# Walkinshaw Proposes Federal Tech Retention Bill

On November 13, 2026, Representative James R. Walkinshaw introduced the Keep Federal Tech Talent Act. The proposal would create a pathway for eligible temporary federal technology and science employees, including U.S. Tech Force fellows, to move into permanent federal positions. It would also require agencies to offer retained workers student-loan repayment or additional skills training and report conversions to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) annually. The bill is a workforce-policy proposal, not a contract solicitation or award; if enacted, it could affect agencies’ in-house technical capacity and workforce planning relevant to technology procurements.

- Agencies and contractors supporting federal technology programs should account for the proposal’s potential effect on agencies’ ability to recruit and retain technical staff; the bill has not been enacted.
- If enacted, agencies would need to plan for the specified retention incentives and annual conversion reporting to OPM.
- Technology contractors may find that changes in federal staffing affect agencies’ mix of in-house and contractor-supported work; the signal does not identify any specific procurement or contract opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Federal agencies

### Key Quotes
> These investments are critical to ensuring the government can recruit and retain the skilled personnel it needs.
> — Randy Erwin, NFFE National President

> That’s why IFPTE supports the Keep Federal Tech Talent Act, legislation that seeks to ensure that temporary federal employees are given opportunities to continue their careers in the civil service.
> — Matt Biggs, IFPTE President

### Sources
- [
	Walkinshaw Introduces Bill to Keep  Tech Workers in Public Service | U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw
](https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1034) - Walkinshaw