Washington, D.C. 20530

March 3, 2000

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS

                                         EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE

                                         OFFICES, BOARDS, AND DIVISIONS

FROM:             Joanne W. Simms
                          Director, Personnel Staff
                          Justice Management Division

SUBJECT:       Limitations on Appointments and Awards During the Election Period

As the Presidential election period approaches, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is reminding agencies of the importance to review all personnel actions carefully to ensure the actions meet all civil service laws, rules, and regulations and are free of impropriety.

The record in all personnel actions must show clearly that the actions are proper and legitimate. Both OPM and agencies are obligated to ensure that all personnel actions conform fully to the spirit and letter of the merit system principles and do not involve prohibited personnel practices.

The appointment of Schedule C and noncareer Senior Executive Service (SES) employees to the competitive service warrants special attention to ensure compliance with merit system principles. As OPM has done in the past, they are instituting a requirement for OPM pre-appointment review of these actions before agency approval.

OPM will continue to conduct merit staffing reviews of proposed selections of Schedule C and noncareer SES employees for SES career appointments before they are presented to Qualifications Review Boards for certification of their executive qualifications.

Attached is a copy of OPM's guidance on SES appointments, awards, and other employment issues. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Valerie M. Willis, Assistant Director for Executive Resources, or Sherry Mahoney on (202) 514-6794.

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