# AGENDA

**1. Welcome --** Tershirra Yeager, Moderator (202-273-9630)

**2. HRMO Activity**

**[SELECTION(S) MADE:]{.underline}**

> William Chester has been selected as the new Chief, Human Resources
> Officer at VA Medical Center, Grand Junction, CO. (Colorado)
>
> Mary Beth McCartan has been selected as the new Human Resources
> Management Officer for the VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA.
> (California).

**Congratulations and welcome aboard William and Mary Beth !**

**[CURRENT VACANCIES:]{.underline}**

GS-13 Alexandria, LA Opening Date: 03/03/05

Closing Date: 03/17/05

GS-14 Birmingham, AL Opening Date: 01/10/05

> Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GS-13 Honolulu, HI Opening Date: 02/14/05

> Closing Date: Open Until Filled
>
> ***[PLEASE NOTE]{.underline}: Relocation expenses and Relocation
> bonuses are negotiable up to 25% for these vacancies just
> mentioned.***

GS-13 Prescott, AZ Opening Date: 02/18/05

Closing Date: 03/11/05

***[PLEASE NOTE]{.underline}: Relocation expenses paid.***

**3. HR Management Programs and Policies -- Items of Interest:**

> **Quick Reference Guide and Brochures web site -- [Theresa
> Kilgore]{.underline}**
>
> Good Afternoon! By now, Human Resources (HR) offices should have
> received their initial shipment of the Quick Reference Guide to
> Federal Employee Benefits and the four benefit pamphlets from the VA
> Depot in Hines. The Worklife and Benefits Service hope that you find
> these publications a useful tool in promoting and educating VA
> employees on their Federal benefit entitlements.

Two follow-up items:

> Currently, we are currently working with our IT folks to place these
> publications on our OHRM/LR Web site. WE hope to have these up on our
> site within the month. Once the publications are made available on our
> web site, we will promptly notify HR offices.
>
> In addition, we have received requests for reorders for these
> publications. We are currently working on the procedures for reorders.
> Once we have the reordering procedures in place, we will notify HR
> offices of those procedures through our Flyer system.
>
> **Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program Career Fair -- [Max
> Collier](mailto:max.collier@mail.va.gov) (202-273-9758)**
>
> The Annual Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Career Fair will be
> held
>
> March 28-30, 2005, at the Washington DC Convention Center.
>
> As many of you know the PMF Program is the new name for the old
> Presidential Management Intern (PMI) The PMF Program was created in
> 1977 as a means to attract men and women of exceptional management
> potential who can be developed to become the Government's future
> leaders and managers. These candidates have a master, doctorial or a
> law degree. With almost 70 percent of the Government supervisors and
> managers will become eligible to retire in this decade. This program
> can be an important component of the Department of Veterans Affair's
> strategic response to the changing demographics of its workforce.
>
> As a reminder, a PMF is appointed at the GS-9 and then after one year
> is promoted to a GS-11and after 2 year they are converted to a
> permanent position or separated.
>
> As far as marketing this program we will be going out on conference
> calls, Friday Hotline Call, VA page "Hey Have You Heard", there will
> be a letter from the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and
> Administration, Mr. Pittman to all Under Secretaries, Assistant
> Secretaries, Other Key Officials and Field Facility Directors.
> Attached to memo from the Mr. Pittman will be information and fact
> sheet. We also plan on sending this out in an HR Office Mail Group.

**Corporate *One-VA* CD-Rom -- [Janice
Lucas](mailto:janice.lucas@mail.va.gov)**

> This afternoon, I would like to share with you accomplishments
> associated with the VA Corporate One CD-ROM Project.
>
> The CD-ROM Project just completed Phase One of the distribution
> process. This distribution process represents a six month period
> beginning in September 2004 through February 2005.
>
> During this period approximately 32,000 CDs have been distributed to
> military transition centers, colleges and universities and VA
> facilities nationwide.
>
> At this time, we recognize that during the upcoming months various VA
> organizations are participating in upcoming job fairs, conferences and
> other outreach events. We encourage your organization to contact your
> Employee Education Service Representative to receive copies of VA's
> new and innovative CD-ROM and brochure.
>
> If you have any questions, please contact Janice Lucas @ (202)
> 273-9819.

**TSP Open Season Update - [Donna Taylor](mailto:Donna.Taylor2@va.gov)**

> The TSP Open Season begins Friday, April 15^th^, and runs through June
> 30^th^. As you may be aware, this will be the last TSP open season.
> Effective July 1, 2005, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
> will implement Public Law 108-469 which eliminates the TSP open
> seasons and the restrictions on contribution elections which are tied
> to open seasons. As of that date, participants may make TSP
> contribution elections at any time. We will be providing guidance in
> the near future, regarding the new changes and the actions that will
> be required to implement them. In the meantime, you should refer to
> TSP Bulletin 05-2 for details on the upcoming changes. You can view
> and download the bulletin on the TSP Web site at
> [www.TSP.gov](http://www.TSP.gov/). Eligibility to make TSP
> contribution election will be subject to the current rules until the
> close of this final open season.
>
> A benefits flyer which contains information on the Open Season and the
> 2005 Catch-up Contributions will be emailed to HR offices shortly.
>
> Employees should be encouraged to make open season changes by using
> Employee Express. However, as a reminder HR offices must accept hard
> copies of the TSP-1 if an employee elects to hand one in. TSP-1s are
> available for downloading on the TSP Web site.
>
> Open Season Leaflets and Posters will be distributed to HR offices in
> early April. The leaflets are to be given to all employees covered
> under CSRS and FERS. As with other open seasons, you will receive a
> limited supply of large and small posters. Should you run low, an
> electronic version of the leaflet will be available on the TSP web
> site. Questions concerning your shipment of TSP Leaflets and Posters
> should be directed to John V. Peters or Robert Moores at the VA depot,
> both are listed in Outlook.
>
> **Catch-up Contributions for 2005 -** Participants who are age 50 and
> older or who will turn age 50 during 2005 and are already contributing
> the maximum amount in regular TSP contributions, may be eligible to
> contribute up to an additional \$4,000 in 2005. Employees can sign-up
> for catch-up contributions at any time.
>
> Again, employees should be encouraged to enroll by using Employee
> Express. Employees can also hand in hard copies of the TSP-1-C.
>
> HR offices may wish to use the information in the upcoming Open Season
> Flyer, which includes links to TSP Bulletins on the open season and
> catch-up contributions, when preparing your station's employee memo
> for the TSP Open Season and Catch-up Contributions for 2005.
>
> Additional information, including effective dates, will be contained
> in the Open Season Flyer, on the TSP Web site, and also on the Office
> of Human Resources Management and Labor Relations Web site at
> vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Benefits/Benefits.htm.
>
> **VA Form 2280, Position Risk and Sensitivity Level Designation--
> [Caren Eirkson](mailto:caren.eirkson@mail.va.gov)**
>
> VA Form 2280, Position Risk and Sensitivity Level Designation has been
> revised and is available for your immediate usage. It is a fillable
> document and can be accessed on the VA Forms Website at available on
> <http://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA2280.pdf>
>
> The advantage of this form is that it aligns more appropriately with
> VA Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The new
> form more clearly delineates the steps to position designation,
> specifically, the need to determine risk levels under Public Trust,
> the need to determine if a position is a sensitive position under
> National Security, and the need to have the position reviewed by
> Information Security Officers (ISO) at facility for consideration of
> information access.
>
> There will be a three (3) month pilot period ending 5/31/05 during
> which comments will be taken regarding the form's ease of use,
> effectiveness, organization, usefulness, and alignment with VA
> Handbook 0710, etc. As a result, use of the draft form is not
> mandatory at this time. A number of facilities have offered to serve
> as pilot facilities and to provide comments; however, comments will be
> accepted by any facility even if not an identified pilot sites.
> Comments can be referred to Caren Eirkson on Outlook.
>
> Two problems have already become apparent regarding this new form:
>
> 1\) The old 2280 has been taken off the VA Forms page \-- **Conference
> Call notice:** A request has been made to restore the form during the
> pilot period. **Status as of 3/15/05:** It is unlikely that the old
> 2280 will be restored to the website because the Office of Security
> and Law Enforcement is concerned that having both there could cause
> confusion for the users. Anyone in need of a clean old 2280 may
> contact Caren Eirkson.
>
> 2\) ISO's have not been notified \-- **Conference Call notice:** The
> Office of Cyber Security (OCIS) will be sending out a message to all
> ISO's advising them of the form and their responsibilities regarding
> it. They will be advised that they should participate when asked.
> **Status as of 3/15/05:** OCIS is in the process of discussing this
> issue and the appropriate role for the ISO's in the field regarding
> the form. As a result, we can not predict when or if a notice will be
> sent to all ISOs. If one is sent, it will be shared with the HR
> offices. Those HR offices wishing to use the new form prior to OCIS
> action may still do so. Step 4 should be completed in order to show
> consideration of the access to VA information systems. It would be
> good, If you are able to get the ISO involvement. If you are unable to
> get signatures from the ISO, then complete the Step 4 "in lieu of" the
> ISO in order to show the consideration was given. You will be advised
> of further determinations.
>
> **[Fingerprinting of High School Students:]{.underline}** The
> employment of high school students at VA facilties comes in many
> different forms (i.e., volunteers, WOCs, student appointments,
> temporary appointments, etc.) Many have asked if it is necessary to
> initiate investigations (NACIs) or fingerprint-only (SAC) these
> individuals and if so in when? Initials reactions reveal that the
> majority of these students are under 18 years of age and so would not
> be likely to have any kind of record, because juvenile records are
> sealed, and as a result there is not need to do any type of
> investigation. However, a discussion of the issue with Office of
> Personnel Management subject matter experts reveals that this is not
> true in all cases. As a result, you should apply criteria that you
> would apply to any new appointee when determining whether or not to
> investigate the high school students in any way. You must apply the VA
> Directive/Handbook 0710, dated 9//10/05 to these positions, as well.
> What this means is that you will most likely be doing a SAC on those
> whose positions are for under 180 days and a NACI for those who are
> longer than 180 days.
>
> **[Suitability/Adjudication Information on OHRM Intranet
> site]{.underline}**. Information is now available on the OHRM Intranet
> Website at: <http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Staffing/Suitability.htm>
>
> Stay tuned for information to be added on the Diploma Mill site at:
>
> <http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Staffing>

**Veterans Appointment Issues -- [Allan Porta]{.underline}**

> **[VRA Update]{.underline} --** November 2002 - the Jobs for Veterans
> Act, Public Law 107-296, was passed, changing several aspects of VRA
> eligibility.
>
> February 2003 - we shared advance guidance from OPM with you on the
> new criteria. This guidance was discussed during the February HRM
> conference call and included in the minutes.
> <http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/HRLibrary/ConfCalls/Call02-03.doc>
>
> May 2003 - OPM removed the no longer applicable VRA eligibility
> criteria from its VetGuide and VetsInfo Guide, instructing us to use
> the criteria in the Jobs for Veterans Act.
>
> May 2004 - OPM updated its Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans
> page on the USAJobs website to include the eligibility requirements,
> training requirement, grade levels, and conditions of employment.
> <http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp>
>
> November 2004 -- OPM issued proposed VRA regulations with helpful
> supplementary information and invited comments, which VA provided.

<http://www.opm.gov/fedregis/2004/69-110504-64504-a.htm>

> January 2005 -- On its Federal Hiring Flexibilities Resource Center,
> OPM includes VRA Implementation Guidelines.
> <http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/FLX02020.asp>
>
> Once OPM issues the final VRA regulations you will be notified and we
> will update the guidance in the Staffing handbook. Continue to direct
> specific questions to the VACO 059 R&P OHRM mailbox.

**[Honorable v Other-than-Honorable and Dishonorable
Discharges]{.underline}--**

> Recently there was an exchange of emails about whether or not an
> individual was entitled to veterans' preference if the veteran had
> received an other-than-honorable discharge for one period of service
> and an honorable discharge for another period. Attached is the MSPB
> case (brought to our attention by Marion Baumgarten), Dooley v.
> Tennessee Valley Authority, in which the Board agreed that the
> appellant, by virtue of his honorable discharge, was a preference
> eligible, even though he also had an other-than-honorable discharge
> covering a different service period. The Board relied on the "plain
> language" definition of preference eligible at 5 U.S.C. 2108 in making
> its determination.

![](media/image1.wmf)

> Similarly, an individual who had both an honorable and a dishonorable
> discharge was informed he was not entitled to veterans' preference
> because he had a dishonorable discharge. Since he also had an
> honorable discharge for a different service period, he appealed to the
> Department of Labor. DOL determined that the individual was entitled
> to preference based on the honorable discharge.
>
> The question has been asked how these determinations affect VRA
> eligibility and suitability determinations.
>
> Since the Jobs for Veterans Act does not mention the character of
> service needed for a VRA, OPM is exercising its authority and is
> proposing as an eligibility requirement that separation from active
> duty must be under honorable conditions, which "is consistent with the
> spirit and principle of veterans' preference, which also requires that
> military service be under honorable conditions." Given OPM's linking
> of the character of discharge required for veterans' preference
> eligibility and VRA eligibility, and the rationale and reference used
> by MSPB in its veterans' preference determination, there is no reason
> to believe the same rationale would not apply to an individual's
> entitlement to VRA eligibility if the individual possessed an
> honorable discharge for one period of service as well as an
> other-than-honorable or dishonorable discharge for another period.
>
> None of this changes the treating of a dishonorable discharge as a
> potential suitability issue to be considered in accordance with OPM's
> suitability regulations (5 CFR Parts 731 and 732) and VA's Personnel
> Suitability and Security Program (Directive and Handbook 0710)
>
> **[Global War on Terrorism Medals]{.underline} --** Although the
> awarding of these two medals is starting to appear with greater
> frequency on DD214s presented by veterans applying for vacancies,
> there are still many veterans whose DD214s do not document the
> awarding of either medal because the individuals were discharged prior
> to DOD's final determination of the award criteria. VA understands it
> will take quite a while for all of those veterans to obtain updated
> DD214s. OPM is of the opinion that credit for the medals should not be
> given to applicants in the absence of appropriate documentation. Local
> HR offices should continue to assist veterans in obtaining updated
> DD214s by instructing the applicant to call or write to the
> appropriate branch of service rather than wait for the updated
> document to be issued. In the meantime, VA is pursuing with OPM
> criteria that may be used to establish entitlement to a Global War on
> Terrorism Medal in the absence of specific documentation.

**4. A little bit of this...a little bit of that**

> **New VA Directive and Handbook 5383 -- Drug Free Workplace Program --
> [Catherine Baranek]{.underline}**
>
> The new VA Directive and Handbook 5383 for the VA Drug-Free Workplace
> Program had been signed and is posted on the OHRM HR library website
> as well as the Employee Relations and Performance Management website.
>
> This document combines and replaces the old VA Directive 5383 and the
> Handbooks 5383.1 and 5383.2 dated 1997. In essence, the substance of
> the policy has not changed, with the exception of additional language
> clarifying the timing of reasonable suspicion testing of employees in
> non testing designated positions. Other than this clarification, you
> will find the old policies and appendices have been merged into one
> handbook which contains Parts I and II and the new policy is dated
> December 23, 2004.
>
> It is very important that we bring this to your attention in the event
> you need to update any notices, documents, or letters you are using so
> that you reference the most current agency policy on drug testing.
> This may be especially important in the event you are taking a
> disciplinary or adverse action based on a finding of illegal drug use.
>
> If you have any questions, please contact any one of our
> [staff](http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/EmployeeRelations/Contact.htm) in the
> Employee Relations and Performance Management Service. We all work
> very closely with this policy.
>
> **Memo Authorizing Implementation of the 5 Level System -- [Catherine
> Baranek]{.underline}**
>
> A question was asked from the field regarding the distribution of the
> Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration's
> memorandum authorizing implementation of the 5-level appraisal program
> for certain bargaining unit employees. The memorandum was signed
> February 3, 2005, and sent to all Under Secretaries, Assistant
> Secretaries, and other key officials for distribution to their
> respective organizations. VHA is responsible for making distribution
> of the memorandum to their field facilities. However, if you have not
> received the memorandum, you may access it on the OHRM Employee
> Relations and Performance Management web site by linking to
> <http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/EmployeeRelations/Topics/PerformanceTopics/PerfProgram.htm>
> and then selecting the link for the "Bargaining Unit Employees
> Implementation Notice".

**5. Healthcare Staff Development & Retention Office -- Items of
Interest:**

> **Status Update on Upgrades to VACareers.com & Education Debt
> Reduction Program (EDRP) -- [Marisa
> Palkuti](mailto:marisa.palkuti@med.va.gov) (504-589-5267)**
>
> **Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)** - Reimbursements for EDRP
> loan repayments have been forwarded to VA medical centers for staff
> completing their service and due payments for October, November and
> December. These first quarter reimbursements are often delayed due to
> issues with the continuing resolution and setting up accounts for the
> new fiscal year. All other EDRP reimbursements to facilities are on
> schedule. If you have questions regarding first quarter payments that
> were recently distributed, please contact your Fiscal Office to verify
> funds arrived.
>
> During the week of March 14, 2005, the Health Care Staff Recruitment
> and Retention Office will notify each VISN HR Liaison of the
> number/cash amount of awards available for the current fiscal year.
> Budget restrictions limit new EDRP awards to approximately 320
> nationwide. This number is roughly 500 fewer than the number of awards
> authorized in FY04 and we realize that causes a hardship in the field.
> Appropriate staff in each network will need to develop a process to
> prioritize these scarce awards. HCSDRO will send copies of the letters
> going to the HR liaisons to local HRMOs and EDRP coordinators. You may
> direct questions to Mr. Jim Rhoads, VA Placement Center & EDRP Program
> Manager, via e-mail.
>
> **VA Careers.com** -- Systems upgrades to vacareers.com will begin at
> the end of March and testing should occur in early April. With the
> upgrades, when an applicant completes and submits an application, it
> will be automatically sent to the specialist who entered the job
> posting into the vacareers system. No longer will staffing
> specialists/assistants need to request applications from the VA
> Placement Service. However, staff in the VA Placement Service will
> search our database for applications if you have a special request for
> potential candidates who may have submitted applications without
> designating a particular job posting or geographic area.

**Recruitment Events for March -- [Ron
Reed](mailto:Ronald.Reed2@e2k.med.va.gov) (504-568-0811 x5522)**

The Health Care Staff Development and Retention Office will sponsor the
following

recruitment events within the next month:

**Date Convention Location City Booth Staff**

Mar. 15 Nursing Spectrum/ Phoenix Civic Plaza Phoenix, AZ Gail Smith

Nurse Week

Mar. 18 Nursing Spectrum/ Burlington Marriott Burlington, MA Regina
Bauzys;

Nurse Week Jane Banks

Mar. 19-22 Nursing Symposium Marriott Hotel New Orleans, LA Shawanda

2005 Poree

Mar. 24-27 Student National Millennium Hotel St. Louis, MO Jim Rhoads

Medical Assoc.

> (SNMA)

Mar. 30 Nursing Spectrum WA State Conv.Ctr. Seattle, WA Local VAMC

Nurse Week

Apr. 1-5 Amer Pharmacists Orange County Orlando, FL VA Pharmacists

Assoc. (APhA) Conv.Ctr.

Apr. 3-7 Assoc. of Peri- Morial Conv. Ctr. New Orleans, LA Brenda
Brinkley;

Operative RNs (AORN) Anita Marshall;

Shawanda Poree

Apr. 9-12 Amer Assoc of Hynes Conv. Ctr. Boston, MA Marisa Palkuti;

Community Colleges Regina Bauzys

> Please remember to continue posting your vacancies to the VA Careers
> website. This is a powerful recruitment tool. If you have any
> questions, or need assistance, please contact Ron Reed at (504)
> 568-0811, ext. 5522, or Ronald.Reed2@med.va.gov.