DOD Transformation Bill’s Human Capital Efforts

• Should DOD and/or other agencies be granted broad-based exemptions from existing law, and if so, on what basis? Do agencies, including DOD, have the institutional infrastructure in place to make effective use of the new authorities?

• Agencies should have modern, effective, and credible performance management systems that include adequate safeguards, including reasonable transparency and appropriate accountability mechanisms, to ensure the fair, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of new systems. OPM should certify.

• It would be more prudent and appropriate for the Congress to address certain authorities that DOD is seeking on a government-wide basis and in a manner that assures that appropriate performance management systems and safeguards are in place before the new authorities are implemented in any respective agency.

  • This approach would accelerate needed human capital reform throughout the government in a manner that assures reasonable consistency on key principles within the overall civilian workforce.
  • It also would provide agencies with reasonable flexibility while incorporating key safeguards to help maximize the chances of success and minimize the chances of abuse or significant litigation.