Data security has been added to the list of management challenges facing OPM as identified by its IG’s office, which cited the breaches of personnel and security clearance records and the “the significant impact they have had on current and former federal employees.”
A related issue raised in the latest version of the IG’s annual management challenges report said is the overhaul and migration of OPM’s network infrastructure, which includes putting in place new IT security tools and creating a more centralized architecture.
Procurement process oversight also was added as a challenge, reflecting the IG’s ongoing disputes with top agency management over how OPM responded to the breaches, in particular whether it jumped into the task without having a good sense of the direction, the cost and how it would be paid for.
Meanwhile, the IG removed from the list the need to improve recruitment and hiring processes, citing steps such as new programs in those areas including the Pathways Program for students and recent graduates, workshops and partnerships with educational institutions. Also removed was veterans employment in light of several programs that have led to “continued successes in hiring veterans.”
Also, increased resources, including hiring of new field investigators and rehired annuitants, allowed removal of background investigations from the list of major challenges.
Continuing challenges include keeping premiums in check in the FEHB health insurance program, especially regarding prescription drug costs; collecting and analyzing claims data; preventing fraud and abuse in claims; processing retirement benefit applications; and catching fraudulent claims for those payments.
