NEWS RELEASE

Washington, DC - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James today discussed the Bush Administration's Managerial Flexibility Act. The press briefing took place at Constitution Hall at the conclusion of the President's address to the senior leadership of the federal government.

The proposal is a key element of the Administration's "Freedom to Manage" initiative and will result in significant simplification and improvement of the processes and tools now available to federal managers to manage employees, resources, and assets.

Also in attendance to discuss other aspects of the proposal were Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director Sean O'Keefe, and Administrator of the General Services Administration, Stephen Perry.

"If we expect government operations and performance to improve, we must equip our agencies and managers with the necessary flexibilities and tools to efficiently and effectively manage resources and programs," said Director James. "The Managerial Flexibility Act is a good first step in that process."

Specifically, the Act would:

By giving federal agencies and managers increased discretion and flexibility in attracting, managing, and retaining a high quality workforce, we can help ensure a workforce that is able and motivated to successfully and productively operate programs and produce results.