Audit of DNFSB's Human Resources Program

Agency Response Dated March 29, 2024: The audit analyses documented negative effects from multiple SES vacancies, a hiring freeze on SES positions, and non-SES staff filling SES positions. Since the issuance of the audit report, the agency actively recruited to fill SES vacancies and operated for a time with all SES positions filled. While the agency currently has two SES vacancies (Associate Technical Directors for Nuclear Weapon Programs and Nuclear Materials, Processing and Stabilization), the vacancy rate is substantially below the rate at the time of the audit and the vacancies are not resulting in the same negative effects documented in 2019. As such, we believe the intent of this recommendation has been met and request closure of this item.<br />
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Updated Agency Response Dated June 4, 2024: In reference to the OIG Audit of the DNFSB’s Human Resources Program dated January 27, 2020 (DNFSB-20-A-04), the agency commits to either filling SES vacancies in a timely manner, subject to budget constraints, or otherwise managing our allocation in conjunction with OPM requirements. Currently, the Board only has two SES vacancies: Associate Technical Director, Nuclear Weapons Programs and Associate Technical Director, Nuclear Materials Processing &amp; Stabilization. These vacancies were posted to USAJOBS on April 8 and closed on May 17, 2024. The agency is working through the hiring process for these vacancies and is committed to working to fill vacancies as they become available. The agency requests closure of recommendations 5 and 6 of the audit.<br />
OIG Analysis: Based on the updated agency response on June 4, 2024, this recommendation is now closed.