Legal Definitions - Office of Personnel Management

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independentfederal agency that manages the personnel system of the government. Its main functions include:

• Helping agencies recruit and evaluate employees
• Managing retirement and health-benefit systems
• Coordinating temporary assignments
• Conducting investigations
• Developing leadership in the federal executive service

The OPM was established by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978 and given various functions of the former U.S. Civil Service Commission by Executive Order 12107 of 1978.

For example, if a government agency needs to hire a new employee, they can work with the OPM to find qualified candidates and evaluate their qualifications. The OPM also manages retirement and health benefits for government employees, ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. Additionally, the OPM coordinates temporary assignments, such as when an employee needs to work in a different location for a short period of time.