You need a complete and thorough copy of your Official Personnel File (OPF) in your FERS Go Bag—all of it, all the documents, everything. 

Remember that when you are in, you are a guest, but when you are out, you are a pest. 

The Official Personnel File (OPF) and the Certified Summary of Federal Service. These documents play a crucial role in the retirement process and ensuring you have accurate records of your federal service.

Official Personnel File (OPF)

Your Official Personnel File, now commonly referred to as the electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), is a comprehensive record of your federal employment history. Here’s what you need to know about accessing and preserving this important information:

Accessing Your eOPF

1. Log in to your agency’s eOPF portal using your eOPF ID and password.
2. If you’ve forgotten your login credentials, use the “Request Your eOPF ID” or “Request a New Password” links on the login page.

Downloading Your Entire eOPF

To save a complete copy of your eOPF:

1. Navigate to the “My eOPF” tab.
2. Click on “My eOPF Print Folder.”
3. Select “All” to include all documents.
4. Click one of the print buttons.
5. Wait for the print request to process (this may take some time).
6. Once ready, click “View” in the Action box.
7. Save the file as a PDF and ensure you have a copy not just on your work computer.
8. Open the PDF and enter the provided password.

Important: Download your eOPF before leaving any federal position, as your access may be revoked once you’re no longer on the payroll. We have seen a tremendous increase in Feds telling us, “Hey, I can’t access my information anymore,” when they take the deferred resignation—well, of course, you resigned. It seems like a low IQ step, but trust is critical.

Certified Summary of Federal Service SF-3107

If you have a copy of your SF-3107 that your agency—not you—has completed, this will help OPM process your file faster, as someone has already audited your records. We recommend that Feds, regardless of where they are in their careers, do this every 3-5 years. It’s just good housekeeping. 

By having a copy of your CSFS SF-3108, you can remedy any mistakes in your file before you want/need to retire. 

Keep in mind that for many federal employees they started their careers before Personnel Files were electronic. They had to be scanned from paper files into a computer system – inevitably, mistakes will have been made. Let’s ensure your file isn’t one of those mistakes.

The Certified Summary of Federal Service is a crucial document in your retirement application process. Here’s what you need to know:

Purpose

This document provides a comprehensive overview of your entire federal service history, which is used to calculate your retirement benefits.

Form Details

• For CSRS employees: Use Standard Form 2801-1 – a few are still out there.
• For FERS employees: Use Standard Form 3107-1 – most of the federal, civilian workforce.

Process

1. Your personnel office will prepare this form.
2. You’ll need to review and sign it to certify its accuracy.

Verification

• Ensure all your federal service is documented in your OPF.
• If any service is missing documentation, work with your personnel office to add it.
• Be aware that missing documentation may delay your retirement application processing.

By understanding and properly managing these documents, you’ll be better prepared for a smooth transition into retirement. Remember to keep copies of all important documents for your personal records off your government-issued computer that you must turn in when you stop working.

As a federal employee, you have limited ability to update information directly in your electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). It takes time to update your eOPF, which is why the earlier you start this process, the better. 

This is particularly important if you have ever had a 

• Break in Service
• Transferred Agencies
• Had Temporary Time

However, there are some steps you can take to ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date:

Reviewing Your eOPF

1. Log into your agency’s eOPF portal using your eOPF ID and password or PIV/CAC card3.
2. Review the documents in your Permanent and Temporary folders for accuracy1.

Updating Emergency Contact Information

If your agency has enabled this function:

1. Click “My Profile” from the main menu.
2. Select the “Emergency Data” tab.
3. Edit the fields as needed.
4. Click “Apply” to save your changes.

Requesting Corrections

If you find inaccurate or erroneous information in your eOPF:

1. Note the specific document and error.
2. Contact your agency’s Human Resources (HR) office to request a correction.

Please be kind to your HR Department. They were not the ones who probably made the original error (as most HR’s were downsized or centralized to one location) and they’re taking over the work of their predecessors. 

Being nasty with your HR department will not help you resolve matters. You get more with honey than vinegar. 

For Former Federal Employees

If you’re no longer a federal employee and need to correct your eOPF, this will be a process, but it is achievable.

Here is how you can start that process:

1. Submit a written request to:
   U.S. Office of Personnel Management
   Office of the Chief Information Officer
   Chief, Records Management and Data Policy
   1900 E Street, N.W.
   Washington, DC 20415-7900
2. Include in your request:
   • Your handwritten signature
   • Social Security Number
   • Date of birth
   • Name of last agency where employed
   • Approximate date when you left Federal service
   • Details of the error you wish to be addressed.

Remember, while viewing your eOPF documents, you cannot modify them directly. For former employees, any changes or updates must be processed through your HR office or OPM. 

If every federal employee could correct their eOPF, they would, and perhaps not all would do so legitimately. We all know someone who might abuse this, so OPM makes it very clear: only your agency, not you as the employee, can make corrections.