CBS Report Challenges Federal “Savings” Claims
contract obligations federal employment mindfulness at work mspb deadlines rif appeals Aug 08, 2025CBS News recently analyzed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) records and found a major gap between headline claims and actual numbers. On three high-profile HHS contracts—COVID-19 testing and uninsured patient treatment—DOGE touted $6.4 billion in savings from cancellations. The real figure, based on obligated funds not spent, was closer to $165 million. That’s a 97% overstatement.
The problem? DOGE treated the ceiling value of contracts as if the full amount would have been spent, instead of using the obligated amounts—money actually committed to vendors. CBS also noted that half of DOGE’s reported $199 billion in “savings” has no documentation, and a $1,236-per-person savings claim was called “fiction” by independent experts.
For frontline federal employees, this disconnect is more than an accounting quirk—it’s the reason your workload hasn’t shrunk even though resources have.
Why This Matters for Your Day-to-Day Work
When agencies publicize “savings,” leadership may feel pressure to maintain or increase them. Yet missions remain constant. That mismatch—same mission, fewer resources—fuels burnout, creates service gaps, and sets the stage for reductions in force (RIFs).
If you’re in a program that’s been downsized on paper, you may feel the fallout in the form of unfilled vacancies, forced reassignments, or budget reprogramming that limits your tools. Understanding the real financial picture can help you anticipate where these pressures may land next.
The 30-Day MSPB Appeal Rule—Don’t Miss It
If you receive a RIF notice, the clock for filing an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is strict: 30 days from the later of (1) the effective date of the action or (2) the date you received the notice.
Here’s the safest approach—treat the earlier date as your deadline, and aim to file a few days before that. Missing the deadline, even by one day, can cost you your right to challenge the action.
How to Use This Moment Proactively
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Track the facts. Don’t rely solely on press releases. Request internal budget or contract obligation data if it impacts your work.
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Document the impacts. Keep clear records of workload changes, overtime, and resource shortages—this evidence can be critical in grievances, EEO claims, or MSPB appeals.
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Ask targeted questions. If you’re unclear on terms like “obligations,” “rescissions,” or “ceiling value,” push for plain-language explanations.
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Know your rights. Whether it’s a reassignment or a RIF, timelines and procedural rules are unforgiving.
If you’re looking for deeper, plain-language guides to navigating RIFs and appeals, our Power Hub contains step-by-step resources for federal employees.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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