USAFA prepares to shape its civilian force Published April 18, 2014 By U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Academy is implementing civilian workforce shaping efforts to ensure compliance with mandatory funding targets for fiscal year 2014 and beyond. "We will certainly exhaust all voluntary measures of protecting our civilian workforce before any involuntary measures are taken," said Laurie Carroll, the Academy's Manpower and Personnel director. "First and foremost, all USAFA vacancies are being reviewed and held where applicable for local placements before being released for recruitment." Two additional initiatives afforded to Title 5 (General Schedule/Federal Wage Service) civilian Airmen are Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay, Carroll said. These key management tools are designed to incentivize voluntary retirements or separations to assist the Academy in reducing the overall impact of manpower reductions over the next few years by creating vacancies for affected employees. A VERA/VSIP interest survey was sent to a targeted audience of Title 5 GS/FWS civilian employees March 28 and April 11. Employees who indicated VERA/VSIP interest will to the extent possible be matched to an employee whose position is scheduled to be abolished. The Air Force Personnel Center will verify applicants' eligibility for voluntary separation May 31. The target date for employee notification of approvals is April 25. If these initiatives do not garner the necessary vacancies, involuntary actions may be necessary and are currently projected for a Dec. 5 effective date. The fiscal year 2015 restructuring includes the elimination of 10 academic majors and various cost saving measures in Academy's athletics programs. These initiatives will, for the first time, include Title 10 Administratively Determined faculty, which consists of both instructors and coaches. "Force shaping measures such as VERA/VSIP and severance are not authorized for these employees on time-limited appointments. However, the Mission Elements minimized the number of impacted employees by closely monitoring their personnel actions beginning in fiscal year 2013. The Academy will closely follow all regulatory requirements for involuntary separations. If necessary, involuntary separations are currently projected to be effective Sept., Carroll said. Mission Elements received approval to notify employees whose positions will be eliminated due to manpower reductions over the next few years. "We are committed to maintaining the essence of the Academy and continuing our legacy of excellence while shaping the Air Force's Academy of the future," Carroll said. "These are difficult but deliberate decisions, and we will remain laser-focused on mitigating involuntary actions." Visit gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/14061/kw/workforce%20shaping for more information, including several videos coving voluntary and involuntary programs, or call Civilian Personnel at 333-4363.