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OPM has again extended, through next June 30, the “Schedule A” excepted service hiring authority that agencies can use to fill positions for “direct response to the effects of COVID-19.”
“OPM understands that during this time, agencies need more tools to conduct strategic, targeted hiring for specific, short-term roles to meet mission and/or hiring needs. Agencies may continue to use this authority to fill positions on a temporary basis for up to 1 year as needed in response to, or as a result of, COVID-19. These appointments may be extended up to 1 additional year.,” a memo to agencies says.
The authority was initially granted early in 2020 and applies nationwide and at all grade levels; at the time OPM further stressed that it cannot be used to fill vacancies not related to the pandemic and that it may require agencies to document its need.
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