Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation

Impact dates

1. Jun 9, 2011

   Chief Performance Officer shall submit recommendations for restructuring and streamlining Federal Government programs focused on trade and competitiveness

Key directives

• Establish Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative led by Executive Director
• Conduct comprehensive review of federal agencies and programs involved in trade and competitiveness
• Analyze scope, effectiveness, overlap, duplication, unmet needs, and cost savings
• Confer with agency heads and staff across executive departments
• Consult with external stakeholders including Congress, business, unions, NGOs, and experts
• Submit recommendations within 90 days for restructuring and streamlining
• Organize trade/competitiveness functions to facilitate business and worker competitiveness
• Ensure agency responsibilities are transparent and accessible to public
• Reduce inefficiencies and overlapping responsibilities
• Agencies shall provide information and assistance as requested

Who is ordered

• Chief Performance Officer and Deputy Director for Management, OMB · Office of Management and Budget
• Executive Director, Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative · Office of Management and Budget
• Director of the Office of Management and Budget · Office of Management and Budget
• Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies · Various

Timeline

Risks & tensions

• Recommendations require congressional action for implementation, creating legislative uncertainty
• Ambiguity about binding authority: agencies provide assistance 'consistent with law' and 'to the extent permitted by law'
• Scope limited to 'trade and competitiveness' functions, may not address broader government reform goals
• No enforcement mechanism specified if agencies resist cooperation
• Memorandum explicitly disclaims creating enforceable rights, limiting accountability