OPM to continue strategic HR programs under 2008 budget

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is poised to continue its ongoing strategic human resources and workforce leadership roles under the proposed fiscal 2008 budget.

The administration is requesting $19 million for strategic HR in fiscal 2008, down slightly from the $20 million estimated for 2007 and $21 million actually spent in fiscal 2006.

The requested funding for workforce leadership costs is also slightly lower; $28 million, down from the $29 million spent in fiscal 2006 and another $29 million estimated in fiscal 2007.

The agency is expected to develop proposals to help agencies recruit new employees in fiscal 2007, an effort that continues into 2008, according to the budget analysis. It also will support agencies in their efforts to develop pay systems that are results-driven and market-based.

The fiscal 2008 budget request for OPM also asks for:

• $6 million for the Enterprise Human Resources Integration project.
• $15 million for automating OPM's retirement recordkeeping.
• $1.4 million for the HR line of business project.
• A total $8 million for e-government projects, including $340,000 for E-Payroll and $170,000 for E-Training.