The annual DoD authorization now being drafted in the House contains several changes to hiring policies, some of which would apply government-wide.
One would expand flexibility in selecting candidates for a competitive service position from a referral list. Under it, once there is a “sufficient number of names from the top of the appropriate list” of candidates, the number to be considered would be at an agency’s choice, with a minimum of three.
Also, agencies would gain flexibility to make temporary (up to one year) or term (up to five years) competitive service appointments for shorter-term needs, with authority to extend those appointments in one-year increments, to up to a total of three years for the former and six years for the latter. Also, agencies could make noncompetitive “critical need” hires for up to 18 months.
Among DoD-specific changes is one that would expedite hiring of civilian personnel into positions involving maintenance, depot maintenance, cybersecurity, acquisition, and science, technology, and engineering. Another would expand a current temporary special authority for DoD to recruit and hire recent graduates into competitive positions.
