[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 27169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-12551]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 19, 1999 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 27169]]
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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
5 CFR Part 950
RIN 3206-AI53
Authorization of Solicitations During the Combined Federal
Campaign
Agency
Office of Personnel Management.
Action
Final rule.
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Summary
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a final rule giving the Director the discretion to authorize solicitations upon written request during the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). In extraordinary circumstances, solicitations in support of victims in cases of emergencies or disasters may be approved. The intended effect of this rule is to enable the Federal workforce to respond to emergencies or disasters of catastrophic proportions which may occur during the CFC.
Dates
Final rule effective: June 18, 1999.
For Further Information Contact
Becky Kumar, Office of General Counsel, Office of Personnel Management, (202) 606-2885.
Supplementary Information
The devastation in Central America caused by Hurricane Mitch in late October and early November of 1998 resulted in over 10,000 deaths and destroyed the homes and communities of many thousands more. This tragedy provided the impetus for OPM to review its regulations governing the solicitation of the Federal workforce and to conclude that there is a need for further flexibility in its regulations in order to respond to emergencies and disasters of catastrophic proportions. The CFC regulations prohibit solicitations of the Federal workforce apart from those conducted as part of the Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC was designed to be the one concentrated period during which Federal employees may be solicited to contribute to all eligible organizations. The rationale for limiting the CFC to a single period during the year is to provide Federal employees with a means of contributing to a wide variety of worthy voluntary organizations, but to accomplish this with minimal disruption to the work of the Government. The regulations contain an exception for solicitations requested in writing on behalf of victims of emergencies and disasters, with the limitation that no such solicitations may occur between September 1 to December 15, the period of the CFC. In our review of this matter, we have determined that, on rare occasions, it may be necessary to authorize a solicitation during this time period. Natural disasters are not subject to time constraints, and extraordinary occurrences may necessitate extraordinary relief measures. OPM believes that this time period is of continuing concern in the future, since, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year and the Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30. Both of these periods overlap with the CFC. On November 30, 1998, OPM published an interim rule allowing the Director to authorize solicitations during the CFC for victims of disasters or emergencies, upon written request and a showing of extraordinary circumstances. The interim rule provided a 30-day period for public comment. OPM received no comments during the comment period. Therefore, the interim rule is being adopted as the final rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that these regulations would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because they would only apply to Federal agencies and employees.
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Review
This rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with Executive Order 12866.
List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 950
Administrative practice and procedure, Charitable contributions, Government employees, Military personnel, Nonprofit organizations.
Accordingly, under the authority of E.O. 12353, 47 FR 12785 (1982), the interim rule amending 5 CFR part 950, published on November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65637), is adopted as final without any changes.
Office of Personnel Management. Janice R. Lachance, Director. [FR Doc. 99-12551 Filed 5-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325-01-P