In Reply Refer To
FWS/R4/BA/HR

Memorandum

To: All Regional Office Employees, Southeast Region
All National Wildlife Refuge System Employees, Southeast Region

From: Regional Director //s// Sam D. Hamilton

Subject: Survey of Interest in Voluntary Incentives

As I stated in my recent follow-up message regarding the Regional all-employee survey, our leadership team is working to ensure we are prepared for the future. In his “Shaping our Future” message last December, the Director asked us as an agency to prepare for a future with tighter budgets while positioning ourselves to maintain strong core functions essential to accomplishing our mission. As we work within the Region and Service on these important issues, we remain committed to paying close attention to our most valuable asset--you, our employees.

Rather than waiting for budget reductions to impact our workforce in a negative way, I want to give you the opportunity to influence decisions about your future, including those that involve employee incentives, including Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA or “Early Out”) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP or “Buyout”).

In preparation for a leaner budget in FY 2007, I have decided to request authority now for targeted use of buyouts and early outs for Regional Office and Regional National Wildlife Refuge System employees. The incentive request process requires us to survey employees as to your interest in either or both of these opportunities. The survey information will be used to prepare the VERA and VSIP requests for Departmental concurrence and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Responding to the survey and indicating your interest in an incentive does not guarantee that you will be offered the incentive. Factors, such as the number of responses we receive, the number of positions we can eliminate, and the overall cost savings will be considered in preparing our request package and implementing the incentive program. We will need to present an organizational restructuring proposal that will demonstrate cost savings and continued operational effectiveness in order to receive approval from OPM.

While the survey is voluntary, I am encouraging all eligible employees to complete the survey. Accurate survey results will enable us to submit a package that contains the most realistic picture of the number and type of incentives we need approved. Completed surveys should be returned to Ms. Shandena Williams, Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources Division, by close of business May 19, 2006.

Your survey response is entirely voluntary and non-binding. Indication of your interest in a voluntary incentive in no way obligates you to elect an incentive should they be offered. Conversely, if you indicate you are not interested at this time, you are still eligible to apply for an incentive should they be offered.

Included with the survey are additional materials related to the incentives, including information on eligibility and estimating the amount of a buyout payment. Our Employee Relations staff is available to provide you individual counseling on retirement, incentive(s) eligibility, health and life insurance, and other related issues. If you need assistance, I encourage you to contact Shandena Williams via e-mail or at (404) 679-4025.

I appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey.

VERA-VSIP Survey