The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the launch of the Exemplar public-private partnership program for employees in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program is designed to bring private sector expertise to the federal government.
Some of the Department’s most exceptional employees will be eligible to receive training at public sector entities in cybersecurity, engineering, multi-hazard mitigation and infrastructure investment, physical and cybersecurity integration, research & development, and scientific research.
Exemplar aims to make the “shared responsibility for homeland security” a reality.
“Exemplar is an investment in our workforce and a significant opportunity for us to enhance our capabilities through public-private partnerships,” said Under Secretary for Management Russell C. Deyo in a blog post. “We are committed to recruiting, retaining, growing, and creating new training opportunities for DHS professionals.”
GS-11 through GS-15 employees who work in the STEM fields at the National Protection and Programs Directorate and Science and Technology Directorate are eligible to participate in the Exemplar program. During the training period—which cannot exceed six months—at the private sector organization, the employee remains a federal employee.
Private sector entities interested in serving as a training host must be a US based corporation, submit the requested information on the training announcement, and successfully complete a background investigation.
“Exemplar flips the Loaned Executive Program inside-out, creating a reverse program for training purposes,” said Deyo. “It will place our Department’s best STEM minds in for-profit companies in the private sector, allowing them to hone their skills and expand their experiences, while ensuring that our Department retains key talent.”