Dec 6, 2024 | Eddie Hartwig

How a STEM talent pool can turn around slow federal hiring, even during emergencies

I was asked by the Federation of American Scientists to recommend changes to speed up and improve federal hiring.

It often takes the federal government months to hire for critical science and technology (STEM) roles, far too slow to respond effectively to the demands of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence), disasters (COVID), and implementing complex legislation (CHIPS). One solution is for the Federal Government to create a pool of pre-vetted STEM talent to address these needs.

I proposed a four-point plan that outlines how the federal government can leverage existing authorities and hiring mechanisms to build a STEM talent pool.

• Hire and empower a STEM talent lead for critical hiring needs
• Proactively, continuously hire for key roles across the government
• Implement a “shared-certificate-by-default” policy
• Let departing employees remain available for rapid re-hire into federal roles

Onboarding Critical Talent in Days: Establishing a Federal STEM Talent Pool It often takes the federal government months to hire for critical science and technology (STEM) roles, far too slow to respond effectively to the demands of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence), disasters (COVID), and implementing complex legislation (CHIPS). fas.org