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Abstract

The U.S. federal civil service is ripe for reform. Warning that going too fast or too far on initial reform may risk the foundation for further change, the author encourages changes in pay and staffing as the keystones on which to build lasting reform. The article develops the rationale for these premises by first examining the recent history of civil service reform and lessons learned. Those who championed reform are discussed as well as the external and internal factors post–September 11 including the fear of not being able to respond to national security concerns, the mood of Congress, demographics, the economy, and the downsizing aftermath of the 1990s. Specific examples within the two keystones of focused changes on pay and staffing are presented.

Keywords

civil service reform pay reform pay banding veteran’s preference categorical ranking pay for performance

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References

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The State of the Federal Civil Service Today

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