IG enters search for acquisition employees

As agencies look to increase their acquisition workforces, candidates elude even inspectors general, who are turning to outside sources for help in the hunt for good workers. The Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General issued a notice March 7 seeking a company to help recruit acquisition employees.“There are severe shortages in the labor market, and the OIG is experiencing fierce competition for top talent,” according to the office’s notice on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site.That shortage is forcing the IG to develop new competitive approaches to recruiting and hiring employees, the notice states.The IG is looking for an acquisition talent coordinator to analyze the labor market and create strategies for filling various jobs in the IG’s office. The coordinator would also help with tactical planning and launch short- and long-term strategies to bring in employees, the notice states.In addition, the IG’s office wants to redesign its job announcement template to demonstrate in clear and concise ways that it is an employer of choice. It also needs advertisements and brochures to distribute at job fairs, according to the notice.The solicitation is open to small businesses, and the contract would be for one year with four option years.Other departments and agencies are turning to college campuses to find acquisition employees. The recently launched Federal Acquisition Intern Coalition seeks to convince young people that federal contracting is an important and interesting career. It’s offering them real-life experience in an effort to draw them into the field.The FedExperience Transitions to Government hiring initiative could help the government fill critical needs by tapping into the experience of baby boomers who want second careers.Meanwhile, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and DOD officials have surveyed their employees to get a clear picture of gaps in their acquisition workforces. The findings could make the hunt for talent even more competitive.