NOTE:
Since the questions and answers will be posted on this Web site, only questions that would be of general interest to all employees will be answered. Questions of a personal nature should be discussed with your personnel specialist.
Also, while we attempt to respond to all questions within 48 hours, there will be some questions whose answers will require more time to coordinate and respond to.
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QUESTIONS:
May 17, 2013: Im close to retirement that as a technician we've come to look at buyout as an award for doing a great job here at nasa. Other nasa centers offer buyouts but not langley. Our current administrationn and management here clearly doesnt care about technicians and their work. OHCM doesnt care because we still have temporary technicians and temporary promotions exceeding 1 year How can we get a buyout and leave nasa with something in our wallets?
May 17, 2013: Im still trying to change my health insurance coverage since i got married Jan 2012. It seems open season didn't allow me to change from basic to family. I need to get this corrected.
March 28, 2013: How can I split my Federal pay direct deposit into different banks?
March 27, 2013: What is the process to quit or retire from LaRC. What is the process to transfer property and out process. I would like to give the minimum legal notice of 1 day. Can management delay things by refusing to get around to transferring property - or can a simple inventory be done so I can leave in 1 day. I would really like to be able to start a new higher paying job with no delaying out processing. If my quit date is delayed am I still paid to out process? Where do I charge time for out processing?
March 22, 2013: With an aging civil service workforce, many employees claim physical limitations and chronic injuries causing them to be exepmt from certain duties of their position. As a result, the few remaining workers become overburdened covering the work. What is managements responsibility in these situations?
March 18, 2013: Given the tough budget environment, it seems that extending a Center-wide VERA to employees through FY14-15 would be advantageous to reduce workforce size, perhaps with a cap on the number of employees who could take it. Such a retirement incentive would allow some employees to leave who would like to leave but would not otherwise be willing/able to go. It would also allow the Center to increase opportunity for new hires. Does the Center currently plan to request extension of the current VERA to FY14-15? If not, why not?
March 14, 2013: Who (name) is the NASA/Langley point of contact, or representative, for the AFGE 2755?
March 14, 2013: Since NASA is stopping awards and bonus Why is it SES got their bonus in January when the bonus money could have been used as a buy out?
March 13, 2013: I have seen the notices on @LaRC for the upcoming blood drive, and did a search on @LaRC to find the policy for civil servants donating blood and found http://ohcm.larc.nasa.gov/occuhealth/blooddrives.html. This site states: "Civil service employees, who wish to donate blood at the Center, or in emergencies when authorized by the Occupational Health Office, will be allowed up to 4 hours per donation without charge to leave. This 4-hour period includes the time spent at the Blood Drive and is consecutive time." If the time I am at the blood drive is not charged to leave what should I charge it to? XLV? My project?
March 2, 2013: How much notice do I need to give to retire? I know at least two weeks notice is customary - but what is the minimum time required?
February 27, 2013: How do I fid out who my benefits counselor is?
February 22, 2013: Can you please outline the procedure for requesting military leave for reserve training and the documents required to back up the military leave.
February 19, 2013: Where is the Dual Ladder Structure for promotion for 802 under regulation as follows:...
February 14, 2013: When will the next Retirement Seminar be given?
February 12, 2013: What is the policy on Smoking out here at Langley? I thought that Smoking was prohibited in most facilities. Are there some facilities where it is allowed?
January 30, 2013: What are the rules regarding phased retirement for CSRS employees. Specifically: 1) Do you have to be 55 to begin the phased retirement and 2) Can you seek outside employment for the time you are not working for NASA in the phased retirement situation?
January 29, 2013: A December 14 memo from the Vice Chair, OHCM Incentive Awards Board, informed some at NASA that nominations for NASA Agency Honor Awards must be submitted through the NASA Automated Awards System (NAAS) no later than March 15, 2013. I was frustrated to learn that nominations at LARC were required on Jan. 11, particularly when GSFC allows nominations until Feb. 4.
January 28, 2013: I am eligible to resume employee contributions to 401k. TSP notified me to submit form TSP-1 to "my agency to allow my agency to resume my contributions". Where and to whom should I take the TSP-1 form?
January 28, 2013: Can a manager solicit performance related input from an individual covered by the bargaining unit regarding another individual covered by the bargaining unit?
January 24, 2013: What XLV do we take for the delayed opening on Friday? Once again, no direction from the center on what we are supposed to do. Do we assume that we revert back to a normal start time for everyone, do we assume that if you are an early arriver normally that you get more XLV? Please help with guidance. My supervisor is lost when it comes to giving a good answer.
January 3, 2013: I
recently got married and I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to get my name changed.
November 28, 2012: Are Lead engineering technicians represented by AFGE 2755?
November 24, 2012: Are Organizational Unit Managers(OUM's) and the organizations Branch Head the same person with the same function?
October 24, 2012: Is there a time period to use hours received from a time off award?
October 24, 2012: Where are the funds that you receive from jury duty and turned in to your agency used for or what dept do the jury duty funds goes to?
October 23, 2012: Can you advertise a temporary position and the person be eligible for promotion?
September 12, 2012: From the OPM website, I understand that "full time" employment can range from 33 to 40 hours per week and "part time" runs from 16-32 hours per week. I understand how to calculate the impact of working less than 40 hr/wk on my annuity, but I can't seem to find information on other things. Specifically, does AL and SL accrue at the full time rate even if I am working less than 40 but more than 32 hours per pay period? Does working less than 40 hr/wk affect how much my health insurance costs me or how much I can contribute to my TSP or Health savings account? Finally, does working less than 40 hr/wk prevent me from transitioning to the new partial retirement option?
August 31, 2012: Are there any GS-13 engineering technical or electronics technical technicians on the field without lead technician responsibilities? If so, how does one go about getting to this grade level while still being an 802 or 856 series technician?
August 30, 2012: What is the procedure to cancel my AFGE union dues and cancel my membership? I don't see any way to do it on Employee Express.
August 28, 2012: What training, education, and qualifications are required to become a Safety Head , and what is the minimum pay schedule level for that position?
August 27, 2012: Do you think Langley will have a buyout this year?
August 23, 2012: In general, what positions are eligible for the current VERA? ( or is it easier to ask which are not?) how can someone find out if their position is covered? If an employee in a VERA covered position applies for an early out retirement under FERS, can the Center/Agency deny the request?
August 23, 2012: Does a temporary promotion in a U.S. Government Office have to be advertised or can a manager simply choose someone from the division without announcing the detailed position.
August 15, 2012: How much Longer is the OPM Classification Standard (Series 0800) going to be under Revision? It has been at least five (5) years now, and it is still not clear to me why Journeyman Level and Full Performance Level are not both GS - 12. Am I missing something here? How can you be a Journeyman but not be working at your Full Performance Level?
August 14, 2012: What is Langley Research Center's Strategic Plan?
August 10, 2012: Can time off awards and compensation awards be carried over to the next fiscal or annual year?
August 8, 2012: If the full performance level for Engineering Technicians is GS-11 then how is it justified that our leads are 2 levels higher at GS-13 level? Why can some of the GS-11 technicians not get raises when some are doing more, qualified to do more and the expectations are sometimes higher than some of the GS-13 leads and equipment specialist who do the exact same type of work?
August 7, 2012: When developing the employee performance plan, are the performance standards for critical elements considered to be "retention" standards?
July 31, 2012: I completed my MBA July 2011 and am very interested in the pathways program. I understand the final rule for implementation of the Pathways Program was put into effect July 2012. How is NASA handling this? Will Langley be posting any jobs under this program?
July 12, 2012: How often are resumes reviewed for Open Continuous?
July 11, 2012: Where can I find the definitions for GS series jobs.
June 19, 2012: If an employee was GS-11 temp and is now a GS-7 permanent can the employee apply for a new GS-11 position?
June 6, 2012: Are employees with the job title, Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant, eligible to be submitted for a promotion based upon “Impact of Person on the Job”?
May 15, 2012: I would like to have copies of position descriptions for Senior(GS-12), and Lead(GS-13) technicians within my organization. Who in OHCM can provide me with this information?
May 15, 2012: Will the agency reimburse safety operators for any portion of liability insurance? I have concerns about potential lawsuits if someone was hurt due to a mistake I made while red-tagging a system.
May 10, 2012: In the 2012 Senior Leadership Strategic Management Retreat on March 20-22,2012.The Human Capital Management was asked to develop a proposed approach for the design of a complementary long term workforce stategy that would address not only internal skills sets needed for current and future technical work,but other and emerging technical disciplines that will enable the center to contibute to Agency/national priorities.What workforce skills are currently lacking a future and how can the average employee contibute to this new workforce goal? What is the current worforce stategy plan and the skills that are currently (2012 to 2015) needed?
April 25, 2012: Are all vacancy announcements at Langley required to be on the Vacancy Announcement Bulletin board on the @larc web page? (In other words, are they required to be shown to all of Langley Feild ,NASA, personnel?) If not, How can the best candidate for the job possibly be chosen when there is such a narrow field of selection?
April 20, 2012: Why does the Researcher News Online not consistently update the section "People: Moves" which lists retirees? Typically, the posted information is 3-4 months behind?
April 20, 2012: If I am arrested for a misdemeanor can I lose my job?
April 18, 2012: How do I find out when my next step increase is due? This information is not on my Employee Express information--it only gives salary and health insurance info.
March 26, 2012: Where do I find position descriptions?
March 21, 2012: Are there currently any resctrictions on the government purchase of desktop printers?
March 17, 2012: Is it legal for an onsite contractor to direct the work activities of a LaRC civil servant if so directed by the civil servant's supervisor?
March 12, 2012: I am under the FERS retirement system. If I retire effective January 13, 2013, will I receive retirement pay for the remaining part of January?
March 5, 2012: When can I enroll in the federal employees government life insurance program?
February 28, 2012: What guidance, if any, is there regarding appropriate attire for the workplace? We have an individual in our office who has begun wearing extremely short, tight, skirts. She has become the brunt of jokes and comments within the office and an embarrasment outside the office when she represents this organization at meetings both on and off Center. Everyone seems reluctant to broach the topic with her including her supervisors. I am more than willing to speak with her but I first want to know if there is any formal guidance or if it is only a matter professional appearance. Thank You
February 7, 2012: Job announcement LA12C0034 was open from December,20th to December,23rd of last year. This announcement was to replace announcement LA11C0159. Those who applied to the first announcement were instructed that they need not apply a second time. Clearly the second announcement was to change the position to a temporary promotion not to exceed one year. LandIR, Hydro Impact Basin, and CoLTS would be supported by this vacancy announcement. In a question dated 6/12/06 your office defined a temporary promotion as: "A temporary promotion is used when there is a need to perform higher level work that is not enduring, meaning that the higher level work will go away after a certain period of time". I would think one would need a high degree of certainty that this type of work would be temporary to modify the original job announcement. I understand that the directorate may be involved in a reorganization that has yet to be finalized. Hopefully that was not the deciding factor in making the jobs temporary promotions. In the event of a reorganization the facilities would still need experienced support, thus the positions would likely continue to exist. Can you tell me how it was determined that this "higher level" work would be going away from LandIR, Hydro Impact Basin, and CoLTS in one year?
February 2, 2012: An inquiry into Job Announcement Number: LA12C0044 with Job Title: Lead Engineering Technician (Aerospace) at LaRC has raised questions as to whether this position is justified with regards to OPM’s Guidance For Classification of One Grade Interval General Schedule Work Leader Positions. With so few employees in this Branch, technicians from the three facilities listed have to be “shuffled”,on paper,to give the illusion that a Lead will actually have the required 3 people under them and who are possibly performing work of a different nature and level as that of the Lead. Each Research Technician seems to be very specialized, working autonomously and individually conducting materials testing experiments for the Research Branches. On occasion two employees may be assigned to work the same project. The Classification Guidance states that “employees who are responsible for work assignments requiring only one or two other workers” should excluded from consideration as a Lead. Has a proper evaluation of this organization been conducted to determine the validity of this Vacancy Announcement?
February 2, 2012: How do I change my tax withholding on my W-4?
January 13, 2012: If a Technical Team Leader (TTL) position is not considered a position that justifies a certain grade raise or potential out here at NASA, then why are they not all GS 11's like all of the other so-called "Full performance Level" Engineering Technicians?
December 15, 2011: What is wgi on my paystub?
November 11, 2011: How
do I get a copy of my Form 50?
November 9, 2011: How do I access my payroll statement.
October 27, 2011: If I go on a period of LWOP, what happens with TSP contributions? Will they simply stop until I come back on paid status?
October 24, 2011: I am having a difficult time finding pertinent information about the rules that govern spouses working together in the same organization, particularly as regards to one spouse applying for a position that is open in his / her spouse's branch. Please post a link to the relevant rules.
October 20, 2011: In the recent past vacancy announcements have come out for Senior Technicians at the GS-12 level. What is the minimum age, and or years of service to be considered for one of these positions?
October 4, 2011: If the Engineering Technician (800) series is no longer accurate based on changes to to OPM Classification standard dated 2007. Who or what will make the final decision and is their a timeline. Will Engineering Technician GS 802 full performance level then be GS-12.
October 3, 2011: I have recently retired from the reserves, who do I contact to let NASA know that I no longer am to be given military leave and to remove my current balance?
September 23, 2011: Why does the center not have training classes to prepare individuals for leadership roles. If I aspire to be a leader or supervisor, what targeted training and experiences can I get? We now have a very good STEP program for safety professionals, but one of the areas always questioned is leadership and we have nothing that I know of like this to prepare our employees as managers. Most of the folks I now see in leadership roles are flying by the seat of their pants, but are managing fairly well. A good planned approach to leadership/supervisory training would be greatly appreciated.
September 22, 2011: Is medical certification required by NASA LaRC for an employee to be approved for sick leave for personal illness in excess of three days?
September 8, 2011: Why is Langley dragging its' rear when answering questions? Already other centers have announced a buyout so why does LaRC hesitate to announce and inform it's personnel.
August 29, 2011: How does OPM decide on competencies for the present August 2011 buyout?? ...how were thesearrived at, particularly the GS level?
August 15, 2011: Is NASA (MSFC) having an early out/buy out for fY11?
July 19, 2011: I was called to serve on jury duty. I read a NASA policy that said to forward my attendance certificate to my supervisor. What does my supervisor do with it? Also, do I get to keep the check they send me for serving? I didn’t think that we were supposed to keep it.
June 30, 2011: Is the Center anticipating early out authority in FY 11 or FY 12?
June 24, 2011: Can a desk audit be performed without a management permission?
June 16, 2011: My husband will be leaving his current position, which provides dental insurance, effective July 1, 2011. I would like to pick up dental insurance through NASA. Can you tell me if this is a life-qualifying action and can pick it up prior to open season? If so, what is the process? If not, when is open season and what is the website to which to apply? Thanks.
June 3, 2011: For over 20 years NASA has done a buyout for employees. Technicians were the the hardest group pushed to get out of NASA. Technicians considered the buyout a bonus for doing a great job while enduring little to no promotions and few and far between bonuses. Who said there's no interest in a buyout? and Why not a buyout? There is only a few of us 802 technicians left here anyway.
June 1, 2011: Will NASA LaRC request voluntary early retirement authorization (VERA)in FY'12?
May 6, 2011: If i retire as a single person do i have to take my annuity as " with survivorship". Or if get married at a later date and change the annuity to with max survivorship?
April 25, 2011: The OPM Federal Classification and Job Grading System uses a Handbook of Occupational groups and families to provides agencies with a starting point to classify positions. Evaluate postions on
a factor by factor basis using the Factor Level Description (FLDs)provided in the Job Family
Position Classification standard and the Position Evaluation Summary Worksheet using the following
factors: 1)Knowledge 2)Supervisory Controls
3)Guidelines 4)Complexity 5)Scope and Effect
6/7) Personnel Contacts and Purpose of Contacts 8)Physical Demands 9)Work Environment to produce
a total Factor Level Description Number. That point total number is then converted on the grade
conversion table to a GS grade. How can I find what my Factor level Description number is.
April 25, 2011: Who do I submit the following form to: NASA FORM 1204 "Employee's Claim for Damage to, or Loss of, Personal Property Incident to Service"?
March 3, 2011: According to The Aeronautics Test Program Strategic Plan on October 29,2009,Version 1.0. Strategic Goal #4 Maintain Workforce Excellence." The large staff reductions of the past few decades, as well as an emphasis on contracting at some Centers, had led to questions about the workforce's long term viability. To address this concern ATP will identify the neccessary quality and balance of specialized knowledge and skills to provide the needed aeronautics test capabilities. It will then work to ensure that first-rate talent and the required skill mixes are continuously available". This report has been out 16 months, what are the specialaized knowledge and skills needed to meet aeronautics test capabilities and what training is available. How would I find this information?
February 28, 2011: How do I sign up for FEGLI Basic; Is there an electric site for this ... BTW, I can't find it on employee express (Unless its hidden under some other cryptic menu!)!
February 14, 2011: On 02/01/2011 an email was sent from NASA HQ to inform us to our statutory right to representation. Being a member of the fab division who do we see to have them represent us during supervisor actions?
February 2, 2011: How do I get a copy of my sf50?
February 1, 2011: Where is the contact information for the NASA civil servant union representatives?
January 10, 2011: Last year I received a one day leave as an award. When does that award expire or does it ever expire?
December 21, 2010: I am a NASA civil servant and am interested in doing a rotation or transferring to a different center, preferably NASA Ames. Other than USAJobs.gov, are there other NASA-specific websites or programs facilitate these kinds of personnel actions? Thanks.
December 17, 2010: Please clear up the confusion. Today I received an email and text message from the center indicating that the center would be under a 3 hour delay for opening which in my assumption means 11:00 since we revert to a standard shift under these conditions. The email confused things when it said 3 hours later than your normal start time which could be as early as 6:00 for some of my co wrokers which would make the delayed opening 9:00. The center confused things when they put out an email at 10:00 indicating the center was now open for normal business. I had fellow workers arrive at the center at times from 9:30 on that got access to the center. My work is important and I would like to take advantage of the maximum hours available and have now got to stay late to make up my time. Please clarify the policy and make sure emergency operations and the center dial in number are consistent. If this sounds confusing it is probably because of all the confusion with the so called emergency notification system when applied to agency and center policy.
December 14, 2010: If I want to add my husband to my health insurance and I am already under a family plan how do I go about doing that?
December 13, 2010: I have a very well behaved dog who gets lonely at home during the day. Would it be possible for me to bring him to work occasionally?
October 26, 2010: Lisa Roe statement on September 30,2010 about Potential Early Out/Buyout Authorities for FY11. "if faced with major workforce skill mix imbalance" What are the area with major workforce imbalance
and what future training is being provided.
October 7, 2010: Ref.: Aug 27. 2009, Question. Answer: HR still conducts desk audits as needed, usually by management’s request. What is the other way of getting a desk audit?
October 4, 2010: Will all of the office chairs in the New Town Builidng have to be the exact same model? I tried out the chairs in the Human Resources Conference Room, and many people liked chairs that I didn't like at all. Your survey asked some very strange questions, but never asked which chair I would like. People come in all sorts and sizes, and I would hope that OHCM realizes this.
September 24, 2010: I am an active civil servant with Fed BC/BS family health insurance coverage. My wife is retired and nearing Medicare eligibility age. Is there any reason for her to sign up for Medicare Part B when she is already covered by my BC/BS plan? When I retire, will she be able to sign up for Medicare Part B with no penalty?
September 14, 2010: The Clinic is now advertising a complete physical exam for $208. These exams used to be free for civil service employees. What has changed, and where can I find out more information?
September 13, 2010: When can I add my 23-year old daughter back onto my health insurance? She is still in college and dependent on my support.
August 10, 2010: I am an Engineering Technician, Series 0802 and have been put in a position where I have no potential for advancement in my Career out here at Nasa. I am a GS 11 and have basically been told by my management that I have maximized my potential in my series. I am still a long way away from being able to retire , yet I feel like my career is over! Please explain to me what the Journeymen Level for the 0802 series is. If it is not GS 11, then please describe for me the factors necessary for a more complex GS 12 Level Classification Standard and what I need to accomplish to further my Career !!
August 6, 2010: What are Unified Labor Accounts?
July 28, 2010: Will there be a buyout in early FY11 like there was in FY10?
July 27, 2010: Will
there be a buyout this year?
July 21, 2010: Is there a mandate that requires monetary awards to be included in our reqular biweekly pay? If so, is this a mandate that is throughout all federal agencies? I have always been concerned with the amount of taxes withheld resulting from this process. Recalling my pay experiences in the private sector, monetary awards (bonuses) were given in a seperate check.
July 20, 2010: I'm under the Federal Employees' Retirement System(FERS). Someone said to me today that your annuity can/will actually run out depending on the number of years that you've worked here. Is this true? I thought my annuity, regardless, of years of time in service lasted until I died.
July 9, 2010: I am a HR Specialist who has an employee who only has basic life insurance. When he was hired he could get coverage because he was in a temporary position. A year later he was placed in a permanent position and received the basic insurance coverage. He said he thought his family was covered because he had gone to one of the Human Resource Specialist to assure that his wife was covered since he had recently got married. He has been in the system since 2008 as a permanent employee and just found out that he did not life insurance coverage on his family. He is saying he was told by the HR Specialist that he had coverage. He wants to know what is his recourse and does he have to wait for an open season for FEGLI?
June 18, 2010: I was wondering if NASA Langley has an apprentice school? (Referred to similiar Q&A posted on March 23, 2009.)
June 15, 2010: The new federal heath insurance reform law specifies that dependents up to 25 be allowed coverage on their parents health policies. When does this go into effect for the FEHB plans. There is no new information on either the FEHB web site or my Anthem site. They both still specify the current 22 age limit.
June 10, 2010: Are employees entitled to see a list of people receiving a Distinguished rating from their branch or Directorate?
June 9, 2010: What if a I have to work on a holiday. Are there any rules I must follow?
June 1, 2010: I am not sure I was clear about the question regarding leave donor recipients. We need to advertise so that our coworkers in need are known. To weed through a website to find the employees in need is too cumbersome and most people will not go to that much trouble to find out. It should be a simple thing to advertise on @larc even if it is NSSC that does it.
May 25, 2010: Does the center have a policy regarding "reserved" parking spaces for employees?
May 24, 2010: Why does the center no longer advertise the leave donor recipients on @larc? I would like to see the center provide a communication to the employees when one of our own is in need.
May 13, 2010: Are copies of my annual performance reviews available online?
May 5, 2010: How do I find out the expiration date of my background investigation?
April 12, 2010: I had to fill out an SF 85 form when I started working for NASA and now you are telling me I have to do it again. Why am I being reinvestigated?
March 17, 2010: Is it possible to have two automatic deposit accounts setup? One for the Paychecks and one for travel expenses re-imbursed?
March 3, 2010: Where did the delayed opening idea come from for today's center opening. Why not just have a general delayed opening reverting to a standard shift and a 9:00 or 10:00 start. You have totally confused every employee and every manager at the center. I have faith in our honor system, but this will definitely challenge it.
February 19, 2010: In reference to the February 17, 2010 question concerning AST unions. Are Langley engineers and scientist eligible to form a union similar to the bargaining unit at Goddard, Goddard Engineers, Scientists and Technicians (GESTA) or Marshall's, Marshall Engineers and Scientists (MESA) union?
February 17, 2010: A message was sent out by Christopher Rink on 2/12/10 stating that civil servants have the right to union representation. Is there a union for AST positions? If not how does this satisfy the Weingarten Rights?
February 3, 2010: When will the next retirement course be available?
January 26, 2010: What is the policy for use of personal cell phones in the work place? (Referred to similiar Q&A posted on March 10, 2009.)
December 30, 2009: Is there a guideline for employee impairments that NASA will make work accomodations for and what they won't make accomodations for?
December 15, 2009: I saw where the President signed an order declaring that December 24th would be a half day for all Civil Servants. My question is, does everyone get credit for this even if already on leave for the day?
December 9, 2009: Considering possible retirement in 6 months. With whom can I consult about retirement benefits, health insurance, best time to retire, and so forth?
December 3, 2009: How many applications were received and approved for the recently-offered buyout?
November 30, 2009: Does the Agency or Center require that the assigned project manager for a large or complex project must have a current certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI)? If so, what is the dollar threshold for the size of project (or other criteria) that would have this requirement? Thanks for your help!
November 16, 2009: How do I obtain a copy of my position description?
November 5, 2009: Who is the contact for starting a life insurance policy?
November 2, 2009: I see where the 2010 DoD authorization bill (HR-2647) has been signed by the President, which carries a provision allowing FERS employees to get credit for unused sick leave in their retirement calculations, starting with 50 percent credit for new retirements through 2013 and granting full credit for new retirements in 2014 and later. It seems like FERS emloyees considering the buyout or early out might want to know about this. Do you plan to disseminate this information to the Center soon?
October 28, 2009: What
site can I go to to calculate my retirement?
October 15, 2009: What day are the buyouts going to be offered?
October 6, 2009: What are the roles and responsibilities of a Technical Team Leader (TTL)? What occupational series does a TTL fall under and what guidelines are used to classify this position? Also, what is the promotional potential of a TTL?
September 28, 2009: Veterans applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), may not be appointed to a temporary or term appointment. What exactly does this mean? Can a Veteran under VEOA apply, or are they not eligible? If a veteran applies, is qualified and selected, does the position become a perm position?
September 22, 2009: Is there a website with New Town construction progress reports and/or photos?
September 2, 2009: Within the last week there have been 3 Engineering Technician and or Equipment Specialist positions advertised yet when I go to USAJobs and search for them, they are not listed. Why can't I find them and why are they not shown for a longer period of time on the @larc homepage? If someone happens to be on leave during this time they would miss an opportunity to apply for these positions. I don't ahve an opportunity to check the @larc website everyday and specifically I don't check the vacancy announcements everyday. If you want a larger pool of qualified candidates for these positions, I would recommend reminders on @larc be maintained for a longer period of time.
August 27, 2009: Many years ago technicians were routinely promoted above the GS-11 level through a desk audit. When ask about above grade raises and desk audits classification personnel tend to act as if they dont know what happened back then. Currently, management and classification say that GS-11 is the end of the line for technicians. It seems that other job series have elevated in potential through the years while technicians for the most part have gone backwards. I have noticed in recent years that a few technicians are being promoted through a competetive placement process and becoming 1670 equipment specialists. This practice seems to be directorate specific instead of center wide. The description of duties for these positions reads like a technician position description. Why has the previously routine practice of desk audits been halted, and should technicians expect to see more of their peers morph to equipment specialists in order to rise above their current grade potential?
August 25, 2009: We have been told that a Buyout is in the works and employees must separate by early January. However, the OHCM web site does not mention anything about a current buyout or if Early Out Authority will accompany that. Will there be an announcement soon on the Buyout and will there be Early Out Authority through early January to accompany it?
August 19, 2009: I have not seen any provision in the recent road re-paving work at the Center for bicycle lanes. Since the New Town development emphasizes green technology and reduced emissions, is there any plan to implement bike lanes as part of a Center-wide environmental effort?
August 18, 2009: What is the grade potential of an 802 series engineering technician?
July 30, 2009: Are civil servant employees permitted to drink alcohol while having lunch? I have observed on several ocassions, civil servants having alcohol and then returning to work. I have not seen a rule on it, but it does raise a concern with inhibited ability to perform the work.
July 29, 2009: Does the Federal Government have a mandatory retirement age for Civil Servants?
July 27, 2009: During the Administrator's brief last Thursday, there was an employee who had a guide dog in training. He was sitting in an seat near the aisle and during the presentation, the dog moved to the middle of the aisle (in the walking path) and laid down. At least four people had to step over the dog and the leash to exit the room and the employee didn't make the dog move out of the way. This was not only a possible safety hazard but I question whether the employee is adequately training the training-dog. Does this employee have the Center's permission to train a service animal? If so, is there anyone overseeing how this is being done?
July 22, 2009: Under maxi-flex, can I take off on Monday and Tuesday and work Wednesday through Sunday?
July 15, 2009: What is the grade potential of an Exhibits Specialist?
June 26, 2009: In discussions leading up to the announcement of maxi-flex much had been made of "quiet Fridays." However, the basic work requirements imply that the "up to 2 days off per pay period" can be on any day, not just Fridays. Are you permitted to take any two days off per pay period without leave as long as you work a min of 30 hours per week and 80 total per pay period? Can the two days be in a row (e.g., 10 hours per day Monday through Wednesday (30 hours), Thursday and Friday off, then 5 ten hour days the second week (50 hours)) Can the days you take off vary from pay period to pay period, or do you need to establish a routine schedule?
June 24, 2009: The new Maxi-flex guidance states that "hours nominally worked in a basic work week are minimum of 30 and maximum of 50 as long as the total number of hours worked in a pay period is 80". Will Webtads be modified to permit the entry of less (or more) than 40 hours per week without generating an error?
June 24, 2009: How does telework fit into the maxi-flex model? On scheduled telework days, do the core-hour requirements still apply? Can an employee work >8 hrs on a telework day?
June 18, 2009: I am disappointed that the center has chosen to implement the Maxi-flex work schedule. This further drives a wedge between our contracting staff partners and civil service. Who is this new work schedule suppose to help? {Note: Question modified}
June 10, 2009: I recently changed my last name and I was wondering how to change it within NASA.
May 13, 2009: Is there a place you can have your retirement calculated?
May 6, 2009: I have receved an e-mail that something has gone into my personal folder on an "SF 50" form. This is great to know and I appreciate the note but I don't know how to find out what it was about. The eOPF web site has so much info and the description of the SF 50 could refer to many things. Is there a quick link to most recent activity? Should I be expecting a hard copy of something (probably not necessary)?
May 4, 2009: My TSP payroll contributions (including government matching funds) almost always appear in my online account every other Friday morning, an event that coincides with the electronic payroll transfer to my bank account. On rare occasions, however, the TSP transaction does not occur until several days after this (This is the case with the current pay period.). Is there any reason for the TSP posting date to occasionally lag the bank electronic transfer by several days?
April 17, 2009: I noticed that awards and recognition are kept relatively up to date on the eOPF. But when I view that information, I only see a very high level capture of the award, for instance whether it was a space act award or a NASA honor award. Unfortunately there appears to be no other information associated with each entry, such as the citation associated with each award. As it stands now, the award section is of limited utility. How can I get more details about the individual entries in award section?
March 30, 2009: Where can someone find forms SF 3102, SF 2823, and TSP-3?
March 26, 2009: Has NASA LaRC requested and received approval for buyout authority in FY09? Also, can an employee who is eligible for the voluntary early retirement (VERA) currently offered through the end of the fiscal year also receive the voluntary separation incentive associated with a buyout?
March 23, 2009: Where can I find more information on the Apprentice School program?
March 17, 2009: How can contractors find out about other contractor jobs offered here at NASA Langley?
March 10, 2009:
I have noticed an increasing epidemic of personal phone calls either on cell phones or on center phones. What is the policy for use of personal cell phones, government furnished phones and cell phones when on the job. I have a personal cell phone and use it only in emergencies to talk with family or a quick call to let them know I will be late. I don't think the policy has changed, but the technology makes it too convienient for misuse.
February 24, 2009: A colleague and I want to give a peer to peer award to our physics tutor. Is there a list of awards we can choose from on the website somewhere?
February 17, 2009: I am in the CSRS retirement system. However, I have also been contributing to a TSP. The question I have is: Can I transfer the money in my TSP account into a personal IRA before I retire?
February 4, 2009: What is the proper mailing address to submit SF 3102 (Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees Retirement System) and SF 1152 (Designation of Beneficiary, Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee)?
February 2, 2009: Can Travel Comp Time be earned on a federal holiday?
January 28, 2009: I understand that there was a security breach of the USAJobs website. http://www.usajobs.gov/securityNotice.asp The security notice indicates some known potentials with personal information. Is OHCM aware of this and do they know if additional information could be compromised?
January 21, 2009: Without a "Life Event," when, and how, can I change my FEGLI insurance coverage amounts, please?
January 5, 2009: I would like to know about the possibilities and requirements of the senior positions: SES, ST, and SL.
December 16, 2008: I recently moved and need to change my TSP mailing address. I was told I have to do that through the agency. What is the process?
December 8, 2008: Three questions concerning Desk Audits for GS-14. 1) How long should it take from the first interview, to complete a Desk Audit and receive status? 2) Is it a requirement for the interviewer to also interview a candidate’s supervisor? 3) Does NASA have a policy that governs this process?
December 3, 2008: Is there a single point-of-contact at NASA LaRC for verification of employment that is often required by financial institutions during loan application processes?
October 29, 2008: How will OPM verify that I am eligible to carry FEHB into retirement?
October 23, 2008: I recently called in on sick leave and did it before 11:00 a.m. to my supervisor. I was informed by my supervisor that the request was required by 9:00 a.m. and that he could have placed me in an AWOL status. My question is, if we are on a variable day schedule, I would assume that the official day begins at 9:00, therefore I should be able to call up to 11:00 and still be within policy, am I correct in my assumption? What is considered to be the official start of the day?
October 21, 2008: I need to donate some of my annual leave. In @LaRC, there was a list of names and instructions to do it through WebTADS. I do not see where in WebTADS we have a project or other code to donate leave or a space to state who the donated leave is going to.
October 14, 2008: We used to get bi-weekly pay-stub info by mail. We do not get this printed pay-stub info anymore. How do we get this information?
October 10, 2008: Who do we contact to file a discrimination complaint against upper management?
October 6, 2008: Will NASA LaRC request voluntary early retirement authorization (VERA)in FY 2009?
September 29, 2008: I have insurance coverage forms I need to send to NSSC. Due to the information contained on these forms, I am reluctant to send by regular mail service. Must I send them directly to NSSC or does OHCM make courier shipments to NSSC?
August 22, 2008: I would like to change from full-time employment status to part-time status. What are the issues I should be aware of, as I have 27+ years of civil service time?
August 13, 2008: How do I get access to Employee Express in a timely manner?
August 12, 2008: Is it a reasonable accommodation to modify a workplace policy?
June 27, 2008: Will we hear how many employees were approved for the buyout?
June 26, 2008: I worked at Langley Research Center about 20 years ago. Who should I contact about getting a copy of my last SF-50 (Personnel Action) Form?
June 23, 2008: During previous buyouts, supervisors were given a list on a regular basis of those who had applied for the buyout, this time we received nothing and still have no idea who has applied. In order for us to effectively manage our workforce and plan for losses, we need to know this information. It was greatly appreciated in the past and would be now.
May 30, 2008: I am an applicant for employment and would like to know my legal rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
May 27, 2008: How much money is with the current Buyout incentive? I could not find it listed anywhere in the information provided!
May 14, 2008: What is Schedule A?
May 9, 2008: We understood from our directorate management that a buyout was imminent and it was expected to be announced at the end of April or first part of May. Is there any word on the status of the buyout?
April 12, 2008: Are internships, educational programs, and jobs offered by NASA open to US residents only, or open to world wide applicants? How & where can I apply?
March 21, 2008: How do I get an up-to-date list of companies that have current contracts with NASA Langley?
March 18, 2008: What is the LaRC web site for monitoring current information regarding the status of buy-outs, and also early-outs, for our Center?
March 4, 2008: Do we have legal resources available to civil servants?
February 20, 2008: I am getting married in less than 60 days. Do I have to wait until after the wedding to add my fiance to my health benefits program or can it be done now? How soon can one add a person and what information or paperwork is necessary?