OPM is seeking to widen its authority to conduct and evaluate demonstration projects. Image: Mark Van Scyoc/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffAs part of the Biden administration’s budget proposal, OPM is seeking new authority over strategic workforce analysis and development for the federal HR workforce, saying the “need to improve strategic human capital management has been cited repeatedly by the Government Accountability Office as a high risk to federal operations.”
Despite those warnings, “to date federal HR workforce development has not received prioritization and resourcing commensurate with their critical value to hire, retain, develop and engage a high-quality workforce for the rest of government,” a budget document says.
“Following the successful precedent set to address skills gaps in the federal acquisitions workforce, OPM seeks the ability to carry out government-wide, coordinated activities to build the capacity and capabilities of the federal HR workforce,” it says.
OPM further is seeking to widen its authority to conduct and evaluate demonstration projects. “This would enhance the ability of OPM and employing agencies to conduct pilot programs by expanding the scope of activities that could be considered. By providing greater flexibility and a better approach to assess outcomes, OPM would be better positioned to promote innovation and learning,” it says.
While demonstration projects once were actively pursued as test cases for innovation in federal personnel—the “China Lake” project for example pioneered the use of pay banding—none have been started for a number of years, in part because of the additional administrative processes involved. Most of the attention instead has been on expanding and tweaking programs already in existence.
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