Concerns Raised on Pay for Technical Specialists

Federal agencies have turned to a variety of special pay authorities in order to recruit and retain scientists, engineers and technical workers "who otherwise may find a more attractive environment in the private and nonfederal sectors," according to a CRS report. However, despite the use of flexibilities such as expedited hiring and higher-than-usual rates of pay, issues of attracting and keeping such personnel "have been of ongoing concern to Congress, both government-wide and for particular agencies." Concerns include whether salaries are competitive even with special authorities, the need for U.S. citizenship for federal employment and the impending retirement of many of those hired during surge hiring periods of the past, such as in the buildup of the space program. Congress for its part "has been wary of providing too much flexibility, or unaccountable flexibility, because of the potential for flexibility to be abused."

 

Back | Published: September 8, 2010