May 27, 2005

 

 

Mr. Dale Bosworth

Chief, U.S. Forest Service

201 14th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20250

 

Dear Mr. Bosworth:

 

The Congressional Committees on Veterans Affairs have previously expressed the concern that some Federal agencies are forcing veterans to consider unpalatable and involuntary administrative actions related to organizational downsizing activities with inappropriate impact on their employment.  The Forest Service continues to use its Workforce Reduction and Placement System (WRAPS) as an administrative vehicle to cope with management decisions during downsizing actions.  We find one aspect of the WRAPS deeply objectionable; that aspect relates to the administrative choices imposed involuntarily on veterans who would otherwise be protected by title 5 of the United States Code, Reduction in Force (RIF) protocols.

 

Veterans are extended certain preferences and considerations during a RIF – it is the law.  By creating a surrogate system that may result in an unfavorable employment outcome against a veteran who would have otherwise been protected under a formal RIF procedure, the agency clearly violates the spirit if not the letter of the law.  If unpalatable involuntary choices are to be made, title 5 U.S.C. protocols must apply.

 

Additionally, we understand that the Forest Service is competitively sourcing many positions in its attempt to cope with funding limitations.  According to former Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James, “[t]he [veterans’ RIF] protections apply when agencies covered by title 5 must reorganize to implement the sourcing decision, whether the work is retained in-house or contracted with the private sector.”  (Aug. 4, 2003, letter to Congressman Evans)  The United States Forest Service is an agency covered by the RIF requirements elucidated in title 5.