Human capital management remains high-risk because of a continuing need for a government-wide framework to advance human capital reform, GAO told the House federal workforce subcommittee recently.
It said that although Congress, executive branch agencies, and OPM have taken action to reform federal human capital management, agencies are facing new challenges, such as the need to quickly hire staff to carry out and oversee the Troubled Asset Relief Program and expanded agency responsibilities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus measure.
Still, OPM has made strides in transforming itself as a strategic partner to help lead human capital reform efforts, according to GAO-09-632T. It noted for example that OPM works with the Chief Human Capital Officers Council to develop and disseminate human capital guidance and relies upon the council members to communicate OPM policy and other human capital information throughout their agencies.
However, integrating succession planning and management efforts that focus on strengthening both current and future organizational capacity to obtain or develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities agencies need to meet their missions continues to be important, GAO said.
