Bedding, Katherinede Jongh, Marijke2017-08-252017-08-252017-05https://hdl.handle.net/1813/52178The GAO is an independent, nonpartisan Congressional agency with a mission is to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and improving accountability of the federal government. As part of a broader research effort to document challenges facing the federal workforce, this Capstone team examined how the Federal Government currently attracts and retains cybersecurity professionals. The consulting team explored several options to attract and retain cybersecurity workers including employment models used by both the public and private sector that address the cyber talent pipeline, the complex federal hiring process, and the need for comprehensive strategic cybersecurity workforce planning. An unbiased evaluation of the benefits, challenges and feasibility of each option was presented. Two case studies of government agencies, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Personnel Management, inform discussion on current practices and areas for growth.en-USreport