Rehirement Programs
Federal law provides several programs to help RIF'd employees return to federal service. Understanding these programs and registering early can give you a significant advantage.
Your Path Back to Federal Service
If you have been separated through a Reduction in Force, federal regulations provide several priority placement and career transition programs designed to help you return to federal employment. These programs give RIF'd employees a competitive advantage when applying for federal positions, and in some cases, require agencies to select you over other candidates.
It is critical to register for these programs as soon as possible after receiving your RIF notice or upon separation. Eligibility windows are time-limited, and early registration maximizes your chances of being matched with available positions.
Reemployment Priority List (RPL)
The Reemployment Priority List is the most direct path back to your former agency. Under 5 CFR Part 330, Subpart B, agencies must give priority consideration to RPL registrants before hiring from outside the agency for competitive service positions.
Who Is Eligible
Career or career-conditional employees who have been separated by RIF or who received a RIF notice of separation and declined a position offer at a lower grade. You must have a current performance rating of at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent).
How It Works
When your former agency has a competitive service vacancy in the same commuting area where you were separated, it must consider RPL registrants before using other external hiring methods. The agency must offer the position to qualified RPL registrants in order of retention standing (the same system used in the RIF itself).
Duration
RPL eligibility lasts for two years from the date of separation. After two years, your name is removed from the list unless you are re-registered due to another qualifying action.
How to Register
Your agency's Human Resources office should automatically register you on the RPL when you receive your RIF separation notice. However, confirm with HR that you have been registered and verify the positions and grade levels for which you are registered. You can register for positions at your current grade and below.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)
CTAP provides intra-agency selection priority to surplus and displaced employees. Under 5 CFR Part 330, Subpart F, if you are a CTAP-eligible employee and you apply for a vacancy within your agency in the same commuting area, the agency must select you if you are well-qualified, before selecting any other candidate from outside the agency.
Who Is Eligible
Current employees who have received a specific RIF separation notice, a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the commuting area, or a Certificate of Expected Separation. You must have a current performance rating of at least "Fully Successful."
The "Well-Qualified" Standard
To receive CTAP selection priority, you must be "well-qualified" for the position — meaning you meet the qualification requirements and are able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. Each agency defines its specific well-qualified criteria, which are typically published in vacancy announcements. You do not need to be the best-qualified candidate, just well-qualified.
How to Use CTAP
When applying for positions on USAJobs, look for vacancy announcements that indicate CTAP eligibility is accepted. You must submit proof of your eligibility (RIF notice, SF-50, most recent performance appraisal) along with your application. Clearly indicate your CTAP eligibility in your application.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)
ICTAP extends your priority placement rights beyond your former agency to all federal agencies. Under 5 CFR Part 330, Subpart G, if you are an ICTAP-eligible employee and you apply for a vacancy at another federal agency in the same commuting area, that agency must select you if you are well-qualified, before selecting any other external candidate.
Who Is Eligible
Former federal employees who were separated by RIF, or current employees who have received a specific RIF separation notice. You must have a current performance rating of at least "Fully Successful" and must apply for positions in the same commuting area where you were (or will be) separated.
Key Difference from CTAP
CTAP applies within your own agency; ICTAP applies across all federal agencies. ICTAP gives you priority consideration at agencies other than the one that separated you, which significantly expands your opportunities.
Duration
ICTAP eligibility begins on the date of your separation and lasts for one year. After one year, you lose ICTAP selection priority, though you may still apply for federal positions as a status candidate (reinstatement eligible) if you had career tenure.
Required Documentation
When applying, you must provide: your RIF separation notice or SF-50 documenting your RIF separation, your most recent performance appraisal showing at least "Fully Successful," and your most recent SF-50 showing your position, grade, and tenure. Include these with every application where you claim ICTAP eligibility.
Priority Placement Program (PPP)
The Priority Placement Program is a Department of Defense (DoD) program, but it is worth understanding because some CDC employees may have prior DoD service or may be applying for DoD positions:
- PPP is mandatory for DoD activities and provides placement priority for displaced DoD employees
- DoD activities must check the PPP before filling most competitive service vacancies
- If you are a former DoD employee who transferred to CDC, you may not have PPP eligibility for the CDC RIF, but if you apply for DoD positions, your RPL, CTAP, or ICTAP rights still apply
Tips for Maximizing Your Rehirement Chances
Register for Everything
Register for RPL, CTAP, and ICTAP as soon as you are eligible. There is no reason not to be registered for all programs for which you qualify. Each gives you a different type of priority consideration.
Apply Broadly
Do not limit yourself to positions identical to your former role. Apply for positions at your grade and below across multiple series and agencies. Your CTAP and ICTAP rights give you priority for any position you are well-qualified for.
Tailor Your Resume
Customize your federal resume for each position, highlighting the specific qualifications and experience listed in the vacancy announcement. Include all relevant keywords from the job posting.
Track Deadlines
Keep a calendar of your eligibility expiration dates. RPL lasts two years, ICTAP lasts one year, and CTAP lasts while you are a current displaced employee. Mark these dates and plan your search accordingly.
Know Your Rights
If an agency fills a position without properly considering your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility, you may have grounds for a complaint. Contact your union if you believe an agency has violated your placement rights.
Program Comparison
| Program | Scope | Duration | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPL | Same agency, same commuting area | 2 years | Agency must consider you before external hires |
| CTAP | Same agency, same commuting area | While displaced | Must be selected if well-qualified |
| ICTAP | All agencies, same commuting area | 1 year | Priority at any federal agency |
Need Help Registering for Rehirement Programs?
AFGE Local 2883 can help you register for priority placement programs and navigate the federal job application process. Contact us for personalized assistance.
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