Home game
OPM suggests that federal employees stay home during next week’s NFL kickoff celebration.
The Office of Personnel Management is urging federal employees to telework, use public transportation or take the day off on Sept. 4 to avoid disruptions in traffic caused by a National Football League event on the National Mall in downtown Washington.
The NFL is hosting its 2003 season kickoff event, complete with football clinics, autograph sessions and concerts. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., when many federal employees begin their commute home.
On Wednesday, OPM Director Kay Coles James sent a memo to agency and department heads advising them to warn federal employees about the event and potential traffic and public transportation jams it may cause. James recommended that federal employees use public transportation and build extra time into their commute in case of disruptions.
Employees should also ask supervisors about working at home or at a telework center that day, or take advantage of alternative work schedules.
"Employees who wish to stay home should request leave by following normal procedures," wrote James. "Please encourage supervisors to approve requests for leave on this day." Federal employees should watch the news for announcements about street closings or traffic disruptions on Sept. 4.
Develop and Diversify
OPM is stepping up efforts to promote a new Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program unveiled by the agency in April.
"The SES CDP is a confirmation of the government's efforts to ensure a distinguished, Senior Executive Service leadership corps that mirrors the unique diversity of America," said Jacob Lozada, OPM's special adviser of diversity.
SES members administer public programs at the top levels of the federal government. Positions are primarily managerial or supervisory and candidates undergo a rigorous selection process. The development program is open to individuals at the GS-14 and 15 grade levels or private sector executives and will focus on training qualified women, minorities and people with disabilities to take on senior executive roles at agencies.
After certification by an SES Qualifications Review Board, development program graduates may be selected for an SES position without competition.
People interested in the program should search the USAJobs Web site for Candidate Development Program vacancies.
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