Conversion of Positions from the Excepted to Competitive Service

Washington, D.C. 20530

August 23, 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS

Recently, we encountered a situation where concerns were raised by the U.S. General Accounting Office and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The situation involved the appointment of a Schedule C employee to a career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. The appointment of Schedule C and noncareer Senior Executive Service employees to the competitive service warrants special attention to ensure compliance with merit system principles. Prior to appointing an employee of this type to a position in the competitive service, you must submit the proposed appointment action with the completed checklist and attendant documentation to the Director for Human Resources for Departmental approval. The records in all personnel actions must clearly document that the actions are proper and legitimate and conform fully to the spirit and the letter of title 5, United States Code §§ 2301 and 2302, and Civil Service Rules §§ 4.2 and 7.1.

If you have any questions, please contact Robert Seymour, on (202) 616-3706, until October 31, 2002 and Jolliette Spencer, on (202) 616-3710, after October 31, 2002.

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