FederalDaily - May 9, 2005
FBI Struggles in Hiring Analysts
The FBI is having trouble hiring and retaining qualified intelligence analysts,
according to a report released by the Department of Justice’s Office
of the Inspector General. While the report said the FBI continues to make progress
in the bolstering of its intelligence analysis capabilities, the agency still
needs to determine a number of analysts needed to help it complete its mission,
increase training and implement measures to improve the retention of qualified
analysts. Since 2002, the FBI has hired 540 new analysts, but at the same time
saw 291 analysts resign. The complete report can be found at www.usdoj.gov/oig/reports/FBI/a0520/final.pdf.
:: Back to Top ::
House Looks at GSA Reform
The House Government Reform Committee has approved new legislation to reform
the General Services Administration (GSA). Introduced by committee chair Rep.
Thomas M. Davis, R-Va., the bill amends the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act to create a new Federal Acquisition Service, which combines the
existing Federal Supply Service and the Federal Technology Service. The bill
also allows the GSA administrator to appoint up to five regional directors
to help with oversight of the new service, and allows the agency to employ
retention bonuses to help support its acquisition workforce. “The legislation
offers fundamental and organizational change within GSA by removing the old
structures that inhibit efficient federal purchases,” said Davis.
:: Back to Top ::
New GI Bill of Rights Proposed
Servicemembers could see better benefits and pay through a new bill proposed
by Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md. The legislation would update the 1944 GI
Bill of Rights, providing a $1,000 bonus to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq,
increasing survivor benefits for families, improve pay for senior enlisted
personnel and warrant officers, expand military health care benefits to the
National Guard and Reserves and provide additional mental health and disability
services. The bill also blocks increases in prescription co-pays and enrollment
fees for veterans. “The 1994 GI Bill honored those who served in our
Armed Forces by providing them with special benefits that would improve their
lives,” said Cardin. “It’s time that we upgrade and modernize
those benefits.”
:: Back to Top ::
Survey Rates Benefit Importance
The Thrift Savings Plan, employee health benefits, retiree health benefits
and retirement plans rank as the most important benefits for federal employees,
according to an Office of Personnel Management survey. “The survey not
only confirmed federal employees highly value their benefits, but it produced
some instructive results that tell us today’s civil servants appreciate
the opportunity to manage their own hard-earned dollars,” said OPM Acting
Director Dan G. Blair. Some of the lowest rated benefits include: telework;
childcare subsidies; and health and wellness programs. According to Blair,
the results also point out the need to increase educational opportunities on
several programs, specifically flexible spending accounts, which received low
ratings. By increasing employee understanding of the program, Blair hopes enrollment
in it will increase. Survey results can be seen at www.opm.gov/employment_and_benefits/survey/index.asp.
:: Back to Top ::
|
