FedNewsNetwork covers the news dumps from GSA, SBA, and IRS

In a late-Friday flurry of announcements, GSA, SBA, and IRS signaled a new phase in federal workforce restructuring, expanding early-exit programs and initiating new rounds of layoffs as part of broader cost-cutting and reorganization plans, as reported by Federal News Network Monday.

GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian announced the reopening of the agency’s “Fork in the Road” strategy, extending the deadline to apply for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP), and the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) to 18 April 2025. These moves follow GSA’s goal to cut overall spending by 50 percent and precede a potential agencywide reduction in force (RIF). DRP participants may remain on full pay and benefits through 30 September 2025 or longer.

Simultaneously, SBA reopened its own DRP through 7 April 2025 as part of a plan to reduce its workforce by 43 percent. The agency aims to return to prepandemic staffing levels largely through voluntary exits, with limited use of a RIF.

IRS also escalated cuts, placing about 50 senior IT staff—many in SES or GS-15 roles—on administrative leave, signaling another step toward halving its IT workforce. The agency has already shed 20 percent of its IT personnel. Treasury approved VERA authority for IRS late Friday, with further reductions possible this week.

These moves follow efforts to shrink federal office space. GSA named 19 hub locations nationwide where future office consolidations will occur, noting that most employees live within commuting distance of the new centers.

The deferred resignation programs have faced legal challenges from federal unions, but a district court recently lifted a temporary restraining order, citing lack of standing.