Federal Manager's Daily Report

The Department of Defense has announced a policy authorized

under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2004

allowing it to hire up to 2,500 experts using as incentive

what is says is higher pay than is normally feasible–in

order to compete with the private sector.


It said the policy allows it to hire individuals with

uncommon skill, special knowledge or skills in a particular

occupational field, for five years with the option of

extending for another year.


DoD said the policy cannot be used to bypass or undermine

personnel ceilings or pay limits, to give former federal

employees preferential treatment, to do work performed by

regular employees or to fill in during staff shortages.