New decisions made within the 375th CSPTS Published June 17, 2009 By 375th Force Support Squadron 375th Airlift Wing SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In September 2008, a performance decision for the 375th Communications Support Squadron public-private competition (also known as "A76" study) was made. A private sector contractor was determined to be the most efficient and the most cost effective method of operation. This announcement potentially impacted 66 Department of Defense civilian personnel who would be affected by a subsequent reduction-in-force action. An article published Dec. 11, provided preliminary information regarding a pending RIF, giving the perception that four employees would be involuntarily separated. Since the actions were not complete at the time of the December 2008 article, the following information provides the facts of the final outcome. The RIF process is in place to ensure the most appropriate placement of all Scott employees based upon their length of service, veteran's preference, performance and experience. Preliminary actions occur in pre-RIF to reduce the impact to employees and throughout the RIF process as well as outside the RIF process every effort is made to find suitable positions for the employees. In addition, employees are also free to find other positions on their own or retire if eligible. This process can often have a domino effect that impacts employees across the installation. The final CSPTS-RIF impact was as follows: 10 employees retired in pre-RIF, 20 employees either found positions on their own or were able to be placed outside of RIF, 20 employees were placed in other government positions at the same grade, 14 employees were placed in other government positions at a lower grade, and two were involuntarily separated from government employment when they declined job offers. All personnel actions resulting from the RIF process were completed in May. Management involvement, both within the 375th CG and throughout the base, was critical to lessening the adverse impact of this RIF. The DoD is extremely sensitive to the personal impact these actions have on civilian employees. Within the DoD, the Program for Stability of Civilian Employment ensures every effort is made to help adversely affected civilian employees who desire placement assistance. All employees who received a lower grade or were involuntarily separated were registered in the Defense-wide computerized Priority Placement Program. Registrants under this program receive placement rights to vacancies with DoD. If you have any questions on this RIF or any other civilian personnel issues, call Jovonia Goetz at 256-9337.