Decision Time At OIDAP

Social Security's Occupational Information Development Advisory Panel (OIDAP) has scheduled a meeting for September 16-17 in Los Angeles. Perhaps, I should say that Social Security scheduled the meeting since there are strong signs that OIDAP is almost completely controlled by Social Security. On the agenda, "discussion, deliberation and voting by the Panel on core recommendations to be included in the upcoming report to the agency."

OIDAP held its first meeting February 23-25, 2009 and they are going to be making major decisions less than seven months later? Social Security drags its feet on this issue for decades, but demands that the Panel make decisions with far ranging implications in such a short time? I have the strong impression that OIDAP is nothing more than an effort to provide cover for decisions that Social Security made before OIDAP was created.

By the way, I requested a copy of the briefing books that OIDAP has handed out to panel members at its meetings. No response from OIDAP even though OIDAP's website promises that "Materials presented are available on request." Social Security's occupational information system needs credibility. This is a poor way to develop that credibility.