WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that former OPM Director Janice R. Lachance has been named Chair of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee (FPRAC). In this role, Lachance will advise the OPM Director on the government-wide administration of the Federal Wage System that sets compensation rates for trade, craft, and laboring federal employees whose pay is set according to local prevailing wage levels. She will work to support OPM’s efforts to set policies and procedures to ensure equitable rate setting. 

“Janice is the right person at the right moment to lead this pivotal work to make sure critical federal employees are valued and paid fairly as they serve the American people, and we’re excited to welcome her back to OPM,” said Kiran Ahuja, Director of OPM. “Janice brings tremendous institutional knowledge, consensus-building ability, and a strong understanding of labor law to this role. Her proven track record as a fair arbiter and experience navigating the specific rules and regulations that govern federal pay will inform her success as FPRAC Chair.” 

Lachance has deep experience within OPM, having served as the Director of Communications, Director of Communications and Policy, and Chief of Staff. Lachance was later confirmed by the Senate for the positions of Deputy Director and Director. Lachance has 17 years of experience working with federal agencies, Capitol Hill and labor unions. Before joining OPM, Lachance served as the Director of Communications and Political Affairs for the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO. Born in Biddeford, Maine, Lachance holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

“I am honored and pleased to have been asked to once again join OPM, where I look forward to working with Director Ahuja and the OPM staff to ensure a Federal Wage System that is grounded in fairness and equity,” said Janice R. Lachance. “Working in partnership with employee unions and federal agencies, I am confident we can make real progress on President Biden’s promise to provide additional economic security and dignity to these dedicated workers who provide important services to our nation.” 

FPRAC studies the prevailing rate system and other matters pertinent to the establishment of prevailing rates under subchapter IV of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. FPRAC has one Chair, five management members, and five labor members.