[Request for Decision Concerning Navy Authorization of Administrative Leave During RIF]

The Navy requested a decision concerning its proposed regulations to authorize up to 30 days of administrative leave for employees who are subject to reductions in force (RIF). The Navy contended that: (1) it had the authority to issue such regulations, since no existing statutes or Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations governed the granting of administrative leave; and (2) employees who remained on active duty after RIF notification could cause morale problems. GAO held that: (1) the Navy's use of administrative leave for this purpose was inconsistent with OPM regulations regarding RIF; (2) there was no basis for the Navy's contention that its employees would interfere with its operations after RIF notification; and (3) in the absence of statutory authority, an amendment to current OPM regulations was not warranted. Accordingly, the Navy should not issue the regulations.