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.