§ 591.223 When does OPM conduct COLA surveys?

5 CFR 591.223(a)(a) OPM conducts a survey in each COLA area once every 3 years on a rotational basis and surveys the Washington, DC, area concurrently with each COLA area survey. The order of the COLA area surveys is as follows:

5 CFR 591.223(a)(1)(1) Year 1. All COLA areas in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

5 CFR 591.223(a)(2)(2) Year 2. All COLA areas in the State of Alaska, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

5 CFR 591.223(a)(3)(3) Year 3. All COLA areas in the State of Hawaii and the Territory of Guam and CNMI.

5 CFR 591.223(b)(b) Exceptions:

5 CFR 591.223(b)(1)(1) Nothing in this subpart precludes OPM from conducting interim surveys or implementing some other change in response to conditions caused by a natural disaster or similar emergency, provided OPM publishes a notice or rule in the Federal Register explaining the change and the reason(s) for it.

5 CFR 591.223(b)(2)(2) As provided in § 591.215(c), OPM does not conduct surveys in the Rest of the State of Alaska COLA area unless COLA rate reductions appear warranted.