Lachance told the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management and Restructuring and the District of Columbia chaired by Senator George Voinovich (R- OH) that the President, in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2001, identifies "strategic human resources alignment" as a "priority management objective." She applauded the subcommittee's interest in human resources.

"It's good to see so many people discussing what we at OPM hold as a core belief; that the government's human resources - our people - are our most valuable asset," said Lachance. "We must engage in the 'war for talent,' that is, secure, develop, empower and retain the talented people we need to accomplish our mission for the American people."

She added that the Administration has given HR management a higher profile because of the contributions human resource professionals make to the overall success of agency missions.

The President's priority management objective includes three critical actions for which OPM will:

o provide agencies with a Workforce Planning Model to help agency managers strategically assess their human resources needs to ensure a quality federal work force for the 21^st century;

o work with agencies to ensure labor-management initiatives to empower executives, line managers and employees to improve customer service and get mission results; and,

o encourage agencies to make full use of existing human resources tools, and provide new tools, that will help them attract, manage and retain valued employees.

Lachance said OPM is looking at the "entire structure" of the government's compensation system as one way to help attract and retain the best talent. She added that a proposal on recruitment and retention incentives is being developed to address more immediate staffing needs.

Director Lachance's testimony is available on OPM's web site at www.opm.gov/pressrel/2000/humancapital.htm.