Agency Information Collection Request: Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, OMB Control Number (3206-NEW)

2026-13154 — Suitability and Fitness

Starting July 30, 2026, the government is updating how it checks if people are fit and suitable for federal jobs. These changes affect current employees and job applicants by making background checks faster, fairer, and tougher on serious misconduct. The goal is to keep the federal workforce honest, efficient, and consistent with merit-based hiring rules.

2026-12976 — Uniform Allowances

Starting July 13, 2026, federal employees who get uniform allowances will see the maximum yearly amount jump to $1,500. This change makes sure the allowance keeps up with costs and clears up some confusing details. No one objected to this update, so it’s all set to roll out smoothly and help employees cover their uniform expenses better.

2026-11140 — Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.

2026-07245 — Uniform Allowances

The Office of Personnel Management is boosting the yearly uniform allowance from $800 to $1,500 for federal employees who need uniforms. This change starts July 13, 2026, and helps agencies better manage uniform programs while clarifying what counts as a uniform versus protective gear. If no big complaints come in by May 14, 2026, the new rules will roll out smoothly, putting more money and clearer rules in employees’ pockets.

2026-07198 — Differential Pay for Prescribed Wildland Fire Activities

Federal employees who fight planned wildland fires could soon get a 25% pay boost for their risky work. This change affects General Schedule and Federal Wage System workers directly involved in controlling these fires. Comments on this proposal are open until June 15, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!

2026-05679 — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!

Previous: 2026-13439 — Andean Trade Preference Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Drug Crop Eradication and Crop Substitution, 2025

The Andean Trade Preference Act helps U.S. businesses and shoppers by making trade with Andean countries easier while encouraging those countries to replace drug crops with legal ones. Every two years, the U.S. International Trade Commission checks how well this deal is working and reports to Congress by late August. This 2025 report will show who’s benefiting, what’s changing, and how it affects money and drug crop efforts.

Next: 2026-13444 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection Renewal; Comment Request

The FDIC wants to keep collecting info from certain banks about reverse mortgages and is asking for your thoughts by August 31, 2026. This renewal won’t change the rules or cost banks extra time or money but helps keep things running smoothly. If you’re a bank involved in reverse mortgages, now’s your chance to speak up!