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Concerns Over Workforce Development at ARPA-H Amid High-Risk Research Goals
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is focused on undertaking ambitious research initiatives aimed at innovating treatments for diseases. However, a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) raises concerns about the agency’s capability to cultivate a workforce capable of fulfilling its critical mission.
According to the GAO report released on December 26, ARPA-H lacks a comprehensive strategic workforce planning process. Investigators emphasized that such planning is vital for organizations involved in science and technology. It ensures that these entities can compete with the private sector and academic institutions for talent while adapting to rapid scientific progress.
Strategic workforce planning is essential in aligning the workforce with both present and future mission objectives. It aids in devising long-term strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining personnel to meet the agency’s goals effectively.
Established in 2022, ARPA-H is authorized to employ up to 210 staff members. As of July 1, 2024, the agency has onboarded 118 individuals, with a goal of reaching 205 employees by the close of fiscal year 2026.
Analyzing the demographics of scientific staff, it is noted that 66 individuals have been recruited. The gender distribution is equal, yet a notable 80% of these hires are white, with no representation from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, or individuals of two or more races.
ARPA-H officials reported engaging with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving institutions. They have also participated in various events with minority-serving entities and multicultural organizations to enhance recruitment from underrepresented groups.
This new health agency draws its operational model from established federal advanced research entities, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Program managers at ARPA-H hold tenure-limited positions, and staffing decisions are made outside traditional civil service frameworks. Notably, the agency’s director has the latitude to set employee salaries up to the level of the presidential salary.
To attract talent, ARPA-H has utilized various hiring mechanisms and pay incentives. A significant majority of its scientific hires were made through an expedited process, with ten recruits receiving additional pay incentives.
The GAO has recommended that ARPA-H formulate and enact a strategic workforce plan, a suggestion the agency has accepted. ARPA-H has also committed to monitoring its progress in fostering a diverse workforce and evaluating the effectiveness of its pay flexibilities, with plans to initiate these assessments by the end of fiscal year 2025.
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