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Return to Article: OMB competitive sourcing chief to step down

• 1549
  

  I heartedly agree with most of the (negative) comments regarding Ms. Styles and the other short-timers in the Bush Administration. Even though it never affected me personally I always cringed when I read her comments about competitive sourcing. Many of the Park Service employees who have been subjected to this ill-conceived experiment are, like those in my field, part of the most public face of the federal government. They are the federal employees who produce services that provide tangible value to the public, and through their experience accumulated over a career, only they can provide the continuity of service and professionalism required to safeguard our national parks.

  Good riddance, Ms. Styles, and I hope you enjoy the cushy perks paid for by your clients. You accomplished nothing except the enmity of public employees. May the rest of your cronies jump ship before November 2004. You epitomize the current administration's politically well-connected overpaid amateurs who neither care nor understand what constitutes effective and responsible public administration.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 5, 2003 1:15 PM
• 1548
  

  Angela Styles did what she was called upon to do. She set up federal employees to lose their jobs.

  This silly notion that federal agencies are suddenly going to start developing winning proposals using best value criteria while competing against contractors who have been doing this successfully for many decades is grossly unfair.

  The ridiculous 12-month timeline prescribed in the A-76 circular is a recipe for disaster. Since 1966, no federal agency has averaged anything under 2-3 years.

  Federal agencies will make a multitude of mistakes in the rush to complete A-76 studies on time. Contractors will be able to buy in initially with bogus estimates or big promises or both. Then, after the federal employees are gone, the contractors will be able to gouge the taxpayers by demanding numerous modifications to their contracts. That is, after all, how A-76 contractors play the game.

  Angela Styles served her masters well. Unfortunately, taxpayers and federal employees are going to get the sharp end of the stick.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 5, 2003 1:00 PM
• 1545
  

  Styles has always been gung-ho about contracting jobs out willy-nilly (after all, it was her job to be as such). I find it curious that, on her way out the door, she suddenly says "There is still not a lot of oversight in some areas of our contracting system, and I think it will haunt us." Hmmmmmm.....could it be that she is finally starting to see the light? If so, can other people at OMB and inside the Bush administration see the light as well? Seems she timed this revealation so that it would be too late for anyone to demand that she retract this statement. Ironically, it's the first accurate statement I've ever heard come out of her mouth.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 5, 2003 11:35 AM
• 1538
  

  Good riddance! Now, let us hope and work for a complete changeover on the Hill in 2004.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 5, 2003 9:23 AM
• 1537
  

  To add to the below comment by the USAF Analyst. If you were truly honest you'd state the real reason for your demise at OMB is the fact that you were not able to get Bush what he wanted (i.e., contracting out)and you were probably asked to move on. Since you appear to have and hold dear to the same mindset as Bush and his administration, good riddance! Hopefully, we can say that to your current boss in one more year! Hasta la vista, Baby!!!

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 5, 2003 8:42 AM
• 1532
  

  Angela has gained my respect, I would leave government service also if I could. I hope the best for her in her new and exciting future. Mr. Bush needs to stop this idiotic A-76 initiative, it might cost him the upcoming election.

  Federal Employee Posted September 4, 2003 4:21 PM
• 1530
  

  Sean O'Keefe left OMB first, then Mitch Daniels left. Now Angela Styles is leaving.

  This shows that its very easy for 'short timers' to come in and demean an entire group of dedicated people, that they know nothing about (Federal Workers).

  Its a little differrent to walk the walk, doing a thankless job day after day, even if you have the President's ear. Federal workers do a lot more, with much less, every day.

  So long to that old gang of mine. They'll probably get a huge performance bonus at years end.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 4, 2003 3:54 PM
• 1524
  

  "They've got a very good quality of life [at Miller & Chevalier] as compared to almost three years of not as good a quality of life here."

  At least she's being honest. Congratulations, Ms. Styles on putting up with nearly three whole years of being overworked and underpaid. Welcome to government service. Your successor probably won't last as long. Goodbye and good luck.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 4, 2003 1:53 PM