Flexi Place

Part 6. Human Resources Management

Chapter 800. Employee Benefits

Section 2. Telework (Flexiplace) Program

6.800.2 Telework (Flexiplace) Program

6.800.2.1 Overview

6.800.2.2 Policy

6.800.2.3 Program Participation

6.800.2.4 Responsibilities

6.800.2.5 Tours of Duty, Time and Attendance, Leave

6.800.2.6 Administrative Leave/ Excused Absence/ Dismissals and Emergency Closing

6.800.2.7 Injuries, Continuation of Pay, and Workers' Compensation

6.800.2.8 Pay Issues, Official Duty Station

6.800.2.9 Telework, Commuting and Travel

6.800.2.10 Facilities, Equipment and Furniture

6.800.2.11 Computer Security Requirements

6.800.2.12 Privacy Act and Sensitive Data

6.800.2.13 Dependent Care

6.800.2.14 Tax Benefits

6.800.2.15 Telework and Reasonable Accommodation

6.800.2.16 GSA Telework Centers

Exhibit 6.800.2-1 Eligible IRS Telework Occupations

Exhibit 6.800.2-2 Supplemental Telework Resources

Exhibit 6.800.2-3 Suggested Books 24x7 Telework Program Literature

6.800.2.1 (12-28-2010)

Overview

This section provides policy and guidance on the IRS Telework Program (also known as Flexiplace).

It provides the legal basis and administrative oversight of the program.

It further provides definitions of unique terms and agreements associated with Telework as well as key exhibits.

This section is subject to revision as the Telework regulations are amended periodically and as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) procedures are changed.

IRS Telework resources include:

Document 12524, "IRS Telework (Flexiplace) Program, Managers' Desk Guide" (Catalog Number 50988T). See http://core.publish.no.irs.gov/docs/pdf/50988c10.pdf

IRS Human Capital Office (HCO) website http://hco.web.irs.gov/compbenefits/wlprog/flexiplace

Employee Resource Center website http://erc.web.irs.gov/Displayanswers/Question.asp?FolderID=5&CatagoryID=129&SubCategoryID=196 .

6.800.2.1.1 (06-02-2010)

Legal Basis and Authorities

Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Public Law 106-346, section 359, October 23, 2000http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ346.106.pdf.

31 USC 1348, note (from Public Law 104-52, § 620), November 19, 1995, http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=104_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ52.104.pdf.

Public Law 105-277, Omnibus Appropriation Act, Title IV, section 630, October 21, 1998http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=105_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ277.pdf.

Treasury Directive 74-14 Treasury, Alternative Workplace Arrangements, October 30, 2007 http://www.treas.gov/regs/td74-14.htm.

General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Management Regulation (FMR) Bulletin 2006-B3, Guidelines for Alternative Workplace Arrangements, March 17, 2006, http://www.gsa.gov/gsa/cm_attachments/GSA_DOCUMENT/AWABulletin-b3-2006_R25U8_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR.pdf .

General Services Administration’s Federal Management Regulation (FMR) Bulletin 2007-B1, March 2, 2007 Information Technology and Telecommunications Guidelines for Federal Telework and Other Alternative Workplace Arrangement (AWA) Programs, http://www.gsa.gov/gsa/cm_attachments/GSA_DOCUMENT/FMR2007-B1_R2HB2C_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR.pdf .

6.800.2.1.2 (12-28-2010)

Definitions

Alternative Workplace Arrangement (AWA)− a flexibility allowing employees to work in a non-traditional workplace setting, usually in an environment away from the official duty station, to accommodate the needs of the agency. This includes telework, use of telework centers, virtual offices, hoteling, and other alternative workplace arrangements. AWA addresses the location of the worksite as opposed to the work schedule.

Emergency Situation – includes national security situations, extended emergencies, or other unique situations when the agency is closed or access to the agency facility is compromised.

Hoteling – A form of AWA in which employees work in one facility (e.g., facility A) part of the time and at one or more alternative worksites the rest of the time. When working in facility A, these employees use non-dedicated, non-permanent workspaces assigned for use by reservation on an as-needed basis.

Local Commuting Area – As defined by 5 CFR §351.203 means "the geographic area that usually constitutes one area for employment purposes. It includes any population center (or two or more neighboring ones) and the surrounding localities in which people live and can reasonably be expected to travel back and forth daily to their usual employment."

Official Duty Station – Synonymous for official worksite. The official duty station for an employee's position of record as indicated on his or her most recent notification of personnel action (Form SF-50). An official IRS duty station (worksite) is defined as a building in which the IRS occupies space.

Official Worksite – Per OPM, the official worksite is the location of an employee’s position of record (duty station) where the employee regularly performs his or her duties or, if the employee’s work involves regular travel or the employee’s work location varies on a daily