Multi-Agency Policy Advisory Council (MPAC)

The Multi-Agency Policy Advisory Council (MPAC) is a cross-government group that focuses on the implementation of HR and Human Capital policies. The MPAC is responsible for notifying and updating Shared Service Providers (SSPs—HR/payroll and self-servicing agencies) on new policies, establishing communication between policy owners and SSPs, and ensuring issues with policy implementation are addressed. OPM’s HR Line of Business (HRLOB) facilitates the collaboration of this group. The MPAC is expanding its role in the policy space by leading an effort to improve policy implementation processes across government.

Who is the MPAC?

MPAC members include representatives from OPM Policy Offices and HR/Payroll SSPs that service over 99% of federal civilian employees.

OPM Policy Office members include:

• Combined Federal Campaign
• Congressional, Legislative, and Intergovernmental Affairs
• Federal Data Solutions
• Healthcare and Insurance
• Pay and Leave
• Planning and Policy Analysis
• Recruitment and Hiring
• Retirement Services
• Strategic Workforce Planning

HR/Payroll SSPs and Self-servicing agency members include:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Services
• Defense Manpower Data Center
• General Services Administration
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Interior Business Center
• National Finance Center
• Department of State
• Treasury Shared Services Center
• Treasury Shared Services Center Administrative Resource Center
• Bonneville Power Administration
• Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Department of Energy
• Federal Reserve Board of Governors
• National Security Agency
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• United States Postal Service

What does the MPAC do?

Policy Rollout, Implementation, and Support

MPAC has worked with OPM policy owners to support SSPs in the rollout, implementation, and support of several key HR policies, including: Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, Affordable Care Act Employer Shared Responsibility of 2010, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program updates, Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act of 2014, Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015, and the Administrative Leave Act of 2016.

Working Groups

MPAC organized Governmentwide working groups for the Combined Federal Campaign Central Campaign Administrator and the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) Automation initiative. MPAC also facilitated a working group between Pay and Leave and SSPs to implement the Administrative Leave Act of 2016.

FAQ

Q: When does the MPAC meet?

A: The MPAC meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Q: How can I participate in MPAC meetings and/or be included on the policy distribution list?

A: If you would like to be included in meetings and/or the distribution list, please contact HRLOB@opm.gov.

Q: How can I find out who is representing my agency and/or SSP?

A: Contact the HRLOB at HRLOB@opm.gov to inquire about your representative.

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Improving Policy Implementation (IPI)

The Multi-Agency Policy Advisory Council (MPAC) launched the Improving Policy Implementation (IPI) initiative in June 2016. The IPI initiative seeks to promote a consistent, Governmentwide interpretation of policy, regulations, and requirements; establish a standard model for the operationalization of policies; and ensure greater adherence to federal laws and regulations. The MPAC works closely with OPM Policy Offices and Shared Service Providers (SSPs—HR/payroll and self-servicing agencies) to bridge communication gaps and promote collaboration from policy development to implementation, facilitating a more streamlined and effective channel between key policy stakeholders.

What is the purpose of IPI?

MPAC research into the policy landscape revealed a lack of collaboration between OPM Policy Offices that provide policy guidance and Shared Service Providers (SSPs) that are expected to implement policies according to guidance. IPI evolved to address the needs of the policy implementation environment by serving as a bridge of communication between policy offices and SSPs.

The goal of the IPI initiative is to bridge the communication gap between OPM Policy Offices and SSPs, as well as develop tools and systems that facilitate more effective collaboration. IPI promotes the collaboration across all stakeholders from policy inception to implementation.

Who does IPI benefit?

IPI benefits three key stakeholders:

OPM Policy Offices

OPM Policy Offices will offer guidance in a format that will ease the implementation processes and reduce the amount of time spent assisting providers and agencies to implement new policies.

SSPs

SSPs will receive guidance that efficiently outlines how new regulations will affect and change their business processes, allowing for easier implementation.

Agencies

There will be more consistent adherence to HR policy across government agencies, enabling better support for employees and a greater focus on meeting mission objectives.

What is IPI comprised of?

IPI is comprised of three work outputs:

Draft Policy Implementation Package

The Policy Implementation Package is intended to assist both policy developers and policy implementers in easily identifying all information needed for policy implementation. The package includes a comprehensive list of common elements that comprise a policy change in a standardized format that allows for easier reference.

Draft Standard Workflow Process

The policy workflow maps out the major events that take place during the policy development and review process. The workflow shows the sequence of events and how stakeholders interact with each other throughout the process.

Final Policy Implementation Package and Final Standard Workflow Implementation Process

During working group sessions, the HRLOB gathers feedback to improve and update outputs by discussing common challenges and building relationships among stakeholders. The working groups examine common pain points and challenges, and discuss leading practices.

In 2017, the MPAC was awarded the OPM Director’s Award for Excellence in Support of Strategic Goals for the IPI initiative.

FAQ

Q: What is involved in participation in the Policy Implementation Package?

A: The HRLOB works with OPM Policy Offices to populate the Policy Implementation Package with information about the regulation and work with SSPs to gather their input on important policy implementation considerations.

Q: What is the purpose of a Policy Implementation Package test?

A: The test is intended to apply the Policy Implementation Package to an active regulation to demonstrate the benefits of using this tool during policy development and make any necessary updates or improvements to the package.

Q: How can I participate in a Policy Implementation Package test?

A: Please send your request to HRLOB@opm.gov to participate in a test and the MPAC team will contact you.

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