Planning and Conducting a DoD Reduction in Force Course

Module 1: RIF Overview

• Define and describe the primary factors involved in reduction in force (RIF), including competitive area, competitive level, and retention factors.
• Learn the importance of retention standing, including the bumping rights and the process for employee selection during a RIF.
• Understand the purpose of RIF as a management tool used to downsize an organization, including the competitive level and areas within the DoD.

Module 2: RIF Retention Factors

• Explore the specific retention factors used in DoD RIFs, such as tenure, veterans’ preference, service computation date (SCD), and performance ratings.
• Learn about the competitive areas and levels used to assess employees during a RIF, and the process for determining their retention standing.
• Understand how performance ratings and veterans' preference impact employees’ ranking and retention standing in a RIF.

Module 3: Retention Standing and Release

• Discuss the concept of retention standing and how it determines the priority for retention or release during a RIF.
• Learn how bumping rights work and the process by which an employee can displace another in the same competitive level.
• Understand how to project retention standing and apply RIF rules to determine which employees will be impacted.

Module 4: Financial Implications of RIF

• Understand the financial implications of a RIF, including eligibility for severance pay, grade retention, and pay retention.
• Learn the criteria for severance pay and how to calculate severance amounts based on years of service and employment status.
• Explore the impact of RIF on retirement benefits and the different options available for displaced employees.

Module 5: RIF Notice Requirements

• Learn about the required notices for employees affected by a RIF, including the information that must be included in the notice.
• Understand the timeline for providing RIF notices, and the rights of employees during the notice period, including appeal options.
• Explore the various types of RIF notices, such as furlough, separation, reassignment, and change in grade notices.

Module 6: Employee Benefits in RIF

• Identify the retirement options available to employees who are affected by a RIF, including eligibility for discontinued service retirement (DSR).
• Learn about the benefits for employees placed in lower-graded positions, including pay retention and grade retention.
• Explore severance pay options and the eligibility requirements for different benefits under the RIF process.

Module 7: Employment Programs for Displaced Employees

• Learn about employment programs that assist displaced employees, including the Reemployment Priority List (RPL) and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).
• Understand the eligibility requirements for displaced employees to participate in these programs and the process for securing new employment opportunities.

Module 8: Transfer of Function

• Explore the concept of a transfer of function, and how it affects employees during a reorganization or transfer of function under RIF conditions.
• Understand employee rights and management options when a function is transferred within or outside the DoD.

Module 9: RIF Grievance and Appeal Rights

• Examine the grievance and appeal rights of employees affected by a RIF, including procedures for filing grievances and appeals to MSPB or through negotiated grievance procedures.
• Understand the role of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and other bodies in adjudicating RIF-related disputes and grievances.