In this issue: Core HCM Memo, Scored Assessments for Rule of Many, OPM's FISMA Audit, First Release of 2026, 2026 Release Calendar, Help Desk Hours, TAS Training
OMB and OPM Issue Memo on HCM Consolidation
On December 10, OMB and OPM released a memo on the governmentwide HCM consolidation efforts. It states clearly on page 2 that talent acquisition systems, like MonsterGov’s, are not part of this HCM, but instead will integrate with the new platform. It also states there will be an HR-QSMO that includes market-based solutions, which is what MonsterGov advocated strongly for as it aligns with EO 14271’s commercial-first mandate. MonsterGov looks forward to working with the winning vendor to integrate systems for our customers.
Implementing Scored Assessments for Rule of Many
As agencies continue moving toward full implementation of the Rule of Many, the importance of reliable, objective and scored assessments is even more critical. Using competency-based scored assessments, like MonsterGov’s standardized assessments, as part of your hurdle approach is a quick way to help HR and Hiring Managers better distinguish the most qualified talent and feel more confident in the accuracy of the rankings.
OPM's FISMA Audit Raises Concerns
OPM’s OIG issued its 2025 FISMA audit results, which rated the agency’s overall cybersecurity at Level 2 of 5 – meaning policies exist but are “not consistently implemented.” OPM’s self-assessed maturity often exceeded its OIG’s ratings, underscoring why MonsterGov’s FedRAMP certification matters: 325+ security controls independently verified on an annual basis, not self-attested. OPM’s score may be especially concerning for USA Staffing, which manages highly sensitive workforce and applicant data. See report below.
First MHME Release of 2026
Yes, that’s right! We’re gearing up for the first MHME release of the new year: 2026.1. We shared Save-the-Dates so MHME agencies can join our sprint reviews that will take us through early February. If you missed our December session, you can catch up with the recording on the Corner!
2026 MHME Release Calendar Available on Corner
How is your 2026 planning going? Don’t forget to include MHME! The 2026 release schedule for your talent acquisition system is available on the Corner calendar. Take a look to see all our important milestones, especially UATs and deployments to the live production system. You can use our calendar’s filter features to focus on all the right items. Happy planning!
Help Desk Holiday Hours
Another gentle reminder about our Help Desk’s availability over the upcoming holidays:
- Christmas Eve (12/24): 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Christmas (12/25): CLOSED
- New Year’s Eve (12/31): 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- New Year’s (1/1): CLOSED
MHME users – you can also see these updates on the Corner calendar!
Jump-start the New Year with Training
Check out our TAS training sessions for January 2026! These virtual training events are open-enrollment and agencies can use their Educational Unit (EU) credits. For agency-only training, please reach out to your MonsterGov representative or contact us here.
• Basic MHME: Jan 6-7 (Tues & Wed)
• Monster Collaborate for HR Users: Jan 8 (Thurs)
• Principles of Structured Interviewing: Jan 13 (Tues)
• Advanced MHME: Jan 21-22 (Tues & Wed)
Please note: Federal hiring newsletters from 2025 are displayed as they were issued when we were still Monster Government Solutions. You may still see references to MHME (now FedHire) or MonsterGov (now ApplyGov) and other differences.