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ARTICLE

11.

Section 1 - Periodic Briefings

Periodic briefings will be held with AFGE officials at the local and national levels to provide the Union with information concerning any VA decisions that may impact unit employees in implementing OMB Circular A-76.

Section 2 - Site Visits

The Department will notify the Union if a site visit is going to be conducted for potential bidders seeking contracts for work performed by unit employees. A union representative may attend such a site visit.

Section 3 - Union Notification

When the Department determines that unit work will be contracted out, the Department will notify the Union to provide them an opportunity to request to negotiate as appropriate.

Section 4 - Employee Placement

When employees are adversely affected by a decision to contract out, the Department will make maximum effort to find available positions for employees. This effort will include:

• Giving priority consideration for available positions within the Department,

• Establishing an employment priority list and a placement program, and

• Paying reasonable costs for training and relocation that contribute to placement.

Section 5 - Inventory of Commercial Activities

The Department will maintain an inventory of all in-house commercial activities performed by the Department and will update this inventory annually. The inventory will include information on all completed cost comparisons and will be made available to the Union upon request.

Section 6 - Reopener

The parties agree that any agreement reached in Mid-Term Bargaining regarding Contracting Out may be incorporated in this Agreement.