GSA Hiring Authority for Post-Secondary Students and College Graduates

Purpose

This Order issues and transmits GSA policy governing the use of the new hiring authorities that can be leveraged to recruit and appoint qualified post-secondary students and college graduates at specified grades into the competitive service, without regard to the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), or veterans’ preference. 

Background

This Order implements the Post-Secondary Students and College Graduates Hiring Authorities as referenced within Public Law 115-232, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. Section 1108 of the NDAA established the authority for appointing positions at GS-11 or below in the competitive service. These rules allow for GSA to appoint individuals who are pursuing a baccalaureate degree (or higher) or have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within two years from an institution of higher education.

The authority for appointing Post-Secondary Students is codified at 5 U.S.C. 3116. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued the final rules under 5 CFR part 316, Subpart I (86 FR 46107, [Aug 18, 2021]). The authority for appointing College Graduates is codified at 5 U.S.C. 3115. OPM has issued the final rules for under 5 CFR 315.614 (86 FR 61046, [Nov 5, 2021]). 

Scope and Applicability

1. This Order contains the policy for use of the post-secondary students and college graduates hiring authorities. Utilization of these authorities can improve strategic recruiting efforts and offer a new hiring path to Federal opportunities for post-secondary students and college graduates. The GSA workforce should note that these hiring authorities are separate and distinct from Executive Order 13562, the Pathways Programs (providing for appointments in the Title 5 excepted service, Schedule D, for Interns, Recent Graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows). These hiring authorities are intended to complement the hiring flexibilities under the Pathways Programs.
2. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 U.S.C. App.3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Inspector General”) and GSA Order ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1, GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG]” and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority). Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management.
3. This Order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission.

Cancellation

This directive cancels and supersedes HRM 9331.1, GSA Hiring Authority for Post-Secondary Students and College Graduates, dated November 29, 2022.

Explanation of Changes

1. Revised time frame for when allocations are determined, requested, and distribution notifications provided from specific dates to general fiscal year time periods.
2. Updated the approving official for allocation distribution from the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) Program Manager in Human Capital Policy and Programs (HCPP) to the Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO).
3. Reduced post-secondary student work experience conversion requirement to 480 hours, as aligned with the Intern Program.