For decades, the PMF had been a primary means to place those with advanced degrees—mostly in public administration and related areas—into fellowship type positions in federal agencies Image: Nicole Glass Photography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe several hundred Presidential Management Fellows currently working in federal agencies can finish their programs even in light of the February executive order abolishing the PMF, although in some cases those programs will be shortened.
In an August 11 Federal Register notice, OPM said those two-year assignments can continue as long as next July 1, although those who as of Monday had completed one year of the PMF “must complete their requirements and be converted or their appointments will expire not later than December 31, 2025.”
For decades, the PMF had been a primary means to place those with advanced degrees—mostly in public administration and related areas—into fellowship type positions in federal agencies, with the opportunity to convert to mid-management positions in the competitive service status after one year of satisfactory performance.
Says the notice, “The elimination of the PMF Program presents a unique practical difficulty for the agencies employing these individuals; however, retaining the current regulations would delay implementation of the President’s direction to sunset the PMF Program.” Allowing current fellows to complete their terms “will promote the efficiency of the government as these employees represent top talent that is high achieving and motivated, and their contributions to the American people will be of great value,” it says.
When converting the remaining fellows into the competitive service, agencies must continue to use the prior standards and procedures, it adds.
The order abolishing the PMF as “unnecessary” did not affect the other two prongs of the Pathways Program that also provide potential routes into federal employment: the Recent Graduates training program for graduates of colleges, community colleges and vocational schools; and the Internship Program for high school and college students to familiarize them with government work.
Legislation (S-768) is pending in Congress to revive the program.
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