1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation Act of 2017 or the MERIT Act of 2017 . 2. Alternative removal for performance or misconduct (a) In general Chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: VI Alternative removal for performance or misconduct 7551. Removal for performance or misconduct (a) In general The head of an agency may remove an employee from the civil service if the head determines the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal. (b) Procedure (1) Not less than 7 days and not more than 21 days before taking a personnel action described in subsection (a) against an employee, the head of the applicable agency shall provide the employee with— (A) notice in writing of the proposed personnel action, including the reasons for such action and including the forecasted final date of employment