Understanding OASAM
What is OASAM?
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) is responsible for providing leadership, support, and oversight of administrative, financial, IT, human resources, and procurement functions across the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). OASAM ensures that DOL agencies and offices operate efficiently while complying with federal regulations and policies.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Human Resources & Workforce Development: Manages recruitment, training, and personnel policies for DOL employees.
- Procurement & Contracting: Oversees acquisition policies and contract management for DOL programs.
- Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity: Ensures secure and modern IT infrastructure and digital services.
- Financial Management & Budgeting: Oversees financial planning, audits, and grants.
- Facilities & Asset Management: Handles property, space planning, and federal workplace safety.
- Civil Rights & Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Promotes workplace diversity and ensures compliance with civil rights laws.
Mission and Goals
OASAM’s mission is to provide operational leadership and administrative support to enable DOL agencies to fulfill their workforce-related goals efficiently and effectively. The agency works to:
- Ensure efficient and transparent procurement and financial management.
- Maintain a secure and innovative IT environment for DOL operations.
- Promote equal opportunity and diversity in federal employment.
- Provide strategic workforce planning for a high-performing federal workforce.
OASAM Organization
OASAM is led by the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management and consists of several key offices and divisions, including:
- Office of Procurement Services (OPS): Manages acquisition policies, contract awards, and procurement compliance.
- Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO): Oversees IT modernization, cybersecurity, and data governance.
- Office of Human Resources (OHR): Handles federal employee hiring, benefits, and labor relations.
- Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO): Manages budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Office of Civil Rights (OCR): Ensures compliance with civil rights laws and equal employment policies.
- Office of Facilities Management (OFM): Oversees federal property, space utilization, and workplace safety.
OASAM works closely with federal agencies, contractors, and IT service providers to ensure compliance with DOL policies and federal acquisition regulations.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with OASAM (DOL)
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand OASAM’s Administrative Priorities: Ensure that contract proposals align with DOL’s strategic objectives in IT modernization, cybersecurity, financial transparency, and human resources efficiency.
- Stay Current with Federal Regulations: Follow key policies, including:
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) – Governs all federal procurement processes.
- Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) – Establishes cybersecurity requirements.
- OMB Circular A-123 – Provides guidelines on financial management and internal controls.
- Master DOL’s IT and Procurement Systems: Gain experience in tools such as:
- System for Award Management (SAM.gov) – For federal contracting and registration.
- DOL eProcurement Systems – Used for bidding and contract management.
- FedRAMP-Certified Cloud Solutions – Ensures compliance with government cloud security standards.
- Prioritize Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Ensure compliance with NIST cybersecurity frameworks, FedRAMP, and DOL’s IT security policies.
- Effective Communication: Work collaboratively with OASAM teams, agency leadership, and federal procurement officials.
- Agile and Process Improvement Practices: Leverage Lean Six Sigma, Agile project management, and automation to enhance contract deliverables.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on emerging trends in federal administration, digital transformation, and workforce optimization.
- Networking and Collaboration: Attend DOL industry briefings, IT and procurement summits, and federal workforce development events.
- Focus on Compliance and Efficiency: Ensure that contract deliverables meet DOL’s administrative goals while maintaining cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance.