July 20, 2012

This memorandum which supplements my August 3, 2009 memorandum, "Improving the Administration of the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)," formalizes policy to support the Agency's continuing efforts to ensure consistency in VPP-related activities. The following procedures relate to the use of Special Government Employees (SGEs) on VPP onsite evaluation teams.

Composition of SGEs on VPP Onsite Evaluation Teams

1. The VPP onsite evaluation team must include at least one qualified Federal or State-Plan-State employee serving in the capacity of Team Leader. SGEs may not serve as Team Leaders or Backup Team Leaders unless they are conducting a VPP onsite evaluation of an OSHA office.
2. With approval by the Regional Administrator and if the Team Leader is a qualified Federal or State-Plan-State employee, an unlimited number of SGEs may serve on a VPP onsite evaluation team.

The SGE Policies and Procedures Manual will be revised to reflect all changes included in this memorandum. If you have any comments or questions, please contact the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, Office of Partnerships and Recognition.