Cybersecurity Rotational Programs to Benefit Civilian Workforce, OPM Director Says

Michael Rigas, acting director at the Office of Personnel Management, said federal agencies are being urged to heed the memorandum of understanding that the agency has released listing the responsibilities for employees taking part in rotational programs. 

The MOU, which outlines the role of the home agency, host agency and participant, states that government organizations are mandated to maintain employee training initiatives in cybersecurity, Nextgov reported Thursday.   

Rigas said the rotational programs will be beneficial to employees as they are offered opportunities to learn new skills and abilities. The initiative is also expected to attract professionals from the commercial sector.  

“Moreover, loaning agencies themselves benefit from the new skills and perspective the employee develops. Cybersecurity rotations support organizational objectives with cybersecurity education, training, workforce development, and retention,” he said.

OPM recommended that the memo include roles that parties should play in evaluations and agreement on objectives upfront. In particular, assessments from a host-agency supervisor should take into account a home-agency supervisor’s annual review of the participant, who would have a say in describing the objectives.

The memo also points out three rotation opportunities for cybersecurity: the President’s Management Council interagency program, which is coordinated by OPM and covers a cyber track; the cybersecurity reskilling detail initiative, in which assignments can be completed up to 12 months depending on other training; and the federal cybersecurity rotation program, which is under the Department of Homeland Security. 

In addition, the MOU gives details that are seen to address issues when engaging in cross-agency training programs, which usually come in renewable four-month stints.

The directive also notes that aside from hiring the right talent and training employees, federal agencies should use rotational and developmental programs to build and continue to mature the capabilities of a pipeline of cybersecurity talent and leaders.