About the memo

The Whitfield Memo is a daily memo for the federal workforce: employees, retirees and contractors. Each memo takes one decision, whether a funding deadline, OPM guidance, a workforce order or a benefits change, and explains what it means for pay, status and benefits.

Each memo separates what is known from what has not been said. Facts are cited to statutes, regulations, guidance and published reporting. Nothing here is legal or financial advice. For decisions about your own situation, check with your agency’s HR office or a qualified advisor.

How each memo is built

Re: One decision, named in one line.
Bottom line: Two or three sentences: what happened and what it means for you.
What happened: The facts, each cited to a numbered source at the foot of the memo.
What it means for you: Specific to role where the sources support it: permanent, probationary and excepted staff, retirees and contractors.
Unknown as of this memo: What agencies have not said, set apart so it is not mistaken for what they have.
Questions: The questions readers are likely asking, answered with citations.
What I’m watching: Dated items to follow up on in later memos.

— W.