Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); Telework Travel Expenses Test Programs, 73702-73704 [2013-29215]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 236 / Monday, December 9, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
PART 51—REQUIREMENTS FOR
PREPARATION, ADOPTION, AND
SUBMITTAL OF IMPLEMENTATION
PLANS
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
41 CFR Part 300–90
■
1. The authority citation for part 51
continues to read as follows:
[FTR Amendment 2013–04; FTR Case 2011–
310; Docket Number 2013–0012,
Sequence 1]
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101; 42 U.S.C. 7401–
7671q.
RIN 3090–AJ23
2. Section 51.166 is amended as
follows:
■ a. By removing the words ‘‘4 mg/m3,
24-hour average,’’ and adding in their
place ’’0 mg/m3’’ in paragraph (i)(5)(i)(c).
■ b. By adding a note to paragraph
(i)(5)(i)(c).
■ c. By removing and reserving
paragraph (k)(2).
The addition reads as follows:
Federal Travel Regulation (FTR);
Telework Travel Expenses Test
Programs
■
§ 51.166 Prevention of significant
deterioration of air quality.
*
*
*
*
*
(i) * * *
(5) * * *
(i) * * *
(c) Note to paragraph (i)(5)(i)(c): In
accordance with Sierra Club v. EPA, 706
F.3d 428 (D.C. Cir. 2013), no exemption
is available with regard to PM2.5.
*
*
*
*
*
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
3. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
4. Section 52.21 is amended as
follows:
■ a. By removing the words ‘‘4 mg/m3,
24-hour average,’’ and adding in their
place ’’0 mg/m3’’ in paragraph (i)(5)(i)(c).
■ b. By adding a note to paragraph
(i)(5)(i)(c).
■ c. By removing and reserving
paragraph (k)(2).
The addition reads as follows:
■
§ 52.21 Prevention of significant
deterioration of air quality.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(i) * * *
(5) * * *
(i) * * *
(c) Note to paragraph (i)(5)(i)(c): In
accordance with Sierra Club v. EPA, 706
F.3d 428 (DC Cir. 2013), no exemption
is available with regard to PM2.5.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2013–29196 Filed 12–6–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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Office of Government-wide
Policy, U.S. General Services
Administration (GSA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
GSA is amending the Federal
Travel Regulation (FTR) to incorporate
the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010,
which establishes and authorizes
telework travel expenses test programs,
authorizes reimbursement for any
necessary travel expenses in
conjunction with such a test program in
lieu of any payment otherwise
authorized or required by the FTR, and
permits waiver of travel expense
reimbursements by participating
employees.
DATES: Effective date: This final rule is
effective January 8, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
clarification of content, contact Rick
Miller, Office of Governmentwide
Policy, at 202–501–3822 or email at
rodney.miller@gsa.gov. Please cite FTR
Amendment 2013–04, FTR case 2011–
310. Contact the U.S. General Services
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat
Division (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW.,
2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20405–0001,
202–501–4755, for information
pertaining to status or publication
schedules.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
A. Background
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5707, the
Administrator of General Services is
authorized to prescribe necessary
regulations to implement laws regarding
Federal employees who travel in the
performance of official business away
from their official stations. The overall
implementing authority is the FTR,
codified in Title 41 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, chapters 300–304
(41 CFR chapters 300–304).
This final rule incorporates Section 3
of Public Law 111–292, the ‘‘Telework
Enhancement Act of 2010,’’ codified in
5 U.S.C. 5711, which authorizes the
creation of agency telework travel
expenses test programs. Under a
telework travel expenses test program, if
a participating employee voluntarily
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relocates from his/her official duty
station to a new official station, then the
employing agency can establish a
reasonable maximum number of
occasional visits to the pre-existing
official station (e.g., one visit per
month/quarter, four times a year) before
that participating employee is eligible
for payment of any accrued travel
expenses by that agency for travel to the
pre-existing official station. The term
‘‘voluntarily relocate’’ means that a
participating employee requests to
relocate from the pre-existing official
station to a telework location, and
therefore, the agency has not made a
determination that relocation is in the
best interest of the Government.
An agency shall include in any
request to the Administrator for
approval of such a test program an
analysis of the expected cost and
benefits and a set of criteria for
evaluating the effectiveness of the
program. As provided in 5 U.S.C. 5711,
under an approved test program, an
agency may provide a participating
employee with the option to waive any
payment authorized or required under 5
U.S.C. Chapter 57, Subchapter 1.
An agency will be required to submit
an annual report on the results of the
test program including overall costs and
benefits.
Pursuant to this authority, this final
rule amends 41 CFR chapter 300 by
adding part 300–90 regarding authority
and procedures for agencies to conduct
a telework travel expenses test program.
B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and
13563 direct agencies to assess all costs
and benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and
equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
importance of quantifying both costs
and benefits, of reducing costs, of
harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule has not been
designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ and is not economically
significant, under section 3(f) of E.O.
12866. Accordingly, the rule has been
reviewed by the Office of Management
and Budget.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
This final rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
within the meaning of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.
because the revisions are not considered
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 236 / Monday, December 9, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
§ 300–90.2 Who may authorize test
programs?
substantive. This final rule is also
exempt from the Administrative
Procedure Act per 5 U.S.C. 553 (a)(2),
because it applies to agency
management or personnel.
The Administrator of General Services
may authorize agencies to conduct test
programs when the Administrator
determines the proposed tests to be in
the interest of the Government.
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does
not apply because the changes to the
FTR do not impose recordkeeping or
information collection requirements, or
the collection of information from
offerors, contractors or members of the
public that require the approval of the
Office of Management and Budget under
44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
E. Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act
This final rule is also exempt from
Congressional review prescribed under
5 U.S.C. 801, since it relates solely to
agency management or personnel.
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 300–90
Government employees, Travel and
transportation expenses.
Dated: October 29, 2013.
Dan Tangherlini,
Acting Administrator of General Services.
For the reasons set forth in the
Preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701–5711, 41
CFR chapter 300 is amended by adding
part 300–90 to read as set forth below:
PART 300–90—TELEWORK TRAVEL
EXPENSES TEST PROGRAMS
Sec.
300–90.1 What is a telework travel
expenses test program?
300–90.2 Who may authorize test
programs?
300–90.3 What must be done to apply for
test program authority?
300–90.4 How many test programs may be
authorized by GSA throughout the
Government?
300–90.5 What factors will GSA consider in
approving a request for a telework travel
test program?
300–90.6 What is authorized under the test
programs?
300–90.7 What is the duration of test
programs?
300–90.8 What must we do to apply for a
test program extension?
300–90.9 What reports are required for a
test program?
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Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707 and 5711.
§ 300–90.1 What is a telework travel
expenses test program?
It is a program that permits an agency
to test new and innovative methods of
reimbursing telework travel expenses
without seeking a waiver of current
rules or authorizing legislation.
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§ 300–90.3 What must be done to apply for
test program authority?
The head of the agency or designee
must design the test program to enhance
cost savings or other efficiencies for the
Government and submit in writing to
the Administrator of General Services
(Attention: MA), 1800 F Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20405–0001:
(a) An explanation of the test
program;
(b) If applicable, the specific
provisions of the FTR from which the
agency is deviating, and confirmation
between the agency and the
participating employee of any waivers
of entitlements by the employee under
5 U.S.C. Chapter 57, Subchapter I;
(c) An analysis of the expected costs
and benefits;
(d) A set of criteria for evaluating the
effectiveness of the program; and
(e) Agency procedures regarding how
and when a telework program is
terminated for the participating
employee when he or she voluntarily
relocated to a telework location.
§ 300–90.4 How many test programs may
be authorized by GSA throughout the
Government?
No more than 10 telework travel
expense test programs may be
conducted at the same time.
§ 300–90.5 What factors will GSA consider
in approving a request for a telework travel
test program?
The following factors will be
considered:
(a) Potential cost savings or other
efficiencies that accrue to the
Government;
(b) Application of results to other
agencies;
(c) Feasibility of successful
implementation;
(d) Number of tests, if any, already
authorized to the same agency;
(e) Whether the request meets the
requirements of § 300–90.3;
(f) Other agency requests under
consideration at the time of submission;
and
(g) Uniqueness of proposed test.
§ 300–90.6 What is authorized under the
test programs?
Under a telework expenses test
program authorized by the
Administrator of General Services, the
agency may:
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73703
(a) Pay any necessary telework travel
expenses in lieu of payments authorized
or required under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57,
Subchapter I for employees
participating in a telework program;
(b) Provide a participating employee
with the option to waive any payment
authorized or required under 5 U.S.C.
Chapter 57, Subchapter 1; or
(c) Establish, for a participating
employee who voluntarily relocates
from the pre-existing duty station of that
employee, a reasonable maximum
number of occasional visits to the preexisting duty station before that
employee is eligible for payment of any
incurred travel expenses by that agency
for travel to the pre-existing duty
station.
§ 300–90.7 What is the duration of test
programs?
The duration of a test program is up
to four years from the date of
authorization unless terminated prior to
that time by the Administrator of
General Services. The agency
conducting a test program may also
terminate the test program at any time
by providing written notice of the
termination to the Administrator of
General Services. The Administrator of
General Services may grant test program
extensions of up to an additional 24
months, but not beyond December 8,
2017, the expiration of the test authority
(see § 300–90.8).
§ 300–90.8 What must we do to apply for
a test program extension?
The head of the agency or designee
must submit a request to extend the test
program to the Administrator of General
Services (Attention: MA), 1800 F Street
NW., Washington, DC 20405–0001, not
later than 120 days prior to the
expiration of the test period. The
request for extension must:
(a) Contain the test program results to
that date;
(b) Clearly enumerate the benefits,
qualitatively and/or quantitatively, of
granting a test program extension; and
(c) Specify the duration of time for
which an extension is requested.
§ 300–90.9 What reports are required for a
test program?
(a) The Administrator of General
Services must submit to Congress a copy
of any approved or extended test
program at least 30 days before the
effective date of the authorized test
program or extension.
(b) The agency authorized to conduct
the test program must submit:
(1) An annual report on the progress
of the test, submitted to the U.S. General
Services Administration, Office of
Government-wide Policy, Office of
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 236 / Monday, December 9, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Asset and Transportation Management
(Attention: MA), Washington, DC 20405.
The Administrator or designee may
terminate the test program approval for
failure to comply with this reporting
requirement; and
(2) A final report on the results of the
test program must be submitted to the
U.S. General Services Administration,
Office of Government-wide Policy,
Office of Asset and Transportation
Management (Attention: MA),
Washington, DC 20405, the Telework
Managing Officer of that agency, and to
the appropriate committees of Congress
not later than 3 months after completion
of the program.
(c) All reports must include
quantitative or qualitative assessments,
or both, clearly evaluating the results of
the test program and enumerating
benefits and costs. The results in a
report may include:
(1) The total number of visits a
participating employee made to the preexisting official station;
(2) The total number of visits and
travel expenses paid by the agency;
(3) The total number of visits and
travel expenses paid by the participating
employee; or
(4) Any other information the agency
determines useful to aid the
Administrator of General Services, the
Telework Managing Officer(s), and
Congress in understanding the test
program and the impact of the program.
[FR Doc. 2013–29215 Filed 12–6–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–14–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Parts 13 and 22
[Docket No. FWS–R9–MB–2011–0054;
FF09M21200–134–FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018–AX91
Eagle Permits; Changes in the
Regulations Governing Eagle
Permitting
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We revise the regulations for
permits for take of golden eagles (Aquila
chrysaetos) and bald eagles (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) that is associated with,
but not the purpose of, an activity. We
extend the maximum term for
programmatic permits to 30 years, while
maintaining discretion to issue permits
of shorter duration as appropriate. The
permits must incorporate conditions
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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specifying additional measures that may
be necessary to ensure the preservation
of eagles, should monitoring data
indicate the need for the measures. This
change will facilitate the responsible
development of renewable energy and
other projects designed to operate for
decades, while continuing to protect
eagles consistent with our statutory
mandates. For a permit valid for 5 years
or more, we will assess an application
processing fee sufficient to offset the
estimated costs associated with working
with the applicants to develop site plans
and conservation measures, and prepare
applications, and for us to review
applications. We also will collect an
administration fee when we issue a
permit and at 5-year intervals.
DATES: This rule goes into effect on
January 8, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chief, Division of Migratory Bird
Management, at 703–358–1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act (16 U.S.C. 668–668d) (Eagle Act or
BGEPA) prohibits take of bald eagles
and golden eagles by otherwise lawful
activities, except pursuant to Federal
regulations. The Eagle Act regulations at
title 50, part 22 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), define the ‘‘take’’ of
an eagle to include the following broad
range of actions: ‘‘pursue, shoot, shoot
at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap,
collect, destroy, molest, or disturb’’
(§ 22.3). The Eagle Act allows the
Secretary of the Interior to authorize
certain otherwise prohibited activities
through regulations. The Secretary is
authorized to prescribe regulations
permitting the ‘‘taking, possession, and
transportation of [bald eagles or golden
eagles] . . . for the scientific or
exhibition purposes of public museums,
scientific societies, and zoological
parks, or for the religious purposes of
Indian tribes, or . . . for the protection
of wildlife or of agricultural or other
interests in any particular locality,’’
provided such permits are ‘‘compatible
with the preservation of the bald eagle
or the golden eagle’’ (16 U.S.C. 668a).
On September 11, 2009, we, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or
Service), published a final rule that
established new permit regulations
under the Eagle Act for incidental take
of eagles (74 FR 46836) while
conducting otherwise lawful activities.
The regulations at 50 CFR 22.26 provide
for permits to take bald eagles and
golden eagles when the taking is
associated with, but not the purpose of,
an otherwise lawful activity. The
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regulations provide for both standard
permits, which authorize individual
instances of take that cannot practicably
be avoided, and programmatic permits,
which authorize recurring take that is
unavoidable even after implementation
of Advanced Conservation Practices
(ACPs). We have issued standard
permits for commercial and residential
construction, transportation projects,
maintenance of utility lines and dams,
and in a variety of other circumstances
where take is expected to occur in a
limited timeframe and specific location.
For instance, take that does not reoccur,
such as temporary abandonment of a
nest, or is caused solely by indirect
effects, does not require a programmatic
permit, but may require a standard
permit.
‘‘Programmatic take’’ of eagles is
defined at 50 CFR 22.3 as ‘‘take that is
recurring, is not caused solely by
indirect effects, and that occurs over the
long term or in a location or locations
that cannot be specifically identified.’’
For additional explanation of
programmatic take and programmatic
permits, see 74 FR 46841–46843.
We may issue programmatic permits
for disturbance and for take resulting in
mortalities, based on implementation of
ACPs developed in coordination with
us. ACPs are ‘‘scientifically supportable
measures approved by the Service that
represent the best available techniques
to reduce eagle disturbance and ongoing
mortalities to a level where remaining
take is unavoidable’’ (50 CFR 22.3).
Most take authorized under § 22.26 has
been in the form of disturbance.
However, permits may authorize lethal
take that is incidental to an otherwise
lawful activity, such as mortalities
caused by collisions with wind turbines,
powerline electrocutions, and other
potential sources of incidental take.
On the same day that the proposed
rule for this rulemaking was published
in the Federal Register (77 FR 22267,
April 13, 2012), we also published an
advance notice of proposed rulemaking
(ANPR) looking at all aspects of the
2009 permit regulations (see 77 FR
22278). The ANPR sought public input
on how the regulations could be revised
to be more efficient or otherwise
improved. The notice highlighted three
issues about which we were particularly
interested in hearing from the public: (1)
The standard for programmatic permits
that take must be reduced to the point
where it is unavoidable; (2) mitigation
requirements and options; and (3) our
interpretation of the Eagle Act
‘‘Preservation Standard.’’ We have
reviewed the public comments on the
ANPR. We intend to propose additional
revisions to the permit regulations based
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73702-73704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29215]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
41 CFR Part 300-90
[FTR Amendment 2013-04; FTR Case 2011-310; Docket Number 2013-0012,
Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AJ23
Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); Telework Travel Expenses Test
Programs
AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy, U.S. General Services
Administration (GSA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) to
incorporate the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, which establishes and
authorizes telework travel expenses test programs, authorizes
reimbursement for any necessary travel expenses in conjunction with
such a test program in lieu of any payment otherwise authorized or
required by the FTR, and permits waiver of travel expense
reimbursements by participating employees.
DATES: Effective date: This final rule is effective January 8, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact
Rick Miller, Office of Governmentwide Policy, at 202-501-3822 or email
at rodney.miller@gsa.gov. Please cite FTR Amendment 2013-04, FTR case
2011-310. Contact the U.S. General Services Administration, Regulatory
Secretariat Division (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., 2nd Floor, Washington,
DC 20405-0001, 202-501-4755, for information pertaining to status or
publication schedules.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5707, the Administrator of General Services is
authorized to prescribe necessary regulations to implement laws
regarding Federal employees who travel in the performance of official
business away from their official stations. The overall implementing
authority is the FTR, codified in Title 41 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, chapters 300-304 (41 CFR chapters 300-304).
This final rule incorporates Section 3 of Public Law 111-292, the
``Telework Enhancement Act of 2010,'' codified in 5 U.S.C. 5711, which
authorizes the creation of agency telework travel expenses test
programs. Under a telework travel expenses test program, if a
participating employee voluntarily relocates from his/her official duty
station to a new official station, then the employing agency can
establish a reasonable maximum number of occasional visits to the pre-
existing official station (e.g., one visit per month/quarter, four
times a year) before that participating employee is eligible for
payment of any accrued travel expenses by that agency for travel to the
pre-existing official station. The term ``voluntarily relocate'' means
that a participating employee requests to relocate from the pre-
existing official station to a telework location, and therefore, the
agency has not made a determination that relocation is in the best
interest of the Government.
An agency shall include in any request to the Administrator for
approval of such a test program an analysis of the expected cost and
benefits and a set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the
program. As provided in 5 U.S.C. 5711, under an approved test program,
an agency may provide a participating employee with the option to waive
any payment authorized or required under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57,
Subchapter 1.
An agency will be required to submit an annual report on the
results of the test program including overall costs and benefits.
Pursuant to this authority, this final rule amends 41 CFR chapter
300 by adding part 300-90 regarding authority and procedures for
agencies to conduct a telework travel expenses test program.
B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O.
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits,
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility.
This rule has not been designated a ``significant regulatory action''
and is not economically significant, under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866.
Accordingly, the rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
This final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. because the revisions
are not considered
[[Page 73703]]
substantive. This final rule is also exempt from the Administrative
Procedure Act per 5 U.S.C. 553 (a)(2), because it applies to agency
management or personnel.
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to
the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection
requirements, or the collection of information from offerors,
contractors or members of the public that require the approval of the
Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This final rule is also exempt from Congressional review prescribed
under 5 U.S.C. 801, since it relates solely to agency management or
personnel.
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 300-90
Government employees, Travel and transportation expenses.
Dated: October 29, 2013.
Dan Tangherlini,
Acting Administrator of General Services.
For the reasons set forth in the Preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701-
5711, 41 CFR chapter 300 is amended by adding part 300-90 to read as
set forth below:
PART 300-90--TELEWORK TRAVEL EXPENSES TEST PROGRAMS
Sec.
300-90.1 What is a telework travel expenses test program?
300-90.2 Who may authorize test programs?
300-90.3 What must be done to apply for test program authority?
300-90.4 How many test programs may be authorized by GSA throughout
the Government?
300-90.5 What factors will GSA consider in approving a request for a
telework travel test program?
300-90.6 What is authorized under the test programs?
300-90.7 What is the duration of test programs?
300-90.8 What must we do to apply for a test program extension?
300-90.9 What reports are required for a test program?
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707 and 5711.
Sec. 300-90.1 What is a telework travel expenses test program?
It is a program that permits an agency to test new and innovative
methods of reimbursing telework travel expenses without seeking a
waiver of current rules or authorizing legislation.
Sec. 300-90.2 Who may authorize test programs?
The Administrator of General Services may authorize agencies to
conduct test programs when the Administrator determines the proposed
tests to be in the interest of the Government.
Sec. 300-90.3 What must be done to apply for test program authority?
The head of the agency or designee must design the test program to
enhance cost savings or other efficiencies for the Government and
submit in writing to the Administrator of General Services (Attention:
MA), 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405-0001:
(a) An explanation of the test program;
(b) If applicable, the specific provisions of the FTR from which
the agency is deviating, and confirmation between the agency and the
participating employee of any waivers of entitlements by the employee
under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57, Subchapter I;
(c) An analysis of the expected costs and benefits;
(d) A set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the
program; and
(e) Agency procedures regarding how and when a telework program is
terminated for the participating employee when he or she voluntarily
relocated to a telework location.
Sec. 300-90.4 How many test programs may be authorized by GSA
throughout the Government?
No more than 10 telework travel expense test programs may be
conducted at the same time.
Sec. 300-90.5 What factors will GSA consider in approving a request
for a telework travel test program?
The following factors will be considered:
(a) Potential cost savings or other efficiencies that accrue to the
Government;
(b) Application of results to other agencies;
(c) Feasibility of successful implementation;
(d) Number of tests, if any, already authorized to the same agency;
(e) Whether the request meets the requirements of Sec. 300-90.3;
(f) Other agency requests under consideration at the time of
submission; and
(g) Uniqueness of proposed test.
Sec. 300-90.6 What is authorized under the test programs?
Under a telework expenses test program authorized by the
Administrator of General Services, the agency may:
(a) Pay any necessary telework travel expenses in lieu of payments
authorized or required under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57, Subchapter I for
employees participating in a telework program;
(b) Provide a participating employee with the option to waive any
payment authorized or required under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 57, Subchapter 1;
or
(c) Establish, for a participating employee who voluntarily
relocates from the pre-existing duty station of that employee, a
reasonable maximum number of occasional visits to the pre-existing duty
station before that employee is eligible for payment of any incurred
travel expenses by that agency for travel to the pre-existing duty
station.
Sec. 300-90.7 What is the duration of test programs?
The duration of a test program is up to four years from the date of
authorization unless terminated prior to that time by the Administrator
of General Services. The agency conducting a test program may also
terminate the test program at any time by providing written notice of
the termination to the Administrator of General Services. The
Administrator of General Services may grant test program extensions of
up to an additional 24 months, but not beyond December 8, 2017, the
expiration of the test authority (see Sec. 300-90.8).
Sec. 300-90.8 What must we do to apply for a test program extension?
The head of the agency or designee must submit a request to extend
the test program to the Administrator of General Services (Attention:
MA), 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405-0001, not later than 120
days prior to the expiration of the test period. The request for
extension must:
(a) Contain the test program results to that date;
(b) Clearly enumerate the benefits, qualitatively and/or
quantitatively, of granting a test program extension; and
(c) Specify the duration of time for which an extension is
requested.
Sec. 300-90.9 What reports are required for a test program?
(a) The Administrator of General Services must submit to Congress a
copy of any approved or extended test program at least 30 days before
the effective date of the authorized test program or extension.
(b) The agency authorized to conduct the test program must submit:
(1) An annual report on the progress of the test, submitted to the
U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy,
Office of
[[Page 73704]]
Asset and Transportation Management (Attention: MA), Washington, DC
20405. The Administrator or designee may terminate the test program
approval for failure to comply with this reporting requirement; and
(2) A final report on the results of the test program must be
submitted to the U.S. General Services Administration, Office of
Government-wide Policy, Office of Asset and Transportation Management
(Attention: MA), Washington, DC 20405, the Telework Managing Officer of
that agency, and to the appropriate committees of Congress not later
than 3 months after completion of the program.
(c) All reports must include quantitative or qualitative
assessments, or both, clearly evaluating the results of the test
program and enumerating benefits and costs. The results in a report may
include:
(1) The total number of visits a participating employee made to the
pre-existing official station;
(2) The total number of visits and travel expenses paid by the
agency;
(3) The total number of visits and travel expenses paid by the
participating employee; or
(4) Any other information the agency determines useful to aid the
Administrator of General Services, the Telework Managing Officer(s),
and Congress in understanding the test program and the impact of the
program.
[FR Doc. 2013-29215 Filed 12-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P
