Washington, DC – U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Linda M. Springer testified on OPM’s management capabilities before the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, part of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  Springer told members of the Senate subcommittee the agency is making progress in achieving operational excellence and strategic creativity.

“Since becoming OPM Director almost exactly a year ago, my management objective has been to raise the agency’s performance level by instituting business disciplines and practices,” Springer said.  “My message to you today is that demonstrable progress has been made and we are beginning to realize our goals.”

Springer reiterated OPM’s commitment to ensuring the federal workforce has an effective civilian workforce, as stated in the agency’s recently released 2006-2010 Strategic and Operational Plan.  She pointed to progress in revitalizing leadership, engaging staff, setting the course for excellence and creating accountability. 

“Changes to date have positioned OPM to now raise its operational performance,” Springer told the Subcommittee.  “To date, we have achieved every objective in our Strategic and Operation Plan on time and several more ahead of schedule.”

Springer also said continued improvement would require diligent management and a dedicated workforce but stressed that full funding is essential for sustained success.  “Anything short of our requests, including that for Fiscal Year 2007, will jeopardize the timeliness and outcome of our initiatives.”

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.