Pilot Program for the Temporary Exchange of Information Technology Personnel

The Department of Defense (DoD) is issuing regulations to implement provisions contained in section 1110 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, October 28, 2009, which authorizes DoD to establish a Pilot Program for the Temporary Exchange of Information Technology (IT) Personnel. This statute authorizes the temporary assignments of DoD IT employees to private sector organizations. This statute also gives DoD the authority to accept IT employees for temporary assignments from private sector organizations. This Pilot is envisioned to promote the interchange of DoD and private sector IT professionals to enhance skills and competencies. The prompt implementation of an interim final rule is crucial in assisting DoD to pilot a program to enhance its position and expertise in the IT field, particularly in cybersecurity. The Administration has expressed considerable interest in the IT area, and stressed its importance in a recent Cyberspace Review Report. Given the changing workforce dynamics in the IT field, DoD needs to take advantage of these types of professional development programs to proactively position itself to keep pace with the changes in technology. The immediate implementation of an Interim Final Rule is viable to enhance IT professional skills, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. Several Components including Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Naval Research, Office of the DoD's Chief Information Officer, and Department Air Force, and Department of the Army are ready to participate. The program is not controversial and delayed implementation would deny an important benefit to the Department and the public. The ITEP would serve the public good by enhancing the DoD IT workforce skills to protect and defend our nation.