Federal managers rate the Recovery Act

Federal managers are overwhelmed by the demands of the historic economic stimulus package, but they're also feeling optimistic about the government's ability to successfully administer the law. These and other findings are part of a new survey of more than 300 employees across the federal government on how the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act affects their jobs and agencies.

The Government Business Council, the research arm of Government Executive Media Group, sent surveys to 10,000 randomly-chosen publication subscribers in May 2009. It received 338 complete responses to 23 questions that gauged the resources, personnel and challenges involved in disbursing more than $700 billion in stimulus funds.

Respondents, who reflected a range of experience levels and managerial responsibilities, cited unclear standards and transparency requirements from the Obama administration as the greatest challenge to their Recovery Act work. Thirty-four percent reported feeling "overwhelmed" by the Recovery Act and just 6 percent said they were "excited" to promote the law's objectives.

And while 46 percent of survey participants said more experienced staff is needed to improve the Recovery Act's chance of success, they also reported feeling "moderately optimistic" that the federal government is up to the job. Nearly half of the respondents believe the stimulus will positively affect the mission and role of the federal government during the next decade.

Click here to view the key survey results