The memo follows the launch of the “U.S. Tech Force” program to bring private sector experts and managers in tech fields into agencies for fellowships of one or two years. Image: PhotoGranary02/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has reminded agencies of the flexibilities available for tech positions, saying that “attracting and retaining this talent is essential to safeguarding federal systems, modernizing operations, and delivering high-quality services to the public.”
“Agencies can use most of the flexibilities summarized in the guidance without OPM approval. For the few authorities that require OPM approval—such as special rates and critical pay—we stand ready to assist agencies and respond to their requests for enhanced compensation tools,” says a memo referring to resources on recruitment and retention incentive payments and more.
It also points to hiring flexibilities that such as the government-wide direct-hire authority for certain IT, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other scientific and technical occupations, adding that agencies “should ensure they are using appropriate assessment methods to determine that candidates meet qualification requirements.”
The memo comes shortly after OPM finalized regulations—first proposed last year under the Biden administration—loosening policies on the payment of recruitment and relocation incentives, including by giving agencies discretion to pay up to 50 percent of salary annually, up to a total of 100 percent of salary over the length of the required service agreement. Previously, OPM permission was required for an agency to pay more than 25 percent of salary annually.
It also shortly follows the launch of the “U.S. Tech Force” program to bring private sector experts and managers in tech fields into agencies for fellowships of one or two years; that initiative also involved the beginning of several other fellowship-type programs for project management and data science positions, as well as a new student internship program.
Reports over many years from GAO, agency inspectors general and others have pointed to skills gaps in tech positions as agencies have struggled to hire and keep employees, with non-competitive pay often cited as a major factor. This year the Trump administration has cut the number of career federal employees in such positions, both as part of general workforce reductions and through shrinking or closing of tech offices at agencies including the GSA, SSA and IRS.
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