Administers a merit system for Federal employment, which includes recruiting, examining, training, and promoting people on the basis of their knowledge and skills, regardless of their race, religion, sex, political influence, or other nonmerit factors. OPM's role is to ensure that the Federal government provides an array of personnel services to applicants and employees. Through a range of programs designed to develop and encourage the effectiveness of the Government employee, OPM supports Government program managers in their personnel management responsibilities and provides benefits to employees and to retired employees and their survivors.