OPM instructs agencies to turn over plans for mass government layoffs
by
Rebecca Beitsch 02/26/25 11:51 AM ET
A Wednesday memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directs agencies across government to turn over plans for widespread layoffs of
federal employees by March 13.
The memo, which
provides more specific guidance after a Feb. 11
executive order from President Trump mandating layoffs, requires agencies to break down their plans for a
reduction in force and broader restructuring of their agencies.
It also indicates the White House is eager to speed the shedding of federal workers, noting OPM can cut in half the 60-day notification period for employees being laid off, meaning swift-moving agencies could begin notifying affected employees as soon as April.
“Pursuant to the President’s direction, agencies should focus on the maximum elimination of functions that are not statutorily mandated while driving the highest-quality, most efficient delivery of their statutorily-required functions,” OPM and OMB wrote in the memo.
The memo directs agencies to “collaborate with their Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) team leads within the agency.”
Among the suggested methods for cutting employees is looking at “positions not typically designated as essential during a lapse in appropriations.”
The memo also suggests agencies “close and/or consolidate regional field offices to the extent consistent with efficient service delivery; and maximally reduce the use of outside consultants and contractors.”
Agencies are even directed to weigh “whether the agency [itself] or any of its subcomponents should be eliminated or consolidated.”
The Wednesday memo from the two agencies lays out the path for conducting that process, allowing layoffs of more workers as well as a route to cut any probationary employees, should they return to their posts.
No later than April 14, agencies are directed to embark on “Phase 2,” listing all employees they plan to lay off as well as any proposed relocations.