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Electronic Official Personnel Folder Platform Launched

Posted By Dennis Damp On In ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY,BENEFITS / INSURANCE,ESTATE PLANNING,RETIREMENT CONCERNS,SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE,SURVIVOR INFORMATION | No Comments
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OPM announced on June 3rd the availability of their new electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) platform. This new state-of-the-art cloud-based system replaces the legacy Official Personnel Folder (OPF).

When I retired, there wasn’t an eOPF to download. I requested my HR office to send a legacy hard copy file to my office, and was allowed to review it and make copies of documents I wished to keep.

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Modernization Initiative

OPM recently completed migrating more than 400 million files and over five million user accounts, a significant milestone in modernizing federal human resources systems. This, along with their recent announcement that all retirement applications will now be submitted online [3] instead of the archaic paper-copy version, is a tribute to this modernization effort.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to those who retired before automation took hold and eOPFs first became available. Retirees under the legacy system who wish to review their records must contact the records center.

eOPF Enhancements

Acting Director Chuck Ezell said. “The new eOPF platform improves accessibility and usability while also setting a new standard for efficiency and innovation in federal human resources management.” The upgrade includes:

Records Center Contact

If you are a former Federal employee, you can request a copy of your most recent SF-50, or a copy of your complete Official Personnel Folder, by contacting the:

National Archives and Records Administration
National Personnel Records Center (civilian)
1411 Boulder Blvd, Valmeyer, IL 62295.

Federal law [5 USC 552a(b)] requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing. Each request must be hand-signed (in cursive) and dated (within the last year). You must identify the documents or information needed and explain the purpose of your request.

Certain basic information is needed to locate civilian personnel records and to respond to your request, including:

The National Personnel Records Center provides these fax numbers for requests: 618-496-4903 or 4904.

End Notes

OPM continues modernization efforts, and its website has improved to provide retirees more information and services. These are just a few of the helpful additions that were added over the past year or so:

When I retired on December 31, 2004, OPM’s website was in its infancy and not user-friendly. That’s why I published my Retirement Planning website the year I retired. I literally couldn’t find the information I needed to make an informed decision about so many of our benefits.

Fortunately, this has changed dramatically over the past decade, and OPM’s online information continues to improve. My Retirement Planning website [8] complements OPM’s site. It provides an insider’s perspective on federal retirement, with helpful tips and advice on the steps needed to transition from an active employee to a satisfied federal annuitant.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances.  Federal regulations, medical procedures, investment, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance, including OPM’s retirement center.

Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The information contained herein should not be considered investment advice and may not be suitable for your situation. This service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult a financial, medical, or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss or other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

 

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