Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: OPM E-File System

Agency Information Collection Request: OPM E-File System (3206-NEW)

DATES:

Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until August 24, 2026. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OPM adjudicates appeals under a variety of regulations in 5 CFR Chapter I. These include classification appeals (parts 511 and 532), declination of a "reasonable offer" appeals (part 536, subpart D), compensation and leave claims (5 CFR 178 Subpart A), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) claims (part 551, subpart G). In addition, OPM has proposed regulations to adjudicate appeals of additional types of actions, including probationary and trial period appeals (see 90 FR 61070, Dec. 30, 2025), suitability action appeals (91 FR 5352, February 6, 2026), and Reduction in Force Appeals (91 FR 586, February 10, 2026). To facilitate agency processing and tracking appeals, OPM is creating an electronic filing system by which appellants can create an account and file and track their appeals.

On February 6, 2026, OPM published a 60-Day Notice at 91 FR 5526. One comment was received which, among other things, expressed concern that the burden numbers may have been undercounted. Since the publication of the 60-Day Notice, OPM regulations have moved further within the rulemaking process, which allowed OPM to modify and correct the original burden estimate to reflect a more accurate number. We have broken down the numbers as such below:

The commenter goes on to express concerns regarding the IT and Privacy portions of this E-File ICR, FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a standardized, government-wide framework in the United States that assesses, authorizes, and continuously monitors the security of cloud products and services used by federal agencies. OPM can confirm that all cloud products and services used for the E-File ICR are FedRAMP certified. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) core requirements include proper system categorization based on their risk level (low, moderate, or high), implementing required security controls, continuous monitoring, and annual reviews. OPM can also confirm that all FISMA requirements were met with this E-File ICR. Finally, under Section 208 of the E-Government Act of 2002, Federal agencies must conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) before developing or procuring IT systems that collect, maintain, or disseminate Personally Identifiable Information (PII). We invite the commenter to go to https://www.opm.gov/privacy/#url=PIAs to review the E-File PIA when it is published.

OPM thanks the commenter for their submission and notes no additional action is required on OPM's part as all the legal requirements for this ICR have been met.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2), OPM is again soliciting comments for this collection. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

Analysis

Agency: Office of Personnel Management.

Title: OPM E-File System.

OMB Number: 3206-NEW.

Frequency: On occasion.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households; Businesses; Federal Government.

Number of Respondents: 1,286.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 13 hours.

Total Burden Hours: 13,039 hours.