You Heard it Here First - Upcoming Changes in Relocation Policy (Federal Civilian)

1. You Heard it Here First - Upcoming Changes in Relocation Policy (Federal Civilian) Henry MauryRelocation Policy DirectorGSA Office of Governmentwide PolicyGSA Training Conference and Expo 2010May 3-7, 2010

2. Handbooks and Glossary Test Programs Relocation Resource Centers Commuted Rate RBPC/GRAB Rule Data Collection Taxes Legislation Outline

3. Handbooks and Glossary GSA has developed two new handbooks and a glossary for relocation: Relocation Policy Guide for Federal Civilian Agencies – for agency policy managers Handbook for Relocating Federal Employees Glossary of Acronyms and Terms for Federal Civilian Relocation See: www.gsa.gov/relohandbooks

4. Relocation Test Programs Congress has given GSA new authority to approve relocation test programs. Six pre-existing test programs have been approved for extensions (TVA, CBP, ICE(2), ATF, SSA). The new law allows a maximum of 12 at any one time. The new law sets a maximum duration of four years, with extensions possible.

5. Relocation Resource Centers GSA surveyed all of the Federal agencies that are providing relocation services to other agencies. Six agencies responded – HHS, DOI, Treasury/BPD, VA, EPA, and GSA/FAS. We have now posted all of their input on our website, at www.gsa.gov/relopolicy.

6. Combined RBPC/GRAB Rule Upcoming FTR changes – all in one big package: • Reduces relocation and extensions from 2 years with a 2 year extension to one year with a possible one year extension • Allows 2000 lbs. for packing household goods • Establishes policies for UAB and PBP&E • Reduces time limits on storage in transit for CONUS shipments to 60 + 90 days • Limits CONUS POV shipment to 2 • Reinforces the requirement to collect and report relocation data to GSA

7. Combined RBPC/GRAB Rule –Page 2 • Defines a “comprehensive, automated relocation management system” and urges agencies to move toward such systems • Encourages lump sum payments for TQSE. • Use locality rate per diem for lump sum househunting trips and standard CONUS per diem for actual expense househunting trips • Allow broader use of the MEA • Require agencies to consider using comprehensive home-sale programs • Require employees in home sale programs to use the contractor’s counseling

8. Data Collection • Proposed rule on data collection published in the Federal Register October 21, 2009. • Proposed data dictionary published concurrently on the GSA website, at www.gsa.gov/relopolicy. • Version 2 of the data dictionary will be posted on the same website shortly. • New rule will require CFO Act agencies to send transaction-level data to a GSA-run data warehouse. • New rule also will require annual reports from the same agencies.

9. Taxes on Relocation Expenses • GSA is working on a proposed rule that will change the way Federal agencies calculate taxes on relocation expenses. • Major changes: • Move from earned income to taxable income, which allows us to drop the special RITA tables • Allow agencies to use a one-year RITA process • Q&A format • Rewrites the rules on taxes on extended TDY benefits

10. Proposed Legislation Highlights: • New appointees • Personally-managed moves • Lump sum process for en route travel • HHT expenses for family members • Rental brokers’ fees • Spousal employment assistance • Automated relocation management systems • Senior exec for relocation in large agencies • Lump sum process that can include all benefits

11. Contact Information • Henry Maury 202-208-7928 Henry.Maury@gsa.gov • Ed Davis 202-208-7638 Ed.Davis@gsa.gov • Pam Silvis-Zelasko 202-208-5742 Pamela.Silvis- Zelasko@gsa.gov • Rick Miller 202-208-3822 Rodney.Miller@gsa.gov www.gsa.gov/relopolicy