Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Linda M. Springer today announced the agency is continuing to meet target goals and expectations outlined in its Strategic and Operational Plan released in March. Springer said the agency has met all goals designed to be in place by May 1, including the award of a contract to modernize the Federal retirement system. Two goals originally expected to be achieved by July 1 also have been met.

"For each goal we achieve, we make it easier for Federal workers and retirees to provide and receive essential services," Springer said.

One of the Strategic and Operational Plan goals met for April was the award of a contract to modernize the Federal retirement system in an effort to improve the Federal retirement claims process, which serves more than two million retirees.

In addition, OPM has met four other goals outlined in the Plan, including:

· Full implementation of protocols that establish clear procedures for delegating authority to carry out OPM activities;

· Revalidation of requirements for financial management system migration to the Bureau of Public Debt. Complete implementation is expected by February 1, 2007;

· Establishment of sound internal control procedures designed to improve accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in achieving OPM program goals and objectives. Achievement of this goal is two months ahead of schedule; and,

· Establishment of a Capital Investment Committee to review and approve all OPM capital expenditures for all investments in excess of $250,000 and certain investments of any value. This goal also was met two months ahead of schedule.