The Biden administration is actively seeking to enhance the federal workforce’s expertise in data by recruiting more data professionals. This initiative is part of the administration’s continuous endeavors to expedite the integration of artificial intelligence tools within the government.
To facilitate this recruitment drive, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently initiated a broad-scale hiring action across the government. This initiative aims to attract a larger pool of data scientists to serve in various federal agencies.
Through OPM’s pooled hiring notice, interested individuals can submit a single application and be considered for multiple GS-14 data scientist positions across different federal entities. This collaborative approach allows agencies to streamline the selection process by sharing a roster of qualified candidates when recruiting for similar roles.
The application window for this hiring action is limited, with OPM ceasing to accept new applications upon reaching the threshold of 750 submissions. Notably, a similar hiring action for data scientists conducted three years ago garnered over 500 applications within a mere 48-hour period.
In a memo issued late last year, OPM granted agencies direct-hire authority for various AI-related job categories. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to bolstering AI capabilities within the government.
The White House, in a recent fact sheet, emphasized OPM’s pooled hiring initiatives as part of President Biden’s directive to enhance AI utilization in government operations. Principal Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer Deirdre Mulligan and U.S. Digital Service Administrator Mina Hsiang highlighted the significance of this hiring drive in advancing the administration’s AI recruitment strategies.
Federal officials reported to Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed that agencies have successfully fulfilled their 90-day action plans outlined in the AI executive order. Noteworthy efforts include the establishment of the AI and Tech Talent Force by the White House Chief of Staff’s Office and the formation of an interagency council by the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate AI utilization across federal agencies.
Furthermore, the Technology Modernization Fund’s board has assessed methods to prioritize AI adoption within agencies. Apart from the hiring action, the Biden administration is actively promoting governmentwide tech talent programs like the Presidential Innovation Fellows, U.S. Digital Corps, and U.S. Digital Service.
Looking ahead, the administration aims to expand its recruitment of AI talent in 2024 for key AI projects. The administration calls upon AI experts to join in advancing research efforts to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of future AI models.
In leveraging AI tools, the federal government is already addressing challenges such as climate change, cancer treatment enhancement, and the optimization of government services. Mulligan and Hsiang underscored the potential for AI to revolutionize processes like disability benefits applications and air safety equipment maintenance prediction, ultimately enhancing service delivery to the public.
OPM’s pooled hiring action aligns with recommendations from former government officials, such as former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Jennifer Pahlka. Pahlka highlighted the importance of infusing AI expertise into the federal workforce to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
While direct-hire authority for AI positions simplifies recruitment processes, Pahlka noted the need for more streamlined hiring mechanisms, including pooled hiring across agencies. She suggested that OPM requires additional authorities and resources to scale up these programs effectively.
Pahlka also commended the success of agency efforts in hiring data scientists and tech experts, particularly through the Subject Matter Expert Qualifying Assessments (SMEQA) process. This rigorous evaluation method involves multiple stages of assessment conducted by subject matter experts in collaboration with agency human capital offices.
