Competitive Area of the RIF

Before a Reduction In Force (RIF) begins, the federal agency defines the competitive area. The competitive area is the geographical and organizational boundaries within which employees compete for retention. A competitive area may consist of all or part of an agency. The minimum competitive area is a bureau, major command, directorate, or other equivalent major subdivision of an agency within a local commuting area. If an agency wants to change a competitive area within 90 days of a RIF, the agency must obtain approval from Office of Personnel Management.