WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kay Coles James, Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management, today announced that OPM has completed three A-76 streamlined competitions for network management, employee benefits, and mail services. In each of the competitions, OPM employees were found to be more efficient and effective than competitors in the private sector, providing the best value to taxpayers.

"Today, the American taxpayer came out the winner yet again, as did the federal employees here at OPM," said Director James. "We work for the American taxpayers, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we spend their money wisely giving them the best value for their hard-earned dollars. As we strive for excellence, we have a responsibility to examine every option to do the work of the American people, so we welcome competitions between the federal government and private sector to perform activities that are not inherently governmental. The result is the best value for the taxpayers of this great nation."

OPM employees have won a total of eight job competitions undertaken thus far, resulting in 291 jobs remaining federal due to the employees' tough competition with the private sector and excellence in service to the American taxpayer.

"President George W. Bush's Management Agenda calls for a federal government that delivers results to the American taxpayer, and competitive sourcing - conducted fairly and on an even footing - is one move toward meeting that challenge," said James. "Through these competitions, our employees have learned to improve their organizations and improve processes, resulting in a stronger and more efficient organization."

OPM has three other A-76 streamlined competitions underway. The latest involve the agency's billing and collecting, trust fund accounting, and administrative accounting activities, and are scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2004. In addition to these competitions, OPM is conducting an A-76 standard competition of its clerical/technical and administrative support positions. These competitions will affect 163 FTE positions. The performance selection decision for the standard competition is scheduled for the end of August 2004.