Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management today issued a guide on human resources and ethical conduct to ensure the smooth and orderly transfer of power in federal agencies during the change of administrations following the 2008 presidential election.

The Presidential Transition Guide to Federal Human Resources Management offers a comprehensive look at the merit system principles which govern all federal employees' personal and professional conduct, areas that are magnified during transitions.

"Even while the Federal civil service is itself in transition, its core values and principles must endure," said OPM Director Linda M. Springer in a memo accompanying the guide. "This guide provides those incoming Administration and agency officials who have transition responsibilities with a detailed description of the various rules, regulations and policies that govern the establishment of transition teams, the departure and appointment of political appointees, and the treatment of career Federal employees (especially members of the Senior Executive Service) during the transition period."

The six-chapter guide is an invaluable aid to members of the President-elect's transition teams assigned to each Executive Branch agency. Transition team members lay the ground work for the next administration to provide the nation's citizens and businesses with uninterrupted services upon the inauguration.

The first chapter in the guide, "Standards of Ethical Conduct," contains specific sections on lobbying disclosure and post-employment restrictions. Contents in subsequent chapters focus on personnel practices during the transition; political, expert and consultant appointments; compensation; and, personal identity verification.

OPM prepares and issues the Presidential Transition Guide to Federal Human Resources Management months before each presidential election. The guide can be viewed at www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=1300.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.