OPM has sent guidance to agencies regarding the National Security Professional Development interagency rotation program, along with separate guidance on hiring preference into senior positions for employees who have completed the program.
The former memo lays out responsibilities for the home agency and the host agency on matters such as setting performance expectations and evaluating performance, along with responsibilities of the individual.
The other memo notes that law requires that agencies give “a strong preference to individuals who have performed interagency rotational service within the Interagency Community of Interest” when filling senior positions.
“Agencies need to conduct a job analysis to support a technical qualification requirement applicable to NSP SES positions addressing experience gained through interagency rotations. Agencies that develop such a requirement would give preference when selecting for NSP SES positions to those individuals who meet it, including using it as a tie-breaker in deciding two or more equally qualified individuals,” the memo says.
OPM also encouraged agencies to “implement a technical qualification requirement for specific NSP-designated SES positions for demonstrated ability to lead inter-agency, inter-departmental, inter-governmental activities, or comparable cross-organizational activities. Agencies may exercise discretion and flexibility in defining and elaborating upon the technical qualification requirement based on their positions and mission demands.”
