ARTICLE 30
TRANSFER OF FUNCTION

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

A "transfer of function" is defined as the transfer of the
performance of a continuing function from one competitive area
and its addition to one or more other competitive areas, except
when the function involved is virtually identical to a function
already being performed in the other competitive area(s)
affected, or the movement of the competitive area in which the
function is performed to another local commuting area.

SECTION 2 - PROCEDURES

A. In transfers of function within DFAS:

1. The Agency will provide notification to the Union not
less than 60 calendar days prior to the effective date of any
approved transfer of function. The Union may waive this
notification period.

2. Where employees are being relocated to a different
commuting area, the losing Agency will:

a. Provide the Union with the maximum notice
possible, but not less than 60 calendar days notice prior to the
effective date of any approved transfer of function in order to
negotiate the impact and procedures for the implementation of the
transfer of function.

b. Assist and counsel the affected employee in
seeking placement opportunities with other Federal agencies
elsewhere in the commuting area.

c. Counsel the employee on individual rights
relating to retirement and severance pay and placement potential.

d. Give any employee affected by a transfer of
function outside the commuting area, causing physical move, not
less than 60 calendar days notice in writing of the transfer of
function which provides for at least 30 calendar days for the
employee to respond as to whether he or she is willing to
accompany the function. Transfers of function within competitive
areas or commuting areas will require a minimum notice (not
necessarily in writing) of 14 calendar days.

e. Attendant to the circumstances of a particular
transfer of function, the Agency will make every good faith
effort in dealing with the activity gaining the function to have
that gaining activity provide affected employees with 30 calendar
days to respond to a specific job offer.

f. Make every effort to place affected employees in
vacant positions for which they qualify in the same commuting
area and/or in the same competitive area.

SECTION 3 - DOCUMENTATION

Following notification of a transfer of function, the Agency
shall furnish the Union all relevant and available documentation
or information concerning the transfer of function, subject to
any Privacy Act limitations.

SECTION 4 - PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION IN CONNECTION WITH A
TRANSFER OF FUNCTION

The Agency shall, as provided by appropriate regulation,
grant official time (including travel and per diem) to afford the
employee the opportunity to find housing and shall pay permanent
change of station expenses after the employee has accepted an
offer of employment.

SECTION 5 - COMPETITIVE AREA

A. Each DFAS Center is a separate competitive area.

B. Each DFAS activity which is geographically separate from
a DFAS Center is a separate competitive area.