The Park Service plans to conduct preliminary planning for job competitions for 150 positions, four standard studies for 550 positions, and six streamlined studies for 255 positions during 2006 as part of its competitive sourcing “green plan,” according to the Congressional Research Service.
It said the agency also expects to review about 700 positions in fiscal 2007 and subsequently implement related efficiencies, but that the fiscal 2006 Interior, Environment and related agencies spending bill placed a cap of $3.45 million on Department of Interior competitive sourcing studies during fiscal 2006 without specifying the portion to be allocated to the Park Service.
The law also requires agencies to report on more of the costs associated with conducting studies in reports to appropriations committees, and the House included similar provisions in the fiscal 2007-spending bill, the report said.
It said the provisions originated out of concern that agencies were spending a lot on competitive sourcing where the administration did not request or receive funds for that purpose, and were not providing Congress with complete information on costs and implications.
Areas of focus for competitive sourcing in the Park Service include maintenance, administration, and cultural resource positions, but rangers, fee collectors, and park guides are among those positions classified as either “inherently governmental” or “core to the mission,” and exempt from review, CRS said.
It said that while the Park Service has long contracted many jobs to private industry, concerns remain as to whether competitions save money, whether they are used to accomplish policy objectives by outsourcing particular functions, whether they weaken morale and the diversity of the NPS workforce, and whether the private sector could provide the same quality of service.
