News Release

OPM Acts Swiftly To Give Agencies Hiring Flexibility

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James today gave swift approval to several direct-hire authorities that give federal agencies governmentwide flexibility to hire staff more quickly in key areas.

James, operating under OPM regulations published in the June 13, 2003, Federal Register, granted the use of direct-hire authorities governmentwide for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as for information technology specialists who are critical to ensuring the security of federal information systems. In addition, she granted flexibility to the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire accountants, economists, and securities compliance examiners directly until June 20, 2005.

“I am not waiting to be asked in those situations where the shortages and critical needs are well known and a direct-hire authority can make a real difference,” said James. “The President expects agencies to use the flexibilities that are available, and I want to get this new tool into their hands. This new authority presents a real opportunity to address serious hiring problems.”

OPM may grant a direct-hire authority on the basis of a severe shortage of candidates or because of a critical mission need. The authorities granted today address both shortage situations and critical need situations.

In the case of the SEC, the need to hire 800 staff to oversee America’s financial markets was compelling. The shortages of medical personnel have been a long-standing problem for several federal agencies. The President’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace documents the need for a highly trained cadre of information technology managers who specialize in information security.

James sent a memo today to agency heads and Chief Human Capital Officers to notify them about her action to grant these initial authorities. Agencies may also request that OPM grant specific direct-hire authorities. OPM will be providing further guidance about the kinds of situations that direct-hire is intended to address and the information agencies will need to provide to establish a basis for granting a direct-hire authority.

The direct-hire authority was enacted along with several other governmentwide human resources flexibilities in the Homeland Security Act. The implementing regulations issued last week also covered other new authorities that will better equip agencies to acquire, develop, manage and retain a diverse, high-performing work force.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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