Online Confusion Prompts OPM to Restart Executive Search Process

After the e-mail went out, OPM officials began debating whether it raised questions of fairness and was in keeping with civil service principles, which call for evenhanded treatment of job applicants and employees. Officials concluded "it is just better to go back and start fresh," Ely said.

Although 154 people clicked on the submit button to send in their applications, Ely said officials will conduct a review to "see how well that submit button was highlighted" and whether other issues affected submission of applications.

Federal Offices to Stay Open This Week

Federal offices throughout the Washington area will be open for regular operations this week, even though the visit of Pope Benedict XVI could cause major traffic backups and disrupt subway and bus commutes.

The OPM made the announcement yesterday afternoon in response to numerous inquiries from federal employees and others about the government's operating status.

But federal offices near Nationals Park will adjust their operations on Thursday, when the pope is scheduled to celebrate a morning Mass at the baseball stadium. The Mass is expected to snarl traffic for thousands of drivers entering Washington from Southern Maryland and Prince George's County.

The Transportation Department, two to three blocks from the baseball stadium, has decided to use Thursday for a large-scale test of its telecommuting program and is encouraging managers to assign work that employees can do at home. "It will test infrastructure for a massive login and work exercise," said Brian Turmail, the department's spokesman.

Employees who cannot work from home will be given leeway on when they arrive and depart, Turmail said. About 6,000 employees work in two buildings along M Street SE.

The Navy Yard, also near the baseball park, will open at 5 a.m. for Thursday's workday instead of 6:30 a.m., the usual time, a spokeswoman said. Supervisors have been encouraged to permit employees to work at home and to adjust work schedules where possible. Many Navy Yard employees, however, cannot access their computer systems from home because of security reasons.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.