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Federated Human Resource Management in the Federal Government: The Intelligence Community Model

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

The Intelligence Community developed a "federated" approach to its human capital system under the authority of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. This approach effectively balances the needs of the community with those of individual agencies. Unlike the traditional top-down approaches to policy development, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence worked closely with each of the 17 components of the Intelligence Community to agree upon a new human resource management framework.

The Challenge of Contracting for Large Complex Projects: A Case Study of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00
The federal government now spends about 40 percent of its discretionary budget to buy everything from office supplies to weapon systems. When the government buys simple products, like paper clips, they can turn to well-established acquisition strategies and practices and apply them to richly competitive markets. When government agencies buy complex products, like weapon systems, conventional acquisition approaches are often insufficient and markets are more challenging.

Inter-Agency Collaboration Among Social Services Agencies in Los Angeles County

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

This report focuses on the intersection of child support with child welfare and the TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) Programs.

The Role of Contractors in Government: Have We Gone Too Far?

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

There has been a longstanding recognition that the federal government does not have enough employees with the requisite skills to meet every agency need. Agencies obtain real advantages in employing contractors that can offer specialized skills to handle short-term requirements. Moreover, using a competitive selection process helps to bring both efficiency and innovation to address government needs.

Preparing for Disasters

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

This report includes two essays reflecting different perspectives on preparing for and working in large-scale emergencies.

The Role of Chief Acquisition Officers: What Should They Be Doing?

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

The Service Acquisition Reform Act (SARA) Legislation of 2003 (41 U.S.C. 414) established new positions of Chief Acquisition Officers to oversee Federal civilian agency acquisition operations. The expectation was that the CAO would be highly placed in the agency, advising the agency head on business strategy and focusing on acquisition in the broadest sense of the term. Many would argue that the CAO position has not lived up to its promise.

Government in 3D: How Public Leaders Can Draw on Virtual Worlds

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

This report is an example of how Web 2.0's "teen toys" have become a serious work tool. It explores how cutting-edge government organizations are using 3-dimensional virtual worlds on the Internet to conduct training, recruit new employees, and educate the public. It also provides a guide to how virtual worlds have become a fast-growing social phenomenon that believe that, by the end of 2011, fully 80 percent of all active internet users will be participating in 3-D virtual worlds.

Five Actions to Enhance State Legislative Use of Performance Information

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

Based on her observations of best practices in various states, Judy Zelio identifies five specific actions that state agencies can take to provide performance information that legislators will see as useful, such as ensuring that executive branch budget staff provides performance information for legislative use that "emphasizes policy results rather than administrative measures."

What the Federal Government Can Do to Encourage Green Production

Submitted by on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 20:00

The green movement has reached a tipping point in recent years. Private industry now realizes that using green production techniques not only improves the environment but also can provide significant financial benefits by reducing waste, regulatory costs, and potential long-term liabilities. This report identifies six factors that currently discourage industry from undertaking green production methods.

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