FEDERAL PAY: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Strategic Use of Special Payments
Abstract
Federal agencies can provide additional compensation by using seven broadly available special payment authorities to recruit and retain employees to address needed skills. Though special payments can help fill mission-critical skills gaps, agencies also face constrained budgets, which underscores the importance of cost-effective use of authorities. OPM and the CHCO Council play important roles in assuring effective federal human capital management. GAO was asked to examine agency use, challenges, and improvements needed, if any. This report 1) describes CHCO agencies use of special payment authorities in fiscal years 2014-2016; 2) assesses to what extent CHCO agencies examined effectiveness; and 3) evaluates how OPM has helped agencies address recruitment and retention needs. GAO obtained information from CHCO agencies on use of authorities through a questionnaire. GAO also analyzed OPM personnel data and agency documents, and interviewed agency officials. GAO is making three recommendations, including that OPM should work with the CHCO Council on tracking data and providing guidance and tools to assess effectiveness of authorities, among others. OPM concurred or partially concurred with all recommendations, and described planned steps to implement them.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1174829
Entities
People
- Alan Rozzi
- Albert Sim
- Ann Czapiewski
- Christopher Falcone
- John Hussey
- Karin Fangman
- Kerstin Hudon
- Melinda Cordero
- Ronald W. Jones
- Sara Daleski
- Signora May
- Steven R. Putansu
- Yvonne D. Jones
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office