Book Description

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on personnel research and development programs that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducted pursuant to the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. GAO found that: (1) OPM has conducted two demonstration projects and one research program since the act's enactment; (2) of the 26 agencies it surveyed, 3 had limited discussions with OPM, 1 implemented a program, 8 submitted or were preparing proposals, and 13 suspended proposal preparation; (3) most agencies indicated that resource constraints limited program participation; and (4) many agencies believed that OPM could have taken a more active role in project development. GAO also found that OPM may not have: (1) demonstrated an adequate commitment to research programs and demonstration projects; and (2) assigned enough staff to adequately manage the program.