News Release
OPM Director James Reminds Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Chairs on the Importance of Their Work - Continued Need to Strengthen Oversight of CFC
James Addresses Chairs Following Year of Actions She Directed to Strengthen and Ensure Accountability in CFC Campaign
Washington, D.C. - Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kay Coles James, recently addressed chairs of local CFC committees to reiterate the importance of their work and review new guidance to strengthen oversight of the CFC.
James stated, "Thanks to you and many other Federal volunteers we're proud to know the CFC will once again come through for thousands of U.S. charities that depend on generosity of Federal donors. OPM is accountable for assuring Federal employees their designations are honored and distributed to charitable organizations of their choice. But we cannot do this without your help. As administrators of the Combined Federal Campaign in each of your communities we count on you to ensure that the management of CFC funds meets with the high standards expected by our colleagues."
Following reports of irregularities in 2002, as well as communiqués with Senator Charles Grassley's staff, Director James requested a special OPM oversight audit of the local CFC, which was conducted by the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Inspector General Patrick McFarland. To address those issues raised during the 2002 United Way National Capital Area Investigation by OPM and other agencies and to insure the donors that their contributions are properly allocated and directed, Director James issued new audit guidelines which have led to a substantially expanded monitoring and compliance program. Components of this include:
- Additional staff dedicated to the review of financial compliance standards
- Technical assistance as appropriate to address financial accountability and corrective actions
- OPM release of a model process with criteria to be used in the selection of Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFOs) - the organizations responsible for administration and fiscal management of campaigns locally.
In addition, OPM has implemented the following changes as called for by James:
- The Office of CFC Operations at OPM promotes mergers of campaigns whenever appropriate to centralize certain functions and increase efficiencies
- The CFC Office at OPM works with the CFC Council created in 2001 to advise on the design and implementation of strategies to strengthen the CFC infrastructure
Following September 11, campaigns across the country reported a record increase in contributions for a total of $241,574,888. Last year, despite the major challenge to the CFC resulting from the allegations of mismanagement on the local level, over a million and a half Federal donors contributed nearly $237 million to charities and sustained an extraordinary level of performance.
James told the chairs that because of their help, oversight of the CFC program has been strengthened significantly, serving to build a stronger campaign for the future. She expressed thanks to them and the many other Federal volunteers that work on the campaign. "Now more than ever, the CFC needs your help", said James.
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