Title: Elon Musk’s DOGE Department Seeks Millions from OPM for Government Modernization Work
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is looking to charge at least one federal agency millions of dollars for its work to streamline and modernize government operations.
The Deal with OPM: What’s at Stake?
According to a draft agreement obtained by CNN, DOGE is asking the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fund 20 full-time positions for work scheduled between January 20 and July 4, 2026. The bill for this service could surpass $4 million.
The proposed work aims to modernize OPM’s outdated systems. The draft outlines a “critical need for rapid and thorough IT modernization,” which OPM is unable to handle internally. Under the terms, OPM would need to grant DOGE access to its data, systems, and provide necessary operational and technical support.
DOGE’s Mission: Efficiency or Controversy?
DOGE’s supporters, including Musk, argue that the department’s efforts are designed to make the government more efficient and save taxpayers money. However, critics are concerned about the department’s broader agenda — specifically its plans to reduce federal workforce size and access sensitive government data.
It’s still unclear whether DOGE intends to charge other federal agencies for similar services, as little is known about its budget and operations. DOGE is structured to avoid public disclosure under federal records laws, as it’s housed within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), part of the White House. This setup allows DOGE to function with the protections of executive privilege, shielding it from some oversight.
A Costly Agreement: How Much Will OPM Pay?
The draft agreement outlines that OPM would need to pay DOGE in advance each month for the work. While the agreement allows for some flexibility — including the potential for less work or reimbursements — it remains unclear whether any payments have been made so far.
Key Points from the Agreement:
- Position Funding: The full-time positions would be funded at the highest federal pay grades, typically reserved for senior managers. For example, the base annual salary for a position at this level is around $141,817, with the potential to reach $189,950 for positions based in Washington, D.C.
- Total Cost: Funding 20 full-time positions at the base salary over 17.5 months would add up to approximately $4.1 million.
One OPM employee, speaking to CNN anonymously, noted that although some may think people are “working for free,” the agency is, in fact, paying for the services. “It’s like having a contract with an entity to perform services, except this is forced on us,” the employee said.
Musk’s Role in DOGE
Musk’s involvement in the government is not new. President Donald Trump appointed him as a “special government employee” — a title that doesn’t fully capture his influence. Musk has attended Cabinet meetings and played an instrumental role in reshaping government operations through DOGE, which was previously known as the United States Digital Service (USDS) before Trump rebranded it on his first day in office.
While Musk has described himself as a volunteer, his department consists of highly skilled software engineers and tech professionals, many of whom could be earning far more in the private sector. “Some people are federal employees,” Musk said in a recent interview with Fox News. “But it’s fair to say that the software engineers at DOGE could be earning millions of dollars a year, and instead are earning a small fraction of that as federal employees.”
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Despite its lofty goals, DOGE has faced significant scrutiny over its lack of transparency. With little information available about its budget, operations, and specific funding sources, taxpayers are left in the dark about the true costs of Musk’s government efficiency projects.
As the deal with OPM moves forward, the question remains: is DOGE truly saving the government money, or is this another example of unchecked federal spending under the guise of efficiency?
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