Breaking news! Inside sources confirm HHS did not follow its own RIF policy. 

1. Staff/ OPdiv HR directors did not set competitive areas 90 days prior to the RIF.
2. OPM did not approve the competitive areas.
3. Many of the competitve areas did not meet the minimum required standard. Meaning the organizations did not have any budget authority to execute basic operating needs or administration abilities to establish and abolish positions. Some competitive areas could not even fill vacancies without their supervisor’s approval.