FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 1997

CONTACT: Michael Orenstein (202) 606-1800 mworenst@opm.gov

Washington, D.C. -- Before you buy that new car, you take a test drive in the demonstration model. Well, the government is preparing to test drive a demonstration model for the benefit of taxpayers and federal workers.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has approved a demonstration project for the U.S. Department of Commerce. The purpose is to help the agency prepare for the 21st Centurys service needs of the American public, and the human resource needs of the agencys workforce.

Notice of the proposed demonstration project appears in the May 2, 1997, Federal Register.

The demonstration project supports the National Performance Review goals of simplifying the pay and classification structure for federal employees; establishing a performance management and rewards system that better communicates work place expectations and more accurately measures employee and team performance; and, attracting and hiring highly-qualified candidates by improving recruitment and examination experiences.

Portions of five Commerce Department organizations are covered by the project: Office of the Secretary; Technology Administration; Economics and Statistics Administration; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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