DHS Human Capital: Senior Leadership Vacancy Rates Generally Declined, but Components Rates Varied. Report to Congressional Committees

摘要

Since its creation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced scrutiny from Congress and others concerning DHSs ability to hire and retain senior executives. GAO was requested to review senior leadership vacancies at DHS, including efforts to address vacancies. This report addresses: (1) vacancy rates in DHS senior leadership positions from fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and how these rates compared with other federal agencies; (2) attrition in DHS senior leadership positions, how attrition compares with other federal agencies, and actions DHS has taken to identify causes of senior leadership attrition; and (3) programs to help address senior-leadership hiring and recruitment. GAO calculated vacancy and attrition rates using Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data. GAO also used National Finance Center (NFC) payroll data obtained from DHS in vacancy rate calculations. There is no generally agreed upon standard for vacancy rates. However, to provide perspective, using OPM data, GAO calculated vacancy rates for other agencies subject to the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990 and compared them with DHS. GAO found the OPM and NFC data sufficiently reliable to calculate vacancy and attrition rates. To determine actions taken to identify attrition causes and efforts to enhance recruitment and retention, GAO reviewed agency documents, interviewed DHS human capital officials, and considered human capital practices GAO has previously recommended.