All Federal departments and agencies have been directed to develop a comprehensive preparedness plan in the event this country experiences a pandemic influenza outbreak. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) was tasked with leading two initiatives in the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza - providing guidance on human capital management and COOP planning criteria, and updating telework guidance.
To assist agencies in making sure they are able to fulfill their mission, while at the same time, preparing and protecting the Federal workforce should a pandemic influenza outbreak occur, OPM updated and developed policies on leave, pay, hiring, alternative work arrangements and other critical human capital issues in relation to pandemic influenza.