ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation

Economy & LaborEconomy & LaborTradeTradeFederal WorkforceFederal Workforce

In simple terms

President Obama directs the Chief Performance Officer to lead a 90-day review of federal agencies and programs focused on trade and competitiveness, with recommendations to restructure and streamline government functions to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 14273

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 76 FR 14273

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Chief Performance Officer shall submit recommendations for restructuring and streamlining Federal Government programs focused on trade and competitiveness

Key directives

  • Establish Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative led by Executive Director
  • Conduct comprehensive review of federal agencies and programs involved in trade and competitiveness
  • Analyze scope, effectiveness, overlap, duplication, unmet needs, and cost savings
  • Confer with agency heads and staff across executive departments
  • Consult with external stakeholders including Congress, business, unions, NGOs, and experts
  • Submit recommendations within 90 days for restructuring and streamlining
  • Organize trade/competitiveness functions to facilitate business and worker competitiveness
  • Ensure agency responsibilities are transparent and accessible to public
  • Reduce inefficiencies and overlapping responsibilities
  • Agencies shall provide information and assistance as requested

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Chief Performance Officer assigned to lead initiative
  • Executive Director to be appointed

Near term (90d)

  • Comprehensive review of trade and competitiveness agencies/programs
  • Recommendations submitted to President for restructuring

Long term

  • Potential presidential and congressional action to restructure executive branch
  • Implementation of streamlining measures if approved

Risks & tensions

  • Recommendations require congressional action for implementation, creating legislative uncertainty
  • Ambiguity about binding authority: agencies provide assistance 'consistent with law' and 'to the extent permitted by law'
  • Scope limited to 'trade and competitiveness' functions, may not address broader government reform goals
  • No enforcement mechanism specified if agencies resist cooperation
  • Memorandum explicitly disclaims creating enforceable rights, limiting accountability
Presidential Memorandum: Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation · Executive Orders