Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act of 2021
Jun 21, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1289
Became law: Jun 21, 2022
Jun 21, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1289
Became law: Jun 21, 2022
Summary
Sets up a program for federal cyber workers to temporarily work at different agencies to build skills and improve government-wide teamwork.
What problem does this solve?
The government struggles to keep skilled cyber workers and agencies often don't work well together on cyber defense. This law creates a rotation program to share expertise, improve skills, and encourage better teamwork between agencies.
What does this law do?
Establishes a cyber workforce rotation program
Creates a program for federal employees in cyber jobs to temporarily work in different agencies to gain new skills and experience.
Requires a program operation plan
Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop and issue a plan with the rules and procedures for the program within 270 days.
Guarantees return rights for employees
Ensures that employees who participate can return to their original job or a similar one in their home agency without losing pay or seniority.
Sets rotation term limits
Specifies that job rotations will last between 180 days and one year, with a possible 60-day extension.
Requires a post-rotation service agreement
Makes employees sign an agreement to continue working at their home agency for a period equal to the length of their rotation after they return.
Mandates a program review by the GAO
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the program's effectiveness and report its findings to Congress.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government employees in cybersecurity roles
- Federal agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens national security
Develops a more skilled and flexible federal cyber workforce. This helps the government better defend against cyberattacks by sharing knowledge and experience across different agencies.
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Improves employee retention
Offers unique career growth opportunities not available within a single agency. This can make government cyber jobs more attractive and help keep talented employees from leaving for the private sector.
When does this start?
This program has several key deadlines, including the creation of an operation plan and a final date when the program will end.
Program Operation Plan
The Director of the Office of Personnel Management must create and release the plan for how the program will work within 270 days of the law being passed.
GAO Report to Congress
The Government Accountability Office must give a report to Congress on how well the program is working by the end of the third fiscal year after the plan is released.