Ueland at OMB DDM stresses urgent action: 'Now's the moment to act'
In the heart of 2025, the Trump administration unveiled its comprehensive President's Management Agenda (PMA), a blueprint for reforming the federal government, modernising procurement, reviving the "Made in America" effort, and embracing technology in the 21st century.
Eric Ueland, the deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), highlighted the urgency of the PMA, stating, "The time for action is now for the federal government."
Reorganization and Reform of the Federal Government
The administration is undertaking a significant restructuring of federal agencies to boost efficiency. Notable efforts include the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute, a move aimed at streamlining operations. The administration is also working to cut bureaucratic delays and reduce regulatory barriers that hinder market competition and innovation.
Fixing Procurement
For defence and federal acquisitions, the administration aims to modernise and reform procurement processes to expedite the acquisition of advanced technologies and stimulate innovation. This includes prioritising commercial solutions and simplifying decision-making within the Department of Defense, as well as revitalising the defence industrial base.
Restoring Made in America Effort
The PMA includes strong trade and manufacturing policies to promote American-made goods. For instance, an Executive Order from July 30, 2025, suspends duty-free de minimis treatment globally, ensuring applicable duties on imports to protect domestic industry and close loopholes exploited by traffickers. The administration is also establishing commissions like the "Make America Beautiful Again Commission" to promote stewardship of natural resources tied to economic growth and domestic conservation initiatives.
Smart Use of Technology in the 21st Century
The plan includes promoting advanced technologies in various sectors, such as maritime dominance—investing in shipbuilding tech, smart ports, and automation—and defence innovation. The agenda emphasises streamlining regulations to speed technological adoption and encouraging innovation across sectors.
In addition to these key areas, the PMA also includes stricter performance reporting mandates to the Office of Management and Budget, as well as conditions on federal grants to align with the President’s priorities, thereby influencing federal resource allocation.
Streamlining Government Operations
OMB is breaking down barriers, ensuring integration, and driving for outcomes to lend value to agencies and ultimately to taxpayers. As part of this effort, the government has sold 43 federal buildings since January, generating $200 million in proceeds. OMB is also focusing on reducing the number of federal websites, aiming to bring the total down to 6,000.
The administration is also working to make agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) more effective and organised, moving them away from being just another back office function. OMB is working to ensure that the authorities for CIOs are clearer, crisper, better aligned, and have quantifiable, measurable outcomes.
Modernising Federal Human Resources Systems
The administration recognises the need to consolidate and modernise federal human resources systems. Agencies spend at least $2 billion a year to maintain legacy and fragmented systems. OPM has made three attempts to award a contract for a new HR system, indicating the administration's commitment to this modernisation effort.
Reducing the Workforce
President Trump has eliminated hundreds of thousands of nonessential positions across all agencies and departments. The deferred maintenance cost for federal buildings has increased from $5 billion to $20 billion over the past decade. However, the administration is not waiting for Congress to fund building upgrades and is instead selling buildings as they close.
In conclusion, the Trump administration's 2025 President's Management Agenda is a comprehensive plan aimed at modernising the federal government, streamlining procurement, promoting American-made goods, and leveraging technology for governmental and industrial modernisation. The theme of action is palpable in the various executive orders, administrative actions, and ongoing reforms.
The administration's proposed overhaul of the federal workforce envisions a workforce reimagined, with modernised human resources systems and a streamlined number of federal websites. Meanwhile, the PMA encourages the adoption of advanced technologies in sports, as the MABAC commission might envision the implementation of weather tracking and smart stadium technologies to enhance fan experience and stadium safety.
