b'Conversations with LeadersModernizing Government to Meet 21st Century Realities: A Conversation with Margaret Weichert, Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget By Michael J. KeeganMost Americans may not think about the U.S. federal government every daybut when they need government services, they expect it to work. As technology, e-commerce, and customer needs have evolved, government institutions have some catching up to do. The U.S. federal government still operates many capabilities and processes established in the mid-20th century if not earlierdespite dramatic changes in technology, society, and the needs of the American people in this Digital Age. Margaret Weichert, deputy director for Management, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss the Trump administrations vision for modernizing the U.S. federal government to meet the mission, service, and stewardship realities of the 21st century. On Leading OMBs Management Mission I lead the management side of OMB, which develops and executes a governmentwide management agenda thatdevelops and provides direction in the use of information includes information technology, financial management,technology to deliver on government missions. The Office procurement, performance, and human resources. Theof Performance and Personnel Management (OPPM) works management side of OMB is comprised of offices thatwith agencies to encourage use and communication oversee and coordinate the administrations procurement,of performance information and to improve results and financial management, e-government, performance andtransparency. OPPM also works closely with the U.S. Office personnel management, and information and regulatoryof Personnel Management (OPM) to advance effective policies.personnel practices. Ill give you a brief overview of some of these areas thatOn Transforming How Government Workscomprise the management portfolio. The Office of FederalOur vision for government modernization as outlined in the Procurement Policy (OFPP) works with agencies to improvePresidents Management Agenda (PMA) started by focusing federal procurement practices that affect the full rangeon those government servesour customers, the citizen who of federal acquisitions. The Office of Federal Financialuse government services. Trust in government is at an all-time Management (OFFM) develops and provides direction tolow. We wanted to understand the causes and identify ways improve financial management and systems. The Office ofto modernize and improve how government delivers on its E-Government and Information Technology, headed by thevarious missions. We looked at specific functions and sought federal governments Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent,to identify where government agencies are failing to connect. 24 www.businessofgovernment.org The Business of Government'