Manpower and Personnel Directorate to hold VERA/VSIP town halls early next week

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Electronic Systems Center Manpower and Personnel Directorate has scheduled two town hall meetings for early next week to discuss the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VERA/VSIP) programs.

On Sept. 19, two sessions will be held in the O'Neil Auditorium, Building 1612, and on Sept. 20, two more sessions will be held at the base theater. The sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

The Air Force vice chief of staff recently announced that the Air Force will use VERA/VSIP offers to assist in complying with Defense Department-mandated fiscal year '12 civilian funding levels. These offers will be used to help minimize the potential for adverse impacts to civilian employees as the Air Force implements targeted reductions to shape its civilian workforce.

The Manpower and Personnel Directorate sent letters to select civilian employees Sept. 9 inviting them to apply for VERA/VSIP. As directed by Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command workforce shaping initiatives, letters were sent only to personnel occupying series and grades where projected impact could occur in the near future, according to Sherry Farley, director of Manpower and Personnel at ESC.

"At this point, we've sent all the letters we expect to send," Ms. Farley said. "Not everyone will receive a letter, as they will only go to those in job series and grades where there could be an impact."

In addition, there are a limited number of VERA/VSIP offers available. This means that those who apply for VERA/VSIP may not necessarily be offered a VERA/VSIP once the process is completed. However, employees must realize that submitting an application is irrevocable.

"Affected civilian employees should read the VERA/VSIP information thoroughly and pay attention for updates, as this process will likely evolve," Ms. Farley said.

She also points out that there is a link for "VSIP/VERA Information" on the CenterNet located in the Resources section in the left column.

For additional information on separation incentives, personnel may call Kathy Bazzano at 781-225-1405 or DSN 845-1405 or Sherry Odett at 781-225-1406 or DSN 845-1406.