What it provides: An agency may make offers of immediate employment to qualified candidates as long as the agency has met public notice requirements and has been granted direct-hire authority by OPM. There are two types of direct-hire authority:
Agency-specific authority. OPM decides, based on an agency request, position(s) for which a severe shortage or a critical hiring need exists. The agency must include evidence to support its request (see 5 CFR part 337, subpart B).
When to use it: Direct-hire authority may be used when a particular position or group of positions meets the requirements of a Governmentwide or agency-specific authority.
Who is eligible: Direct-hire authority may be used to cover occupational series, grades (or equivalent), geographical locations, or a combination of these. It permits hiring without regard to Sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, including the following competitive requirements:
Veterans' preference
Rule of Three
Rating procedures
Benefits to the hiring manager:
Ability to recruit at job fairs and similar events and make on-the-spot offers to qualified candidates.
Ability to appoint candidates directly to jobs without following traditional competitive procedures.
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This page can be found on the web at the following url: http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/FLX03020.asp