<VERA-VSIP_apply.pdf>
When the NIH Extramural MEO Transition Team established a 04/03/2004 deadline for staff to voluntarily separate from federal service if they accepted the buyout, it was with the understanding that the Division of Extramural Activities Support (DEAS) would be fully functional by April 1. While the transition team still expects DEAS to be established by April 1st, we recognize that complete staffing and transition to best practices will take a few additional months.

Many staff who are not selected for higher graded positions may decide the buyout is the best option for them. Therefore, the transition team, with concurrence from the Acting DDM, has outlined the following process for consideration of a separation date past 04/03/2004:

1. Staff will still need to complete paperwork (see attached and also available online at: http://extramuralmeo.nih.gov/documents/VERA-VSIP_apply.pdf by March 1, 2004 that indicates an interest for consideration of the buyout. Staff who complete this paperwork can, at any time prior to their separation, decide against accepting the buyout and remain in federal service by notifying their Executive Officer. Those staff who decide to remain would be expected to take positions in the DEAS or be part of the transition center.
2. If the desired separation date is past 04/03/2003, the Executive Officer will need to prepare a brief justification on why the delay is in the best interest of NIH. These justifications will be sent to Ms. Christine Steyer, Deputy Director, OHR, NIH.
3. The latest date for separation is July 24, 2004.

If you have already completed your VERA/VSIP form with a separation date of 04/03/2004, you may want to indicate to your EO a preference for a later separation date. If there is an appropriate justification for this delay, you will be notified by Human Resources.

David L. Whitmer
Chair, NIH Extramural MEO Transition Team