OPM was created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. The legislation
empowered OPM to supervise personnel management in the executive branch
and the Director of OPM to be the President’s principal advisor in matters
of personnel administration. OPM is responsible for planning for the future
needs of the Federal workforce and for helping agencies improve human
resources management to achieve human capital objectives.
What does OPM do?
OPM works with the President, Congress and stakeholders to establish
and implement human capital policy that supports Federal agencies in achieving
their strategic goals.
Assists with recruiting citizens to Federal service by serving as
the main portal for information and connecting job applicants with departments
and agencies to meet their staffing needs.
Ensures departments and agencies are working effectively toward meeting
the human capital goals of the President’s Management Agenda.
Advises departments and agencies on human capital program design.
Works with Congress, departments, agencies and other stakeholders
on developing effective compensation and performance management programs.
Monitors workforce diversity and merit-based human capital practices
to ensure all Federal employees operate in a fair and discrimination-free
environment.
Approves, promotes and evaluates demonstration projects to help agencies
develop more effective human capital programs and practices.
Administers benefit and personnel security programs.
Develops managers and executives across Government to help agencies
meet their strategic objectives.
Manages its own resources responsibly and with accountability.
Whom does OPM serve?
OPM serves the President by functioning as the corporate
human capital organization in the Federal Government.
OPM serves Federal employees and their families through our
human capital policies and by administering retirement, health benefits,
long-term care and life insurance programs.
OPM serves the American public directly through the recruitment,
selection and retention of the Federal workforce and other human capital
policies designed to help agencies improve the effectiveness of that
workforce.