Position Designation Automated Tool (PDT)
Proper position designation is the foundation of an effective and consistent suitability and personnel security program. In order to ensure a systematic, dependable, and uniform way of making position designations, OPM in cooperation with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) provide the Position Designation Automated Tool (PDT) for those individuals within agencies charged with position designation responsibilities.
Issues? PDT Functional Help: (724) 794-5612, extension 4600, option 6
An upgraded version of the Position Designation Tool (PDT) is now available as part of the incremental product releases of NBIS. It has the same steps and functionality as the current PDT, but with the following new benefits:
Designed for seamless integration with current and future NBIS services
Developed using a more agile approach to capturing and delivering PDT change requests
The first step of the PDT now provides a drop down containing Agency Names
Provides PDF summary of the designation for saving and placing with the master position description
Font styling makes the text on the page easier to read
For a quick tutorial on the changes to the PDT please see this short informational video:
https://youtu.be/LCrT_C_OIwg
Note: Agencies must abide by the standards established by OPM and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) for proper designation of covered positions. OPM, in coordination with ODNI, offers instruction and training to agencies in applying the Position Designation System. Agencies must be able to demonstrate that they are adhering to the standards for proper designation of positions. Failure to comply may result in unfavorable audit findings under title 5 USC § 1104(b)(2) and 5 CFR 5.2, or withdrawal of delegated authority under 5 CFR 731.103(f).
Position Designation System (PDS)
The Position Designation System assesses the duties and responsibilities of a position to determine the degree of potential damage to the efficiency or integrity of the service from misconduct of an incumbent of a position. This establishes the risk level of that position. This assessment also determines if a position’s duties and responsibilities present the potential for position incumbents to bring about a material adverse effect on the national security, and the degree of that potential effect, which establishes the sensitivity level of a position. The results of this assessment determine what level of investigation should be conducted for a position.
Before using the PDT, designators should first develop a thorough familiarity and understanding of the PDS. The success and consistency of the PDT are directly connected to the user's understanding of the various possible selections related to the national security and suitability (public trust) requirements, duties, and responsibilities available within the PDS. Without fully understanding the possible selections available, the users could inadvertently fail to make appropriate selections early in the PDT process, and this would impact the accuracy of the final position designation. A full understanding of the PDS and proper application of the PDT will ensure consistency.
If you have questions concerning position designation, please contact Suitability Adjudications at (724) 794-5612, extension 7400. If you are interested in Position Designation training, please view our Agency Training .
Federal Regulations
Parts 1400 and 731 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations establish the requirements for agencies to evaluate relevant covered positions for a position sensitivity and position risk designation commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of those positions. Specifically, section 1400.101(d) states, “All positions must be evaluated for a position sensitivity designation commensurate with the responsibilities and assignments of the position as they relate to the impact on the national security, including but not limited to eligibility for access to classified information.” Section 731.106(a) of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations states, "agency heads must designate every covered position within the agency at a high, moderate, or low risk level as determined by the position's potential for adverse impact to the efficiency or integrity of the service." Also, each part cross references the requirement for risk and sensitivity designations. See sections 1400.201(c) and (d), and section 731.106(c)(2).