OPM published a final rule in the November 24 Federal Register extending direct hire authority for acquisition positions from March 2010 through September 2012.
The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2008 established the authority and OPM has incorporated the extension of that authority.
The authority allows agency heads to bypass the competitive hiring process for acquisition positions on a determination that there is a shortage of highly qualified candidates.
According to the rule, to make such a determination, the deciding agency official must use supporting evidence and maintain a file of that evidence for documentation and reporting purposes.
