Notice2023-03601
Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 22, 2023
Issuing agencies
Defense Department
Abstract
STRLs may implement a direct hire authority for students and recent graduates for occupations which do not require expertise in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The Professional, Administrative, Assistant, Clerical and Technician Student Employment Program (PAACTSEP) is a student program which permits appointment and noncompetitive conversion to the competitive service for qualified candidates who are enrolled in a qualifying educational institution.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10874-10880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03601]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project Program
AGENCY: The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
(USD(R&E)), Department of Defense (DoD).
ACTION: This notice provides new student and recent graduate direct
hire authority to all Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories
(STRL) with published Personnel Demonstration (Demo) Project plans.
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SUMMARY: STRLs may implement a direct hire authority for students and
recent graduates for occupations which do not require expertise in
science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The
Professional, Administrative, Assistant, Clerical and Technician
Student Employment Program (PAACTSEP) is a student program which
permits appointment and noncompetitive conversion to the competitive
service for qualified candidates who are enrolled in a qualifying
educational institution.
DATES: Implementation of this Federal Register Notice (FRN) will begin
no earlier than February 22, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[[Page 10875]]
Department of Defense:
Office of Under Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering),
Defense Research Operations: Dr. James ``Ben'' Petro, 571-372-6435,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c567d71796f325e324c79686e73327f756a5c717d757032717570"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0248636f67712c402c526776706d2c616b74426f636b6e2c6f6b6e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Air Force:
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd,
937-656-9747, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e4c716d7f726770305471707b6d335c676c7a5e6b6d307f7830737772"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d88ab7abb9b4a1b6f692b7b6bdabf59aa1aabc98adabf6b9bef6b5b1b4">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms. Amy Balmaz, 540-653-
8598, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c5d71653248325e7d70717d66327f756a5c717d757032717570"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cddf1e5b2c8b2defdf0f1fde6b2fff5eadcf1fdf5f0b2f1f5f0">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Army:
<bullet> Army Futures Command: Ms. Marlow Richmond, 830-469-2057,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f022e3d2320382a611d262c272220212b612c26390f2e3d223661222623"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="75381407191a02105b271c161d181a1b115b161c03351407180c5b181c19">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences: Dr. Scott Shadrick, 254-288-3800,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6033030f141409054e224e330801041209030b4e0309162001120d194e0d090c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2271414d56564b470c600c714a4346504b41490c414b546243504f5b0c4f4b4e">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center:
Mr. Mike Nicotra, 973-724-7764, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0944606a61686c6527432747606a667d7b68276a607f496468606527646065"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c38eaaa0aba2a6afed89ed8daaa0acb7b1a2eda0aab583aea2aaafedaeaaaf">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research
Laboratory: Mr. Christopher Tahaney, 410-278-9069,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b08233922383f243b232e396518651f2a232a252e326528223d0b2a39263265262227"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a59726873696e756a727f683449344e7b727b747f633479736c5a7b68776334777376">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and
Missile Center: Ms. Nancy Salmon, 256-876-9647,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c48aa5aaa7bdea87ea97a5a8a9abaaf6eaa7adb284a5b6a9bdeaa9ada8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="703e111e13095e335e23111c1d1f1e425e1319063011021d095e1d191c">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical
Biological Center: Ms. Patricia Milwicz, 410-417-2343,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bcbfaefe9f2f8f2fab5d7b5d6f2f7ecf2f8e1b5f8f2eddbfae9f6e2b5f6f2f7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d181b0a5a3b8b2b8b0ff9dff9cb8bda6b8b2abffb2b8a791b0a3bca8ffbcb8bd">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center: Ms. Angela Clybourn, 443-395-2110,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ca8ba4adafa6abe487e489a6b3a8a5b8a4e4a9a3bc8aabb8a7b3e4a7a3a6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d2c030a08010c4320432e01140f021f03430e041b2d0c1f001443000401">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle
Systems Center: Ms. Jennifer Davis, 586-306-4166,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4be919a9a9d929186dab8dab095829d87c5da979d82b49586998dda999d98"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1bb949f9f98979483dfbddfb590879882c0df929887b190839c88df9c989d">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center:
Ms. Sandra Rosenau, 508-206-3421, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fcb09389958f99d2afd2ae938f99929d89d29f958abc9d8e9185d2919590"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c301309150f19522f522e130f19121d09521f150a3c1d0e110552111510">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center: Ms. Patricia
Sullivan, 601-634-3065, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c0c3d282e353f353d7211720f293030352a3d321c292f3d3f39723d2e312572313530"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6838091c1a010b01094625463b1d0404011e0906281d1b090b0d46091a051146050104">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Medical Research and Development Command: Ms. Linda Krout,
301-619-7276, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d498bdbab0b5fa9efa9fa6bba1a0fab7bda294b9b5bdb8fab9bdb8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="44082d2a20256a0e6a0f362b31306a272d320429252d286a292d28">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Technical Center, Space and Missile Defense Command: Dr.
Chad Marshall, 256-955-5697, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7e4cfc6c389ed89eac6d5d4cfc6cbcb89c4ced1e7c6d5cade89cacecb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adeec5ccc983e783e0ccdfdec5ccc1c183cec4dbedccdfc0d483c0c4c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Navy:
<bullet> Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Aircraft
Division: Mr. Richard Cracraft, 760-939-8115,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bdefd4ded5dccfd993fc93fecfdcdecfdcdbc98f93ded4cbfdc8ce93d3dccbc493d0d4d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86d4efe5eee7f4e2a8c7a8c5f4e7e5f4e7e0f2b4a8e5eff0c6f3f5a8e8e7f0ffa8ebefea">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center: Ms. Lori Leigh, 805-901-5917,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e52716c77305f30527b7779765e6b6d30707f686730737772"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a26051803442b44260f030d022a1f1944040b1c1344070306">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers:
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic: Mr. Michael
Gagnon, 843-218-3871, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97dafef4fff6f2fbb9dbb9d0f6f0f9f8f9a5b9f4fee1d7e2e4b9f9f6e1eeb9fafefb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="733e1a101b12161f5d3f5d3412141d1c1d415d101a053306005d1d12050a5d1e1a1f">[email protected]</span></a>.
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson,
619-553-0833, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82c3ece5e7eee3acdbaccae3ecf1edecace1ebf4c2f7f1acece3f4fbacefebee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f7b69990929b96d9aed9bf9699849899d9949e81b78284d99996818ed99a9e9b">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center: Dr. Jill Phan, 301-319-
7645, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#105a797c7c3e533e4078717e3e737966507d71797c3e7d797c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ce84a7a2a2e08de09ea6afa0e0ada7b88ea3afa7a2e0a3a7a2">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory: Ms. Ginger Kisamore, 202-767-
3792, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f684641484a5d0164465c4e42405d4a6f415d4301414e595601424643"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e597770797b6c3055776d7f73716c7b5e706c7230707f686730737772">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers: Ms. Diane
Brown, 215-897-1619, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b2f020a050e4521452919041c054508021d2b1e1845050a1d1245060207"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="195d7078777c3753375b6b766e77377a706f596c6a3777786f6037747075">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Office of Naval Research: Ms. Margaret J. Mitchell, 703-
588-2364, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7934180b1e180b1c0d57335734100d1a111c15153917180f0057141015"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9e4c8dbcec8dbccdd87e387e4c0ddcac1ccc5c5e9c7c8dfd087c4c0c5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: STRLs may appoint students to flexible
length and renewable student terms or temporary appointments and may
appoint recent graduates to temporary, term, or permanent appointments
without regard to subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5 United States
Code (U.S.C.) (other than sections 3303 and 3328). This direct hire
authority is similar to the student direct hire authority in 10 U.S.C.
4091, as implemented in the STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP)
published in 82 FR 29280, except it is for students seeking employment
in professional, administrative, assistant, clerical, and technician
positions.
1. Background
As authorized by 10 U.S.C. 4121, the Secretary of Defense, through
the USD(R&E), may conduct personnel demonstration projects at DoD
laboratories designated as STRLs. STRLs implementing this flexibility
must have an approved personnel management demonstration project plan
published in a FRN and must fulfill any collective bargaining
obligations. Each STRL will establish internal operating procedures
(IOPs) as appropriate.
The 21 current STRLs are:
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center
<bullet> Army Futures Command
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research
Laboratory
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center
<bullet> Medical Research and Development Command
<bullet> Technical Center, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command
<bullet> Naval Air Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers, Atlantic and Pacific
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Office of Naval Research
2. Summary of Comments
On October 17, 2022, the DoD published a notice (87 FR 62795-62800)
concerning this new flexibility, for a 30-day public comment period.
The public comment period ended on November 16, 2022. Comments were
received from two commenters posing questions related to the conversion
of program participants to General Schedule (GS) positions, promotion
eligibility of program participants, and the terms used to describe the
appointments available to program participants. Specifically, one
commenter inquired how pay will be set for a PAACTSEP program
participant who later converts from a pay band position to a GS
position. In response, the Department notes that conversion procedures
for personnel participating in an STRL Demo project are specific to
each STRL and are published in the STRL's Demo project plan. Another
commenter recommended the following: providing criteria to determine
whether experience is equivalent to education; providing criteria for
promotion eligibility; and making the Flexible Length and Renewable
Student Term appointment indefinite, consistent with the appointment
created in 82 FR 29280. In response, the Department notes that the
procedures for setting qualification and promotion eligibility
[[Page 10876]]
criteria are specific to STRL Demo project plans which use varying
broadband and other classification schedules. As indicated in this
notice, detailed program implementing procedures will be provided in
individual STRL IOPs. In addition, the Department notes that, in a
minor modification to 82 FR 29280 adopted in April 2020, the Department
no longer makes indefinite appointments for the SSEP. Rather,
consistent with the language in this PAACTSEP notice, SSEP appointments
may not exceed a period of six years, may be renewed, and will not
continue longer than 120 days after completion of the designated
academic course of study unless the human resources office has received
a Request for Personnel Action (SF-52) for noncompetitive conversion to
a temporary, term or permanent position.
3. Overview
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
In addition to leveraging existing student and recent graduate
hiring flexibilities to pursue scientific and engineering (S&E) talent,
STRLs may implement additional flexibilities to recruit for other
occupations, to include professional, administrative, and technical
occupations, in order to support, maintain and advance each STRL's
technologies and mission.
The purpose of this direct-hire authority is to create a
streamlined and accelerated hiring and appointment process to access a
pipeline of high-quality students and recent graduates and successfully
compete with private industry when filling STRL professional,
administrative, assistant, clerical, and technician positions.
To effectively implement PAACTSEP this FRN:
1. Establishes a student program which aligns students appointed
under this authority to a pay band or grade commensurate with education
and experience.
2. Applies the flexible length and renewable student term
appointment authority in 82 FR 29280 for SSEP students to PAACTSEP
students appointed for a period of at least one year. This flexible
length and renewable student term appointment may be for a period of
more than one year but not more than six years and may be extended in
up to six-year increments. This authority provides a mechanism for
students appointed under PAACTSEP to remain on a term appointment until
completion of their educational program.
3. Establishes a temporary appointment authority for PAACTSEP
students or recent graduates appointed for less than one year.
4. Establishes a student bonus authority designed to improve
competitiveness with private industry in recruiting and retaining high
caliber students. The bonus may be used to compensate PAACTSEP students
for expenses related to program participation, to include, but not
limited to, travel expenses when the worksite is in a different
geographic location than that of the student's academic institution.
STRLs also have authority to pay relocation expenses each time the
student returns to duty at the laboratory.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain title 5 U.S.C. and 5 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) provisions are required only to the extent
that these statutory and regulatory provisions limit or are
inconsistent with the actions authorized under these demonstration
projects. Nothing in this plan is intended to preclude the STRLs from
adopting or incorporating any law or regulation enacted, adopted, or
amended after the effective date of this notice.
C. Expected Benefits
This direct-hire authority and student program is expected to
streamline the hiring of high-quality students to enable the STRLs to
compete with private industry in recruiting and retaining recent
graduates. This program covers students enrolled in qualifying
educational institutions and certificate programs, as those terms are
defined in 5 CFR 362.102. This competitive service direct-hire and
noncompetitive conversion authority enhances the ability of STRLs to
compete with private industry by improving recruiting efforts,
providing clear career paths, and offering career progression
opportunities for a large and diverse population of students and recent
graduates who may not otherwise consider joining the STRL workforce.
D. Participating Organizations and Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as STRLs pursuant to 10 U.S.C.
4121, with approved personnel demonstration project plans published in
FRNs may use the provisions described in this FRN after the fulfillment
of any collective bargaining obligations.
II. Personnel System Changes
A. Authority
STRLs may use the direct-hire authority to appoint students
enrolled in qualifying educational institutions and certificate
programs, as those terms are defined in 5 CFR 362.102. During each
calendar year, each STRL may use this authority to appoint no more than
25 percent of the total number of non-STEM professional,
administrative, assistant, clerical, and technician positions within
the STRL that are filled at the close of the previous fiscal year.
STRLs may appoint students to temporary or flexible length and
renewable student term appointments in the competitive service and may
appoint recent graduates to temporary, term, or permanent appointments
in the competitive service. STRLs may provide eligible students
noncompetitive conversion to term or permanent positions upon
satisfaction of the graduation or certification requirements of the
secondary or post-secondary educational institution and qualification
requirements established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
for the position.
B. Definitions
1. STRL PAACTSEP positions are those non-STEM professional,
administrative, assistant, clerical, and technician positions described
in STRL IOPs, to include General Schedule positions.
2. As provided in 5 CFR 362.102, the following secondary and post-
secondary educational institutions are a ``qualifying educational
institution'':
(a) A public high school whose curriculum has been approved by a
State or local governing body, a private school that provides secondary
education as determined under State law, or a homeschool that is
allowed to operate in a State; and
(b) Any of the following educational institutions or curricula that
have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary
of the U.S. Department of Education:
(i) A technical or vocational school;
(ii) A 2-year or 4-year college or university;
(iii) A graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical
school); or
(iv) A post-secondary homeschool curriculum.
3. Qualified candidates are defined as:
(a) Students who are enrolled in a qualifying educational
institution or a certificate program as defined by 5 CFR 362.102. The
qualifications in Appendix C will apply to PAACTSEP appointments.
Appointments may be at
[[Page 10877]]
the highest grade or pay band for which the participant is qualified.
Promotion requirements will be published in STRL IOPs.
(b) Recent graduates are those individuals who have completed the
graduation requirements of a qualifying educational institution or the
certification requirements of a certificate program as defined in 5 CFR
362.102.
4. ``Employee'' is defined by 5 U.S.C. 2105.
C. Provisions
1. Announcement and Assessment Process. Public notice is not
required; however, if posting job opportunity announcements or
advertisements, STRLs will ensure announcements and advertisements are
concise and easily understood. If STRLs choose to advertise, the STRL
IOPs will contain procedures for advertising positions pursuant to this
authority in a manner that is most likely to provide diverse and
qualified candidates and ensure potential applicants have appropriate
information relevant to the positions available. Procedures must be
consistent with merit system principles. Candidates will be assessed
against job-related criteria, ensuring that applicants have the skills
and behavioral attributes that lead to success in the position.
Selectees for entry level positions requiring the Administrative
Careers With America (ACWA) assessment must be assessed using the most
recent, streamlined ACWA examination or a validated alternative
assessment instrument (e.g., select USA HIRE assessments).
2. Appointments and Conversions.
(a) Students.
(1) Students may be initially appointed to pay banded or one- or
two-grade interval positions for which they qualify in order to prepare
them for conversion to the target position in a related pay band level
or grade and occupational series upon completion of their academic
degree or certificate program. Students being converted to positions
requiring the ACWA assessment must be assessed as described in
paragraph 3.II.C.1.
(2) Students may be appointed to temporary or flexible length and
renewable student term positions.
a. Temporary Appointment. Temporary appointments are typically used
for short-term use (e.g., summer employment), however, temporary
appointments may be made for up to one year and may be extended
provided the criteria for the student appointment continues to be met.
b. Flexible Length and Renewable Student Term Appointment. The
flexible length and renewable student term appointment authorized in 82
FR 29280 will be utilized for PAACTSEP students appointed for a period
of at least one year but not more than six years. The appointment may
be extended in up to six-year increments, and for the purposes of the
PAACTSEP will expire 120 days after completion of the designated
certificate program or academic course of study, unless the human
resources office has been notified of the STRL's plan to
noncompetitively convert the student to a new term or permanent
position or to terminate the student. The eligibility criteria for the
student appointment must continue to be met for the duration of the
appointment. The duration of a PAACTSEP flexible length and renewable
student term appointment is considered a trial period.
(3) Promotion. Students may be promoted while serving on the
flexible length and renewable student term appointment to a higher
grade/pay band level provided the student meets the program and
qualification requirements for the position. Students may not be
promoted while serving on a temporary appointment but may be converted
to a new appointment at a higher grade/pay band level provided the
student meets the qualification requirements for the higher grade/pay
band position. Promotion requirements will be published in STRL IOPs.
(4) Qualified candidates may be appointed to STRL PAACTSEP
positions without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of 5 U.S.C.
chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328). The provisions of the
career transition assistance programs in subparts B, F, and G of 5 CFR
part 330 do not apply.
(5) When documenting personnel actions for PAACTSEP students, cite
the first LAC/legal authority as Z2U/10 U.S.C. 4121 if appointing to
pay band positions. Also cite LAC/legal authority Z5C/Direct-Hire Auth
(STRL-PAACTSEP Students). If appointing to General Schedule, cite the
first LAC/legal authority as Z5C/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-PAACTSEP
Students).
(b) Noncompetitive Conversion to Non-Student Appointment. PAACTSEP
students on temporary or flexible length and renewable student term
appointments may be noncompetitively converted to a term or permanent
appointment upon program certification or graduation from the
applicable institution of higher learning, provided the student meets
all eligibility criteria and OPM qualification requirements for the
position.
(1) The conversion request must be submitted to the human resources
office within 120 days of completion of all degree requirements, but
before the time-limited appointment expires.
(2) The provisions of the career transition assistance programs in
subparts B, F, and G of 5 CFR part 330 do not apply to the
noncompetitive conversions.
(3) When documenting personnel actions for noncompetitive
conversions of PAACTSEP students to permanent or term appointments cite
the first legal authority code (LAC)/legal authority as Z2U/10 U.S.C.
4121, if to a pay banded position. The second LAC/legal authority will
be Z5C/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-PAACTSEP Conv). If to General Schedule,
cite the first LAC/legal authority as Z5C/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-
PAACTSEP Conv).
(c) Recent graduates. Recent graduates may be appointed directly to
the pay band level or grade and occupational series for which they
qualify.
(1) Recent graduate appointments may be made on a temporary, term,
or permanent basis.
(2) Qualified candidates may be appointed to STRL competitive
service positions without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of 5
U.S.C. chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328). The provisions
of the career transition assistance programs in subparts B, F, and G of
5 CFR part 330 do not apply.
(3) To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of
degree or certification (except for veterans precluded from doing so
due to their military service obligation, who have up to two years
after release from military service, to apply).
(4) When documenting personnel actions for recent graduates, cite
the first LAC/legal authority as Z2U/10 U.S.C. 4121 if appointing to
pay band positions. The second LAC/legal authority will be Z5C/Direct-
Hire Auth (STRL Recent Graduate). If to General Schedule, cite the
first LAC/legal authority as Z5C/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL Recent
Graduate).
3. Classification/Pay Bands/Career Tracks. STRLs will use their
existing pay band/career track level(s) to accommodate students hired
under the PAACTSEP authority. Specific details regarding student
classification pay band/career track level(s) will be included in STRL
IOPs.
4. Probationary Period. PAACTSEP students converted to permanent,
competitive service positions in a similar line of work without a break
in service, may have time spent in the student program credited toward
[[Page 10878]]
probationary period completion in accordance with 5 CFR 315.802, or an
approved STRL Lab Demo extended probationary period requirement. STRL
recent graduates will serve a probationary period in accordance with 5
CFR 315.802, or an approved STRL Lab Demo extended probationary period.
5. Career Tenure. Time spent under flexible length and renewable
student term appointments counts toward career tenure. Time spent under
a temporary appointment is not counted toward career tenure unless the
student was converted from a temporary appointment to a flexible length
and renewable student term appointment without a break in service of
three days and was subsequently converted to a permanent position.
6. Recruitment and Pay Flexibilities.
(a) Tuition Assistance.
(1) Students may be eligible for tuition assistance. At the STRL
Director's discretion, a student may be required to sign a written
service agreement to continue in service for a period of up to three
times the length of the time spent in training prior to accepting
tuition assistance. The requirement for the length of the service
obligation will be included in STRL IOPs.
(2) A student who is eligible to continue employment for the
duration of the obligated service and who does not fulfill the service
obligation may be required to provide repayment pursuant to 5 CFR
410.309(c).
(3) Expenses of training. PAACTSEP students may be paid travel
expenses in the form of a student bonus or relocation incentive when
the worksite is in a different geographic location than that of the
student's academic institution. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4109(a)(2), these
expenses are considered training expenses and may be paid each time the
student returns to duty to the STRL. Procedures for paying these
expenses shall be documented in STRL IOPs.
(b) Pay Flexibilities.
(1) STRLs may use any applicable pay flexibility (e.g.,
recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives under 5 CFR part 575;
student loan repayments under 5 CFR part 537 and 82 FR 78829; superior
qualifications and special needs pay setting authority; maximum payable
rate rule under 5 CFR part 531, subpart B; or demonstration project pay
and bonus flexibilities). Procedures for paying these flexibilities
shall be documented in STRL IOPs.
(2) Relocation Expenses. PAACTSEP students may receive a relocation
incentive under 5 CFR part 575 to help with relocation expenses. The
authority to pay relocation expenses is expanded to allow an STRL to
pay a relocation incentive each time the student returns to duty at the
laboratory. This authority applies to all PAACTSEP student positions in
the STRLs and provides the ability to expand recruitment to top
universities and incentivize mobility by paying additional expenses to
students who accept employment outside of their geographic area. A
relocation incentive may be paid when the worksite is in a different
geographic location than that of the student's college and is intended
to cover some or all the student's living expenses while working in the
STRL. Procedures for paying these incentives shall be documented in
STRL IOPs.
(3) Student bonus. A student bonus may be used to compensate
PAACTSEP students without the requirement for a continuing service
agreement as determined by the STRL. PAACTSEP students may be granted a
student bonus for expenses related to PAACTSEP participation to
include, but not limited to, travel expenses when the worksite is in a
different geographic location than that of the student's academic
institution. The student bonus is not part of basic pay. STRLs may pay
the student bonus each time the student returns to duty at the
laboratory. The use of this bonus will help to improve the STRLs
competitiveness with private industry in recruiting and retaining high
caliber students.
D. Personnel Considerations
1. Work Schedules. STRLs may impose limitations on the number of
hours a PAACTSEP student can work per week that are more restrictive
than applicable laws and regulations governing overtime and hours of
work. Supervisors and students should agree on a work schedule that
does not interfere with the academic schedule and that supports timely
completion of the educational program.
2. Break in Program. STRL directors may authorize PAACTSEP
participation by students who are not attending classes at a qualifying
educational institution or certificate program for a period of 120
days. The approval authority and criteria will be described in STRL
IOPs.
3. Service Agreement. STRL IOPs will describe any service agreement
requirement for students and recent graduates hired under this
authority.
4. Training and Development. STRL IOPs will describe the training
and development of students and recent graduates hired under this
authority.
5. Performance evaluation. STRL IOPs will describe performance
requirements and performance evaluations for students and recent
graduates hired under this authority.
6. Extension/Termination of appointment. Temporary appointments
expire upon the not-to-exceed date, unless extended. Flexible length
and renewable student term appointments for PAACTSEP students will not
exceed six year increments but will expire 120 days after completion of
the designated academic course of study, unless the human resources
office has been notified that the student will be noncompetitively
converted to a permanent or term position as described in paragraph
3.II.C.2. Flexible length and renewable student term appointments may
be extended if the individual continues to meet the definition of a
``student'' (i.e., enrolled in a qualifying academic program) as
identified in Section 3.II.B.3 and meet any academic requirements
specified by the employing STRL. Students may be terminated for reasons
including, but not limited to, mission requirements/budget constraints,
misconduct, poor performance (including academic), or suitability.
In cases where the STRL Director does not plan to convert the
student to a permanent or term appointment, the PAACTSEP appointment
may be terminated less than 120 days after completion of the designated
academic course of study, subject to any applicable requirements of 5
U.S.C. chapter 75.
E. Evaluation
Procedures for evaluating this authority will be incorporated into
the STRL demonstration project evaluation processes conducted by the
STRLs, OUSD(R&E), or military department headquarters, as appropriate.
F. Reports
STRLs will track and provide information and data on the use of
this authority when requested by the military department headquarters
or OUSD(R&E).
[[Page 10879]]
Appendix A--Waivers to Title 5, U.S.C. and Title 5 CFR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title 5, Code of Federal
Title 5, United States Code Regulations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5 5 CFR 300-330, other than
U.S.C. (other than sections 3303 and Subpart G of 300. Waived to
3328). the extent necessary to allow
provisions of the direct hire
authorities as described in
this FRN.
5 U.S.C. 4108 (a)-(c)--Employee 5 CFR part 316, subparts C-D--
Agreements; Service after Training. Waived to the extent necessary
Waived to allow: (1) the STRLs to to allow provisions of the
determine if a service agreement is direct hire authorities as
required and if so, to determine the described in this FRN.
period of required service for
students employed under the Demo; (2)
the Commanding Officer or the
Laboratory STRL Director to waive in
whole or in part a right of recovery;
and (3) allow students to sign a
service agreement up to three times
the length of the training.
5 U.S.C. 5753--Recruitment and 5 CFR 410.309--Waived to allow:
relocation bonuses. Waived to the (1) the STRLs to determine if
extent necessary to allow those STRL a service agreement is
scientific and engineering employees required and if so, the period
and positions to be treated as of required service for
employees and positions under the students employed under the
General Schedule and to allow demo; (2) the Commanding
relocation incentives to be paid to Officer or the STRL Director
PAACTSEP students whose worksite is in to waive in whole or in part a
a different geographic location than right of recovery; and (3)
that of the college in which enrolled students to sign a service
each time they return to duty. agreement up to three times
the length of the training. 5
CFR part 575, subparts A and
B--Recruitment and Relocation
Incentives. Waived to the
extent necessary to allow
employees hired and positions
under the PAACTSEP program to
be treated as employees and
positions under the General
Schedule and to allow
relocation incentives to be
paid to PAACTSEP students
whose worksite is in a
different geographic location
than that of the college in
which enrolled each time they
return to duty.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix B--Authorized STRLs and Federal Register Notices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRL Federal Register Notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Force Research Laboratory.......... 61 FR 60400, as amended by 75
FR 53076.
Joint Warfare Analysis Center.......... 85 FR 29414.
Army Futures Command................... Not yet published.
Army Research Institute for Behavioral 85 FR 76038.
and Social Sciences.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 76 FR 3744.
Armaments Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 63 FR 10680.
Army Research Laboratory.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 62 FR 34906 and 62 FR 34876, as
Aviation and Missile Center. amended by 65 FR 53142 (AVRDEC
and AMRDEC merged together).
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68936.
Chemical Biological Center.
Command, Control, Communications, 66 FR 54872.
Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 76 FR 12508.
Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68448.
Soldier Center.
Engineer Research and Development 63 FR 14580, as amended by 65
Center. FR 32135.
Medical Research and Development 63 FR 10440.
Command.
Technical Center, US Army Space and 85 FR 3339.
Missile Defense Command.
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare 76 FR 8530.
Centers.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command 86 FR 14084.
Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare
Center.
Naval Information Warfare Centers, 76 FR 1924.
Atlantic and Pacific.
Naval Medical Research Center.......... Not yet published.
Naval Research Laboratory.............. 64 FR 33970.
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare 62 FR 64050.
Centers.
Office of Naval Research............... 75 FR 77380.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix C
Qualification Standards for STRL PAACTSEP Student Trainee Positions
The following table shows the amount of education required to
qualify for appointments for PAACTSEP student positions covered by this
FRN. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are
qualifying for all positions for which both education and experience
are acceptable. Enrollment in an accredited academic institution is
required. An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30
semester hours, 45-quarter hours, or the equivalent in an accredited
college or university, or approximately 36 weeks for at least 20
classroom hours per week in an accredited business, technical, or
secretarial school. See the ``General Policies and Instructions'' for
the Qualification Standards Operating Manual for the definition of a
full year of graduate education.
Requirements for STRL students in the Professional, Administrative,
Assistant, Clerical, and Technician Student Employment Program):
[[Page 10880]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grade level or pay band equivalent Level of education
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS-01 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Enrollment in a high school
diploma or General Education
Diploma (GED) program.
GS-02 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of high school or
GED diploma.
GS-03 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of 1 full academic
year of post-high school
study.
GS-04 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of 2 full academic
years of post-high school
study or an associate's
degree.
GS-05 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of 4 academic years
of post-high school study
leading to a bachelor's or
equivalent degree.
GS-07 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of 1 full academic
year of graduate level
education; or Eligibility
under the Superior Academic
Achievement Provision and
completion of a bachelor's
degree.
GS-09 or Pay Band Equivalent........... Completion of 2 academic years
of graduate level education,
or a master's degree or
equivalent graduate degree.
GS-11 or Pay Band Equivalent........... For research positions,
completion of all requirements
for a master's or equivalent
graduate degree. For non-
research positions, completion
of all requirements for a PhD
or equivalent degree.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appointments may be at the highest grade or pay band for which the
participant is qualified. One full academic year of undergraduate;
graduate; technical or high school education is the number of credit
hours determined by the college, university or school to represent one
year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by
a State or local governing body. All education beyond the high school
level must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Special Provisions/or Students With Previous Related Education or
Experience
Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine
the highest grade Level or pay band for which the student is qualified.
Dated: February 15, 2023.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2023-03601 Filed 2-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
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