CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A new worker exchange program could help the Department of Defense glean technological know-how — and bolster its cybersecurity abilities — by learning directly from the private sector.

The pilot program known as the Information Technology Exchange Program begins this year and will allow IT workers from the tech industry to switch places with civilian counterparts at the DOD for three to 12 months as a way to share skills, the DOD announced this week.

The department said it is now looking for qualified candidates who have an interest in cloud computing, cybersecurity, IT consolidation, network services, IT project management, data management and enterprise architecture.

The program can bolster security operations and “provides a unique opportunity for DOD components and private sector organizations to share best practices, gain a better understanding of each other’s information technology practices and challenges, and partner to address these challenges,” according to a news release.

Those who are selected will continue to draw pay and benefits from their current employer while participating in the exchange for up to one year.

Interested DOD civilians must work in the information technology field at the GS-11 level or its equivalent and be considered exceptional employees. Private sector workers must hold a comparable position to their DOD counterparts.

Private workers must also be U.S. citizens and might be required to obtain a security clearance depending on the nature of their duties at the DOD, according to the release.

For more information, visit the ITEP website: http://cio-nii.defense.gov/sites/itep/

From staff reports

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