News Release

Washington, D.C.— Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Senior Policy Advisor to the Director Doris L. Hausser Ph.D, provided testimony from the federal government on the structure of its personnel classification system, adjustments that have been made to the system, and the rationale for those adjustments.

Comprehensive review of salary and classification levels in the District of Columbia Government and the effectiveness of the DC Government’s performance and accountability systems were among items discussed.

OPM Director Kay Coles James said of the hearing, “We are pleased to respond to the request of the District of Columbia government committee as it progresses in examining their personnel classification system. We at OPM have worked closely with Mayor Anthony Williams on a number of issues and look forward to continued involvement.”

Hausser made a brief statement about the way the federal General Schedule position classification system works. She also provided an OPM White paper on pay reform entitled A Fresh Start for Federal Pay: the Case for Modernization, originally released in April, 2002.

Dr. Hausser, who also serves as OPM’s Chief Human Capital Officer, answered questions clarifying points the paper makes and how the current Federal classification system operates under standards that OPM issues.

Hausser commented, “It was an honor to testify, and it gave OPM the opportunity to share the details of the federal personnel system with the DC Council. We are pleased to assist the DC Council in their efforts.”

Today, Dr. Hausser will speak to the National Academy for Public Administrators (NAPA) in Washington, D.C. She will brief the panel on initial implementation of the Chief Human Capital Officers Act, as well as the recent hiring flexibilities offered by OPM through governmentwide regulations in implementing provisions of the Homeland Security Act.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also 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.

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