Federal Managers Association

To view a complete copy of the letter, please visit FMA’s Members Only section at: www.fedmanagers.org.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL?

HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES STIMULUS PACKAGE, SSA EYES FUNDS

The House Appropriations Committee approved an $825 billion economic stimulus package despite a fierce divide along party lines. Republicans on the Committee repeatedly voiced their objections over the manner in which the package was structured, but the Democratic majority overpowered calls for added amendments and provisions including greater tax cuts. Leaders in the Democratic Party were hopeful that the bill would see introduction on the House floor early this week. In the meantime, Republicans have asked to meet with President Obama to present their own stimulus package for review.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 passed by the Committee includes roughly $550 billion in government spending and $275 billion in tax cuts. The Social Security Administration (SSA) would see a substantial increase in funding if the package is signed into law, money the agency argues is absolutely critical to alleviate the current backlog of disability claims and hearing requests. The package allocates $500 million to combat the backlog and an additional $400 million to upgrade the agency’s computer systems. SSA would also receive $4.1 billion for one-time Supplemental Security Income payments, bringing the total amount of SSA funding contained in the current package to $5.1 billion.

Concerns continue to mount in the Republican camp, however, and Obama’s calls for bipartisan support of this legislation may be brushed aside when the package hits the House floor. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also expressed his colleagues’ concerns that the House version of the stimulus package did not fall in line with that initially proposed by Obama. In a press conference on January 21, McConnell suggested that the current package, which plans for less than 40 percent of the funding to be used in the first 18 months following final approval, does not contain the proper structure to combat the crisis facing America today.

“I think Speaker Pelosi had it right when she said a stimulus package ought to be timely, temporary, and targeted, and it’s our view that we need to try to craft this package in such a way that it is truly stimulative in nature,” McConnell argued.

Democrats remain committed to the present package, however, and House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.), one of the bill’s lead architects, believed that his party was taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term economic success of the nation, concluding that, “With passage of this package, we will face a large deficit for years to come. Without it, those deficits will be devastating and we face the risk of economic chaos. Tough choices have been made in this legislation and fiscal discipline will demand more tough choices in years to come.”

For more information on the stimulus package, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov.

SENATE CONFIRMS KEY MEMBERS OF OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Seven of President Barack Obama’s nominees for top political positions were confirmed by the Senate last Tuesday, just hours after the President was officially sworn into office. Several Cabinet members were among those confirmed, but select Republican protest continued to impede the process for several nominees as the minority party sought further questioning.

Following the Inaugural festivities, the Senate confirmed by voice vote: Steven Chu, Energy Secretary; Arne Duncan, Education Secretary; Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security; Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget; Ken Salazar; Secretary of the Interior; Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and, Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture.

Former New York Senator Hillary Clinton expected her own confirmation as Secretary of State on Tuesday as well, but Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) asked for more time to allow for further examination of a possible conflict of interest related to donations received from foreign sources by the Clinton Foundation created by her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton was nonetheless confirmed the following day by a vote of 94-2, with Cornyn among those expressing his final approval of her nomination.

On January 22, the Senate confirmed two more of Obama’s Cabinet nominees: Shaun Donovan as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation. Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense under former President Bush, will also retain his position in the Obama Administration.

For more information on the President’s nominees, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov.

HOUSE REINTRODUCES PARENTAL LEAVE BILL

Several Members of the House reintroduced legislation last week that would expand federal employee benefits to cover four weeks of paid leave for childbirth or adoption. The bill, H.R. 626, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, falls in line with legislation that passed the House in the 110th Congress but did not see action by the Senate. The measure would revise the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, P.L. 103-3, which currently dictates the allotted leave time federal employees receive to care for a newborn or adopted child.

Current law allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave and 13 days of paid sick leave for childcare. Federal employees may also use paid annual leave, but lawmakers argue that this is not enough to keep up with the benefits enjoyed by new parents in the private sector.

"With this bill, the Federal government can lead the way. Amazingly, Federal employees currently receive no paid family leave at all. Yet raising a child is the most important task in our society," said Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), a lead sponsor of the legislation. "Families should not have to choose between a paycheck and getting their newborn home and settled in, especially in these economic times. With FEPPLA, the Federal government can make ‘family-friendly’ more than a buzzword and ensure that both newborns and the government benefit."

Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) echoed Maloney’s belief that an extension of the proposed parental leave benefit delivers on the government’s promise to provide equitable work conditions for its valued employees. Webb announced his intentions to reintroduce legislation on this issue in the Senate.

"The legislation introduced by Representative Maloney today is an issue of fairness for the working family," said Webb. "Paid parental leave for federal employees will improve recruitment and retention for government agencies. I look forward to re-introducing this measure in the U.S. Senate to advance a standard for family-friendly workplace policy that supports our federal workers."

By failing to provide paid parental leave, the federal government lags behind both the private sector and many industrialized nations, according to a press release issued by the bill’s sponsors. The Congressional Budget Office determined last year that similar legislation had no PAYGO implications, the press release noted, thereby avoiding any need to offset the cost with other federal program cuts.

To view a copy of the legislation, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov.

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH?

44th PRESIDENT SWORN INTO OFFICE

Over 1.5 million people braved the cold weather and long lines on January 20 to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. In an unprecedented display of support on the Mall in downtown Washington, D.C., Americans from across the country descended on the nation’s capital for the Inauguration, capping a weekend-long celebration of the former Senator from Illinois’ historic run to the White House.

Addressing the public for the first time as President, Obama presented his vision of prosperity for the nation crippled by economic woes, calling on each individual to remain resolute in the face of hardship. Obama noted that the American people have faced adversity numerous times in the past, and still the country remains a leader in the free world.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," said Obama in his Inaugural address. "They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."

Accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, the President challenged lawmakers and the public alike to dispel with the partisanship that has characterized the nation for so long, promoting cooperation as the most effective means to advance the nation’s interests. Throughout his message, Obama stressed the importance of upholding the values of the country’s forefathers, urging the public to take action and preserve hope in the midst of troubled times.

“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given,” Obama affirmed. “It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.”

A parade down Pennsylvania Avenue followed the President’s address, and the first family gathered in a viewing stand to cheer on the participants. The celebration of the nation’s first African-American President could be seen in nations abroad as well, with various media outlets streaming videos of cheering masses from Europe to Australia.

For more information on President Obama, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov.

OPM FINALIZES NSPS REGULATIONS

The Department of Defense (DOD) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) finalized revisions to the hiring process available to managers and supervisors employed under DOD’s pay-for-performance personnel system. Published on January 16 in the Federal Register, the revisions to DOD’s National Security Personnel System (NSPS) increase the options available to managers in the recruitment, hiring, and retention processes.

The regulation changes, which take effect March 17, were stimulated by calls for greater flexibility to adapt to the Pentagon’s changing missions and organizational needs. Since its inception, NSPS has garnered mixed reviews from enrolled employees, and the most recent revisions are the latest in a series of attempts by NSPS program officials to address many of the concerns voiced about the system.

“In order to meet its critical mission requirements worldwide and respond to a dynamic national security environment, the Department needs flexibility to attract, recruit, assign and retain a high quality workforce,” DOD stated in the Register. “The current Federal hiring system does not have the flexibility needed by DOD to meet all of its mission requirements.”

Under the new regulations, DOD managers will be allowed to limit hiring for certain positions to individuals within the commuting area, though applications for said positions will be accepted from all individuals. DOD notes in the Register that this new provision will help streamline the hiring process to cut down on the time certain positions remain vacant. The revisions also afford managers the right to use direct-hire authority while increasing the option of using temporary appointments to tackle the rise in workloads that accompany the deployment of military and civilian employees to foreign countries. These temporary appointees may be converted to permanent positions should the desire arise.

“The primary benefit to the public of NSPS resides in the HR flexibilities that will enable DoD to attract, build, and retain a high-performing workforce focused on effective and efficient mission accomplishment,” according to DOD. “Taken as a whole, the changes included in these proposed regulations will improve upon the original NSPS regulations and result in a contemporary, merit-based HR system that focuses on performance, generates respect and trust, and supports the primary mission of DoD.”

To view the regulation changes contained in the Federal Register, please visit: www.gpoaccess.gov.

OBAMA APPOINTS INTERIM OPM DIRECTOR, GSA ADMINISTRATOR

President Barack Obama announced his appointment of Kathie Ann Whipple as Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Whipple, formerly serving as OPM’s Deputy General Counsel, received formal notice on January 23, and her appointment was effective immediately.

"I am humbled to have been designated by President Obama to serve as the Acting Director of OPM, an agency it has been my pleasure to serve for the past eight years," said Whipple. "I look forward to leading OPM until the President appoints and the United States Senate confirms the next Director."

Obama has announced his intention to nominate John Berry to serve as Director of OPM, but as of press time no formal declaration has been made. Berry previously served as assistant secretary of the Interior during the Clinton Administration. Berry is currently the director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Obama also appointed Paul Prouty as Acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). Prouty worked at GSA for thirty-eight years, most recently serving as Assistant Regional Administrator for the Regional Public Building Service.

For more information on Whipple’s appointment, please visit: www.opm.gov. For more information on Paul Prouty, please visit: www.gsa.gov.

GAO ANNOUNCES HIGH-RISK LIST, SSA, DOD STILL SEEK IMPROVEMENT

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced updates to its list of federal programs, policies, and operations that the agency believes are at a high risk for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. In a press release delivered on January 22, GAO Acting Comptroller General Gene Dodaro informed the public that the U.S. financial regulatory system, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of medical products, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) assessment and control of toxic chemicals have now been added to the agency’s 2009 High-Risk List.

“The three areas added to this year’s High-Risk List are all vital to the public’s well being,” Dodaro emphasized. “It’s clear that basic changes are needed to how the federal government regulates the financial system, oversees medical products, and assesses and controls toxic chemicals. I am hopeful that the inclusion of these issues will lead to greater scrutiny and spur needed reforms.”

Dodaro released the latest update during a briefing which featured leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The Acting Comptroller General detailed that Congress must continue to work with GAO and the Obama Administration to resolve the issues at hand and remove the need for the high-risk designation. Updated every two years, the list serves as a tool for Congress to help set its oversight agenda.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic control modernization program constituted the lone item removed from the list for 2009. GAO added the FAA program to the list in 1995 due to performance shortfalls and cost overruns, according to the report. GAO first constructed the High-Risk List in 1990, which initially featured 14 critical areas. The agency has added 37 programs and removed 19 since that time.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) remains on the list as the agency continues to struggle with the influx of disability applications and the resulting backlog in the determination process. GAO determined that SSA needs to take greater steps to address the issue, though development of a solution requires comprehensive revisions in several critical areas. GAO states in the report that SSA will remain on the list until more attention is paid on forming a concrete strategy to tackle the growing backlog.

The Department of defense (DOD), which is the largest federal agency in terms of spending and personnel, lead the government with eight items on the High-Risk List. DOD shared responsibility for another seven projects.

To view a copy of the report and the 2009 High-Risk List, please visit: www.gao.gov.

OPM REVAMPS SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE APPLICATION PROCESS

In an effort to streamline the hiring process for Senior Executive Service (SES) candidates, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced its intention to implement updated appointment procedures based on the success of a pilot program established by OPM in June of 2008. In a memorandum delivered on January 12, former OPM Acting Director Michael Hager detailed the revised hiring process as an attempt to alleviate the burden placed on agency staff while creating a more open environment for potential applicants.

SES applicant displeasure with the reliance on detailed narratives required in the application process served as the primary catalyst in OPM’s decision to restructure hiring procedures. Applicant critiques of the narratives centered on their cumbersome nature, and many SES candidates hired outside help during the process. In response, OPM initiated a pilot program on June 1, 2008, that required agencies to accept either a record of accomplishments or standard résumé from applicants for SES positions in place of the lengthy narratives. In depth interviews for qualified candidates followed a review of the applications received. OPM engaged eight agencies in the pilot, which ran until November 15, 2008.

Based on the results of the test program, Hager issued his support for a more streamlined approach, specifically noting the success of the résumé-based approach in the agencies that experimented with the revisions.

“The pilot methods, especially the Resume-based option, won high marks generally from the applicants,” Hager stated in the memorandum. “Resume-based applicants generally found the process of applying for an SES vacancy easier than under the traditional process; some applicants even found it easier than applying for non-Federal executive positions.  The relatively easy application process also produced a larger number of applicants on average for vacancies advertised under either of the pilot methods, compared to the traditional method.  The Resume-based option also attracted a much higher proportion of applicants from outside of the Government than the traditional method.” 

The pilot also experimented with a virtual Qualifications Review Board (QRB), which allows panels of senior executives charged with evaluating the qualifications of SES applicants to remotely conduct their review. Under the current system, QRB members have to convene at OPM in order to perform their evaluations.

“Based on these findings, OPM will be developing an improved version of the pilot methods and will provide training within the next few months to agencies wishing to use them,” Hager announced. “This modified version will attempt to make it easier for agency staff to use the more rigorous candidate assessment practices under the pilot such as structured interviews, while preserving what have been shown to be its applicant-friendly features.”

To view a copy of the OPM memo, please visit: www.opm.gov.

PARTNERSHIP REPORT DETAILS RISING GOVERNMENT STOCK

As the economy continues to slide in the wake of collapsing U.S. financial markets, an increasing number of Americans are forced to file for unemployment benefits as employers cut staff levels to remain financially viable. According to the Department of Labor, the number of individuals claiming unemployment benefits for the first time has reached a 26-year high, with 589,000 initial claims filed for the week ending January 17. Despite sobering projections for continued economic instability, a recent report issued by the Partnership for Public Service in conjunction with Universum USA indicates that more college undergrads perceive government/public service as their number one industry choice, and government agencies are more than willing to open their doors to these young job seekers.

Universum USA, a global leader in connecting employers with ideal talent, conducted a survey entitled, “The Universum Ideal Employer Survey 2008,” to determine the qualities and attributes young individuals seek in prospective employers. An analysis of the survey results, conducted in association with the Partnership which published a corresponding report, revealed that the federal government possesses many of the workplace characteristics that appeal to individuals entering the workforce. Based on the response from nearly 32,000 American undergraduates, the survey found that government service ranks highly in terms of prestige, job security, and work/life balance, all coveted by young job seekers. As roughly a third of the federal workforce is expected to leave government in the next five years, news that agencies have access to thousands of potential employees interested in public service is a welcome relief.

“Changes in the economy may be driving shifts in public perceptions about what constitutes an ideal workplace, potentially creating new opportunities for some employers to bring in top talent, including the nation’s largest employer: our federal government,” Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership, and Claudia Tattanelli, CEO of Universum, stated in a joint introduction to the report.

“It’s been nearly 50 years since President John F. Kennedy called this nation to service and changed the face of our federal government,” the pair continued. “The excitement created by Obama’s election is reminiscent of that era. At the same time, we face a deeply battered economy, prompting many college graduates to now consider government service as an option.”

The State Department, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Peace Corps, Central intelligence Agency, and Federal Bureau of Investigation topped the list of the most highly sought opportunities within government, also constituting five of the top fifteen ideal employers out of a list of 260 spanning the public and private sectors. High ethical standards led students’ requirements in terms of employer reputation and image. Respondents also detailed their desire to work for a cause which they believed in. While salary expectations are high, students’ responses indicated that future earnings, competitive benefits, and leadership opportunities were just as important in their search for the ideal employer.

It is now up to government agencies to use this information to personalize their recruiting efforts to the individuals expressing interest in opportunities within government, the report states. “Translating data into effective tactical plans for good recruiting is not rocket science (except perhaps at NASA). What is basically involved is clear branding based on a clear understanding of what the organization is and offers; what students the agency wants to reach want; and good communication that gets that message to those students.”

To view a copy of the survey report, please visit: www.ourpublicservice.org.

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GET INVOLVED AT THESE EVENTS!

FMA ZONE 1 CONFERENCE READY TO GO THIS WEEKEND!

The Federal Managers Association Zone 1 will be holding its annual conference at the Pier 4 Hotel in Somers Point, NJ, from January 30 – February 1, 2009. Registration for the conference is set at $30 per delegate, and the FMA room rate is $70. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-888-927-9141. Please be sure to mention you’re with the FMA Zone 1 Conference. Contact Zone 1 President Mike Donovan with any questions or for more information at donovanme@aol.com.

Please keep checking back with us online at www.fedmanagers.org for up-to-date information.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM: DEFENSE 2009
The Premier Defense Symposium on Human Capital Management

The Human Capital Management Defense Symposium (HCMD), February 26-29, 2009, in Arlington, Virginia, is critical to your success in strategically managing human capital. Learn how senior leaders are developing the right mix of skills across the total force, aligning skills to requirements, and addressing competency gaps. Attend HCMD to gather best practices in the recruitment and retention of quality personnel and learn about exciting workforce development initiatives across DOD. FMA is an official cosponsor of this conference.

For more information, please visit: www.hcmd2009.com.

REGISTER TODAY FOR FMA’S 71st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION!
Next Registration Deadline Ends February 27, 2009: Sign Up Now!

Registration is now available for the Federal Managers Association’s 71st annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. Held March 16-19, 2009, the Convention will feature a mix of association business, management training and FMA’s annual lobbying day, Day on the Hill. Management training topics include managing through the presidential transition, engaging leadership, employee management and the Hatch Act. For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.fedmanagers.org/public/events.cfm.

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Long Term Care Partners, LLC , FMA Corporate Partner. Long Term Care Partners is the administrator of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Program is available to Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives. With more than 210,000 enrollees, it is the largest employer-sponsored long term care insurance program in the country. FLTCIP policies are simple to understand and offer enrollees some distinct advantages, including comprehensive coverage, competitive and stable rates, international coverage, and administrative service standards that are the highest in the long-term care insurance industry. Policies are sold direct through a highly-trained, non-commissioned staff with no high pressure sales tactics – simply sound advice. Visit www.LTCFEDS.com or http://www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.asp for more information.

FSAFEDS, the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, FMA Corporate Partner. FSAFEDS provides consumers and corporations a single source of health management decision guidance through its integrated suite of consumer-driven healthcare solutions. Its innovative consumer experience offers comprehensive care, planning, spending, productivity and strategic management services that help guide participants to be healthier and more productive. Visit www.fsafeds.com for more information.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Employee Program, FMA Corporate Partner. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association represents the independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. The 40 local member companies of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association have provided millions of families with top-quality, affordable health insurance for more than 70 years. For the one in four Americans who carry Blue Cross and Blue Shield cards, the Blue Plans symbolize health security. Visit www.fepblue.org and join the best, most-recognized group of health insurance providers in the world.

GEICO, FMA Corporate Partner. GEICO was created over 60 years ago to insure Federal employees. Over the years GEICO has continuously strengthened its affiliation with the Federal workforce. GEICO’s Federal program supports the GEICO Public Service Awards, which have honored federal workers (active and retired) who have contributed to the public good since 1980. Find out how much you could save with GEICO auto insurance as an FMA member by getting a quick, line-by-line rate quote at http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go51.htm?logo=00781. When you request a quote, GEICO will make a contribution to support the work of FMA.

Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux and Roth, P.C. SBVR concentrates its law practice on the representation of Federal employees, with a special emphasis on the representation of executives and managers. SBVR serves as General Counsel to the Federal Managers Association and is uniquely situated to recognize the interests and viewpoints of Federal managers. For up to two free half-hour legal consultations and reduced legal fees as an FMA member, please visit: www.shawbransford.com.

FEDS (Federal Employee Defense Services) provides premier professional liability insurance benefits to the federal employee community. The FEDS liability insurance policy costs only $270 a year, and if you are a manager, supervisor, or law enforcement officer, your agency will reimburse you up to ½ of the cost. Your net cost would be $135 per year. FEDS provides federal employees with the protection they need to do their jobs. You simply can’t afford not to have it! SPECIAL OFFER: Three months free when you make the switch from another federal employee professional liability program. To learn more, visit: http://www.fedsprotection.com. Be sure to note your FMA membership when you join FEDS.

The Federal Managers Association and Management Concepts have teamed up to present the Federal Managers Practicum — a targeted certificate program for Federal managers. As the official development program for FMA, the Federal Managers Practicum helps FMA members develop critical skills to meet new workplace demands and deepen their managerial capabilities. Also, FMA members receive 20% off any book purchase and each book is guaranteed to win you a promotion! For more Practicum information, click here. For a catalog of discounted publications, go to Management Concepts. To order, call Vanessa Gillette at 703-270-4107.

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The Washington Report is published biweekly by the Federal Managers Association.
Jessica Klement, Editor; FMA Staff Writers.

The Federal Managers Association, established in 1913, is the oldest, largest, most influential association representing the interests of the nearly 200,000 managers, supervisors and executives serving in today’s Federal government.

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