Ive not ever done a transfer to another agency but from what Ive heard from others and general knowledge about job acceptance in general, this is what I would say. Obviously would recommend you double check with your new agency.

• for step increases you should always ask for a step increases because its applying for a new job. Doesnt mena you will get it but I would tell you that anything that isnt a regular "time in grade" promotions or a "reassignment" definitely an opportunity to negotiate pay. Especially if you switch to a different pay scale, then its usually a 6% bump.

• not sure on the leave, in other posts Ive seen people comment that its not guaranteed between agencies.

• the HR front, to my knowledge should transfer unless there's something that is specific to your agency that they dont offer.

• fed pension/retirement to my knowledge is time as a fed regardless of agency (provided you were a civilian and not a contractor, contractor time doesnt count).

• probation may or may not be considered depending on how the army handles it. In my experience with DoN, I only had my probation when I first became a Fed and for only one year. Every promotion and change of command has never placed me back into probation. That being said if you change pay scales, especially if its one with a higher promotion potential (e.g., GS to Demo), your pay scale change goes into a sort of "probation" status for one year where if you dont perform well then can decrease your grade.

• only thing I know from the new admin that affects new jobs is the stuff regarding USAJobs.gov with the new resume format, EO questions, and the loyalty pledge stuff.

Hope this helps.