i

Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

April 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

1 Organization and Functions............................................................................................1

1.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................1

1.2 Overview of Functions...............................................................................................1

1.2.1 Legal, Enforcement, and Ministerial Functions...............................................1

1.2.2 Studies and OPM Oversight Functions............................................................1

1.2.3 Administrative and Management Support Functions.......................................2

1.3 Coordination and Clearances..................................................................................2

1.4 MSPB Organization Chart ......................................................................................3

1.5 Executive Committee..............................................................................................3

1.6 Regional & Field Office Jurisdictions ....................................................................4

1.7 Office of Regional Operations and Regional/Field Offices....................................4

1.8 Office of the Administrative Law Judge.................................................................5

1.9 Office of Appeals Counsel......................................................................................5

1.10 Office of the General Counsel ................................................................................6

1.11 Office of the Clerk of the Board .............................................................................8

1.12 Office of Policy and Evaluation............................................................................10

1.13 Office of Information Resources Management.....................................................12

1.14 Office of Financial and Administrative Management...........................................13

1.15 Office of Equal Employment Opportunity............................................................14

2 Delegations of Authority...............................................................................................15

2.1 Organization..........................................................................................................16

2.2 Coordination .........................................................................................................16

2.3 Adjudication Delegations......................................................................................17

2.3.1 Purpose and Overview....................................................................................17

2.3.2 Adjudicatory Authorities and Delegations.....................................................17

2.3.2.1 Adjudicatory Authorities – Board or Chairman......................................17

2.3.2.2 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities – Board or Chairman..............18

2.3.2.3 Adjudicatory Authorities - Individual Board Members..........................18

2.3.2.4 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities - Individual Board Members..19

2.3.3 Director, Office Of Regional Operations, Regional Directors, and 

Administrative Judges..............................................................................................19

2.3.3.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Director, Office of 

Regional Operations............................................................................................19

2.3.3.2 Redelegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to Regional Directors and 

Administrative Judges.........................................................................................19
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

ii

2.3.3.3 Restrictions on Redelegations of Adjudicatory Authorities....................20

2.3.3.4 Exercise of Authorities by Judges...........................................................20

2.3.4 Administrative Law Judge..............................................................................20

2.3.4.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Administrative Law 

Judge - Original Jurisdiction ...............................................................................20

2.3.4.1.1 Special Counsel Actions ...................................................................20

2.3.4.1.2 Actions Against Administrative Law Judges....................................21

2.3.4.1.3 SES Performance-based Removals...................................................21

2.3.4.2 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Administrative Law 

Judge - Appellate Jurisdiction.............................................................................21

2.3.4.3 Exercise of Authorities by the Administrative Law Judge......................21

2.3.5 Clerk of the Board ..........................................................................................21

2.3.5.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Clerk of the Board........21

2.3.5.2 Exercise of Authorities by the Clerk of the Board ..................................22

2.3.6 Office of the General Counsel........................................................................22

2.3.6.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Office of the General 

Counsel................................................................................................................22

2.4 Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Delegations.................................23

2.4.1 Purpose and Overview....................................................................................23

2.4.2 Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities and Delegations.23

2.4.2.1 Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities -

Board .................................................................................................................23

2.4.2.2 Delegations of Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review 

Authorities And Delegations...............................................................................24

2.4.2.3 Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities -

Individual Board Members..................................................................................24

2.5 Administrative Delegations ..................................................................................24

2.5.1 Abbreviations and Terminology.....................................................................25

2.5.2 Personnel ........................................................................................................25

2.5.2.1 Organization, Position Management, and Classification ........................25

2.5.2.2 Staffing....................................................................................................25

2.5.2.3 Pay...........................................................................................................26

2.5.2.4 Reduction in Force ..................................................................................26

2.5.2.5 Hours of Duty and Leave ........................................................................26

2.5.2.6 Performance Management and Awards ..................................................27

2.5.2.7 Employee Development ..........................................................................27

2.5.2.8 Employee and Labor Relations ...............................................................28

2.5.2.9 Official Duty Station ...............................................................................28

2.5.3 Budget and Accounting ..................................................................................28

2.5.4 Travel..............................................................................................................29

2.5.4.1 Domestic .................................................................................................29

2.5.4.2 Foreign ....................................................................................................29

2.5.4.3 General ....................................................................................................30

2.5.5 Attendance at Meetings..................................................................................30

2.5.6 FOIA Requests, Privacy Act Requests, and Information Quality Complaints30

2.5.7 Procurement....................................................................................................30
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

iii

2.5.8 Property, Vehicles, and Space ........................................................................31

2.5.9 Equal Employment Opportunity.....................................................................31

Attachment 1 – History of Changes
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

1

1 ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS

1.1 PURPOSE

This Manual has two main sections:

The first section describes the organization of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) 

under the operational levels of the Board, the Chairman, and the Executive Director∗, and

documents the assignment of agency functions. The Chairman, as the agency’s Chief Executive 

Officer, delegates overall responsibility for agency operations to the Executive Director. The 

Executive Director assigns responsibility for functions to agency offices and office heads. This 

section provides an overview of MSPB functions.

The second section outlines specific delegations of adjudicatory and administrative authorities.

The Office of the Clerk of the Board is responsible for maintaining this Manual. Requests for 

changes may be proposed by any office. The Office of the Clerk of the Board is also responsible 

for coordinating and clearing proposed changes with other offices and for incorporating any 

approved changes after consultation with the Executive Director.

1.2 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTIONS

The functions covered by this Manual are:

1.2.1 Legal, Enforcement, and Ministerial Functions

Legal and ministerial functions include functions that support the Board’s statutory adjudicatory 

mission -- such as regional preparation of initial decisions and orders, Office of Appeals 

Counsel/Office of the General Counsel preparation of draft decisions for the Board, enforcement 

of Board decisions, legal research, and creating and managing case files -- as well as litigation, 

legal advice, and other legal functions. Legal and ministerial functions are performed by the 

regional and field offices and the legal offices at headquarters including the Offices of Regional 

Operations, Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Counsel, General Counsel, and Clerk of the 

Board.

1.2.2 Studies and OPM Oversight Functions

Studies functions include research, surveys, analysis of findings, and preparation of reports for 

approval by the Board in connection with MSPB’s statutory merit systems studies authority. 

Studies functions are performed at headquarters by the Office of Policy and Evaluation. OPM 

 

∗ The position of Executive Director is the same position as Chief of Staff. For ease of reference, however, only the 

title Executive Director is used in this document.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

2

oversight functions include reviewing OPM regulations or the implementation of OPM 

regulations and taking action to enforce correction or termination of regulations that would 

require commission of a Prohibited Personnel Practice (PPP). In addition, MSPB reviews the 

significant actions of OPM and reports on the impact of these actions on Merit System Principles 

and PPPs. OPM oversight functions are performed by headquarters legal offices and by the 

Office of Policy and Evaluation.

1.2.3 Administrative and Management Support Functions

Administrative and management support functions include equal employment opportunity;

human resources; procurement; budget; facilities and space management; accounting;

coordination of security services for MSPB facilities and personnel; information technology;

public information (including the MSPB website); Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and 

Privacy Act compliance; mail room; records management; audits; MSPB strategic and 

performance planning, measurement, program evaluation, and performance reporting;

congressional correspondence; legislative relations and analysis; and media relations. All 

headquarters offices and regional offices perform administrative and management functions to 

some degree, and, as enumerated elsewhere in this manual.

1.3 COORDINATION AND CLEARANCES

Offices must be aware of the need for coordination and clearance in the exercise of their

functions. It is also important to keep other MSPB office functions in mind when dealing with 

external legislative offices and the media to ensure information consistency. The Office of the 

General Counsel should be consulted regarding congressional inquiries (except for case-related

inquiries) and the Office of the Clerk of the Board should be consulted when preparing case 

statistics for distribution outside the agency and to coordinate media and public 

relations/information requests. Internally, changes in work flow and/or policies that would affect 

the operations of another office must be cleared with that office before such changes are sent to 

the Executive Director/Chairman for approval.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

3

1.4 MSPB ORGANIZATION CHART

Throughout this Manual, “Board” refers to all three Board Members, and “MSPB” refers to the 

agency as an entity. 

1.5 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee provides a forum for senior leadership to examine, consider, and 

recommend actions to the Board Chairman and/or Executive Director. Its scope includes internal 

procedures and general policies, cross-agency budget issues, and human resources issues. The 

Executive Director serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee, and the Clerk of the Board 

serves as the Vice Chair. The Executive Committee has four standing Subcommittees: Hiring; 

Knowledge Management; Safety and Security; and Training and Development. The Chair of the 

Executive Committee can authorize temporary working groups to examine special projects or 

unusual issues. 

CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN

General Counsel

Equal Employment 

Opportunity

Clerk of the

Board

Administrative

Law Judge Regional

Operations

Appeals Counsel Policy and

Evaluation

Regional Offices

Atlanta, Chicago, 

Dallas, Philadelphia, 

San Francisco, and 

Washington, DC

MEMBER

Field Offices

Denver 

New York

Financial and

Administrative

Management

Information

Resources

Management

Executive Director

Merit Systems Protection Board

Human Resources Management services are 

provided by USDA’s APHIS Business Services. 

Payroll services are provided by USDA’s National 

Finance Center.

Accounting Services are provided by the Bureau 

of Public Debt.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

4

1.6 REGIONAL & FIELD OFFICE JURISDICTIONS

1.7 OFFICE OF REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND REGIONAL/FIELD OFFICES

The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) provides direction and coordination to the regional 

offices in carrying out their adjudicatory, management, and administrative functions. The 

primary mission of the regional and field offices is to hear and decide appeals and other assigned 

cases.

Functions assigned to ORO and the regional offices are:

1. Ensure that MSPB adjudicatory, management, and administrative policies are implemented 

consistently throughout the regional and field offices;

2. Carry out its stated mission to hear and decide appeals and other assigned cases;

3. Perform legal support functions (e.g., creating and managing case files) in connection with 

cases adjudicated in the regional and field offices;

4. Recommend changes in policy and/or regulations on matters related to adjudication, 

management, and administration in the regional and field offices;

5. Manage the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program in the regional adjudication 

process;

6. Manage the Mediation Appeals Program (MAP) program for the agency;
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

5

7. Review decisions of administrative judges for quality, timeliness, and consistency with 

applicable laws, regulations, and policy;

8. Manage and coordinate the development and tracking of appeal deadlines;

9. Respond to Congressional, media, and public inquiries related to cases and other activities of 

the regional and field offices (must coordinate with OGC for non-case-related Congressional 

inquiries, and OCB for media and public relations/information);

10. Educate the parties who appear before MSPB, and the Federal community in general, about 

MSPB's rules, procedures, and decisions by doing outreach scheduled by the regional and 

field offices, or as requested by agencies, unions, and other organizations for which such 

training would be appropriate; 

11. Administer regional and field offices’ libraries and subscriptions;

12. Respond to FOIA and Privacy Act requests for records in the regional and field offices in 

coordination with OCB, as needed; and 

13. Enter appropriate data into the case management system.

1.8 OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

The Office of the Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) adjudicates most cases arising under 

MSPB’s original jurisdiction, e.g., Special Counsel actions, actions against ALJs, and SES 

performance-based removals, and other assigned cases.

Currently, MSPB uses ALJs from other Federal agencies to perform this adjudication function 

pursuant to interagency agreements.

1.9 OFFICE OF APPEALS COUNSEL

The Office of Appeals Counsel (OAC) performs legal research and prepares proposed decisions 

and orders for the Board in most cases filed at headquarters -- except for cases assigned to OALJ 

or OGC. 

Functions assigned to OAC are:

1. Assist the Board by reviewing case records, performing legal research, and preparing 

proposed decisions and orders for the Board in the following matters:

a. Petitions for review (PFRs) of initial decisions issued by judges in appellate and 

original jurisdiction cases;

b. Recommendations on reopening cases on the Board’s own motion; 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

6

c. Court remands (when a determination has been made that a court remand should 

be processed by OAC);

d. Interlocutory appeals of rulings made by judges;

e. Hatch Act cases where an ALJ has issued a recommended decision;

f. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) initial stay requests (when authority has not been 

delegated by a Board Member to OALJ) and matters related to a Special Counsel 

stay request that has been granted (such as a request for extension or termination);

g. Requests for review of final arbitration decisions under 5 U.S.C. § 7121(d); and

h. Other cases as assigned by the Board, including petitons by the OPM Director that 

the Board reopen or reconsider a final decision in an appeal which OAC prepared 

the decision for the Board and requests for reconsideration of Board decisions by 

other parties.

2. Recommend changes in policy and/or regulations on matters related to adjudication;

3. Provide legal memoranda to the Board with respect to Government-wide policies and other 

matters arising in the adjudication of cases;

4. Compile and publish the list of significant issues pending before the Board (Significant Issues 

List); 

5. Compile and publish the weekly summary of Board decisions (Weekly Case Report);

6. Provide legal support services to a Special Panel when one is convened;

7. Provide advice and support for cases selected for oral argument; and

8. Enter appropriate data into the case management system. 

1.10 OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC), as legal counsel to MSPB, advises the Board and 

MSPB’s organizational components on matters of law arising in day-to-day operations. The 

OGC prepares proposed decisions for the Board on assigned cases and represents MSPB in 

litigation and employment and labor relations matters. The office also coordinates MSPB’s 

legislative policy and Congressional relations functions, responds to certain requests for 

information, develops regulations, and conducts MSPB’s ethics program. It is responsible for 

MSPB’s investigative functions under the Inspector General Act of 1978, 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3. 

Functions assigned to OGC are:
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

7

1. Assist the Board by reviewing case records, performing legal research, and preparing 

proposed decisions and orders for the Board in the following matters:

a. Cases referred to the Board for enforcement upon a finding by a judge that a party 

is not in compliance with a final decision or order of the Board;

b. Reviews of an OPM regulation or implementation of an OPM regulation by an 

agency upon the request of an interested person or OSC, or on the Board’s own 

motion (5 C.F.R. Part 1203);

c. Court remands (when a determination has been made that a court remand should 

be processed by OGC; such cases are reviewed initially by OGC and either 

retained in OGC, transferred to OAC, or remanded to a regional or field office); 

and

d. Other cases as assigned by the Board, including petitions by the OPM Director 

that the Board reopen or reconsider a final decision in an appeal which OGC

prepared the decision for the Board.

2. Recommend changes in policy and/or regulations on matters related to adjudication in the 

office;

3. Provide legal opinions and advice to the Chairman, the Board Members, and MSPB offices;

4. Represent MSPB in litigation, monitor litigation pertaining to MSPB that is being handled by 

the Department of Justice, and advise the Board and affected MSPB offices on the effect of 

court decisions;

5. Seek enforcement under 5 U.S.C. § 1204(c) of subpoenas issued by a Board Member, judge, 

or other employee designated by the Board, or by OSC;

6. Coordinate the development of MSPB adjudicatory regulations and approval of such 

regulations by the Board;

7. Initiate changes, as required, to 5 C.F.R. Part 1200, “Board Organization;”

8. Review administrative regulations prepared by other offices;

9. Coordinate MSPB submissions for the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations;

10. Conduct liaison activities with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

with respect to mixed cases and with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with 

respect to labor relations matters;

11. Represent MSPB in labor-management matters including coordination of internal employee 

relations work with the Human Resources (HR) Director;

12. Represent MSPB in internal matters, including MSPB employee appeals and complaints; 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

8

13. Coordinate requirements under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978;

14. Review FOIA and Privacy Act appeals and prepare proposed decisions for the Chairman;

15. Perform legislative counsel, legislative policy, and Congressional relations functions; respond 

to inquiries from the White House and Congress (case-related correspondence in 

headquarters is managed by OCB in coordination with OGC); oversee MSPB responses to 

Congressional inquiries, as appropriate, to ensure information consistency; coordinate 

transmittal of reports and other information to Congress by or on behalf of other agency 

program offices; 

16. Receive and process allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and gross mismanagement directly or 

by referral from the telephone hotline maintained on behalf of the Board by the Inspector 

General Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture through a cooperative agreement; 

17. Oversee financial, information security, and other audits coordinated by other MSPB offices

in collaboration with FAM; 

18. Conduct MSPB’s PFR settlement program; and 

19. Enter appropriate data into the case management system.

1.11 OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE BOARD

The Office of the Clerk of the Board (OCB) receives and processes appeals filed at MSPB 

headquarters, rules on certain procedural matters, and issues the Board’s decisions. The office 

serves as MSPB’s public information center, including providing information on the status of 

cases, distributing copies of Board decisions and publications, operating headquarters’ library 

and online information services, and managing headquarters’ subscriptions. The office answers 

requests under FOIA and the Privacy Act at MSPB’s headquarters and responds to all other 

information requests including requests from the media, Congress, and the White House, except 

those for which the Office of the General Counsel is responsible. The office certifies official 

records to the courts and Federal administrative agencies, manages MSPB’s records systems, and 

manages the Government in the Sunshine Act program. The office also initiates, maintains, and 

manages MSPB’s legal research databases, public website, and information publications, and 

prepares agency level statistics, in consultation with affected offices.

Functions assigned to OCB are:

1. Docket all cases filed at headquarters and create case files;

2. Review all Board orders, opinions and orders, and decisions for compliance with standard 

format requirements, grammatical and typographical accuracy, consistency with Board law, 

and accurate and appropriate case citations;

3. Issue all Board orders, opinions and orders, and decisions, including orders denying a petition 

for review in the event of a tie vote by the Board Members, and notices that a stay requested 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

9

by the Special Counsel has become effective by operation of law when the assigned Board 

Member does not act on the request;

4. Respond to requests for public information on adjudicatory and other agency matters, except 

for non-case related inquiries from the White House and Congress which are the 

responsibility of OGC, and inquiries regarding studies and surveys disseminated by OPE, 

which are the responsibility of OPE; 

5. Sign and issue Federal Register notices, letters, orders, and other actions disposing of 

procedural or interlocutory matters, subject to the appropriate clearances, as well as 

coordinate the filing of documents with the Office of the Federal Register;

6. Execute subpoenas on behalf of the Board; 

7. Receive subpoenas and other judicial orders and accept service of legal documents served on 

MSPB or any of its Members or staff in the exercise of any of the statutory or regulatory 

authorities of MSPB;

8. File certified indices, records, and/or excerpts from records with the appropriate court or 

Federal administrative agency, and request extensions of time for filing certified indices or 

records, when necessary;

9. Provide administrative support to a Special Panel when one is convened;

10. Perform legal and administrative support functions related to MSPB’s responsibilities under 

the Government in the Sunshine Act;

11. Plan and prescribe records maintenance and disposition policies and procedures, and serve as 

custodian of the agency’s official records and seal; 

12. Ensure FOIA compliance, including developing regulations, policy statements, and/or 

procedures for disclosing information, processing FOIA requests, and informing agency 

employees and managers of their responsibilities under FOIA;

13. Ensure Privacy Act compliance, including developing regulations, policy statements, and/or 

procedures for complying with the Privacy Act, processing Privacy Act requests, and

informing agency employees and managers of their responsibilities under the Act;

14. Distribute Board decisions and maintain liaison with publishers;

15. Manage the law library information center at MSPB headquarters, online legal research 

services, and databases;

16. Coordinate public affairs policy for MSPB, in consultation with affected offices, and manage 

the public affairs program, including public information, media relations, and publications in 

both print and electronic form - except reports of studies (which are the responsibility of 

OPE);
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

10

17. Oversee the content of MSPB’s public website (www.mspb.gov);

18. Manage the International Visitors Program in conjunction with OPE;

19. Work with IRM and act as OMB liaison regarding MSPB compliance with the Federal 

Information Security and Management Act (FISMA) and the Government Paperwork 

Elimination Act (GPEA);

20. Coordinate MSPB compliance with the Government-wide guidelines for ensuring and 

maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by 

agencies by preparing, clearing and issuing MSPB guidelines, acting on requests for 

correction of information disseminated by MSPB, and filing the Information Quality Annual

Report with OMB;

21. Review and approve case processing statistics, workload reports, and related projections for 

accuracy and consistency, and prepare monthly workload reports and distribute them 

internally;

22. Act as “system owner” of the case management system, e-Appeal online, and QuickCase, and 

represent and coordinate broad user interests to ensure that all user requests are coordinated 

and authorized and that system development requests are prioritized for the most efficient use 

of limited IRM resources;

23. Maintain MSPB’s Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority Manual;

24. Maintain and coordinate MSPB Directives System formats and distribution; 

25. Act as liaison with the ALJs with whom we have contracted to perform the OALJ functions; 

and

26. Enter appropriate data into the case management system. 

1.12 OFFICE OF POLICY AND EVALUATION

The Office of Policy and Evaluation (OPE) plans and conducts special studies of the civil service 

and other merit systems as required by statute, and prepares reports for approval by the Board for 

submission to the President and the Congress. The office disseminates information about 

MSPB’s studies and responds to inquiries about them. The OPE also performs strategic planning 

and administers MSPB’s performance measurement and reporting functions, including internal 

program evaluation as required by OMB Circular A-11.

Functions assigned to OPE are:

1. Develop a research agenda for approval by the Chairman with input from the other Board 

Members;
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

11

2. Conduct studies of Executive Branch merit systems to determine whether the public interest 

in a civil service free of prohibited personnel practices is being adequately protected (5 

U.S.C. § 1204(a)(3));

3. Conduct reviews of OPM Significant Actions (5 U.S.C. § 1206);

4. Periodically conduct a Government-wide merit principles survey and other surveys using 

statistically valid sampling techniques, to gauge changes in perceptions of the merit-based 

civil service and to fuel other research studies;

5. Direct requests, as necessary in connection with studies, to agency heads for information or 

records about Federal employees, departments, and agencies, including OPM (5 U.S.C. 

§ 1204(e)(3));

6. Distribute reports of studies, conduct outreach, and disseminate information about studies; 

7. Provide data from MSPB studies in response to requests from agencies;

8. Conduct agency-specific studies under interagency agreements;

9. Respond to Congressional and Administration requests regarding studies in coordination with 

OGC; 

10. Conduct research, as assigned, to meet the internal needs of MSPB and to meet the 

requirements for program evaluation of the Government Performance and Results Act 

(GPRA) as amended by the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010;

11. Coordinate development of and prepare MSPB's Strategic Plan, as required by GPRA;

12. Coordinate development of and prepare the GPRA-required Annual Performance Plan,

forward to FAM for inclusion in the Performance Budget submissions to OMB and 

Congress;

13. Oversee quality of program performance data and data collection, including verification and 

validation of data as required by GPRA and OMB Circular A-11;

14. Coordinate development of and prepare the annual Performance and Accountability Report 

(PAR), incorporating the Annual Performance Report required by GPRA, the annual audited 

financial statements, the annual report required by the Federal Managers Financial Integrity 

Act (FMFIA), and other information;

15. Coordinate development of and prepare the MSPB Annual Report;

16. Ensure compliance with OMB or Administration initiatives and related laws, regulations, and 

directives;

17. Review appropriate agency-wide reports, including the annual submissions pursuant to 

GPEA, FISMA, and the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act, to ensure 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

12

consistency with information presented in strategic planning and performance reporting 

documents; and

18. Recommend specific OPM regulations that should be reviewed by the Board under its own 

motion pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 1204.

1.13 OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The Office of Information Resources Management (IRM) develops, implements, and maintains 

MSPB’s automated information systems to support efficient management of MSPB’s caseload 

and its administrative and research responsibilities. The office manages MSPB’s information 

resources, including planning, budgeting, and implementation of data processing, office 

automation, and data communications operations. The office reviews all proposed procurements 

of information technology software and hardware for technical feasibility, standardization, and 

compatibility, and approves such procurements.

Functions assigned to IRM are:

1. Develop and update the 5-year IRM Strategic Plan;

2. Operate and maintain MSPB’s computer systems, including the local area network/wide area 

network, internet, electronic filing, case processing, document management, document 

assembly, intranet, remote access, e-mail systems, and personal digital assitants such as 

Blackberry devices;

3. Provide training and support to users of MSPB’s computers, systems, and related equipment;

4. Prepare and submit the annual FISMA report (in consultation with OCB), and ensure 

compliance with computer security requirements in accordance with FISMA guidance, and 

conduct annual computer security awareness training;

5. Ensure compliance with information management regulatory requirements and related laws, 

regulations, and directives;

6. Manage case management and other agency databases (other than records and legal research 

databases, which are the responsibility of OCB);

7. Oversee all information technology planning and approval of hardware and software 

purchases;

8. Ensure compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act;

9. Install and provide technical support for personal computer hardware, software, and 

peripherals;

10. Design, develop, implement, and maintain application systems; 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

13

11. Provide technical support for MSPB’s public website, e-Appeal Online, and intranet Portal; 

and

12. Ensure secure access to MSPB systems in support of agency continuity of operation plans 

(COOP) and telework opportunities.

1.14 OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

The Office of Financial and Administrative Management (FAM) administers the budget,

accounting, procurement, human resources management, property management, internal and 

management controls, security of personnel and physical locations, space, travel, and general 

services functions of MSPB. The FAM administers and oversees the interagency cross-servicing 

agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Finance Center (NFC) 

for payroll services, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for human 

resources services, and with Treasury’s Bureau of Public Debt (BPD) for accounting and related 

services. The office also develops and coordinates internal management programs and projects, 

including review of internal controls agency-wide.

Functions assigned to FAM are as follows:

1. Develop annual budget requests for approval by the Chairman, prepare support material for 

the Chairman for testimony before OMB and Congress, and oversee the program planning 

and budgeting systems including preparing and distributing operating budgets to offices;

2. Assist OPE in the preparation of the annual PAR consisting of the audited financial 

statements and the Annual Performance Plan required by GPRA;

3. Manage and oversee the required annual audited financial statements, assist Treasury's BPD 

in selecting an audit firm, provide auditors with necessary documentation to conduct a 

complete audit, and turn audited financial statements over to OPE for inclusion in the PAR;

4. Manage MSPB’s accounting, payroll, procurement, travel, audio/visual, telecommunications, 

printing/duplicating, forms, facilities, supply, inventory, recycling, travel, interagency 

agreements, cooperative agreements, transportation, telecommuting, transit subsidy, real and 

personal property, security (personnel and physical), telephone and videoconferencing 

systems, training and wellness programs, and related financial and other general support 

programs;

5. Manage travel and purchase card systems;

6. Manage and oversee interagency and other agreements for provision of various services in 

support of employee relations, investigations, organizational assistance and development, and 

related programs and functions;

7. Manage and oversee the interagency cross-servicing agreement with USDA’s NFC for the 

provision of personnel processing, payroll, time and attendance, and related services;
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

14

8. Manage and oversee the interagency cross-servicing agreement with USDA’s APHIS for core 

personnel services;

9. Advise and develop MSPB HR policies and activities not covered by the cross-servicing 

agreement with USDA’s APHIS to include strategic human capital planning and other 

MSPB-specific policy needs;

10. Manage and oversee the interagency cross-servicing agreement with Treasury’s BPD for the 

provision of accounting, travel, procurement, and related services;

11. Manage all MSPB interagency agreements;

12. Oversee MSPB mail and distribution programs and operate the headquarters mailroom; and

13. Manage and oversee MSPB’s emergency preparedness program, including Continuity of 

Operations and shelter-in-place programs.

1.15 OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Director reports to the Chairman on all EEO and 

diversity-related matters and to the Executive Director on all administrative matters. 

The Office of EEO plans, develops, coordinates, and implements all agency EEO policies and 

procedures, as well as evaluates all other MSPB policies and practices to ensure that they are free 

from unnecessary barriers to equal employment. The EEO Director is responsible for managing 

the EEO complaint process, which is available to all individuals who allege they have been 

discriminated against with regard to their employment and/or in MSPB’s programs, policies, 

practices, and other activities. The EEO Director advises and assists all interested parties on 

MSPB’s EEO programs and develops affirmative employment initiatives for the Chairman’s 

consideration and approval.

Functions assigned to EEO are:

1. Develop, coordinate, and implement all MSPB EEO and diversity policies;

2. Process individual and class informal and formal EEO complaints of alleged discrimination 

as required by EEOC regulations at 29 C.F.R. Part 1614;

3. Process individual and class complaints of alleged discrimination as required by MSPB 

regulations at 5 C.F.R. § 1207, Executive Order (EO) 13160, and EO 13166;

4. Issue procedural and merit-based decisions in accordance with 29 C.F.R. § 1614, 5 C.F.R.

§ 1207.170(c), EO 13166, and EO 11478, as amended by EO 13087;

5. Process and track requests for reasonable accommodation submitted by MSPB employees, as 

required under the agency’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedures; 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

15

6. Develop EEO plans, evaluate the EEO program, report findings, and recommend to the 

Chairman and Executive Director any needed improvements or corrections;

7. Prepare for the Chairman's review and approval all required reports for submission to EEOC 

(e.g., the annual Management Directive 715 Report, the Annual 462 Report, No FEAR Act

training compliance, etc.);

8. Review MSPB’s programs, policies, and procedures, including human resources management 

programs, for EEO implications, and recommend changes to eliminate discriminatory 

practices and unnecessary barriers to equal employment;

9. Conduct periodic reviews and analyses of MSPB’s workforce data by ethnicity, race, gender,

and disability at all stages of the employment cycle to determine if systemic barriers exist to 

equal employment opportunity;

10. Manage MSPB’s Federally mandated special emphasis programs, including the Federal 

Women’s Program, the Hispanic Employment Program, and the Disability Employment 

Program, as well as initiatives and programs relating to the employment and advancement of 

other EEO groups; 

11. Select, supervise, and, when necessary, train, or provide for the training of, MSPB employees 

as EEO counselors;

12. Develop, coordinate, implement, and manage MSPB’s ADR policy and program offered 

during the informal and formal EEO complaint process;

13. Develop, conduct, or process appropriate employee and management EEO and diversity

training; 

14. Collaborate with other Federal agencies or public entities and private sector employees, 

groups, and organizations to improve employment opportunities at MSPB for all groups and 

to enhance awareness of MSPB’s mission, activities, and services; and

15. Select, supervise, and, when necessary, train, or provide for the training of, MSPB’s

Disability Program Coordinator.

2 DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY

This section sets forth MSPB delegations of authority for the adjudicatory, studies, and 

administrative functions of MSPB. Changes and amendments should be directed to OCB.

In an office that has a Deputy Director and for the Chief Administrative Judges (CAJ) in the New 

York and Denver field offices, the responsibilities of the Deputy or CAJ are, by design and 

intent, flexible. The Deputy or CAJ shares fully with the Director or Regional Director in the 

responsibility for carrying out all phases of the organization’s work. A Deputy or CAJ can be in 

charge of one or any combination of: 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

16

• Day-to-day operations;

• Supervisory responsibilities (approve leave and training; assign, monitor, and review work; 

meet with employees to develop performance plans; and rate and reward performance 

accomplishments, etc.); 

• Planning, developmental, or special assignment work; and/or 

• Technical work, etc. 

Together, the Director and the Deputy or CAJ decide how they want the office to work; the 

Director makes appropriate delegations. If the organizational focus or management changes, 

these delegations may be altered at the discretion of the Director. Delegations are not typically 

reflected in position descriptions; however, they are to be documented in writing and 

communicated to staff. 

Unless otherwise stated, delegations flow from the Chairman, through the Executive Director, 

and as necessary, to the office and regional directors. Deputy or CAJ positions assume the 

authority of the office director when “acting” for them. Otherwise, re-delegations by the office 

and regional directors should be in writing.

As used in this section, “judge” means: the Director, ORO; a Regional Director; a Chief 

Administrative Judge; or an administrative judge.

2.1 ORGANIZATION

This section is organized by subject matter. Adjudicatory delegations and studies delegations are 

in narrative form, while administrative delegations are in table form.

Requests and recommendations for updates and changes should be sent to OCB for coordination, 

review, and approval by the Chairman or the Executive Director, through the delegated authority 

of the Chairman.

2.2 COORDINATION

Offices must be aware of the need for coordination in the exercise of these delegations, e.g., 

development of regulations and agency-wide policy should be coordinated with OGC for legal 

sufficiency; Congressional distributions should be coordinated with the Legislative Counsel in

OGC; media inquiries should be referred to/coordinated with OCB; issues with budget

implications should be coordinated with the Budget Officer; etc.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

17

2.3 ADJUDICATION DELEGATIONS

2.3.1 Purpose And Overview

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board exercises adjudicatory authorities that are vested by 

law in the three-member Board and, in certain instances, in the individual Board Members. The 

Board and the individual Board Members may delegate authorities as permitted by law. This 

section documents such delegations.

2.3.2 Adjudicatory Authorities And Delegations

The Board’s general adjudicatory authority is set forth at 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a). Additional 

adjudicatory authorities with respect to specific kinds of cases are set forth in other provisions of 

Title 5, as well as but not limited to, provisions in Title 3 (Presidential and Executive Office 

Accountability Act cases) and Title 38 (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment 

Rights Act cases). The Board’s delegations of its adjudicatory authorities may be effected 

through the issuance of regulations or internal orders, which are documented in this Manual.

2.3.2.1 Adjudicatory Authorities – Board or Chairman

1. The Board is authorized to hear and adjudicate, or to provide for the hearing and adjudication 

of, all matters within the jurisdiction of the Board under any law, rule, or regulation and to 

take final action on such matters. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(1).

2. The Board is authorized to order any Federal agency or employee to comply with its final 

decisions and orders and to enforce compliance with such orders. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(2).

3. The Board is authorized to review OPM regulations to determine whether such OPM 

regulation is invalid on its face because it would require an employee to commit a prohibited 

personnel practice, or the OPM regulation is invalidly implemented by an agency such that its 

implementation requires an employee to commit a prohibited personnel practice. If the Board 

determines that an OPM regulation is invalid on its face or invalidly implemented, the Board 

has the authority to require the agency to cease compliance with the OPM regulation and to 

correct any invalid implementation of the regulation. 5 U.S.C. §§ 1204(a)(4) and (f).

4. The Board is authorized to provide for an informal hearing requested by a career SES 

member whose removal has been proposed under 5 U.S.C. § 3592(a).

5. The Board is authorized to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary for the 

performance of its functions. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(h), 5 U.S.C. § 7701(k), 5 U.S.C. §§ 3330a3330b, and 38 U.S.C. § 4331(b)(2)(A).

6. Except as provided in section 518 of Title 28 of the United States Code, relating to litigation 

before the Supreme Court, the Chairman shall designate attorneys to appear for MSPB, and 

represent MSPB, in any civil action brought in connection with any function carried out by 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

18

MSPB pursuant to Title 5 of the United States Code or as otherwise authorized by law. 5 

U.S.C. § 1204(i).

2.3.2.2 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities – Board or Chairman

1. The Board has broad authority to delegate the decision-making authorities necessary to carry 

out its adjudicatory functions. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(b)(1), 5 U.S.C. § 7701(b)(1) and (k). The 

Board may delegate such authorities to any “judge” as defined in MSPB’s regulations. 

5 C.F.R. § 1201.4(a).

2. The Board delegates decision-making authorities with respect to appeals and other assigned 

cases through the Director, ORO, and the regional directors, to administrative judges. See 

also section 2.3.3.

3. The Board delegates decision-making authorities with respect to most original jurisdiction 

cases and other assigned cases to an ALJ. See also section 2.3.4.

4. The Board delegates certain adjudicatory authorities to the Clerk of the Board. See also 

section 2.3.5.

5. The Board may delegate to an individual Board Member the authority to rule on any matter 

related to a stay that has been granted to the Special Counsel, including a motion for 

extension or termination of the stay. 5 C.F.R. § 1201.134(b). The Board delegates to an 

individual Board Member (in rotating order) the authority to grant a request for extension of a 

stay that has been granted to the Special Counsel -- except where the initial stay and any 

previously granted extensions total more than 120 days -- and to rule on any other stayrelated matter. If the responsible Board Member finds that a request for extension of a stay 

should be denied, or if an initial stay and any previously granted extensions total more than 

120 days, the request for extension must be voted on by the full Board. (“Joint Delegation” 

approved by the Board Members and contained in the Chairman’s memorandum of July 31, 

1998.)

6. The Chairman delegates to the Office of the General Counsel the authority, under 5 U.S.C.

§ 1204(i), to represent MSPB in any civil action brought in connection with any function 

carried out by the Board. See also section 2.3.6.

7. The Board retains all decision-making authorities not specifically delegated by the Board.

8. The Board does not delegate final decision-making authority to any non-career member of the 

Senior Executive Service (SES) or to any office headed by such an employee.

2.3.2.3 Adjudicatory Authorities - Individual Board Members

1. Any Member of the Board may grant a petition for review (PFR) of a judge’s decision or 

otherwise direct that a judge’s decision be reviewed by the full Board. 5 U.S.C. § 7701(e)(1).
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

19

2. Any Member of the Board may grant a request by the Office of Special Counsel for an initial 

45-day stay of a personnel action. 5 U.S.C. § 1214(b)(1)(A)(ii).

3. Any Member of the Board, any ALJ appointed by the Board under section 3105 of Title 5, 

and any administrative judge may, with respect to any individual: issue subpoenas requiring 

the attendance and presentation of testimony of any such individual, and the production of 

documentary or other evidence; and order the taking of depositions from, and responses to

written interrogatories by, any such individual. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(b)(2).

2.3.2.4 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities - Individual Board Members

1. A Board Member may delegate to an ALJ his or her individual authority to grant a Special 

Counsel request for an initial 45-day stay of a personnel action. 5 C.F.R. § 1201.134(b). 

Such a delegation may be made for all Special Counsel stay requests received during the time 

period in which the Board Member is responsible for acting on those requests or on a caseby-case basis, at the Board Member’s discretion.

2. A Board Member may delegate to the Office of the General Counsel his or her authority to: 

issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and presentation of testimony of any individual, and 

the production of documentary or other evidence; and order the taking of depositions from, 

and responses to written interrogatories by, any such individual. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(b)(2). See 

also section 2.3.6.

2.3.3 Director, Office Of Regional Operations, Regional Directors, And Administrative

Judges

2.3.3.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Director, Office of Regional 

Operations

The Board delegates to the Director, ORO, the authority to provide for the adjudication of all 

cases that, in accordance with MSPB’s regulations (or other issuances), must be filed in MSPB 

regional and field offices. The Board also delegates to the Director, ORO, the authority to 

provide for the adjudication of cases filed at MSPB headquarters that are reassigned to a regional 

or field office for adjudication.

2.3.3.2 Redelegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to Regional Directors and 

Administrative Judges

The Director, ORO, redelegates to MSPB’s regional directors the authority to adjudicate all cases 

covered above. The regional directors may redelegate this authority to administrative judges. 5 

C.F.R. § 1201.41.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

20

2.3.3.3 Restrictions on Redelegations of Adjudicatory Authorities

The authorities to hear and decide appeals involving adverse actions, to rule on requests for 

subpoenas, and to order the taking of depositions and responses to written interrogatories may be 

redelegated to administrative judges only when they have demonstrated that they have sufficient 

experience and adequate abilities to handle such cases.

2.3.3.4 Exercise of Authorities by Judges

In hearing and deciding cases, judges may exercise all authorities vested in them under MSPB’s 

regulations. In addition, judges may exercise authorities vested in them under adjudicatory pilot 

projects approved by the Board during the pendency of the project. Judges will issue initial 

decisions or orders as provided by MSPB’s regulations. The exercise of authorities by judges is 

subject to applicable provisions of law and regulation.

2.3.4 Administrative Law Judge

2.3.4.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Administrative Law Judge -

Original Jurisdiction

The Board delegates to an ALJ the authority to hear and decide cases arising under the Board’s 

original jurisdiction authority as listed in subparagraphs 2.3.4.1.1 - 2.3.4.1.3 below. An ALJ will 

adjudicate corrective action complaints brought by the Special Counsel and hold informal 

hearings in performance-based removals from the SES unless, by agreement with the Director, 

ORO, such a case is reassigned to a regional or field office. An individual Board Member may 

delegate to an ALJ his or her authority to rule on a Special Counsel request for an initial 45-day 

stay of a personnel action. The original jurisdiction cases covered by this paragraph are as 

follows:

2.3.4.1.1 Special Counsel Actions

1. Hatch Act cases (complaints of unlawful political activity prohibited by 5 U.S.C. § 1502) 

brought against State or local government employees under 5 U.S.C. §§ 1504 and 1505;

2. Hatch Act cases (complaints of unlawful political activity prohibited by 5 U.S.C. §§ 7323, 

7324) brought against Federal or District of Columbia government employees under 5 U.S.C. 

§§ 1215 and 1216;

3. Disciplinary action complaints brought under 5 U.S.C. § 1215 or 5 U.S.C. §§ 1215 and 1216;

4. Corrective action complaints brought under 5 U.S.C. § 1214 or 5 U.S.C. §§ 1214 and 1216; 

and

5. Requests for initial stays of personnel actions allegedly based on a prohibited personnel 

practice brought under 5 U.S.C. § 1214.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

21

2.3.4.1.2 Actions Against Administrative Law Judges

Agency complaints under 5 U.S.C. § 7521 seeking authorization to take any of the following 

actions against an ALJ: removal, suspension, reduction in grade, reduction in pay, or furlough of 

30 days or less.

2.3.4.1.3 SES Performance-based Removals

Informal hearing under 5 U.S.C. § 3592(a).

2.3.4.2 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Administrative Law Judge -

Appellate Jurisdiction

The Board delegates to an ALJ the authority to hear and decide appeals filed by MSPB 

employees. The Board may, from time to time, assign other cases arising under MSPB’s 

appellate jurisdiction to an ALJ for adjudication.

2.3.4.3 Exercise of Authorities by the Administrative Law Judge

In hearing and deciding cases under the above, an ALJ may exercise all authorities vested in 

judges under MSPB’s regulations. In addition, an ALJ may exercise authorities vested in judges 

under adjudicatory pilot projects approved by the Board during the pendency of the project. An 

ALJ will issue initial decisions, recommended decisions, or orders as provided by MSPB’s 

regulations. The exercise of authorities by ALJs is subject to applicable provisions of law and 

regulation.

2.3.5 Clerk of the Board

2.3.5.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Clerk of the Board

The Board delegates to the Clerk of the Board the following adjudicatory authorities with respect 

to cases pending at headquarters:

1. Authority to accept or reject documents;

2. Authority to grant a withdrawal of a petition for review when requested by a petitioner;

3. Authority to deny noncertified interlocutory appeals;

4. Authority to dismiss petitions for review that are moot;

5. Authority to rule on the time for filing pleadings;

6. Authority to rule on motions for consolidation, joinder, or intervention, and other procedural 

motions;
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

22

7. Authority to issue responses to requests for reconsideration or reopening;

8. Authority to issue show cause orders and notices as appropriate;

9. Authority to sign all Board orders, opinions and orders, and decisions, unless otherwise 

directed by the Board;

10. Authority to issue errata or addenda to Board orders, opinions and orders, and decisions, as 

necessary;

11. Authority to prepare and/or issue orders ruling on motions to seal records; 

12. Authority to prepare and/or issue orders ruling on motions for waiver of costs for transcripts

filed after the issuance of the initial decision;

13. Authority to accept subpoenas and other judicial orders, and accept service of legal 

documents served on MSPB or any of its Board Members or staff in the exercise of any of the 

statutory or regulatory authorities of MSPB;

14. Authority to execute subpoenas on behalf of the Board as required; and

15. Authority to administer oaths and affirmations at hearings before the Board or any Board 

Member.

2.3.5.2 Exercise of Authorities by the Clerk of the Board 

The exercise of the authorities in this section by the Clerk of the Board is subject to applicable 

provisions of law and regulation. In exercising the authorities in this section, the Clerk of the 

Board will issue appropriate orders on behalf of the Board.

2.3.6 Office of the General Counsel

2.3.6.1 Delegations of Adjudicatory Authorities to the Office of the General Counsel

The Chairman of the Board delegates to the Office of the General Counsel the following 

adjudicatory authority:

1. Authority to appear for MSPB, and represent MSPB, in any civil action brought in 

connection with any function carried out by MSPB pursuant to Title 5 of the United States 

Code or as otherwise authorized by law. 

The Board delegates to the Office of the General Counsel the following adjudicatory authorities:

2. Authority to draft decisions ordering a Federal agency or employee to comply with any order 

or decision issued by MSPB and authority to enforce compliance with any such order;
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

23

3. Authority to issue and enforce subpoenas requiring: the attendance and presentation of 

testimony of any individual, and the production of documentary or other evidence; and order 

the taking of depositions from, and responses to written interrogatories by, any such 

individual;

4. Authority to review the rules and regulations of the Office of Personnel Management for the 

Board under 5 U.S.C. § 1204(f)(1)(A), (B), or (C), including their implementation by OPM 

and agencies other than OPM. The Chairman retains the signatory authority for the Board for 

Board decisions to require OPM or any agency to cease compliance with any provision of 

rule or regulation under 5 USC § 1204 (f)(4)(A) or for any requirement to correct any invalid 

implementation by the agency of any provision of any rule or regulations under 5 U.S.C.

§ 1204(f)(4)(B);

5. Related to any proceeding under 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(1), authority to prepare for any Board 

Member a request to OPM for an advisory opinion concerning the interpretation of any OPM 

rule, regulation, or other policy directive (see 5 U.S.C. § 1204(e)(1)(A)); and

6. As MSPB Congressional liaison, the authority to prepare transmittals to Congress on the 

request of any committee or subcommittee thereof, by report, testimony, or otherwise, 

information and views on MSPB functions. 5 U.S.C. § 1205.

2.4 STUDIES AND OPM SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS REVIEW DELEGATIONS

2.4.1 Purpose And Overview

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board exercises studies and OPM significant actions review

authorities that are vested by law in the three-member Board and, in certain instances, in the 

individual Board Members. The Board and the individual Board Members may delegate 

authorities as permitted by law. This section documents such delegations.

2.4.2 Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities And Delegations

The MSPB’s special studies authority is set forth at 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(3), and its authority to 

review OPM Significant Actions is set forth at 5 U.S.C. § 1206. (See OGC authority under 

paragraph 2.3.6.1 above related to review of OPM regulations set forth in 5 U.S.C. § 1204 (f). 

OPE recommendations for an OPM regulatory review generated from an OPE study would be 

routed to OGC, if approved by the Board, under OGC’s authority for conducting such reviews for 

the Board.) The Board’s delegations of these authorities may be effected through the issuance of 

regulations or internal orders, which are documented in this Manual.

2.4.2.1 Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities - Board

1. The Board is authorized to conduct from time to time, special studies relating to the civil 

service and to other merit systems in the executive branch, and report to the President and to 
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

24

Congress as to whether the public interest in a civil service free of prohibited personnel 

practices is being adequately protected. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(3). 

2. In carrying out any study, the Board shall make such inquiries as may be necessary and,

unless otherwise prohibited by law, shall have access to personnel records or information 

collected by OPM and may require additional reports from other agencies as needed. 5 

U.S.C. § 1204(e)(3).

3. The Board is authorized to review OPM significant actions and to analyze whether or not the 

actions of OPM are in accord with merit system principles and free from prohibited personnel 

practices. 5 U.S.C. § 1206.

4. The Board is authorized to delegate studies authority and prescribe such regulations as may 

be necessary for the performance of its functions. 5 U.S.C. § 1204(g) and (h).

2.4.2.2 Delegations of Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review 

Authorities and Delegations

1. The Board delegates the special studies authority and the review of OPM significant actions

authority to the Director, OPE. The Chairman retains the signatory authority for the Board on 

final transmittal of the special studies to the President and Congress, as well as signatory 

authority for reports on OPM significant actions; and

2. The Board delegates to the Director, OPE, the authority to prepare, in coordination with the 

Legislative Counsel in OGC, transmittals to Congress on the request of any committee or 

subcommittee thereof, by report, testimony, or otherwise, information and views on these two 

functions. 5 U.S.C. § 1205.

2.4.2.3 Special Studies and OPM Significant Actions Review Authorities -

Individual Board Members 

Once a proposed research agenda is developed, the Director, OPE, will provide each Board

Member with the research agenda to obtain their recommendations prior to submission to the 

Chairman for final approval.

2.5 ADMINISTRATIVE DELEGATIONS

As with functional delegations, the Chairman delegates administrative delegations through the 

Executive Director, and as necessary, to office and regional directors. The Chairman reserves the 

authority to issue regulations governing the exercise of any of the Chairman's administrative 

functions. Functions not otherwise delegated herein remain in the authority of the Board and/or 

the Chairman.
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

25

2.5.1 Abbreviations and Terminology

ADAEO Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Officer

CAJ Chief Administrative Judge

CB Clerk of the Board

CIO Chief Information Officer

COTR Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative

DFAM Director, Financial and Administrative Management

DORO Director, Office of Regional Operations

ED Executive Director

EEOD Equal Employment Opportunity Director

GC General Counsel

HOD Headquarters Office Director

OGC Office of the General Counsel

RD Regional Director

2.5.2 Personnel

2.5.2.1 Organization, Position Management, and Classification

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve organizational and staffing plans ED No

Classify positions as to title, occupational series, and grade level ED Yes

2.5.2.2 Staffing

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve SF-52s, Request for Personnel Action (after consulting ED) DFAM Yes

Approve Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) agreements ED Yes

Approve SCEP (Student Career), STEP (Student Temporary), or volunteer 

agreements ED Yes

Approve details or reassignments with reemployment rights back to MSPB, e.g., 

details to other agencies ED No

Effect appointments, make employment commitments, arrange reporting dates DFAM Yes

Sign notice to veteran that MSPB is unable to restore him/her to a position to 

which he/she is entitled ED Yes

Approve pre-employment interview travel ED No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

26

Approve non-reimbursable details of MSPB employees to other agencies and 

reimbursable details to MSPB of personnel from other agencies ED Yes

Approve the appointment of experts and consultants ED Yes

Approve paid advertising in recruiting for vacancies DFAM Yes

Approve repayment of student loans as a recruitment tool ED No

Authorize staff to administer Oaths of Office DFAM Yes

2.5.2.3 Pay

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve pay above the first step for new appointees based on superior 

qualifications (after consulting ED) DFAM Yes

Approve employment credit time for non-Federal work experience (after 

consulting ED) DFAM No

Authorize entitlement to back pay, based on an unjustified or unwarranted 

personnel action ED Yes

Approval of recruitment, retention, and relocation incentive payments ED No

2.5.2.4 Reduction in Force

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve Reduction-in-Force and/or furlough activities ED No

Conduct Reduction-in-Force and/or furlough activities DFAM Yes

2.5.2.5 Hours of Duty and Leave

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Establish tours of duty:

Consistent with agency policy HOD/RD Yes

Non-standard tours of duty HOD/RD No

Approve increases/decreases to part-time hours (after consulting ED) HOD/RD No

Order/approve occasional and irregular overtime or compensatory time in 

consultation with the Budget Officer to ensure funds are available HOD/RD No

Approve credit hours HOD/RD Yes

Order or approve holiday work HOD/RD No

Approve charging of absence to: 

Accrued annual or sick leave or other leave, except AWOL HOD/RD Yes

Absence Without Leave (AWOL) HOD/RD Yes

Leave without pay (LWOP) for 30 days or less HOD/RD Yes
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

27

Leave without pay (LWOP) for more than 30 days (after consulting ED) HOD/RD No

Approve advanced annual or sick leave HOD/RD Yes

Approve FMLA/Sick Leave for Family Care and Bereavement (over 30 days) ED Yes

Approve FMLA/Sick Leave for Family Care and Bereavement (for 30 days or 

less) HOD/RD Yes

Approve Flexiplace or Telework Agreements HOD/RD Yes

Certify accuracy of Time and Attendance Reports HOD/RD Yes

Approve dismissals of MSPB employees to attend official ceremonies HOD/RD Yes

Approve emergency or hazardous weather leave (after advising ED) ED/RD Yes

Approve early dismissal of office or office closures (after consulting ED) HOD/RD Yes

Approve or deny requests for restoration of annual leave forfeited due to an 

exigency ED Yes

2.5.2.6 Performance Management and Awards

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Set and approve performance elements and standards, and rate performance of 

individuals HOD/RD Yes

Approve awards:

Individual Cash Awards over $2,000 up to $5,000 ED No

Group Cash Awards over $5,000 up to $10,000 ED No

Individual Cash Awards up to $2,000 HOD/RD No

Group Cash Awards up to $5,000 HOD/RD No

Quality Step Increase (QSI) HOD/RD No

Time-Off Awards of 40 hours or less HOD/RD No

Time-Off Awards over 40 hours ED No

2.5.2.7 Employee Development

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve training within budget (see training/foreign travel below) HOD/RD Yes

Select individuals to receive centrally funded executive-level, management, or 

supervisory training at OPM’s MDC/FEI ED No

Approve training involving foreign travel ED No

Approve continuous job-related training over 120 days (960 hours) ED No

Approve tuition reimbursement for degree-granting programs ED No

Approve training for HODs ED No

Approve training for RDs DORO No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

28

2.5.2.8 Employee and Labor Relations

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve requests for outside employment (after consulting ADAEO) HOD/RD No

Identify employees required to file Confidential Financial Disclosure Report 

(form SF-278) and make determinations on those involving conflict-of-interest 

questions DAEO Yes

Disciplinary actions, grievances, and appeals:

Sign letters proposing reprimand and adverse action (after consulting OGC) HOD/RD Yes

Sign decision letters for adverse actions involving individuals who have 

statutory adverse action appeal rights and separation of individuals who lack 

such appeal rights:

 GS-15 (when ED is second level of review) ED No

 GS-15 (when HOD/RD is second level of review & after consulting OGC) HOD/RD No

 GS-14 and below (after consulting OGC) HOD/RD No

Sign Step 2 decisions on negotiated grievances HOD/RD No

Sign final agency decisions on formal administrative grievances:

 When ED is second-level reviewer ED No

 As second-level reviewer HOD/RD/CAJ No

Take action regarding within-grade increases (WIGIs):

Sign letters of decision to withhold or delay WIGIs HOD/RD Yes

Sign reconsideration letters withholding/delaying WIGIs ED/DORO Yes

2.5.2.9 Official Duty Station

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve official duty stations outside the Federally-owned or rented buildings 

occupied by MSPB ED No

2.5.3 Budget and Accounting

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Develop Cost Centers, Object Classes, and Project Codes DFAM Yes

Develop OMB and Congressional Budgets DFAM Yes

Certify FACTs I and II and related Statements of Accounts DFAM Yes

Approve Apportionment and Reapportionment Schedules DFAM Yes

Designate Certifying Officers DFAM No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

29

Approve operating budgets, employment ceilings, and non-technical or policy 

changes ED Yes

Approve settlement of claims by or against the MSPB

 For claims under $10,000, after OGC review ED/DFAM No

 For claims over $10,000 ED Yes

2.5.4 Travel

2.5.4.1 Domestic

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve an open travel authorization HOD/RD Yes

Authorize non-hearing related travel to resort areas ED Yes

Authorize/approve routine domestic travel vouchers for:

Office directors ED Yes

Regional directors DORO Yes

Other employees HOD/RD Yes

Authorize, direct, and approve non-routine domestic travel:

To first duty station ED Yes

Changes of official duty station ED Yes

Non-Government employees ED Yes

On an actual subsistence basis in lieu of per diem up to the statutory maximum 

rate DFAM Yes

On non-contract air carriers DFAM Yes

Premium class (first or business class) airline travel DFAM Yes

By employee organization representatives ED Yes

To attend meetings, conferences, seminars, training and similar events HOD/RD Yes

By employees testifying in judicial proceedings HOD/RD Yes

2.5.4.2 Foreign

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Authorize, direct, and approve foreign/overseas travel that is:

Hearing related HOD/RD No

Non-hearing related ED No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

30

2.5.4.3 General

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve Advance of Funds DFAM No

Approve travel voucher HOD/RD Yes

Approve Claims for Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business, for 

local travel HOD/RD Yes

Approve travel of employee family members to attend awards ceremonies ED No

2.5.5 Attendance at Meetings

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Authorize attendance at meetings on official time HOD/RD Yes

Authorize attendance at international meetings, regardless of where held ED No

2.5.6 FOIA Requests, Privacy Act Requests, and Information Quality Complaints

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Grant or deny requests for testimony by MSPB employees and production of 

official records in legal proceedings

GC Yes

Grant or deny requests for records under the FOIA (after consultation with 

affected office)

CB/RD/CAJ No

Grant or deny requests for access to, or amendment of, a record under the 

Privacy Act

CB/RD/CAJ No

Grant or deny requests for correction of information disseminated to the public 

in response to information quality complaints

CB No

Decide appeals of CB’s granting or denying requests in response to information 

quality complaints

CIO No

2.5.7 Procurement

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Issue Contracts/Purchases:

Using Purchase Credit Card Cardholder No

Under Simplified Purchase limitation (FAR Part 13) DFAM Yes

Negotiate and sign contracts (FAR Parts 12, 14 and 15) DFAM Yes

Appoint COTRs DFAM No

Administer cooperative agreements:
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

31

Negotiate and approve preliminary specifications (after consulting FAM 

contracting officer unless COTR trained) HOD No

Sign formal agreements DFAM Yes

Administer interagency agreements:

Negotiate and approve preliminary specifications DFAM No

Sign formal agreements, including Reimbursement or Advance of Funds 

Agreement DFAM Yes

Set aside contracts for Small & Disadvantaged Businesses, HUD Enterprise 

Zones, etc. (after consulting ED) DFAM No

Approve contracts for advisory and assistance services ED Yes

Approve "sole source" contracts DFAM No

Approve non-personal service contracts with former MSPB employees during 

the 1-year period following separation from MSPB employment ED No

Appoint Contracting Officers DFAM No

Approve interagency agreements (after consulting ED) DFAM No

Approve issuance of Purchase Credit Cards DFAM No

2.5.8 Property, Vehicles, and Space

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve requests for and release of space (after consulting ED) DFAM No

Sign leases for office space DFAM No

Approve changes, amendments, etc., to leases DFAM No

Approve requests for construction, alterations, and repairs to facilities (after 

consulting ED) DFAM No

Approve requests from employees to park Government vehicles at or near 

residence DFAM No

Appoint a central Board of Survey (if item involves FAM then ED appoints 

Board of Survey) DFAM Yes/GC

Decide appeals from the findings of a Board of Survey ED Yes

2.5.9 Equal Employment Opportunity

Activity Delegated 

to

May Redelegate

Approve annual Affirmative Employment Plan (Management Directive 715 

Report) ED No

Approve EEO Recruitment Program Plans/Reports ED No

Sign settlement agreements for complaints of discrimination ED No

Accept and/or dismiss complaints of discrimination EEOD No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

32

Request and oversee investigations of complaints of discrimination EEOD No

Issue Agency Decisions relating to formal complaints of discrimination EEOD No

Request and oversee EEO counseling, when necessary EEOD No

Request and oversee EEO Alternative Dispute Resolutions services, when 

necessary

EEOD No
Organization Functions & Delegations of Authority

1

ATTACHMENT 1

HISTORY OF CHANGES

Changes 

April 2007 – Complete revision of and combining of the prior Delegations of Authority and 

Organization and Functions Manuals.

April 2010 – Reviewed and updated April 2007 draft Manual.

January 2011 – Incorporated comments from Executive Committee members.

March 2011 – Incorporated final comments from Executive Committee members.

March 25, 2011 – Executive Director approved the March 2011 draft as final.

April 2011 – Moved maintenance of MSPB Directives System from FAM to OCB.