Nancy Segal

The Office of Personnel Management has issued new guidance on awards for federal employees--including SES Presidential Rank Awards (PRA). PRA are paused for FY25 but will resume in FY26. The guidance reiterated that the expectation is that the fully successful level will comprise the majority of ratings among all employees. The guidance also set caps for ratings and awards Individual agencies are required to submit their changes to their awards policies, as well as their FY25 performance results, to OPM in February 2026. Additional information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gnd3_QC7

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Attention on Deck: US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PAUSES JOB CORPS CENTER OPERATIONS WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Labor today announced it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, initiating an orderly transition for students, staff, and local communities. The decision follows an internal review of the program’s outcome and structure and will be carried out in accordance with available funding, the statutory framework established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and congressional notification requirements. “Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community,” said Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “ That is all… https://lnkd.in/gmv44T5k

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UNDERSTANDING THE PACT ACT FOR CLAIMS: A PACT ACT ASSISTANCE GUIDE The PACT Act has become a crucial piece of legislation for many veterans seeking to secure benefits related to toxic exposure during their military service. Understanding how to navigate the claims process under this act can be complex, but it is essential for those eligible to receive the support they deserve. This guide will break down the key elements of the PACT Act, explain how to file claims, and provide practical advice to help you through the process. What is the PACT Act? A Pact Act Assistance Guide The PACT Act, or the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, is designed to expand healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. This includes exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous materials encountered in various military operations. The act broadens the list of presumptive conditions, meaning veterans no longer have to prove a direct connection between their illness and service-related exposure for certain diseases. This change simplifies the claims process and increases the likelihood of approval. Key Features of the PACT Act: • Expanded list of covered conditions related to toxic exposure. • Extended eligibility to veterans from different service eras and locations. • Improved access to VA healthcare for affected veterans. • Streamlined claims process with presumptive conditions. Understanding these features is the first step in making a successful claim under the PACT Act. How to File a Claim Under the PACT Act? Filing a claim under the PACT Act involves several important steps. Veterans should prepare by gathering all relevant medical records, service documents, and any evidence of exposure to toxic substances. Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a PACT Act Claim: 1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your service period and exposure type are covered under the PACT Act. 2. Collect Medical Evidence: Obtain medical diagnoses related to presumptive conditions listed in the act. 3. Gather Service Records: Include any documentation that supports your exposure claim. 4. Submit a Claim to the VA: Use the VA’s online portal, mail, or visit a VA office. 5. Follow Up: Keep track of your claim status and respond promptly to any VA requests for additional information. Navigating the PACT Act claims process requires patience, knowledge, and sometimes outside help. Veterans who understand the act’s provisions and prepare their claims carefully will be better positioned to secure the benefits they have earned. For those needing additional support, pact act claim help is a valuable resource to guide you through every step. For more information on veteran disability education, visit https://lnkd.in/eMmyxV-u

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Fort Stewart, Ga. The Transition Assistance Program hosted an employer seminar with local and regional leaders at Club Stewart. The event provided productive discussions between military personnel and employers to help close hiring gaps for transitioning soldiers. Military Transition Assistance Program: https://militarytap.ai The seminar highlighted the distinct advantages of hiring veterans and emphasized how veteran employment can positively impact the regional workforce. Col. Marc Austin, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, spoke about the talent emerging from the Army and the potential these soldiers bring based on their military experience. “We are very adaptive, resilient, and always learning new skill sets,” Austin said. “Whether you’re in a position of leadership or a follower, we know how to work with and for different people.” Throughout the event, panels offered firsthand insights to guide service members through common challenges and effective strategies for transitioning to civilian careers. Military Transition Assistance Program: https://militarytap.ai Staff Sgt. Michael McSwain, a transitioning soldier, stressed proactive preparation and the importance of translating military skills into civilian language. He encouraged attendees to begin building their resumes as soon as possible. “You should start on the resume process today,” McSwain said. “Start writing down everything you are doing now, so you're not trying to backtrack everything you've done in the past. Also, get in the habit of writing your experiences in language your employer can understand.” Multiple military support agencies delivered brief introductions and shared how their services benefit both service members and regional stakeholders. Retired Col. George Frederick, director of military and veteran services at Georgia Southern University, spoke about the university’s strong partnership with nearby installations. “You may need some skills for your employees — feel free to contact us,” Frederick said. “We have online, asynchronous, tailored and professional development programs. We serve veterans, active duty, guard, reserve, spouses and children.” The event concluded with breakout sessions for employers, military affiliates and support agencies to connect, strategize and explore ways to enhance community relations, veteran recruitment and hiring practices. #militarytap #tap #military #transition #army #airforce #navy #marines #coastguard #spaceforce #publichealthservice

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Data Scientist Wanted!!! Seaside Innovations is on the hunt for someone who can wrestle with messy data, make sense of chaos, and maybe even explain p-values to their grandma. If you can turn Excel sheets into insights and confusion into clarity, we’d love to meet you. Check out the post below and join us on this small-but-mighty adventure.

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The Department of Defense (DoD), Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), is planning a $120 million IDIQ for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) & Work-Life Services. This vehicle will provide worldwide professional services supporting federal employees and supervisors, with a focus on improving workforce productivity, work-life balance, and critical incident response. While the competition type has not yet been determined, the solicitation is estimated for release in October 2025, making this the right time to prepare your strategy. #capturemanagement #criticalincidentsupport #dodcontracts #eapopportunity #employeeassistanceprogram #federalcontracting #federalopportunities #globalservicecoverage #govconstrategy #OSTGlobalSolutions #professionalservices #proposalwriting #teamingstrategy #workforceproductivity #worklifeservices

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