BRAC Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BRAC?
- How does the BRAC process work?
- Are there any specific priorities for BRAC 2005?
- What is the Base Closure and Realignment Commission?
- What authority does the Commission have?
- What happens to the Commission’s recommendations?
- If my base is on the initial BRAC list, does that mean it will definitely be closed or realigned?
- If my base is not on the list, can the BRAC Commission recommend it for closure or realignment?
- What percentage of SECDEF recommendations are normally approved?
- What are the key events in BRAC and when will they occur?
- How many bases were closed in the four previous BRAC rounds?
- How much has been saved through previous BRAC rounds?
- Has the planned realignment of military forces and bases overseas been factored into the BRAC 2005 recommendations?
- Will there be any personnel reductions at bases on the initial BRAC list?
- If my base is on the final closure list, when will I be separated?
- How will opportunities for promotion be affected by the initial BRAC recommendations?
- If I’m facing separation due to BRAC, what types of assistance are available?
- What placement programs are available to help employees find jobs?
- Do I receive special consideration for jobs with private contractors hired to prepare the base for closure or to maintain it afterwards?
- Is there any type of program that provides retraining and other forms of assistance in preparing for a job search?
- If I accept a job in another geographic location, am I eligible for assistance with the sale of my home?
- What impact does BRAC have on the implementation of NSPS, particularly those activities in Spiral One?
"BRAC" is an acronym that stands for Base Realignment and Closure. It is the congressionally authorized process DoD has previously used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our forces, increase operational readiness, and facilitate new ways of doing business. ( Note: Even though the BRAC acronym is commonly used, the original legislation actually states that the title of the process is “Base Closure and Realignment.”)
2. How does the BRAC process work?
The process began with a threat assessment of the future national security environment, followed by the development of a force structure plan and basing requirements to meet these threats. DoD then applied published selection criteria to determine which installations to recommend for realignment and closure. The Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) will publish a report containing his realignment and closure recommendations, forwarding supporting documentation to the independent Base Closure and Realignment Commission.
3. Are there any specific priorities for BRAC 2005?
In his November 15, 2002, memorandum, the SECDEF established the goals and priorities for the 2005 BRAC round. A primary objective of BRAC 2005, in addition to realigning our base structure to meet our post-cold war force structure, is to examine and implement opportunities for greater jointness. To reinforce the idea that we should be looking across traditional lines to examine the potential for jointness, the Secretary established an internal BRAC 2005 decision making body that is joint at every level.
4. What is the Base Closure and Realignment Commission?
The Commission is an independent body responsible for reviewing the Secretary’s recommendations for BRAC 2005. BRAC legislation specifies the selection process for Commissioners. The President was required to consult with congressional leadership on nominations to serve on the Commission.
5. What authority does the Commission have?
The Commission has the authority to change the Department's recommendations if it determines that the Secretary deviated substantially from the force structure plan and/or selection criteria. The Commission will hold regional meetings to solicit public input prior to making its recommendations. History has shown that the use of an independent commission and public meetings make the process as open and fair as possible.
6. What happens to the Commission’s recommendations?
The Commission forwards its recommendations to the President for review. If approved, the President then forwards the recommendations to Congress. Congress has 45 legislative days to act on the Commission report on an all-or-none basis. If Congress fails to act within that time, the Commission's realignment and closure recommendations become law. Implementation must start within 2 years, and actions must be completed within 6 years. (See Question 10 for more details.)
In past BRAC rounds, the initial list has been a good indicator of the final actions. However, the ultimate decisions are up to the BRAC Commission, the President, and the Congress. (See Question 10 for more details).
8. If my base is not on the list, can the BRAC Commission recommend it for realignment or closures?
Yes. The BRAC statute requires that seven of nine Commissioners vote to consider a recommendation to close or realign an installation not recommended by the Secretary of Defense. If seven of nine vote to consider, two Commissioners must visit the installation and seven of nine Commissioners must vote to approve the recommendation.
9. What percentage of SECDEF recommendations are normally approved?
Historically, the BRAC Commissions have accepted 85 percent of the Department’s recommendations.
10. What are the key events in BRAC and when will they occur?
There are several significant events taking place throughout the remainder of 2005.
· Not later than May 16, 2005, the Secretary of Defense forwards the recommendations for closure and realignment to the independent BRAC Commission, at which time the information is available to the public.· By September 8, 2005, the BRAC Commission must forward its report to the President of the United States.
· By September 23, 2005, The President will accept or reject the Commission’s recommendations on an all or nothing basis and, if approved, forward the recommendations to Congress.
· If the President disapproves the Commission's initial recommendations, the Commission must submit revised recommendations to the President not later than October 20, 2005. The President must then approve or disapprove the Commission’s revised recommendations by November 7, 2005, or the process ends.
·Once the President forwards the recommendations to Congress, Congress will have 45 legislative days to enact a joint resolution rejecting all the recommendations or they become binding on the Department.
11. How many bases were closed in the four previous BRAC rounds?
The four prior rounds of BRAC resulted in recommendations to close 97 out of 495 major domestic installations. BRAC 1988 closed 16 major installations; BRAC 1991 closed 26 major installations; BRAC 1993 closed 28 major installations; and BRAC 1995 closed 27 major installations.
12. How much has been saved through previous BRAC rounds?
The four previous BRAC rounds have eliminated approximately 20 percent of DoD capacity that existed in 1988 and, through 2001, produced net savings of approximately $17.7 billion. This figure includes the cost of environmental clean-up. Recurring savings beyond 2001 are approximately $7 billion annually. In independent studies conducted over previous years, both the General Accounting Office and the Congressional Budget Office have consistently supported the department's view that realigning and closing unneeded military installations produces savings that far exceed costs.
Yes. On March 20, 2003, the Secretary directed the development of a comprehensive and integrated presence and basing strategy looking out 10 years. Results of that effort, including rationalizing areas of potential excesses and identifying the utility of overseas installations, were factored into the BRAC 2005 process.
14. Will there be any personnel reductions at bases on the initial BRAC list?
None of the initial recommendations become official until the BRAC process has been completed. Therefore, unless previously planned or needed for other reasons, there will not be any reductions as a result of bases being included on the initial list of recommended actions.
15. If my base is on the final closure list, when will I be separated?
Normally, separations must be effective no later than the effective date of base closure. Depending on the installation’s drawdown plan, however, it may be necessary to conduct one or more incremental RIFs prior to closure. Additionally, some employees may have the opportunity to remain after closure as part of a caretaker workforce.
16. How will opportunities for promotion be affected by the initial BRAC recommendations?
Since there is no certainty that all of the bases on the initial list will be closed or realigned, there may not be much of an impact on promotion opportunities. However, at the discretion of the commander, some vacancies may be filled on a temporary basis to improve the base’s posture in the event it is eventually approved for closure or realignment.
17. If I’m facing separation due to BRAC, what types of assistance are available?
Although the types of assistance may vary from one NAF activity to another, separating NAF employees will have access to job placement programs, voluntary separation incentives, and various other forms of transition assistance.
18. What placement programs are available to help employees find jobs?
The NAF HRO will establish a Reemployment Priority List (RPL) to provide placement assistance to eligible employees separated by Business Based Action (BBA), which is the NAF equivalent of an appropriated fund reduction in force ( RIF). The RPL gives eligible employees priority placement status for other jobs in the NAF activity from which they are separated. Those interested in appropriated fund (APF) employment may be eligible to apply under the noncompetitive hiring authority available through an interchange agreement between DoD and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). NAF HROs can provide more information about other available programs.
Employees at closing installations have hiring preference for certain jobs with these private contractors. The contractor must afford eligible and qualified DoD employees right of first refusal before hiring from any other source. Normally, these jobs are in areas of environmental cleanup and restoration, utilities modification, roads and grounds work, security, and fire protection.
Yes. Through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Department of Labor provides funding for retraining and readjustment assistance to displaced Federal employees, including nonappropriated fund employees. In addition to retraining, the WIA provides for, counseling, testing, placement assistance, and other related support activities. This assistance is made available to employees through the appropriate State Employment Security Agencies. Employees assigned to DoD installations approved for closure or realignment may apply for WIA assistance up to 24 months in advance of the effective date of the closure or realignment.
Depending on the circumstances, employees at some BRAC bases may be eligible for the Homeowners’ Assistance Program (HAP). The HAP, which is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides financial relief to employees who are relocating outside of the commuting area and would otherwise lose money on the sale of their primary residence. To be eligible for HAP, you must be employed at or near an installation scheduled for realignment or closure and be the owner-occupant of the residence at the time of the BRAC announcement. You may also be eligible if you are serving on a tour of duty overseas and own a residence at or near a BRAC installation. Regardless of your circumstances, HAP assistance is not available until the Corps of Engineers has conducted a real estate survey and confirms that certain market conditions are in effect. Your HRO can refer you to the appropriate point of contact for more information regarding the HAP, or you can review the HAP brochure online at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/hapinv/HapBroc.pdf .
BRAC will not affect the overall implementation of NSPS. NSPS is also critical to the Department’s transformation and the Department will not delay its implementation as a result of BRAC. No activity on the BRAC list will automatically be excluded from Spiral One. Components will assess whether inclusion of a BRAC site in Spiral One is appropriate, considering such factors as the anticipated time frame for the closure/realignment and impact on the mission and the workforce.
Prepared by: NAF Division, DoD Civilian Personnel Management Service
