Water Resources Discipline ITAC Activities

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NR SAs, RCSers,

A couple of weeks ago, I sent out a brief statement which I want to make sure was not misunderstood. It was good news but not wonderful news. I stated that DOI had taken IT off the competitive sourcing list, this is good news because we (the USGS ) have gained control over the process but it does not mean that IT is off the hook yet.

The USGS is no longer being forced to determine which function will next be competed, instead, the new approach is to develop a strategy that takes in account USGS business cases when determining staffing needs...sounds to me like this will take a while. This year, the competitive sourcing effort will focus on the 2004 inventory, developing a strategic approach on how USGS will handle competitive sourcing in the future and continuation of the visual information and printing study/competition. The USGS won the "buildings and grounds" competition last year.

Regarding the 2004 inventory....

ITAC was made aware that a number of discrepancies existed in the 2003 inventory in the way WRD had categorized NWIS DBA and SA positions, nationwide. The RCSers and IO Chief, on behave of ITAC, submitted a challenge to the Competitive Sourcing Team arguing that BOTH the Lead SA and the NWIS DBA positions could be classified as inherently governmental, depending on the specific duties and percentage of time they are performed. This challenge will be forwarded to WRD POCs ( District Chiefs) to help with this years inventory.

Recent news also leads me to believe we will not hear any of this in an official memo. Communication channels regarding Competitive Sourcing seem to be restricted to USGS leadership.

Hope you find this information more helpful than harmful.

Jessie