eOPF Participation Options

The Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) system is OPM's way of storing federal employee personnel records electronically. Agencies can participate in three different ways, depending on how they want to use the system. This article describes the available participation options for agencies using the eOPF system. 

Download the eOPF Participation Options guide (PDF).

Option 1 - Full eOPF Participation

• Agency codes are configured in accordance with OPM data standards, and the agency is established as its own tenant in the OPM eOPF system.
• Employee Data Feed (EDF) service creates employee accounts and personnel folders through automated data transmissions from agency data providers. 
• HR personnel receive role-based access to manage agency personnel folders.
• Agency is listed as an official eOPF participating agency.
• Forms Data Feed (FDF) supports SF-50s, benefits forms, and other personnel actions.
• Optional Index Data Feed (IDF) integration supports third-party systems such as EOD, performance management, and scanning vendors.
• Personnel records are maintained in accordance with OPM Governmentwide Personnel Recordkeeping requirements.
• Agency can send and receive electronic folders with NPRC and other participating agencies when authorized.
• Records are fully available to former employees through the OPM Document Request Service (DRS).

Option 2 - eOPF Participation Without Record Transfer

• Includes all capabilities of Full eOPF Participation except agencies will not be authorized to use the eOPF folder transfer function.
• Personnel records remain in agency eOPF custody, not allowed to request or transfer electronically to NPRC or other agencies through the OPM eOPF system.
• Agency continues its own authorized recordkeeping and transcript-of-service processes.
• Separated or retired employee records are retained or transferred under separate agreements with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) outside the OPM eOPF system.
• DRS (If agency maintains personnel documents in eOPF, then documents will be available through DRS).

Option 3: Data Feed Only (OPM Online Retirement Application Support-ORA)

• Agency uses eOPF solely as a secure data conduit for employee and personnel action data.
• Data is transmitted to support the OPM-ORA.
• Agency is not considered an eOPF participant and does not receive an eOPF tenant space within the eOPF application.
• Agency employees and HR personnel do not access eOPF application.
• No front-end record management capabilities are provided.
• Agency continues to maintain personnel records in its existing system of record.
• * DRS support - FDF Service only - Discussion with agency on data offering.

Summary Comparison