Armed Services Committee, especially Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who wrote major parts of the underlying law. So there will be some modifications. But I don't think they will fall into the "major" category.
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Chicago, Ill.:
Any chance for passage of eliminating the windfall provision from the Social Security system for Federal retirees?
Stephen Barr: Wouldn't count on it. This Congress already is distracted by numerous other issues.
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Waco, Tex.:
What's to keep this conservative government from cutting the benefits of retired Federal employees?
Stephen Barr: Congress makes the laws, so any change to retiree benefits would have to win approval there, and that's a tough hill to climb. Still, if the red ink mounts, pressure will increase to find savings in entitlement programs, including federal pensions. Typically, the annual COLA is the easiest target for Congress to hit. At the moment, however, I don't think there is any need to worry.
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Beltsville, Md.:
In response to the new Federal job seeker, the best advice is to READ all the instructions for applying and follow them to a "T". And, if you don't understand something in the application instructions call the person listed as the contact. If this is an online application process, make sure to submit all the supplementary information being requested as soon as possible noting the announcement number for the job applying for.
Good luck! Remember, if you DON'T apply you may miss out on an opportunity you may be really good for.
Stephen Barr: Thanks much, Beltsville!
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Washington, D.C.:
Thanks for taking my question!
I am waiting (and waiting and waiting) for my security clearance to go through. I signed my offer letter (w/a government agency) in September and underwent all the testing (polygraph, medical, etc,) this fall. I have been told that my background investigation was completed in December. Everything is fine and I'm told that they're just waiting for paperwork. This would've been ok but in the meantime the company I was working for- a startup- went belly up. So, I'm left in a tight spot with trying to wait it out and also trying to make ends meet. Any advice on how to try to speed up the process? I've been in touch with the hiring office and such but they can't seem to do anything.
Stephen Barr: Yikes, what a nightmare!
I don't think there is any way to speed up the process, except if this is a case where the person hiring you really, really wants you on board sooner rather than later.
So I guess your best options are to get in touch with the agency/hiring official, and then go back to the pavement and hopefully land another job that will tide you over.
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Phoenix, Ariz.:
I recently returned to Federal service after about 6 1/2 years on active duty. I left my former agency with reemployment rights if I returned in a specified time.
Since I exceeded this period, USERRA (of 1994) uses a 5 year period for determination. However, this reemployment rule has no impact on me since I was back in federal service immediately after the military.
My problem is with TSP. It is my understanding that FERS is a three part retirement program. At retirement, Social Security payments, combined with TSP and FERS are what one should expect. FERS will allow me to make my "military deposit" for all the years I was gone. TSP has caused me a great deal of confusion because their "Fact Sheets" talk about the Agency Automatic 1% and the agency matching funds. It is not clear that I am not entitled to these unless I returned within the 5 years referenced in USERRA. My belief is that if I become eligible to retire under FERS, I want to maximize my TSP balance (one of the three legs of FERS) as well. Can I make the TSP deposits for the period of my absence and receive the "matching funds" as well?
Stephen Barr: There are two issues at work here:
The military deposit will allow you to capture service time toward your FERS annuity.
The TSP, however, is a separate program. I'm not aware of any TSP provision that allows retroactive contributions of the sort that you are considering. Unless your time away was on active military duty, I don't see how you can make those contributions. But don't take my word--check with your agency's TSP representative to get the final word.
And don't forget, if you're over 50, you can qualify for catch-up contributions. That might help you build up your TSP account.
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Arlington, Va.:
With recent news reports concerning TSA and Sec. Chertoff's promise to reveal sweeping changes to DHS by Memorial Day - what does your crystal ball tell you about the future of TSA?
Stephen Barr: TSA's future is not looking good, I fear. Some House Republicans are pushing for transfer back to private-sector screeners. The new IG report on lavish spending at a command center points up weak internal management--and makes it harder for people to defend TSA.
My hunch: TSA gets stripped of everything but the screener function. But the law may prevent that, and Mr. Chertoff clearly knows more than outsiders like myself.
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Fairfax, VA:
Did one of the local Congressmen propose a bill raising the transit subsidy from $105 to $120 or higher per month? If so, what's the status on that?
Stephen Barr: Rep. Jim Moran introduced legislation that would extend transit benefits to the legislative and judicial branches while also raising the limit for the executive branch. But I don't think he specified any amount--leaving that to the IRS to determine.
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Arlington, Va.:
What happens if you work for DHS or DOD and change jobs and go to a non pay banding agency? Position is a lateral. Do you lose money? Do they promote you to next grade so that you break even? Has OPM thought about this?
Stephen Barr: I'm not aware that any of the powers at OPM, etc., have answered this question. As a general rule, Bush appointees have repeatedly said that no employee will lose money in such transitions.
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Atlanta, Ga.:
For the job seeker interested in opportunities at CDC, I would recommend that you read the vacancy announcement carefully, paying close attention to the specialized experience requirements. When responding to the KSAs, be sure to elaborate on how/where you've gained the KSA, previous experience in the application of the KSA, and where this is reflected in your resume. If the position has a specific education requirement (if it does, it will be noted on the announcement) be sure to provide the required documentation as per the instructions in the announcement. Failing to submit required documentation prior to the deadline will result in the loss of consideration.
You don't need to know someone. You just have to make yourself stand out through your resume and responses to the KSAs.
Stephen Barr: Thanks much!
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Arlington, Va.:
Do you know the status of the pending bill that would allow federal retirees to pay their health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars? I think it is a weak argument for the Congress to say that the private sector does not receive this benefit so neither should federal retirees.
Stephen Barr: The argument may be weak, but the cost is huge. The bill has not moved so far, but it probably will be passed through the House Government Reform Committee at some point, since the chairman, Rep. Tom Davis, is a key sponsor. But then it will hit the House Ways & Means Committee, which last year ignored the bill to death. Davis may try to sidestep Ways & Means to get to a floor vote, but that may be tricky to pull off.
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Atlanta, GA:
Re: Fed jobs open for two weeks
Many agencies now use automated recruitment and hiring systems that enable job seekers to search and submit on-line applications 24/7. The use of automation also makes it easier to rate and rank applicants, thus reducing the overall time required to issue a cert of qualified applicants. As a result, many agencies have begun reducing the open period for announcements. Just because an announcement is open for two weeks or five days does not indicate pre-selection. Rather, it could mean that the agency anticipates receiving enough qualified applicants to limit the open period.
Stephen Barr: An interesting point. I forget that new technology allows some agencies to speed up the hiring process. Thanks for sharing that insight.
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Herndon, Va:
Mr. B: I'm a HR person with a major federal agency. Many of our "all sources" announcements via OPM in Raleigh are for two weeks (the rest 4 to 6), and for most of them we have NO ONE in mind.
Stephen Barr: I stand admonished. If agencies really are speeding up the process, perhaps it is an argument for applicants to make use of the online job search and notification services.
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Beltsville, Md.:
In response to Virginia, regarding jobs open for two weeks or less, if the job is open to all U.S. citizens, or all current Federal employees, there is a good chance that they do not have anyone in mind for the position. While many people think jobs open for two weeks or less are targeted for an inside person, this is not true. If we wanted to only hire an internal person, we would advertise the job through internal merit promotion procedures and only allow our agency employees to apply. As with the other job question earlier, if you don't apply, you may miss out on an opportunity.
Applicants need to apply for every job they see that is open for competition - not just one or two. You may be 1 in 100 applying in some cases and 1 in 5 in other cases applying.
Stephen Barr: Again, thanks much, folks.
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Arlington, Va.:
Response to applying for a job:
At my agency, there are some special hiring categories -- Quality Scholar, Lavallo...--which are non-competitive.
The applicant may want to call CDC's personnel office and see if there are any non-competitive hiring programs.
Stephen Barr: Good point. Thanks.
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Arlington, Va.:
When will DOD publish the new pay scale for those of us going NSPS and pay banding on 1 July 2005? Or approximately 70 days from now? It would be nice to know for budgeting purposes.
Stephen Barr: You might get a glimpse in July, but I doubt it. The Pentagon says it wants to run the performance rating system for at least a year to work out the bugs before linking job ratings to pay raises. So pay bands at DOD probably won't be an issue for the fiscal 2006 budget or the Jan. 06 raise.
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Fairfax, Va.:
I'm a little concerned about the addition of a REIT fund to the TSP. Why now?
Stephen Barr: REITs performed well during the 2000-2003 cycle when the rest of the stock market hit the skids. That short-term record has helped the real estate industry petition Congress for a slot in the TSP. I think the bigger issue is how Congress and TSP plans to add new funds--how to select more narrow economic sectors. Do you do them one at at a time, or do you bundle a group, and if so, how large a group, and which ones. This will take some sorting out.
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Rockville, Md.:
In response to the new Federal job seeker, one obvious thing to remember "don't give up." If you don't succeed for whatever reason submit another application for another job and keep it up. It may take you a few month, but you will find the job that's right for you. Good luck!
Stephen Barr: Thanks, Rockville!
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Phoenix, Ariz.:
Hi Stephen!
Thanks for answering my question regarding TSP. I got my information from the TSP Fact Sheet titled "TSP Benefits that apply to members of the military who return to Federal Civilian Service". Here is a quote from the sheet; "Receiving agency makeup contributions. If you are covered by FERS, you will receive attributable agency matching contributions as you make up employee contributions."
My agency has trouble with the 5 year rule and this statement. Obviously, there is significant value to me but I seem to be the one that has to prove I am eligible for this entitlement. Any idea where I can find the legal support for my position? (I assume I will need a legal citation to force the issue.)
Thanks.
Stephen Barr: Well, this is a knotty issue. It may hinge on why you left for military service (did you resign and decide to go military? or were you activated off the Guard/Reserves and compelled to depart your civil service position).
Exceeding the 5 year re-employment right rules seems to be in play, as you suggest.
Perhaps your best short cut is to call the TSP board, at 202-942-1640, and ask to speak with an expert in this area. But, as I mentioned above, you may want to first speak with the agency person in charge of TSP contributions and get their feedback. It also doesn't hurt to ask your local member of Congress to intercede and gather the facts for you.
Best of luck!
Alas, folks, I have to run a little early today. There's a press conference scheduled by an agency that I need to attend. Thanks for all the questions and superb feedback. We'll see you here at noon next Wednesday!
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