OPM can work with agency subject-matter experts to systematically identify competency (or skill) gaps for workforce planning and development purposes.  OPM's governmentwide competency models, customized to fit the occupations in a given agency, provide a framework for identifying gaps in the current workforce and projecting requirements for the future.  Assisted by OPM, agency stakeholders set required levels of proficiency for each competency using one of three approaches, depending on the purpose of the analysis.  OPM also works with agencies to determine the best resources to develop employee competencies using agency or external resources such as training courses, developmental activities, and stretch assignments. OPM can also develop career roadmaps for key occupations to assist employees in planning their career development.

Training Needs Analysis (TNA) can help agencies ensure that their training resources are being used effectively. In addition to helping you identify skill gaps, a comprehensive TNA can provide information about the current state of training within your agency, provide a baseline to evaluate the effectiveness of future efforts, and enable you to determine the training attitudes and preferences of your workforce. OPM will work with you to develop a customized approach that meets your specific needs.

We can use several of our core services such as surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to collect the information required in the TNA. The TNA can be designed to answer questions about training needs and tracking; attitudes toward participation; desired training content, method, and mode of delivery; and perceived barriers to participation. 

Data is analyzed and aggregated into a final report that summarizes and discusses all findings. In addition to a briefing of results, OPM Psychologists can also conduct a data discussion to further answer questions, explain analyses, and to discuss how to utilize the TNA data.