As Federal Agencies Disclose Vaccine Enforcement Actions, the Disciplinary Process Begins
As the vaccine mandate deadline looms for federal employees, agencies are beginning to plan and initiate their enforcement plans. On October 18, 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced in a memo “progressive enforcement actions” regarding vaccine mandates for civilian employees, contractors, and visitors.
OPM Issues Vaccine Requirement Enforcement Guidelines for Federal Agencies
The deadline for full vaccination set by the Executive Order is November 22, 2021. According to the OPM guidance, OPM recommends that agencies begin the disciplinary process as soon as November 9, 2021, rather than waiting for the deadline.
OPM Releases Additional Guidance on Enforcement of Vaccine Mandate
On October 1, 2021, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja announced further guidance on the implementation of the vaccine mandate. The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued instruction to assist agencies with implementing the vaccination requirement and outlining steps for enforcing the mandate which requires all federal workers be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021.
The Partnership, EY Release Public-Private Talent Exchange Benefits Report
The Partnership for Public Service (Partnership), in collaboration with Ernst & Young LLP (EY), released a report on September 27, 2021, outlining an exchange of cross-sector talent to strengthen the private workforce and foster federal enterprise. Further, the Partnership establishes best practices for design and implementation of talent exchange programs coordinated with recommendations for Congress.