Bill would create TechCorps

Program would allow government and privatesector information technology professionals to try life on the 'other side'

Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) plans to introduce legislation this week that would enable federal information technology and acquisition managers to work on assignments in private industry and private-sector employees to work on assignments in government.

The bill, which Davis will detail on Tuesday, creates a "Digital TechCorps" that would likely involve 50 to 70 midlevel information technology managers when the program begins. The CIO Council and the deputy director for management of the Office of Management and Budget would help coordinate the program.

To help kick-start the Digital TechCorps, consulting services company Accenture plans to loan five managers to the program for each of the first two years it operates. Other companies are expected to join. Employees involved in the program would continue to be paid by their permanent employer.