Today’s conditions require government executives to go beyond simply doing more with less—to find smarter ways of doing business, using resources more efficiently, and investing them more wisely. The dramatic nature of this historical moment cannot be overstated. It is fully revealed by the depth of the vicissitudes being faced. How government leaders respond matters and the conditions require more than vague changes. It is to be understood that today’s actions affect future choices and lost opportunities result in ubiquitous costs.

More importantly, it introduces a select group of government leaders who offer their insights, outline successes, and tell us how they, in their own unique way, are making a difference in an era of fiscal austerity. Today’s conditions require government executives to go beyond simply doing more with less—to find smarter ways of doing business, using resources more efficiently, and investing them more wisely. The dramatic nature of this historical moment cannot be overstated. It is fully revealed by the depth of the vicissitudes being faced.

On this program, we introduce a select group of government leaders who offer their insights, outline successes, and tell us how they, in their own unique way, are making a difference in an era of fiscal austerity.

The Washington Post reports that the Partnership for Public Service released a study this morning describing the hiring needs of the federal government.  The study, "Where the Jobs Are 2009:  Mission Critical Opportunities for America," says that the federal government needs to hire 273,000 new workers in the next three years. 

President Obama made a number of campaign commitments regarding the federal government’s contracting system, including more competition, more fixed-price contracts, and reducing government’s dependence on contractors.

Transition planning is starting to creep into the mainstream media.  In the past couple of days there were two thoughtful op-eds on the need to get it right.