The Merit Systems Protection Board is pleased to announce that it has upgraded e-Appeal (https://e-appeal.mspb.gov), its online system for filing appeals electronically. Previously, only new appeals could be filed via the Internet. Now, participants in Board proceedings are able to file virtually any type of pleading in a secure, online environment that includes context-specific Help text and links.

E-Appeal now includes the following features:

• Both the Board and e-filers will receive electronic documents on the same day they are submitted.
• E-filers can either enter their pleadings online, or upload them as electronic files. The Board will accept any common electronic format, including word-processing and image formats (electronic files created by scanning paper documents).
• E-filers will be able to submit "hybrid" pleadings, in which part of a pleading is submitted in electronic form, and the rest is submitted in paper form.
• Service of pleadings on other e-filers will be automated.
• Documents issued by the Board will be delivered to e-filers as PDF documents, which will be sent to the e-filer's e-mail address of record.
• E-filers need not disclose their e?mail addresses to anyone except the MSPB.

Acting Chairman Neil A.G. McPhie stated, "Our online e-Appeal system is an important e-Government initiative that enhances our mission efficiency, and provides an important service to our appellate customers. This upgrade will greatly assist them in the meeting of filing requirements and will improve the quality and timeliness of appellate submissions."

A more complete description of e-Appeal, and the regulations governing electronic filing, are contained in today's Federal Register Notice.

The MSPB is an independent, quasi-judicial agency with responsibility for deciding Federal employee appeals from personnel actions taken against them, protecting the integrity of the civil service and other Federal merit systems, and conducting studies of the civil service and other merit systems in the Executive Branch.