Welcome to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a new employee of BLS working in Washington, DC, you recently received a letter that provided you with an Entry on Duty date, including the time and place where you will report. In order to make your first day at BLS a productive one, we are providing, via the web link above, the forms that you will need to complete and bring to orientation.

Some of the forms can be filled out on-line and printed, or they may be printed and completed manually. All of the forms on this site are in Adobe Acrobat format. Be aware that data entered on the electronic forms will not be saved and your input will be deleted when you exit the form. Please review each form for accuracy and print it before continuing on to the next form. As you work through the pre-appointment package, use the checklist of payroll documents as your guide. We also recommend that you keep copies of the completed forms for your records.

Please follow the instructions in this package carefully to ensure successful completion of the forms. If you are unsure about a form or question on a form, leave it blank and bring it to the orientation where a Human Resource Specialist (HRS) can answer your question. Do not sign or date the forms — this will be done at orientation.

As a Federal employee, you are entitled to certain benefits, including retirement, health and life insurance and the Thrift Savings program. Links to the official web sites that explain these programs are included in the list of forms. However, if you have questions about the programs we encourage you to call the providers directly or you may save your questions until the orientation where a HRS will either be able to answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate source.

If You Will be Working in Washington, DC
Facts for Your First Day at Work

Reporting for Work

On the date provided in your offer letter, you will report at 8:15 a.m. to BLS at the main entrance which is on First Street NE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and G Street NE, Washington, D.C. You will need to sign in at the Guard Station and will be issued a temporary badge that will allow you entry into the building. Your orientation will begin at 8:15 that morning and will last half a day before you are escorted to your office site. Your supervisor will be present at the start of the orientation to greet you.

Transportation

BLS is located directly across the street from the Union Station Metro stop, where you can catch a subway train (the stop is on Metrorail’s Red Line), or you can catch a local commuter train (Virginia Railway Express (VRE) or Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC)). BLS is also accessible by numerous bus routes. Parking is available in a number of commercial parking lots within a 1-4 block radius of BLS.

Work Schedule

The official work hours for BLS are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., though a flexitime program with expanded hours is available with supervisory approval. You will be able to discuss your hours of work with your supervisor on your first day.

Pay Schedule

The official payday for BLS employees is every other Monday. You must arrange to have your salary sent to a financial institution by direct deposit which ensures a safe and prompt transfer of funds to your account.

Forms and Checklist

Checklist of Required Documents

You must complete and print the forms before you report for orientation, ensuring that you DO NOT SIGN the documents. Failure to have these completed forms with you may result in a delay of your employment or a rescission of this offer. The rescheduling of you orientation will result in two week delay in your employment.

• Forms for new employees
• Forms for transfer employees
• Forms for temporary appointments

Forms for New Employees

New employees include employees brand new to the Federal government, rehires/reinstated Federal employees, and Recent Graduate appointments

Forms for Transfer Employees

Transfer employees include hires transferring from another Federal agency without a break in service of more than three days.

These beneficiary forms are not required for transfer employees unless any changes to your designations are necessary.

Forms for Temporary Appointment

Temporary appointments are usually 90 days or less and may have a "not to exceed date." These employees are generally not entitled to Federal benefits, and may include summer interns.

New Employee Packet

Here is some helpful information about BLS, being a Federal employee, and the Washington, DC area.

Last Modified Date: November 5, 2018