OPM speeds hiring of cyber specialists

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0623/web-hire-06-24-03.asp

By Nancy Ferris 
June 24, 2003

All executive branch agencies are free to hire their own information
technology professionals to bolster the security of their information
systems, the Office of Personnel Management has announced.

The agency notified agency heads and chief human capital officers of
the new direct-hire authority, effective immediately, for
professionals in the GS-2210 series at Grade 9 and above. The
announcement is intended to speed hiring of cybersecurity specialists.

Agencies have long been able to request direct-hire authority when
they are experiencing staff shortages and encountering difficulty in
filling vacancies. Now, however, OPM need not wait for a request but
can declare that a critical hiring need exists, in an occupational
group, a geographic area or governmentwide.

"I am not waiting to be asked in those situations where the shortages
and critical needs are well known and a direct-hire authority can make
a real difference," OPM Director Kay Coles James said June 20, when
she announced the new flexibility.

James also authorized direct hiring of medical professionals
governmentwide and authorized the Securities and Exchange Commission
to hire certain professionals. All of the new authorizations will last
for two years.

For a number of years, agencies have found it difficult to hire and
retain IT specialists. The shortage has been mitigated in recent
months by downturns in the IT industry and other industries that
employ IT workers, as well as special increases in pay for those in
the 2210 series, which covers IT management jobs.

However, the push for greater homeland security has increased the
demand for qualified cybersecurity specialists. Congress enabled OPM
to increase hiring flexibility when it enacted the Homeland Security
Act of 2002.
 
 

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