OPM Launches Hub to Attract Cyber Talent to Government Service
In a memo this week, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) launched a resource hub to aid the government in attracting cyber talent. Federal agencies can use the platform to recruit, hire, and retain employees, with functions to offer leave flexibilities, special pay rates, direct hire authority, and other tools to fill hard-to-fill positions.
There is a high demand for cybersecurity specialists in the private sector, as well as a limited pool of cybersecurity experts. Director Kiran Ahuja has discussed at length the OPM's struggle to compete for talent against agencies with personnel systems specifically designed for cyber talent like the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cyber Talent Management System.
“Time is of the essence—the federal government must close the skills gap and hire IT/Cyber talent to strengthen our cyber defense,” wrote Robert Shriver, Associate Director of Employee Services at OPM.
OPM is providing updates to the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act (P.L. 113-246), which identifies positions related to cyber security, information technology, and cyber-related functions. In addition, OPM provided an update on an interagency pilot program to increase the visibility and quality of federal cybersecurity job opportunities.
The hub features opportunities like the Cyber Corps which offers scholarships in exchange for government service after graduation or the new two-year fellowship program at the U.S. Digital Corps.