FOIA Request - OPM Machine Learning Algorithms
| Tracking # |
23-HRS-0447-F |
| Submitted | July 5, 2023 |
| Due | Aug. 28, 2023 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Bailey Pillon
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552. I hereby request the following records:
All records within the jurisdiction of the OPM, within the time frame of 2020 to 2023 (meaning it is still currently used within that time frame), to be the day on which this request is processed, with respect to the following criteria:
1. Records/documents that describe and detail the machine learning algorithms applied by the OPM in reference to streamline the federal hiring process, improve workforce data analysis, inform human resource policy decisions, and more.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language.
3. The OPM policy or policies or manual(s) that describe the hiring process(es) employed by the OPM.
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
I would also appreciate an approximate time frame for this request to be processed. Depending of the time frame for the request to be fulfilled and any fees that may be incurred, I may revise the criteria.
If you deny any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statue requires.
Sincerely,
Bailey Pillon
From: Office of Personnel Management
Good afternoon Bailey Pillon:
This email acknowledges receipt of your FOIA request to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Your request was received by this office on July 5, 2023 and was assigned tracking number 23-HRS-0447-F. You requested the following:
1. Records/documents that describe and detail the machine learning algorithms applied by the OPM in reference to streamline the federal hiring process, improve workforce data analysis, inform human resource policy decisions, and more;
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language;
3. The OPM policy or policies or manual(s) that describe the hiring process(es) employed by the OPM.
The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires OPM to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. In unusual circumstances, the federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous documents that will necessitate a wide-ranging search, including searches of multiple program offices and possible consultations with agencies that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, OPM will invoke a 10 business-day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive documents.
Provisions of the FOIA allow OPM to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you have been categorized as a "all other" requester. 5 C.F.R § 294.103(d). In this fee category, you are responsible for search costs incurred after the first 2 free hours and for duplication costs after the first 100 pages of records are copied free. 5 C.F.R § 294.109(b) and (c). No fee will be assessed if the total charge for fulfilling the request will be less than $25. 5 C.F.R § 294.109(d)(1).
Your request for a fee waiver is under consideration.
A search will be initiated by OPM for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. Please be assured that a FOIA Analyst in this office will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact FOIA Specialist Tonya Carrington at 202-936-2466 or tonya.carrington@opm.gov.
For additional information regarding OPM's FOIA program, please refer to the information available on our website at https://www.opm.gov/information-management/freedom-of-information-act/.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist you with this matter.
Sincerely,
Freedom of Information Act Requester Service Center
Office of Privacy and Information Management
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Telephone: (202) 606-3642
E-mail: FOIA@opm.gov<mailto:FOIA@opm.gov>
From: Office of Personnel Management
Good afternoon Bailey Pillon:
Whilst processing your request, it was determined that portions of your requests, submitted July 7, 2023 and assigned tracking numbers 23-HRS-0447-F AND 23-HRS-0448-F, were not clearly described. Your requests follow below.
23-HRS-0447-F:
1. Records/documents that describe and detail the machine learning algorithms applied by the OPM in reference to streamline the federal hiring process, improve workforce data analysis, inform human resource policy decisions, and more;
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language;
3. The OPM policy or policies or manual(s) that describe the hiring process(es) employed by the OPM.
23-HRS-0448-F:
All records within the jurisdiction of the OPM, within the time frame of 2020 to 2023 (meaning it is still currently used and relied on within that time frame), to be the day on which this request is processed, in which a record or records exist that detail the streamlining of the federal hiring process. I request the most recent revision unless a novel (new) document has been created within the time frame specified to which no such revision could exist.
It would be helpful for our office to know exactly in what context you are using the term 'streamlining' in each request. For example, are you inquiring about the federal hiring process from start-to-finish? Please provide more context for your requests by responding to this email or calling at the number in my signature block.
Thank you,
Elaina Snyder
Elaina A. Snyder (she/her)
Government Information Specialist
Office of Executive Secretariat and Privacy and Information Management (OESPIM)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
O: 202-970-8640 || elaina.snyder@opm.gov<mailto:elaina.snyder@opm.gov>
From: Office of Personnel Management
Good afternoon Bailey Pillon:
As we have not received clarification regarding your requests as listed below, we have subsequently placed them on hold.
If we do not hear from you within 30 business days, either by email or phone, your requests will be administratively closed.
Sincerely,
Freedom of Information Act Requester Service Center
Office of Privacy and Information Management
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Telephone: (202) 606-3642
E-mail: FOIA@opm.gov<mailto:FOIA@opm.gov>
From: Bailey Pillon
To Whom It May Concern:
Please refer to these two links that are on the OPM's own website for clarification and specificity, https://www.opm.gov/ :
1. https://www.opm.gov/data/ai-inventory/
2. https://www.opm.gov/data/data-strategy/goal-2-deliver-high-quality-data-products-to-inform-decision-making/
Clarifying the request pertaining to AI Inventory (first link):
[REQUEST 1]
Pertaining to link 1 (one), titled OPM Artificial Intelligence Inventory, it is stated "Executive Order 13960, “Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government,” requires agencies to prepare an inventory of non-classified and non-sensitive current and planned Artificial Intelligence (AI) use cases. Agencies must share their inventories with the public and other agencies to the extent practicable." Below that, it is stated "The OPM Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has created an inventory of OPM AI use cases that satisfies the executive order requirements and increases awareness of AI initiatives. Below, we highlight some AI use cases and provide the complete inventory." Upon downloading and opening the .xlsx file and viewing it in Microsoft Excel, there are 4 (four) listed use cases, therefore the following will be my request as it pertains to this link 1 (one).
1. In regards to: OPM-1 (Use Case) in Skills Matching Open Opportunities - Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques or algorithms employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the Natural Language Processing technique denoted, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language. This would include code such as, but not limited to: Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, Model Selection, Training, and Validation. In addition, please explicitly specify by name what model is used.
3. The Data Set used for the model itself unless it is by nature too personal as it relates to employees of OPM. If the Data Set cannot be provided, please explicitly specify by name and in enumeration the features used in the Data Set.
1. In regards to: OPM-2 (Use Case) in Similar Job Recommendations - Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques or algorithms employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the Natural Language Processing technique denoted, as in who or what team engineered it within the OPM (it is specified that it is Agency-Generated), and where the training data originated from.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language, even if it is incomplete in its current stage. This would include code such as, but not limited to: Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, Model Selection, Training, and Validation. In addition, please explicitly specify by name what model is used.
3. The Data Set used for the model itself unless it is by nature too personal as it relates to employees of OPM. If the Data Set cannot be provided, please explicitly specify by name and in enumeration the features used in the Data Set.
1. In regards to: OPM-3 (Use Case) in Similar Job Recommendations - Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques or algorithms employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the Natural Language Processing technique denoted, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language, even if it is incomplete in its current stage. This would include code such as, but not limited to: Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, Model Selection, Training, and Validation. In addition, please explicitly specify by name what model is used.
3. The Data Set used for the model itself unless it is by nature too personal as it relates to employees of OPM. If the Data Set cannot be provided, please explicitly specify by name and in enumeration the features used in the Data Set.
1. In regards to: OPM-4 (Use Case) in Retirement Services - Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques or algorithms employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the Natural Language Processing technique denoted, as in who or what team engineered it within the OPM (it is specified that it is Agency-Generated), and where the training data originated from.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language, even if it is incomplete in its current stage. This would include code such as, but not limited to: Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, Model Selection, Training, and Validation. In addition, please explicitly specify by name what model is used.
3. The Data Set used for the model itself unless it is by nature too personal as it relates to employees of OPM. If the Data Set cannot be provided, please explicitly specify by name and in enumeration the features used in the Data Set.
Clarifying the request pertaining to Goal 2: Deliver high quality data products to inform decision-making (second link):
[REQUEST 2]
To quote, it is stated on this webpage. "Deliver high quality human capital data products that inform and support critical decision-making for OPM, Federal agencies, employees, and the public" and below that "The need to optimize decision-making is bigger now than ever as OPM begins taking a proactive approach to policy and service delivery to meet current and future needs of a rapidly changing workforce. A key success factor will be OPM’s ability to channel its vast data resources into products that deliver timely insights in a variety of forms to match OPM, Federal agency, employee, and public stakeholder uses. OPM will leverage automation, advanced analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to reach new heights in service delivery, policymaking and to attract the brightest talents to public service."
1. In regards to 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience: Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, algorithms, automation, and/or advanced analytics employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the techniques or algorithms employed, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2. Additionally, I request the code and purpose to which machine learning algorithms are employed by the OPM. I request the code be in its original unaltered form and its original programming language, even if it is incomplete in its current stage. This would include code such as, but not limited to: Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, Model Selection, Training, and Validation. In addition, please explicitly specify by name what model is used.
3. The Data Set used for the model itself unless it is by nature too personal as it relates to employees of OPM. If the Data Set cannot be provided, please explicitly specify by name and in enumeration the features used in the Data Set.
1. In regards to 2.2: Deliver Integrated data products that provide insights for strategic workforce planning and management: Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, algorithms, automation, and/or advanced analytics employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the techniques or algorithms employed, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2, Same as above 2 (two) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
3. Same as above 3 (three) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
1. In regards to 2.3: Deliver data products toe empower successful implementation of DEIA-focused programs across Federal agencies: Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, algorithms, automation, and/or advanced analytics employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the techniques or algorithms employed, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2, Same as above 2 (two) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
3. Same as above 3 (three) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
1. In regards to 2.4: Enable a seamless customer experience for data access: Records/documents that describe and detail the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, algorithms, automation, and/or advanced analytics employed within this context, which includes but is not limited to: manuals, policies, documentation, memos, and so on regarding this even if it is incomplete or not currently implemented. In addition, I request the origination of the techniques or algorithms employed, as in who supplied it to the OPM, and where the training data originated from.
2, Same as above 2 (two) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
3. Same as above 3 (three) for 2.1: Improve the Federal Employee Experience
[REQUEST 3]
1. Finally, and separately from all the above, the records/documents that describe the streamlining of the hiring of Federal employees (as in, from start to finish) that an HR manager or someone of that status might review and seek to for guidance in hiring amongst a pool of candidates.
[REITEREATED FROM FIRST MESSAGE]
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
I would also appreciate an approximate time frame for this request to be processed. Depending of the time frame for the request to be fulfilled and any fees that may be incurred, I may revise the criteria.
If you deny any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.
[ADDENDUM]
I apologize for the redundancy, though I did slightly reword as necessary and truncated it with my second request (I consider 2.1-2.4 all a second request as I denoted). I sincerely appreciate your time, effort, and cooperation in this request. The timeframe for all 3 (three) requests remains unrevised.
Sincerely,
Bailey Pillon
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 5, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #23-HRS-0447-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
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