Washington -The U.S. Office of Personnel Management today announced the launch of the Information Technology Exchange Program (ITEP) section of OPM's website www.opm.gov/leader/hrd/lead/itep/overview.asp.

The ITEP allows exceptional individuals from the Federal information technology (IT) workforce and exceptional individuals from the private sector IT workforce to participate in an exchange program which will enable both sides to share rather than compete for critical IT expertise. Federal IT workers would be exposed to private industry's best practices management, while private sector employees would gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the challenges Federal agencies face in meeting the growing demand for government services.

The Information Technology Exchange Program is of high interest to those in Federal and private sector IT circles and has been endorsed by the Federal Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council as well as the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT/IAC). "This is a wonderful opportunity for both Federal and private sector IT employees to expand their breadth of experience through a program not previously available to them," said Nancy Kichak, OPM's Associate Director for Strategic Human Resources Policy. "The ITEP will also help private sector leaders have a greater understanding of how agencies and departments in the Federal Government manage IT related issues. This program benefits everyone."

In an effort to facilitate IT exchanges between agencies and the private sector, OPM, in coordination with the Federal CIO Council's IT Workforce Committee, is marketing the ITEP to the private sector through the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov/itep.asp. ITEP opportunities, participating Federal agencies, and points of contact are posted for review by the private sector at this website.

"Everyone involved in the program, OPM staff, the CIO Council, and ACT/IAC, have been dedicated to working together to realize the implementation of this needed program," Ms Kichak added. "We are initially featuring nine Federal agencies on this site and OPM is proud to be one of the front runners exploring ITEP opportunities with the private sector."

In addition, the USAJOBS website provides a link to the American Council of Technology's website at www.actgov.org/ITEP, where Federal agencies can view and explore exchange opportunities in the private sector. Other private sector IT professional organizations have been contacted about and encouraged to consider participating in the ITEP.

The E-Government Act of 2002 authorized the temporary assignment of employees in the field of IT management from the Federal Government to private sector organizations. It also authorized Federal agencies to accept private sector employees assigned under this program. The ITEP is expected to promote the interchange of Federal and private sector IT workers to enhance skill and competencies.

For more information about the ITEP please contact the OPM Office of Communications and Public Liaison at 202-606-2402.

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.