COST of Relocations Act

New checks before moving federal jobs

If enacted, agencies would face new steps before moving many federal jobs. A move would be covered when it shifts more than the lesser of 5% or 100 positions outside the commuting area, or under another agency. Before asking OMB or others to review, the agency would have to do a cost-benefit study using OMB Circular A-4 (from 2003) and send an unredacted report to its Inspector General. The report would need to spell out expected results, metrics, an employee plan, stakeholder input and timeline, staffing and budget needs, risks, and mission impacts. A public version would be posted without trade secrets or other confidential data. The IG would have 90 days to review and report to Congress; if jobs leave the National Capital Region, the IG would check local vs. destination real estate comparisons. These rules would add to, not replace, other relocation laws, and would take effect upon enactment.