When agencies reorganize or cut positions, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reduction in force (RIF) rules determine who stays and who moves. These rules can feel complex, but they follow a clear order and process.
By understanding how federal RIF bump and retreat rights work, you can protect your grade and maintain stability with more confidence through uncertain times.
RIF 101: Key Terms You’ll Hear
Every RIF begins with a few core concepts.
- Competitive Area and Level:Your competitive area defines the pool of employees you compete against during a RIF, while your competitive level defines the specific group of interchangeable positions within that area. Agencies must define both before a RIF starts.
- Retention Register:The OPM reduction in force retention register ranks employees by tenure group, veterans’ preference subgroup, length of service, and performance. A higher standing on the list gives you stronger protection and a better chance to stay when positions are reduced.
- Outcomes:Depending on your ranking, you may move to another position, drop to a lower grade, or separate if no assignment rights apply.
How “Bump” and “Retreat” Actually Work
Your assignment rights take effect when you would otherwise be released from your competitive level. These rights apply only within your defined competitive area — and only if a qualifying position is available for at least three months at the proper grade and work schedule.
Bump: You can displace someone with lower retention standing at the same or lower grade in your competitive area.
Retreat: You can return to a position you previously held, or one essentially identical, within the same agency and competitive area, typically up to three grades lower. Certain disabled veterans may retreat up to five grades.
Understanding the federal RIF bump and retreat process helps you act strategically when every decision matters.
Learn more about your retirement benefits at our No-Cost webinars, featuring Ed Zurndorfer -
What Determines Your Place on the List
The OPM reduction in force retention register reflects several measurable factors:
- Tenure:Career employees outrank career-conditional employees.
- Veterans’ Preference:Preference subgroups receive higher standing.
- Service Credit:Longer service earns stronger protection.
- Performance:Higher ratings strengthen retention order.
Excepted service employees follow agency-specific variations, so always confirm your agency’s policy.
Action Steps if You Hear RIF Rumblings
If a RIF seems likely, act early and stay informed.
- Confirm Your Data:Verify your service computation date, veterans’ preference, performance rating, series, grade, and schedule — minor errors can affect your standing.
- Map Your Competition:Ask HR for your competitive area and level definitions to understand your retention group.
- List Past Roles:Identify positions you’ve held that could qualify for retreat, including their grades and duties.
- Check Vacancies:Assignment rights only apply if a qualifying position exists.
- Seek Guidance:Your union, HR office, or a trusted advisor can help clarify rules and timelines.
Turning Uncertainty Into Strategy
Understanding how a RIF works and how bump and retreat rights apply helps you turn uncertainty into a clear plan of action. Review your records carefully, know your competitive area and level, and stay ready to use your assignment rights to protect your grade and keep your career on track.
For personalized support, reach out to the team at Serving Those Who Serve at [email protected].
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
