Stiff Competition

OMB directs agencies to compete 5 percent of commercial jobs (42,500) by Sept. 30, 2002. OMB tells agencies to compete an additional 10 percent of their commercial workforce (85,000 jobs) by Sept. 30, 2003. VA Secretary Anthony Principi tells OMB he is concerned about targets and reluctant to hold nationwide job competitions. Procurement chief Angela Styles says 11 agencies have committed to meet the 15 percent target; OMB is still negotiating with the State and Energy departments. FAA notifies Congress of competition at flight service stations; 2,700 jobs are affected. OMB unveils draft version of new OMB Circular A-76, which governs outsourcing.