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Independent

Understanding the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

Understanding the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)What is the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)?

The Merit Systems Protection Board is an Independent Federal Agency responsible for the administration of legal and ethical protocol employed within Civil Service employment; civil service is defined as employment by State and Federal government undertaken within the United States of America – the expanse of Civil Service spans the vast array of government employment, ranging from Congressional employment to the law enforcement agents:

Both the hiring and promotion practices within Civil Service are required to adhere to standards and conditions rooted within a merit-based system in lieu of hiring and advancement undertaken as a result of bias, prejudice, and favoritism

As expressed within the Equal Rights Act of 1964, no individual will be subjected to any means of discrimination concerning their respective advancement, opportunity, and wellbeing

The Origin of Merit-based Civil Service

In 1883 – after the assassination of President James A. Garfield, which took place when Charles Guiteau shot and killed President Garfield resulted in the passing of legislative reform concerning both the appointment and hiring processes within the realm of Civil Service employment. As a result of his assassination, the Federal Government passed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in order to establish a Federal system and standard ensuring that the administrative process latent within Civil Service employment would be subject to the same regulatory terms and conditions required of civilian employment practices:

Civil Service examinations were required by all applicants

Civil Service employees were prohibited from the appointment, as well as the termination mandated by elected officials
Awards of promotion and advancement were limited to the analysis of individual merit and performance

MSPB Quick Facts

The following details outline the structuring of the MSPB:
The MSPB was founded in 1978 in conjunction with the establishment of the Office of Personnel management; within the same year, the United States Civil Service Agency was abolished, as well
The headquarters of the MSPB are located in Washington, D.C.

The MSPB is administered by Susan Tsui Grunddman, who was appointed by President Barack Obama; in addition to the administrator, the MSPB is overseen by an executive board responsible for the regulation and oversight of operations and management

Independent Government Agencies

Independent Federal Agencies are typically without a single director or executive; in contrast, independent government agencies – such as the MSPB – are overseen by an executive directorial board; due to this fact, the Judicial Branch retains less managerial oversight of the MSPB than its agency counterparts. Although the President of the United States retains administrative jurisdiction over the MSPB, the presence of a committee of directors allows for a decreased executive authority over hiring, staffing, and administration.

MSPB: Legal Information and Further Assistance

You may find both the primary address and telephones number of the MSPB below:

United States Merit Systems Protection Board

1615 M Street, NW

Washington, D.C.

20419

(202) 653-7200

A Guide to the Federal Executive Institute

A Guide to the Federal Executive InstituteWhat is the Federal Executive Institute (FEI)?

The Federal Executive Institute is an Independent Federal Agency residing within the State of Virginia; the FEI serves as the primary educational facility and developmental institutions implemented for the professional and managerial cultivation of professional training for Federal officials employed within government departments and agencies rooted within the public sector; the public sector is defined as the realm of Federal employment responsible for the provision of government systems, programs, and monetary transaction involving the collective – and individual – citizenship of the United States of America.

Although attendance to the FEI is not mandatory, a certification of the completion awarded from the FEI is highly-valued and revered by many Federal Departments and Administrators:

FEI Quick Facts

Independent Federal Agencies are typically without a single director or executive; in contrast, independent government agencies – such as the FEI – are overseen by an executive directorial board; due to this fact, the Executive Branch retains less managerial oversight of the FEI than its agency counterparts. Although the President of the United States retains administrative jurisdiction over the FEI, the presence of a committee of directors allows for a decreased executive authority over hiring, staffing, and administration.

The following details outline the structuring of the FEI:

The FEI was founded on May 9th, 1968 under the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson

The Headquarters of the FEI are located in Charlottesville, Virginia; however 2 satellite facility reside in West Virginia and Colorado

The FEI is administered by 8 faculty members, which includes 1 executive faculty director in lieu of a single agency head

Independent Government Agencies

Independent Government Agencies are specific organizations and bureaus under the overarching jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States; however, these independent agencies are typically without a specified Department responsible for their respective oversight and administration.

In contrast to non-independent government agencies, whose overseeing bodies may range from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Agriculture, independent government agencies, such as the FEI are not required to report to such a department. However, while non-independent government agencies are classified as existing under the jurisdiction of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the FEI – as well as the bulk of independent government agencies – are under varying degrees of the Executive branch’s jurisdiction.

Issues and Affairs Undertaken by the FEI

The foundation of the FEI was implemented in order to address matters concerning

The following legal and administrative matters and affairs are most commonly related to the operation of the FEI:

The Leadership of a Democratic Society Program (LDS)

The LDS program offered by the FEI is a month-long training and development program that focuses on imparting managerial skills and performance enhancement to individuals enrolled; this program is fashioned in order to provide federal employees with skills necessary to federal operations and procedures latent within the public sector.

FEI: Legal Information and Further Assistance

Please find both the primary address and telephones number of the FEI below:

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Facts

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FactsWhat is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a corporation within the United States Government formally created by the passing of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides deposit insurance, which formally guarantees the safety of deposits in member banks of up to $250,000 per deposit, for consumers and customers of the respective financial institutions. As of last year, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, better known as the FDIC, insures deposits at over 7,700 financial institutions throughout the United States of America.

In addition to insuring deposits, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also examines and supervises certain financials institutions for safety and soundness, as well as performs specific consumer-protection functions. Furthermore, the Federal Deposit Corporation will help construct and manage banks who have failed as a result of massive debts incurred.

To become insured, a financial institution must meet several insurance requirements established by the FDIC. Member banks must follow specific liquidity and reserve requirements; these levels are classified in five groups according to the specific risk-based capital ratio present: Well capitalized (10% or higher), adequately Capitalized (8% or higher), Undercapitalized (8% or lower), Significantly Undercapitalized (less than 6%) and critically undercapitalized (less than 2%).

When a bank becomes undercapitalized the FDIC will issue a warning to the bank; when the number drops below 6%, the FDIC can change management and force the bank to take corrective actions; when the bank becomes critically undercapitalized the FDIC will declare the bank involvement and assume management.

All institutions formally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are required to place signs at their respective place of business stating that “deposits are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.” Since the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, no depositor has lost any insured funds as a result of a bank failure.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was formed on June 16, 1933
The headquarters of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are located in Washington, D.C.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is responsible for the jurisdiction over the Federal Government of the United States
The head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is Sheila Blair
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation operates with approximately 5,400 employees

Federal Labor Relations Authority Explained

Federal Labor Relations Authority ExplainedWhat is the Federal Labor Relations Authority?

The Federal Labor Relations Authority is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government that is responsible for governing labor relations between the federal government and its employees.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority was created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978; it stands as a quasi-judicial body with three full-time members who are each appointed for five-year terms by the President of the United States with the advice and subsequent consent of the Senate. One member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority is appointed by the President to serve as chairman, chief executive officer and chief administrative officer of the board.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority adjudicates disputes arising under the Civil Service Reform Act; the committee is responsible for deciding cases regarding the negotiability of collective bargaining agreement proposals, exceptions to grievance arbitration awards and appeals concerning unfair labor practices and representation petitions.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority must stay consistent with its statutory charge to provide leadership in establishing policies and guidance to participants in the Federal labor-management relations program; additionally, the Federal Labor Relations Authority will also assist various Federal agencies and unions in understanding their specific rights and responsibilities as it pertains to the Statute through a distribution of statutory training programs. 

Federal Labor Relations Authority Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Federal Labor Relations Authority:
The Federal Labor Relations Authority was founded through the Civil Service reform Act of 1978
The headquarters of the Federal Labor Relations Authority are located in Washington, D.C.
The Federal Labor Relations Authority is responsible for the jurisdiction over the Federal Government of the United States
The head of the Federal Labor Relations Authority is Richard Catchings

What is an Independent Government Agency?

An independent agency of the United States Federal Government is a department or organization that exists outside of the federal executive departments or those headed by a Cabinet secretary. In a more specific sense, the term Independent Government Agency, is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally operating within the executive branch, are free from presidential authority or control, as a result of the President’s limited membership within the agency.

Independent government agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the United States Congress; each respective statutory grant of authority will define the goals or mission that the agency must work towards, in addition to the substantive areas, if applicable, over which the Independent Agency may have the power of rulemaking. These agency regulations, when enforced, maintain the power of federal law.

Understanding the Federal Maritime Commission

Understanding the Federal Maritime CommissionWhat is the Federal Maritime Commission?

The United States Federal maritime Commission is an independent federal agency responsible for the regulation of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce industries of the United States of America. The mission of the Federal Maritime Commission is to regulate certain activities of international shipping lines, known as ocean common carriers, marine terminals operators and ocean transportation intermediaries who operate within the foreign commerce industries.

Furthermore, the Federal Maritime commission is responsible for overseeing the financial responsibility of cruise ship lines and other passenger ship operators, to ensure they have adequate resources to pay compensation in the even of non-performance or injuries to those on board.

In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, the Federal Maritime Commission is required to monitor the laws and practices of foreign governments which could pose an adverse impact on the United States’ shipping industry and maritime trade. The Federal Maritime Commission will institute bilateral trade sanctions to help persuade foreign governments to remove adverse conditions or barriers to entry.

That being said, perhaps the most important duty of the Federal Maritime Commission revolves around the issuance of license. The independent government agency is the premiere authority in regards to regulating and licensing ocean transportation intermediaries in the United States. The Federal Maritime Commission must ensure that all intermediaries, including freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers are properly licensed and regulated to conduct business in U.S. waters.

Federal Maritime Commission Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Federal Maritime Commission:
The Federal Maritime Commission was founded in 1957
The headquarters of the Federal Maritime Commission are located in Washington, D.C.
The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for the jurisdiction over the Federal Government of the United States
The head of the Federal Maritime Commission is Dan Schultz

What is an Independent Government Agency?

An independent agency of the United States Federal Government is a department or organization that exists outside of the federal executive departments or those headed by a Cabinet secretary. In a more specific sense, the term Independent Government Agency, is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally operating within the executive branch, are free from presidential authority or control, as a result of the President’s limited membership within the agency.

Independent government agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the United States Congress; each respective statutory grant of authority will define the goals or mission that the agency must work towards, in addition to the substantive areas, if applicable, over which the Independent Agency may have the power of rulemaking. These agency regulations, when enforced, maintain the power of federal law.

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Quick Facts

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Quick FactsWhat is the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service?

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government, responsible for providing mediation services to industry, communities, and government agencies throughout the world. In a simplistic sense, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is responsible for settling or resolving disputes between organizations and communities throughout the globe.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was created under the terms of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 (also known as the Taft-Hartley Act), to replace the United States Conciliation Service operating within the Department of Labor. When created, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service offered services upon request or in disputes affecting interstate commerce and was originally required to be notified within 30 days of the expiration of a contract where either side proposed some sort of modification or a request of termination for the existing contract.

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service:

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was founded on June 23 of 1947

The headquarters of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service are located in Washington, D.C.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is responsible for the jurisdiction over the Federal Government of the United States of America

The head of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is Agency Director George Cohen

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service operates with approximately 275 employees

What is an Independent Government Agency?

An independent agency of the United States Federal Government is a department or organization that exists outside of the federal executive departments or those headed by a Cabinet secretary. In a more specific sense, the term Independent Government Agency, is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally operating within the executive branch, are free from presidential authority or control, as a result of the President’s limited membership within the agency.

Independent government agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the United States Congress; each respective statutory grant of authority will define the goals or mission that the agency must work towards, in addition to the substantive areas, if applicable, over which the Independent Agency may have the power of rulemaking. These agency regulations, when enforced, maintain the power of federal law.

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review CommissionWhat is the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission?

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is an independent adjudicative agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for providing administrative trial and appellate review of legal disputes which specifically arise under the regulations and statutes outlined under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act, better known as the Mine Act of 1977.

Under the Mines Act of 1977, the United States Department of Labor formally issued regulations covering the health and safety in our nation’s mines. Federal mine inspectors were subsequently employed by the Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration to enforce these regulations through the issuance of various citations and order to mine operators. As a result of this responsibility, the Commission is concerned only with the adjudication of disputes that arise in accordance with the Mine Act, including the determination of appropriate penalties—the Commission does not regulate mining or enforce the Mine Act itself.

What Specific Cases does the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission Review?

The majority of cases instituted or covered by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission deal with civil penalties assessed against mine operators and address whether the alleged health or safety violations occurred and whether the attached penalties are appropriate given the violation. Other types of cases administered by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission will include order to close a mine, miner’s charges of safety related discrimination and a miners’ request for compensation following the mine’s closure.

How is the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Organized?

The Federal Mine  Safety and Health Review Commission is headed by a group of commissioners and  administrative law judges, who are responsible for deciding cases at the trial level. The 5-member commission will provide appellate review and each commissioner is appointed by the President of the United States and subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

What is an Independent Government Agency?

An independent agency of the United States Federal Government is a department or organization that exists outside of the federal executive departments or those headed by a Cabinet secretary. In a more specific sense, the term Independent Government Agency, is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally operating within the executive branch, are free from presidential authority or control, as a result of the President’s limited membership within the agency.

Independent government agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the United States Congress; each respective statutory grant of authority will define the goals or mission that the agency must work towards, in addition to the substantive areas, if applicable, over which the Independent Agency may have the power of rulemaking. These agency regulations, when enforced, maintain the power of federal law.

What You Need to Know About In Q Tel

What You Need to Know About In Q TelWhat is the In Q Tel?

The In Q Tel is a non-profit venture capital firm that invests in high-tech companies for the sole purpose of equipping the Central Intelligence Agency with the most updated and technologically-advanced equipment in the world. In summation, In Q Tel is responsible for supporting the United States’ intelligence capability through investment.

Originally called Peleus, In Q tel was formally launched in 199 under the direction of Gilman Louie. As it is maintained now, the mission of In Q Tel is to identify and invest in companies who develop cutting-edge technologies that serve the nation’s security interests.

To equip the Intelligence agencies with the most updated technology, In Q Tel works from an evolving strategic blueprint, which specifically defines the Intelligence Community’s critical technological needs. In Q Tel will engage with growth companies, entrepreneurs, researchers and venture capitalists to deliver technologies that provide superior capabilities for the DIA, the NGA, the CIA and the larger Intelligence community. The capital firm focuses on three broad commercial technology areas: materials sciences, infrastructure and computer software.

In Q Tel Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the In Q Tel:

The In Q Tel was founded on September 29 of 1999
Norm Augustine founded In Q Tel
The headquarters of the In Q Tel are located in Arlington, VA
The head of the In Q Tel is current CEO Christopher Darby

How is In Q Tel Governed?

In Q Tel is a registered corporation in the state of Virginia; as such, In Q Tel is legally independent of the CIA or any government agency it works with or for. In Q Tel is answerable to the CIA and the American people, for is bound by Charter agreements with the state of Virginia and government agencies of the United States who set out the relationship between the organization.

Election Assistance Commission Overview

Election Assistance Commission OverviewWhat is the Election Assistance Commission?

The Election Assistance Commission is an independent agency of the United States Government that was formally created by the passing of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Through this legislation, the Election Assistance Commission serves as the national clearinghouse and resource of information center regarding election administration.

In alignment with these general characteristics, the Election Assistance Commission is responsible for administering payments to states and developing guidance to meet the requirements established in the Help America Vote Act. Furthermore, the Election Assistance Commission, is responsible for adopting voluntary voting system guidelines and accrediting voting system testing protocol to subsequently certify voting equipment throughout the United States.

In summation, the Election Assistance Commission is responsible to streamline and accurately gather all information concerning voting equipment to certify that votes are casted properly and efficiently throughout the country.

Responsibilities of the Election Assistance Commission:

The election Assistance Commission is responsible for fulfilling the following duties associated with elections:

The Election Assistance Commission must maintain and create the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Create a national program for the testing, certification and decertification of voting systems

Report to Congress every two years on the effects of the NVRA elections

Administer federal funds to States for HAVA requirements

Study and report best practices of the effective administration of voting equipment

Communicate information on laws, procedures, studies and data related to the administration of federal elections to those responsible for implementing election law and procedures, to the media and other persons of interest

Election Assistance Commission Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Election Assistance Commission:

The Election Assistance Commission was founded in 2002

The headquarters of the Election Assistance Commission are located in Washington D.C.

The Election Assistance Commission operates with 44 employees and an annual budget of approximately $18 million

The Election Assistance Commission is responsible for the jurisdiction over public elections in the United States of America

The head of the Election Assistance Commission is Chair Donetta Davidson

What is an Independent Government Agency?

An independent agency of the United States Federal Government is a department or organization that exists outside of the federal executive departments or those headed by a Cabinet secretary. In a more specific sense, the term Independent Government Agency, is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally operating within the executive branch, are free from presidential authority or control, as a result of the President’s limited membership within the agency.

Independent government agencies are established through separate statutes passed by the United States Congress; each respective statutory grant of authority will define the goals or mission that the agency must work towards, in addition to the substantive areas, if applicable, over which the Independent Agency may have the power of rulemaking. These agency regulations, when enforced, maintain the power of federal law.

Facts About the Environmental Protection Agency

Facts About the Environmental Protection AgencyWhat is the Environmental Protection Agency?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government responsible for protecting human health and the environment through drafting and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by the United States Congress.

The Environmental Protection Agency conducts a variety of environmental assessments, research initiatives and educational programs to inform the public and policymakers as to the overall health of the environment. The primary responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency revolves around setting and enforcing national standards, under a variety of environmental laws, in direct consultation with state and local governments. By doing so, the Environmental Protection Agency can delegate monitoring and enforcement responsibility to individual states and Native American Tribes located throughout the United States.

Enforcement powers of the Environmental Protection Agency include fines, the institution of sanctions and other penalized measures. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency will work closely with industries and all levels of government to promote energy conservation resources and efforts and pollution prevention procedures.

Environmental Protection Agency Quick Facts

The following details outline the administration of the Environmental Protection Agency:

The Environmental Protection Agency was founded on December 2 of 1970

The Environmental Protection Agency operates with roughly 17,400 employees and annual budget of nearly $10.5 billion

The headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency are located in Washington D.C., however, the Environmental Protection Agency maintains local offices throughout the United States of America

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the jurisdiction over

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is Administrator Lisa Jackson; the head of the EPA is appointed by the President of the United States and subsequently confirmed by Congress

Government Agency of the Executive Branch

Government agencies are defined as organizations, councils, and offices operating under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States of America; each federal agency retains specific administrative jurisdiction over specific facets latent within the operations of the United States Government. The # functions as a government agency under the Executive Branch of the United States government, which is comprised of 3 total branches; in addition to the Executive branch – which is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of operational legislation existing within the United States of America – there also exists the Legislative and Judicial Branches.