Benefits Information
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved our Indian Affairs’ request for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA – early-out) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Authority (VSIP – buy-out) for our organization (AS-IA, BIA and BIE). OPM also approved a separate VERA/VSIP authority for the Information Technology organizations within Indian Affairs.
Who does that apply to within Bureau of Indian Education?
This VERA/VSIP package is only open to employees under Title 5 personnel system. This means employees identified as General Schedule (GS) and Prevailing Rates (WG/WS/WL).
Contract Education employees (P.L. 95-561) are not included in this VERA/VSIP package. This means employees on a year-long or school year contract.
Also employees at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) and Haskell Indians Nations University (HINU) are not included at this time.
When are applications being taken?
The Open Season for VSIP applications will be March 4, 2013 through March 29, 2013. VSIP applications will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis and will be reviewed for approval no later than March 29, 2013. All individuals who receive approval for a VSIP and/or VERA will need to be separated no later than May 4, 2013.
Who do I call for more information?
This is an important decision. Please take time to review all of the information that will be provided and contact your servicing HR Office for more information. The following individuals can be contacted to assist you with questions on retirement, provide retirement estimates and any other questions you may have.
BIE employees: Audrey Duran (505) 563-5451 audrey.duran@bie.edu
Important links!
BIA Internet for On-line VERA/VSIP Application
Downloadable VERA/VSIP Application - If you cannot submit the VERA/VSIP Application on-line, you may download it, complete and fax to: 202-219-2432
New! Benefits Coordinator position in the BIE Human Resources Office - Contact Audrey Duran, at 505-563-5451, or by email at audrey.duran@bie.edu