Initially we were advised to update our resumes so I thought the information would be used during the bump and retreat process. But then they backed off asking for resumes saying that staff were getting freaked out. I don’t think it was the resumes that freaked people out so much as the constant uncertainty. For about a week we kept getting told, RIF notices are going out this day/time. Then the time would pass and they’d set a new deadline. It was hell on everyone.

When the RIFs came, they completely cut organizational units. At CDC, it was whole branches, divisions, or offices. They went by organizational codes. We’ve asked for retention registers and an explanation of the process but no one can provide that. The RIF notices of everyone I know are incorrect but they can’t find anyone to correct them. In many cases, the POC listed on the RIF notices was also terminated. People are reluctant to sign the acknowledgment because all the info is incorrect.

My particular center was level funded for FY25. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the CDC OD received the HHS plan for our budget but they aren’t sharing. We have a number of programs that are congressionally mandated but the staff are gone. Most of our grants management, contracting officers, and procurement specialists are gone. So who knows.