OPM’s Kupor would be ‘perfectly happy’ hiring more feds if contractors are cut
Federal News Network • • nation
Key Points:
- OPM Director Scott Kupor expressed openness to increasing federal workforce staffing if it leads to a reduction in federal contractors, whom he described as a costly "shadow" workforce paid significantly more than federal employees.
- Since President Trump took office, over 380,000 federal employees have left, and agencies are now required to submit annual staffing plans covering both federal employees and contractors to better manage workforce resources.
- Kupor highlighted efforts to address critical talent gaps, especially by recruiting early-career employees through initiatives like the OPM’s "Tech Force," aiming to attract younger talent despite declining numbers of federal employees under age 30.
- Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about job stability and the impact of mass firings on attracting young talent, while Kupor argued that career growth, learning opportunities, and performance recognition are more compelling factors for early-career recruits.
- The Trump administration plans to implement a new performance management system to expedite removal of poor performers, aiming to balance fairness, accountability, and job stability within the federal workforce.
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