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Recognizing the powerful impact that the government’s internal operations have on service to its citizens, this Administration has made transformation of management practices within the Federal Government a key priority. Sharing and streamlining mission support services such as financial management and human resources not only allows for more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, but also enables agencies to focus more time, energy and resources on their strategic priorities that benefit the public, such as building the nation’s infrastructure, ensuring our security, and strengthening our communities.
In October 2015, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA) announced the first-ever government-wide operating model for shared services, including the establishment of the Shared Services Governance Board (SSGB) and creation of the Office of Unified Shared Services Management (USSM). This operating model is intended to enable the delivery of high-quality, high-value shared services that improve performance and efficiency throughout government, with the SSGB driving the strategic direction and the USSM executing on the shared vision.
Today, OMB issued guidance to agencies on Improving Administrative Functions Through Shared Services. The guidance institutionalizes many of the ongoing initiatives and progress, including:
In addition to the efforts highlighted in the guidance, there has also been significant progress in creating the governance, strategy, and funding models to support broad adoption of shared services. Those efforts include:
Realizing the promise of shared services is a long-term effort and one that challenges government leaders to adopt a new lens for decision-making that at times may require prioritizing the federal enterprise over the individual agency. This early progress through the SSGB and USSM represents new momentum for the shared service model that builds upon the foundation laid by this and previous Administrations.
With continued focus on the vision for more efficient, secure, and effective government operations through shared services, we can maximize the ability for agencies to deliver their missions and truly transform the impact of government on families and communities across the country.
David Mader is the Controller at the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Denise Turner Roth is the Administrator of the General Services Administration.
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