CBP Workload Staffing Model Act
The CBP Workload Staffing Model Act would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create and implement formal workload staffing models for two major CBP operations: the U.S. Border Patrol and CBP’s Air and Marine Operations. The model development would occur within one year of enactment, in coordination with DHS leadership (Under Secretary for Management, Chief Human Capital Officer, and Chief Financial Officer). In addition to establishing these staffing models, the bill would require CBP to develop standard operating procedures for a workforce tracking system across Border Patrol, Air and Marine Operations, and the Office of Field Operations, along with training and internal controls to ensure accurate scheduling and reporting of work hours and activities. The bill also calls for regular public reporting to Congress on progress and methodology, and establishes an Inspector General review to assess alignment with prior IG recommendations, including those from a 2019 audit. Overall, the act aims to make CBP staffing decisions more data-driven and transparent by codifying workload-based staffing standards, formal workforce-tracking practices, and periodic oversight and reporting to Congress.
Key Points
- 1Establishment of workload staffing models for:
- 2- The U.S. Border Patrol
- 3- Air and Marine Operations
- 4Expanded responsibilities for the CBP Commissioner (amending Section 411 of the Homeland Security Act):
- 5- (18) Create and apply a staffing model that accounts for frontline activities, operating environment variations, infrastructure and technology, and support levels to ensure field posts have adequate resources.
- 6- (19) Develop standard operating procedures for a workforce-tracking system, train personnel to use it, and implement internal controls for timely and accurate recording of work hours and activities.
- 7Regular reporting to Congress:
- 8- A status update within one year on implementation and annually thereafter, including data sources and methodology used.
- 9- Reports to the House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 10Inspector General oversight:
- 11- Within 120 days after the CBP develops a staffing model, the DHS Inspector General must review the model and provide feedback on responsiveness to IG recommendations (including those from the February 2019 audit) and offer further improvement suggestions as appropriate.