Army bringing back most retired acquisition workers

Budget

Army bringing back most retired acquisition workers

New OFPP report tells how many agencies are taking advantage of four-year-old tool to improve their procurement workforce.

Federal News Network Staff

May 1, 2009 3:28 pm

1 min read

By Jason Miller
Executive Editor
FederalNewsRadio

Agencies brought 57 retired federal employees back into service to help address acquisition challenges.

In a new report just released by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, the Army used this authority the most, hiring 21 annuitants in 2008. No other agency hired more than nine.

The Defense Department, the Navy, the Air Force and the Homeland Security Department were among the agencies that used this authority the most.

OFPP sent the report to Congress March 19, but only put it up on their Web site this week.

“Agencies are gaining experience with implementing this authority and we expect more annuitants will be hired in the near term, particularly in response to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the increased demands it places on the acquisition workforce,” says OFPP acting administrator Lesley Field in the report.

The Office of Management and Budget encouraged agencies in recent Recovery Act guidance to take advantage of this authority.

Congress in the 2005 General Services Administration Modernization Act granted agencies the ability to re-hire retired acquisition employees.

The reemployment would not adversely affect the retiree’s benefits.

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On the Web:

FederalNewsRadio — Acquisition workforce is in need of leadership, training

GPO — GSA Modernization Act of 2005

OFPP — Report to Congress on rehiring acquisition retirees