DOL ERISA Advisory Opinion 2018-01A on Employee Benefits

The Department of Labor issued Advisory Opinion 2018-01A interpreting the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) concerning employee benefits. This opinion clarifies specific aspects of ERISA as applied to certain benefit arrangements.

USDA Designates Biobased Product Categories for Federal Procurement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule amending its Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement. This rule adds 30 new product categories and revises existing ones, requiring federal agencies and their contractors to give procurement preference to biobased products within these categories.

USDA Proposes Biobased Product Categories for Federal Procurement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed new rules to designate 30 biobased product categories for federal procurement preference. The proposal includes minimum biobased content requirements and amendments to existing categories. Public comments are being accepted until November 13, 2018.

USDA Designates Biobased Product Categories for Federal Procurement Preference

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule amending its Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement. The amendment adds 12 new product categories, requiring Federal agencies and their contractors to give preference to biobased products within these categories.

USDA OPPM Information Collection Extension Request

The USDA's Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) has issued a notice requesting public comments on extending an existing OMB clearance for information collection related to the transfer of excess computers and technical equipment under the 2008 Farm Bill. The comment period closed on January 12, 2018.

USDA Biobased Products Procurement Information Collection Notice

The Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on its intention to extend an approved information collection regarding Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement. This collection supports the USDA BioPreferred Program, which designates biobased products for preferred purchasing by federal agencies.

OPM School Attendance Certification Collection Notice Comment Period

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is seeking public comments on the renewal and potential consolidation of two information collections related to school attendance certifications for survivor benefits. The comment period closes on May 8, 2026.

OPM Annuity Supplement Earnings Report - Comment Period

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is requesting comments on an expiring information collection request (ICR) for the Annuity Supplement Earnings Report (RI 92-22). The comment period closes on May 8, 2026. This ICR is used to determine the eligibility of certain FERS annuitants for an annuity supplement.

OPM Notice: Medical Exam for Survivor Benefits Collection

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is requesting public comments on an expiring information collection request (ICR) for the Report of Medical Examination of Person Electing Survivor Benefits (OPM Form 1530). The comment period closes on May 8, 2026.

OPM Proposed Rule on Reduction-in-Force Regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has proposed a rule to revise its reduction-in-force (RIF) regulations. The changes aim to prioritize performance over tenure and modify employee exclusions and reemployment priority lists. Comments are due by May 4, 2026.