When commercial recruiting firms and nonprofit employment services may be used
Primary source
Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.
Full Text
An agency may use a commercial recruiting firm and/or a nonprofit employment service in recruiting for vacancies when:
(a) The agency head or designee determines that such use is likely to provide well-qualified candidates who would otherwise not be available or that well-qualified candidates are in short supply;
(b) The agency has provided vacancy notices to appropriate State Employment Service and OPM offices; and
(c) The agency continues its own recruiting efforts.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.