An overview of the first 20 years of the OPM's operations, drawing on numerous studies by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board of OPM programs in many areas of Fed. human resources mgmt. It is not an all-inclusive commentary on OPM's programs and activities. Focuses on the Board's perspectives regarding OPM's overall performance, and examines issues that cause concern or deserve continuing scrutiny. OPM's overall performance has been characterized by notable successes, esp. in overseeing the delegation and decentralization of Federal human resources decision-making, improving human resources oversight, and fostering a diverse and family-friendly workplace.

In this report, the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) assesses some of the major activities of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) during the first decade of its existence. OPM was established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) to provide the Federal civil service system with leadership, guidance, and oversight. MSPB was also established under the CRSA -- as a successor to the former Civil Service Commission -- to adjudicate employee appeals and to protect the merit system. One of MSPB's assigned responsibilities is to conduct special studies of the civil service system as part of a planned system of checks and balances. This charge includes a specific requirement for an annual oversight review and report on the significant actions of OPM. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the CSRA, this report provides a synthesis of the findings and conclusions from published MSPB reports on OPM dating back to calendar year 1980. It also outlines the high expectations set for OPM by the CSRA and discusses the degree to which the OPM activities and programs covered by this review have met those expectations. The report concludes with recommendations for OPM action and direction in the coming decade.