Washington, D.C. - As a part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) role in maintaining an effective Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), OPM Director Kay Coles James has launched a pilot program that will allow Local Federal Coordinating Committees (LFCC) in a selected sample of local campaigns across the country to enter into two-year agreements with a Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO). Currently, regulations require LFCCs to annually select a non-profit organization to serve as the PCFO.

"The CFC is a critically important part of the federal workplace and allows employees the opportunity to contribute to a vast array of charitable organizations, including those assisting tsunami relief in South Asia," said James. "It is incumbent upon us to ensure we do not needlessly create a cumbersome process for charitable organizations wishing to participate. We have a responsibility, to the organizations, federal employees and those that benefit from their gifts, to create an efficient and equally effective process, targeted toward results."

The primary objective of the pilot program is to evaluate the potential impact of a multi-year agreement before permanent revisions to CFC regulations are made. The pilot program also will give insight into the potential for costs savings, the potential to promote competition and the potential need for new regulatory safeguards.

There is wide agreement among all CFC stakeholders in favor of the two-year pilot program, with most stating that the benefits of a multi-year approval will alleviate the burden from the LFCC to annually solicit bids; serve as an incentive to prospective bidders; lead to increased competition; and promote campaign mergers.

"This is good news for everyone involved in the CFC," James added. "Over the course of the coming years, OPM will closely monitor the pilot program to ensure accountability remains in tact and positive results are in fact achieved."

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