Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today hosted the ninth session of the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council Academy. 

Today's academy session discussed accountability systems which are an integral part of President George W. Bush's Management Agenda, the Strategic Management of Human Capital initiative -- a factor in the quarterly scoring process.  At the academy, CHCOs participated in a facilitated discussion of the federal government's strategy to leverage these operating accountability systems in conjunction with OPM's role for the assessment of human capital.  In addition, CHCOs learned about OPM's plans to work with agencies to develop, refine, and strengthen their accountability systems. 

"The stakes are high for federal agencies," stated Michael D. Dovilla, Executive Director of the CHCO Council.  "Agencies must have human capital accountability systems in place because there's an increased focus on measurable results; mission accomplishment is dependent on the success of human capital policies and programs; greater human capital flexibility equals greater risk and vulnerability; and agencies have a significant investment of resources in human capital programs."

Civil Service Rule X grants OPM the authority to require agencies to establish accountability systems and the authority to review agencies' human resources management programs and practices.  The Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 further charges OPM with designing a set of systems, including appropriate metrics for assessing the management of human capital by federal agencies.  The systems are designed to provide agencies with pertinent information on their human capital activities, including their alignment with mission, effectiveness and efficiency, and compliance with Merit System principles and applicable laws.

"Strong and effective human capital accountability systems focus on measurable results; ensure human capital policies and programs impact positively on agency mission accomplishment; monitor the use of human capital flexibilities to reduce risk; promote a return on investment; and ensure continuous improvement," Dovilla said.  "Many agencies have already developed viable accountability systems and have achieved green status on the PMA scorecard based in part on these systems," added Dovilla.