Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Management Demonstration (Demo) Project Program, 29280-29285 [2017-13487]
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[FR Doc. 2017–13503 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory
(STRL) Personnel Management
Demonstration (Demo) Project
Program
Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering, DoD.
ACTION: This notice amends existing
STRL Personnel Management
Demonstration Project Programs.
AGENCY:
STRLs may implement a new
direct hire authority to appoint and
noncompetitively convert to the
competitive service qualified candidates
enrolled in a program of undergraduate
or graduate instruction leading to an
undergraduate or advanced degree in a
scientific, technical, engineering or
mathematical course of study. STRLs
may appoint students to a temporary,
term, modified term (for those STRLs
with modified term appointment
authority), or flexible length student
term appointment that will expire 120
days after completion of the designated
academic course of study. Students may
also be appointed to temporary, term or
flexible length student term
appointments at the discretion of the
STRL Director. Students hired under the
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SUMMARY:
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Scientific, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Student
Employment Program (SSEP) may
receive a relocation incentive/bonus
each time the SSEP student returns to
duty similar to the authority granted to
the Air Force Research Laboratory
(AFRL) in 75 FR 53076, August 30,
2010.
This notice may be implemented
beginning on June 28, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DATES:
Department of the Army
• ARL: Ms. Dianne Hawkins, Program
Manager, ARL Personnel Demonstration
Project, RDRL–LOH, 2800 Powder Mill
Road, Adelphi, MD 20783–1197;
• AMRDEC: Mr. Chad Marshall,
Demonstration Project Manager,
AMRDEC, 5400 Fowler Road, Redstone
Arsenal, AL 35898–5000;
• CERDEC: Mr. Christopher Tahaney,
CERDEC Personnel Demonstration
Project Administrator, C4ISR Campus
Building 6002, Room D3126D, ATTN:
RDER–DOS–ER, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD 21005;
• ECBC: Ms. Patricia Milwicz,
Management and Program Analyst,
ECBC, Directorate of Program
Integration, Workforce Management
Office, Department of the Army, ATTN:
RDCB–DPC–W, 5183 Blackhawk Road,
Building 3330, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD 21010–5424;
• ERDC: Ms. Patricia Sullivan,
Personnel Demonstration Project
Manager, U.S. Army ERDC, 3909 Halls
Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180–6199;
• MRMC: Ms. Linda Krout, Personnel
Demonstration Project Manager, 505
Scott St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702–5000;
• NSRDEC: Ms. Joelle Montecalvo,
Demonstration Project Manager,
NSRDEC, Kansas Street, (AMSRD–NSR–
BO–W), Natick, MA 01760;
• TARDEC: Ms. Jennifer Davis,
TARDEC, ATTN: RDTA–CS/MS 204,
Warren, MI 48397–5000;
• ARDEC: Mr. Mike Nicotra, U.S.
Army ARDEC, Human Capital
Management Office, Building 1, 3rd
Floor, RDAR–EIH, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
07806–5000.
Department of the Air Force
• AFRL: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd,
Personnel Demonstration Project
Manager, AFRL, 1864 4th Street,
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
45433–5209.
Department of the Navy
• ONR: Ms. Margaret J. Mitchell,
Director, Civilian Human Resources,
ONR, 875 North Randolph Street, Code
BD, Arlington, VA 22203;
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• NRL: Ms. Ginger Kisamore, Human
Resources Director/Demonstration
Project Program Manager, NRL, 4555
Overlook Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20375–5320;
• NAVSEA Warfare Centers: Ms.
Diane Brown, NAVSEA Warfare Centers
Personnel Demonstration Project
Manager, Naval Surface Warfare Center
Philadelphia Division, 5001 South
Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19112–
5083;
• NAVAIR, Weapons Division and
Aircraft Division: Mr. Richard Cracraft,
Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons
Division (NAWCWD), Code 730000D, 1
Administration Circle, Building 00464,
China Lake, CA 93555–6100;
• Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Command, Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Center (SSC):
Æ SSC Atlantic: Ms. Veronica
Truesdale, SSC Atlantic STRL Project
Lead, SSC Atlantic, P.O. Box 190022,
North Charleston, SC 29419–9022;
Æ SSC Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson,
SSC Pacific STRL Project Lead, SSC
Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego,
CA 92152–5001.
DoD
Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Director,
DoD Laboratories Office, 4800 Mark
Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22350,
(571) 372–6372,
jagadeesh.pamulapati.civ@mail.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Section 342(b) of the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal
Year (FY) 1995, Public Law (Pub. L.)
103–337, as amended by section 1109 of
the NDAA for FY 2000, Public Law 106–
65, and section 1114 of the NDAA for
FY 2001, Public Law 106–398,
authorizes the Secretary of Defense
(SECDEF) to conduct personnel
demonstration projects at DoD
laboratories designated as STRLs. All
STRLs authorized by section 1105 of the
NDAA for FY 2010, Public Law 111–84,
as well as any newly-designated STRLs
authorized by SECDEF or future
legislation may use the provisions
described in this Federal Register
Notice (FRN). STRLs implementing this
flexibility must have an approved
personnel management demonstration
project plan published in a FRN and
shall fulfill any collective bargaining
obligations. Each STRL shall establish
internal operating procedures as
appropriate. The 15 current STRLs are:
• Army Research Institute (ARI)
• Army Research Laboratory (ARL)
• Aviation and Missile Research,
Development, and Engineering Center
(AMRDEC)
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• Communications-Electronics
Research, Development, and
Engineering Center (CERDEC)
• Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
(ECBC)
• Engineer Research and Development
Center (ERDC)
• Medical Research and Materiel
Command (MRMC)
• Natick Soldier Research, Development
and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
• Tank Automotive Research,
Development and Engineering Center
(TARDEC)
• Armament Research, Development
and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
• Space and Missile Defense Command
(SMDC)
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
• Office of Naval Research (ONR)
• Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
• Naval Sea Systems Command
(NAVSEA) Warfare Centers
• Naval Air Systems Command
(NAVAIR) Warfare Centers, Weapons
Division and Aircraft Division
• Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Command, Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Center (SSC), Atlantic and
Pacific
commensurate with the highest level of
education completed and/or prior
experience.
2. Establishes a flexible length student
term appointment, which will provide a
mechanism for students appointed
under the SSEP to remain on a term
appointment until completion of their
educational program. Absent this
flexibility, SSEP appointees would be
limited to a four-year appointment in
accordance with 5 CFR 316.301.
B. Required Waivers to Law and
Regulation
I. Introduction
C. Expected Benefits
A. Purpose
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2. Overview
Section 1105 of the NDAA for FY
2015 permits the Department to waive
subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, U.S
Code (U.S.C.) (other than sections 3303
and 3328) when using the SSEP directhire authority. Section 1104 of the
NDAA for FY 2016 permits the
Department to waive provisions of
subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5,
U.S.C. (other than sections 3303 and
3328) and provides for noncompetitive
conversion of SSEP students. Appendix
A lists the laws, rules, and regulations
that require waivers to implement the
authorities described in this FRN.
This direct-hire authority is expected
to streamline the hiring and
development of high-quality SSEP
students pursuing bachelors or
advanced degrees in STEM courses of
study. This direct-hire and
noncompetitive conversion authority
enhances the STRLs’ ability to compete
with private industry by improving
recruiting efforts; providing clear career
tracks for STEM students from
undergraduate through post-graduate
school; and offering career progression
opportunities for STEM students who
join the STRL scientific and engineering
workforce.
Section 1105 of the NDAA for FY
2015 establishes a new direct hire
authority for students enrolled in a
scientific, technical, engineering, or
mathematics course of study at an
accredited institution of higher
education on a temporary or term basis.
The purpose of this direct-hire authority
is to provide a streamlined and
accelerated hiring process that allows
the STRLs to compete successfully with
private industry for high-quality
scientific, technical, engineering, or
mathematics students for filling STRL
scientific and engineering positions.
This authority creates a unique student
hiring authority for the STRL scientific
and engineering positions: The STEM
SSEP. Section 1104 of the NDAA for
FY16 provides students appointed
under the SSEP the opportunity for
noncompetitive conversion to a
permanent scientific or engineering
position upon graduation from the
applicable institution of higher
education.
To effectively implement the SSEP,
this FRN also:
1. Establishes SSEP student
employment qualification standards,
similar to the Pathways qualification
standards, which will allow students
appointed under this authority to be
aligned to a pay band/grade
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D. Participating Organizations and
Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as
STRLs under section 1105 of the NDAA
for FY 2010 and section 1105 of the
NDAA for FY 2015 (including any
newly-designated STRLs authorized by
SECDEF or by future legislation) with
approved personnel management
demonstration project plans published
in FRNs may use the provisions
described in this FRN.
II. Personnel System Changes
All current STRL demonstration
project plans are hereby amended to add
the following:
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A. Authority
STRLs may use the direct-hire
authority authorized by section 1105 of
the NDAA for FY 2015 to appoint
students pursuing bachelors or
advanced degrees in STEM disciplines
to temporary, term, flexible length
student term, or, for those STRLs with
modified term appointment authority,
via modified term appointments. STRLs
may use the authority authorized by
section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2016
to provide SSEP students
noncompetitive conversion to
permanent scientific or engineering
positions upon graduation from the
applicable institution of higher
education provided the students meet
all eligibility criteria and Office of
Personnel Management (OPM)
qualification requirements for the
position.
B. Definitions
1. STEM positions are those positions
described in the STRL FRN (Appendix
B) or internal operating procedures in
the Scientist and Engineer and/or
Technical Career Paths. The positions
not classified under the broad-banding
structure will be identified in respective
STRL internal operating procedures.
2. Institution of higher education is
defined in sections 1001 and 1002 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001).
3. Qualified candidates are defined as
students who:
(a) Are enrolled (or accepted for
enrollment) in a program of
undergraduate or graduate instruction
leading to a bachelor’s or advanced
degree in a (STEM) course of study at
an institution of higher education as
that term is defined in section B.2., and
includes those enrolled in a 2-year
university parallel (or equivalent)
program designed specifically for
transfer to a 4-year institution.
(b) Meet the minimum qualification
standards for the position as described
in Appendix C of this FRN or the
specific STRL demonstration project
qualification standards for the position
to be filled.
4. ‘‘Employee’’ is defined by 5 U.S.C.
2105.
C. Provisions
1. Use of this appointment authority
must be consistent with merit system
principles.
2. Student appointments authorized
by section 1105 of the NDAA for 2015
may be term, modified term, flexible
length student term or temporary. If
students are appointed under existing
term or modified term appointments
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because flexible length student term
appointments are not available at the
time of appointment, they may convert
to the new flexible length student term
appointment provided they were
notified in writing at the time of the
initial appointment of the possibility
they may be converted at a later date.
3. Qualified candidates may be
appointed to scientific and engineering
student positions without regard to the
provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33,
title 5, U.S.C. (other than sections 3303
and 3328).
4. Upon graduation from the
applicable institution of higher
education, successful candidates in
section 2.II.C.3. may be
noncompetitively converted to
permanent scientific or engineering
positions in the competitive service
within the STRL without regard to the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 33 (other
than sections 3303 and 3328).
5. During each calendar year, each
STRL may use this authority to appoint
no more than (10) percent of the total
number of scientific and engineering
positions within the STRL that are filled
at the close of the previous fiscal year.
6. Classification/Pay Bands/Career
Tracks. This FRN authorizes the STRLs
to establish separate pay band/career
track level(s) or to modify existing pay
band/career track level(s) and
classification guidelines to
accommodate students hired under this
direct-hire authority. Specific details
regarding student classification pay
band/career track level(s) shall be
included in the respective STRLs’
internal operating procedures.
7. Temporary Appointments
(Students). 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 continue to be met. An
appointment after a break-in-service of
three or more days shall count against
the direct-hire allocation in section
2.II.C.5. Students may not be promoted
while serving on the temporary
appointment, but may be converted to a
new appointment at a higher grade/band
level provided the student meets the
qualification requirements for the higher
grade/band position. This conversion to
a new appointment does not count
against the direct-hire allocation in
section 2.II.C.5.
8. Flexible Length Student Term
Appointments (Students). A flexible
length student term appointment
authority is created for SSEP students
appointed for a period of at least one
year. The flexible length student term
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appointment will have no end date, but
will expire 120 days after completion of
the designated academic course of study
unless the human resources office has
been notified via receipt of a Request for
Personnel Action (SF–52) for
noncompetitive conversion to a
permanent position. The eligibility
criteria for the student appointment
must continue to be met for the duration
of the appointment. SSEP participants
who complete one educational program
and continue to meet the definition of
‘‘student’’ in section 2.II.B.3(a) while
further pursuing their education are not
counted against the direct-hire
allocation in 2.II.C.5 as a new
appointment.
(a) Promotion. Students may be
promoted while serving on the flexible
length student term appointment to a
higher grade/band level provided the
student meets the program and
qualification requirements for the
position.
9. SSEP participants must complete a
probationary period in accordance with
10 U.S.C. 1599e, or an approved STRL
Lab Demo extended probationary period
requirement, upon conversion to the
competitive service. When an SSEP
participant is converted directly from
the SSEP to a permanent, competitive
service position in a similar line of work
without a break in service, time spent in
the SSEP may be credited toward
probationary period completion in
accordance with title 5 CFR 315.802.
10. Documenting Personnel Actions
(Students). Personnel actions for
appointments of SSEP appointees are
documented citing the first legal
authority code (LAC)/legal authority as
Z2U/Public Law 103–337. The second
LAC/legal authority will be Z5CD/
Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-Student),
section 1105(1)(a)(3), Public Law 113–
291, 12/19/2014.
11. Noncompetitive Conversion to
Permanent Appointment. Students on
temporary, term, or flexible length
student term SSEP appointments may
be noncompetitively converted to a
permanent appointment at the
discretion of the STRL director. The
authority to convert the student to a
permanent position may be further
delegated in the STRL’s internal
operating procedures. These
conversions do not count against the
direct-hire allocation in 79 FR 43722,
July 28, 2014, paragraph 2.II.B.4.
(a) Students employed under the
SSEP may be noncompetitively
converted to a permanent appointment
upon graduation from the applicable
institution of higher learning, provided
the student meets all eligibility criteria
and OPM qualification requirements for
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the STRL scientific or engineering
position.
(b) 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.
(1) Time spent under a term or
flexible length student term
appointment shall count towards
probationary period completion and
career tenure. If the student was
converted from a temporary to a term or
flexible length student term
appointment without a break in service
of three days and was subsequently
converted to a permanent position, the
temporary time shall also count towards
career tenure.
(2) Time spent under a temporary
appointment, unless otherwise provided
in section 2.II.C.11(b)(1), is not counted
towards career tenure.
(3) SSEP students are subject to a
probationary period as specified in
section 2.II.C.9.
(4) 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.
(c) In cases where the STRL Director
does not plan to convert the SSEP
student to a permanent position, the
SSEP’s Flexible Length Student Term
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.
12. Documenting Personnel Actions
(Noncompetitive Conversions).
Personnel actions for noncompetitive
conversions of SSEP participants to
permanent appointments are
documented citing the first legal
authority code (LAC)/legal authority as
Z2U/Public Law 103–337. The second
LAC/legal authority will be Z5CE/
Direct-Hire Auth (STRL–SSEP Conv),
section 1104, Public Law 114–92, 11/25/
2015.
13. Recruitment 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 should be included in the
respective STRL’s internal operating
procedures.
(2) A student who is eligible to
continue employment for the duration
of the obligated service and who does
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not fulfill the service obligation may be
required to provide repayment.
Pursuant to 5 CFR chapter 1, section
410.309(c).
(3) Expenses of training. Students
hired under the SSEP may be paid travel
expenses 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 may be paid each time the
student returns to duty to the STRL.
Procedures for paying these expenses
shall be documented in the STRL’s
respective internal operating
procedures.
(b) Pay Flexibilities.
(1) STRLs may use any applicable pay
flexibilities (e.g., recruitment,
relocation, and retention incentives
under 5 CFR part 575; student loan
repayments under 5 CFR part 537; and
the superior qualifications and special
needs pay setting authority and the
maximum payable rate rule under 5 CFR
part 531, subpart B, or demonstration
project pay flexibilities). Procedures for
paying these flexibilities shall be
documented in the STRL’s respective
internal operating procedures.
(2) Relocation Incentive/Bonus.
Students hired under the SSEP may
receive a relocation incentive/bonus.
The authority to pay relocation
incentives is expanded to allow an
STRL to pay an incentive each time the
student returns to duty to the laboratory.
This authority applies to all student
positions in the STRLs and provides the
ability to expand recruitment to top
universities and incentivize mobility by
paying additional expenses to students
accepting employment outside of their
geographic area. A relocation bonus 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 of the student’s
living expenses while working in the
STRL. Procedures for paying these
incentives shall be documented in the
STRLs internal operating procedures.
This section provides all designated
STRLs the authority to implement a
relocation bonus similar to the authority
granted to the AFRL in the Air Force
Research Laboratory in 75 FR 53076.
D. Personnel Considerations
1. Work Schedules. There are no
limitations on the number of hours a
student can work per week as long as all
applicable laws and regulations
governing overtime and hours of work
are adhered to. Supervisors and
students should agree on a schedule of
school and work such that work
responsibilities do not interfere unduly
with the academic schedule and that
completion of the educational program
is accomplished.
2. Break in Program. STRL directors
may use their discretion in either
approving or denying a request for a
break in program. This may be further
delegated in the STRLs’ internal
operating procedures. A break in
program is a period of time when the
student is working but is unable to go
to school, or is neither attending classes
nor working.
3. Reduction in Force (RIF).
Demonstration project students are
covered by the RIF rules outlined in
each STRL’s FRN. Students serving
under a temporary appointment are
covered under Tenure Group 0 until
completion of one year of continuous
creditable civilian service. If the
temporary appointment is extended for
an additional year, then the tenure
changes to Tenure Group 3. Students
serving on a term appointment are
covered under Tenure Group 3.
Note: All STRL RIF rules must be updated
to incorporate the requirements of 10 U.S.C.
1597(f).
4. Termination.
(a) Temporary appointments expire
upon the not-to-exceed date, unless
extended.
(b) Flexible Length Student Term
appointments for SSEP students 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
converted noncompetitively to a
permanent position as described in
paragraph 2.II.C.11.
(c) Individuals may retain eligibility
for SSEP if they continue to meet the
definition of a ‘‘student’’ (i.e., are
enrolled in a qualifying academic
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program) as identified in Section 2.II.B.3
and meet any academic requirements
specified by the employing STRL.
(d) Students may be terminated for
reasons including, but not limited to,
mission requirements, misconduct, poor
performance (including academic), or
suitability.
E. Authorized Positions
1. SSEP appointments. The number of
appointments made in a calendar year
may not exceed 10 percent of the total
number of scientific and engineering
positions in such STRL, to include
Senior Executive Service, Senior
Technical, Senior Scientific Technical
Manager or above General Schedule
(GS)-15, military, and students within
the STRL that are filled as of the close
of the fiscal year ending before the start
of such calendar year.
2. When determining the number of
appointments authorized, if the
percentage of authorized positions does
not equal a whole number, the STRL
shall round down to the next lower
number.
3. Any changes to these
authorizations, such as (but not limited
to) increasing the number of
appointments allowed or extending/
eliminating the sunset date, do not
require additional FRN notification.
F. Evaluation
STRLs will provide information and
data on the use of these direct-hire
appointment authorities including
numerical limitations, hires made,
declinations, veterans hired, difficulties
encountered, and/or recognized
efficiencies when requested by the
SECDEF, head of the Military
Department, Assistant Secretary of
Defense (Research & Engineering), or
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Civilian Personnel Policy).
Appendix A
United States Code and Code of Federal
Regulations Waived Science and Technology
Reinvention Laboratories
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Title 5, United States Code
Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations
Subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, U.S.C. (other than sections 3303
and 3328).
5 CFR 300–330, other than Subpart G of 300 waived to the extent
necessary to allow provisions of the direct hire authorities as described in this FRN.
5 CFR Part 316, Subparts C–D—Waived to the extent necessary to
allow provisions of the direct hire authorities as described in this
FRN.
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Title 5, United States Code
Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations
5 U.S.C. 4108 (a)–(c)—Employee Agreements; Service after Training.
Waive to allow: (1) the STRLs to determine if a service agreement is
required and if so, to determine the 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 relocation bonuses. Waived to the extent necessary to allow those STRL scientific and engineering employees and positions to be treated as employees and positions
under the General Schedule and to allow relocation incentives to be
paid to SSEP students whose worksite is in a different geographic location than that of the college in which enrolled each time they return
to duty.
5 CFR, Part 410, § 410.309—Waived to allow: (1) the STRLs to determine if a service agreement is required and if so, the period of required service for students employed under the demo; (2) the Commanding Officer or the 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 CFR part 575, Subparts A and B—Recruitment and Relocation Incentives. Waived to the extent necessary to allow employees hired
and positions under the SSEP program to be treated as employees
and positions under the General Schedule and to allow relocation incentives to be paid to SSEP 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
STRLs Federal Register Notice of Approval
of a Demonstration Project Plan
Part 1: STRLs Authorized by Director of
Defense Research and Engineering, Memo 30
Aug 1994 and Section 342 of the FY 1995
NDAA, Public Law 103–337
STRL
Federal Register notice
Air Force Research Laboratory ................................................................
Army Research Laboratory ......................................................................
Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center
61 FR 60400 amended by 75 FR 53076.
63 FR 10680.
62 FR 34906 and 62 FR 34876 amended by 65 FR 53142 (AVRDEC
and AMRDEC merged together).
66 FR 54872.
Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering
Center.
Engineer Research and Development Center .........................................
Medical Research and Material Command ..............................................
Naval Research Laboratory ......................................................................
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers ....................................
63
63
64
62
FR
FR
FR
FR
14580.
10440.
33970.
64050.
Part 2. STRLs Authorized by Section 1105 of
the FY 2010 NDAA, Public Law 111–84
STRL
Federal Register notice
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center ..................
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center ....................................................
Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center ............
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare Centers, Weapons and Aircraft
Divisions.
Office of Naval Research .........................................................................
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Atlantic and Pacific.
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center .......
76
74
74
76
FR
FR
FR
FR
3744.
68936.
68448.
8530.
75 FR 77380.
76 FR 1924.
76 FR 12508.
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Appendix C
Requirements for SSEP Participants
Qualification Standards for STRL Student
Trainee Positions
This standard describes the qualification
requirements for the STEM Student
Employment Program (SSEP) participants.
Appointments may be at the highest grade
or level for which the participant is qualified.
Grade/level
Level of education
GS–2 or Demo Equivalent .......................................................................
GS–3 or Demo Equivalent .......................................................................
GS–4 or Demo Equivalent .......................................................................
Completion of high school or GED diploma.
Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study.
Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate’s degree.
Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
GS–5 or Demo Equivalent .......................................................................
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Grade/level
Level of education
GS–7 or Demo 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.
Completion of 2 academic years of graduate level education, or a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree.
For research positions, completion of all requirements for a master’s or
equivalent degree. For non-research positions, completion of all requirements for a PhD or equivalent degree.
GS–9 or Demo Equivalent .......................................................................
GS–11 or Demo Equivalent .....................................................................
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/band for which the student is qualified.
Dated: June 22, 2017.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2017–13487 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers, Department of the
Army
Withdrawal of Notice of Intent to
Prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement for the Chuitna Coal Mine
Project, Alaska
Department of the Army, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent; withdrawal.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), on January 4, 2011, the Alaska
District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) initiated the Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
process to identify and analyze potential
impacts associated with the proposed
Chuitna Coal Mine Project to assist in
evaluating a Department of the Army
permit application pursuant to Section
404 of the Clean Water Act and Section
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899. On March 30, 2017, the applicant
announced its decision to suspend
pursuit of permitting efforts on the
project. Therefore, the Corps is
terminating the EIS process, and is
withdrawing the Notice of Intent
published in the Tuesday, January 4,
2011, issue of the Federal Register.
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SUMMARY:
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U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, CEPOA–RD, Post Office Box
6898, JBER, Alaska 99506–0898.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Questions regarding this action can be
addressed by Jason Berkner, Regulatory
Division, by telephone: (907) 753–5778
(toll free from within Alaska: (800) 478–
2712), by fax: (907) 753–5567, by email:
Jason.R.Berkner@usace.army.mil, or by
mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
CEPOA–RD, Post Office Box 6898, JBER,
Alaska 99506–0898.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PacRim
Coal, LP, requested Corps authorization,
under Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899, to develop the
Chuitna Coal Project (Project), which
was comprised of three components; the
mine site, the project infrastructure, and
the marine port. The Project consisted of
mining a 5,050-acre lease tract with coal
reserves of approximately 300 million
tons of sub-bituminous ultra-low sulfur
coal. The Project, as proposed, would
have resulted in the discharge of
dredged and/or fill material into an
approximate total of 2,550 acres of
waters of the U.S., including wetlands,
26 miles of streams, and marine waters.
Due to the potentially significant
environmental effects associated with
the Project, on January 4, 2011, the
Corps issued a Notice of Intent to
Prepare an EIS (76 FR 336). The EIS
would have also assessed issues related
to the Alaska Surface Coal Mining
Control and Reclamation Act
(ASCMCRA) permit, which governs all
aspects of the coal mining operation and
infrastructure. On November 2, 2016,
the Corps administratively withdrew the
PacRim Coal, LP application for the
Project pending State of Alaska’s
completeness determination on the
ASCMCRA application. A complete
ASCMCRA application would have
confirmed availability of the
information required by the Corps to
enable informed public comment and
review of the DA permit application,
and development of the EIS. On March
30, 2017, the applicant announced its
decision to suspend pursuit of
permitting efforts on the Project.
ADDRESSES:
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Therefore, in accordance with Corps
regulations at 33 CFR part 230,
Appendix C(2) and 33 CFR part 325,
Appendix B(g), the Corps is terminating
the EIS process, and is withdrawing the
January 4, 2011, notice of intent to
prepare an EIS for the proposal.
Dated: June 19, 2017.
Sheila Newman,
Chief, Special Actions Branch.
[FR Doc. 2017–13505 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3720–58–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards;
International Research and Studies
Program—Research, Studies, and
Surveys
Office of Postsecondary
Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Department of Education
is issuing a notice inviting applications
for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2017
for the International Research and
Studies Program, Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
84.017A.
DATES:
Applications Available: June 28, 2017.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: August 14, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cheryl E. Gibbs, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,
Room 3E245, Washington, DC 20202–
4260. Telephone: (202) 453–5690 or by
email: cheryl.gibbs@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The International
Research and Studies (IRS) Program
provides grants to institutions, public
and private agencies, organizations, and
individuals to conduct research and
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[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29280-29285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13487]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Management Demonstration (Demo) Project
Program
AGENCY: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,
DoD.
ACTION: This notice amends existing STRL Personnel Management
Demonstration Project Programs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: STRLs may implement a new direct hire authority to appoint and
noncompetitively convert to the competitive service qualified
candidates enrolled in a program of undergraduate or graduate
instruction leading to an undergraduate or advanced degree in a
scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical course of study.
STRLs may appoint students to a temporary, term, modified term (for
those STRLs with modified term appointment authority), or flexible
length student term appointment that will expire 120 days after
completion of the designated academic course of study. Students may
also be appointed to temporary, term or flexible length student term
appointments at the discretion of the STRL Director. Students hired
under the Scientific, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Student Employment Program (SSEP) may receive a relocation incentive/
bonus each time the SSEP student returns to duty similar to the
authority granted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in 75 FR
53076, August 30, 2010.
DATES: This notice may be implemented beginning on June 28, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of the Army
ARL: Ms. Dianne Hawkins, Program Manager, ARL Personnel
Demonstration Project, RDRL-LOH, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD
20783-1197;
AMRDEC: Mr. Chad Marshall, Demonstration Project Manager,
AMRDEC, 5400 Fowler Road, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000;
CERDEC: Mr. Christopher Tahaney, CERDEC Personnel
Demonstration Project Administrator, C4ISR Campus Building 6002, Room
D3126D, ATTN: RDER-DOS-ER, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005;
ECBC: Ms. Patricia Milwicz, Management and Program
Analyst, ECBC, Directorate of Program Integration, Workforce Management
Office, Department of the Army, ATTN: RDCB-DPC-W, 5183 Blackhawk Road,
Building 3330, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424;
ERDC: Ms. Patricia Sullivan, Personnel Demonstration
Project Manager, U.S. Army ERDC, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS
39180-6199;
MRMC: Ms. Linda Krout, Personnel Demonstration Project
Manager, 505 Scott St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5000;
NSRDEC: Ms. Joelle Montecalvo, Demonstration Project
Manager, NSRDEC, Kansas Street, (AMSRD-NSR-BO-W), Natick, MA 01760;
TARDEC: Ms. Jennifer Davis, TARDEC, ATTN: RDTA-CS/MS 204,
Warren, MI 48397-5000;
ARDEC: Mr. Mike Nicotra, U.S. Army ARDEC, Human Capital
Management Office, Building 1, 3rd Floor, RDAR-EIH, Picatinny Arsenal,
NJ 07806-5000.
Department of the Air Force
AFRL: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd, Personnel Demonstration
Project Manager, AFRL, 1864 4th Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, OH 45433-5209.
Department of the Navy
ONR: Ms. Margaret J. Mitchell, Director, Civilian Human
Resources, ONR, 875 North Randolph Street, Code BD, Arlington, VA
22203;
NRL: Ms. Ginger Kisamore, Human Resources Director/
Demonstration Project Program Manager, NRL, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20375-5320;
NAVSEA Warfare Centers: Ms. Diane Brown, NAVSEA Warfare
Centers Personnel Demonstration Project Manager, Naval Surface Warfare
Center Philadelphia Division, 5001 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
19112-5083;
NAVAIR, Weapons Division and Aircraft Division: Mr.
Richard Cracraft, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWCWD),
Code 730000D, 1 Administration Circle, Building 00464, China Lake, CA
93555-6100;
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center (SSC):
[cir] SSC Atlantic: Ms. Veronica Truesdale, SSC Atlantic STRL
Project Lead, SSC Atlantic, P.O. Box 190022, North Charleston, SC
29419-9022;
[cir] SSC Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson, SSC Pacific STRL Project
Lead, SSC Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, CA 92152-5001.
DoD
Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Director, DoD Laboratories Office, 4800
Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22350, (571) 372-6372,
jagadeesh.pamulapati.civ@mail.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Section 342(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 1995, Public Law (Pub. L.) 103-337, as amended by
section 1109 of the NDAA for FY 2000, Public Law 106-65, and section
1114 of the NDAA for FY 2001, Public Law 106-398, authorizes the
Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to conduct personnel demonstration
projects at DoD laboratories designated as STRLs. All STRLs authorized
by section 1105 of the NDAA for FY 2010, Public Law 111-84, as well as
any newly-designated STRLs authorized by SECDEF or future legislation
may use the provisions described in this Federal Register Notice (FRN).
STRLs implementing this flexibility must have an approved personnel
management demonstration project plan published in a FRN and shall
fulfill any collective bargaining obligations. Each STRL shall
establish internal operating procedures as appropriate. The 15 current
STRLs are:
Army Research Institute (ARI)
Army Research Laboratory (ARL)
Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering
Center (AMRDEC)
[[Page 29281]]
Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and
Engineering Center (CERDEC)
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC)
Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center
(NSRDEC)
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center
(TARDEC)
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC)
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Office of Naval Research (ONR)
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Warfare Centers, Weapons
Division and Aircraft Division
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center (SSC), Atlantic and Pacific
2. Overview
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Section 1105 of the NDAA for FY 2015 establishes a new direct hire
authority for students enrolled in a scientific, technical,
engineering, or mathematics course of study at an accredited
institution of higher education on a temporary or term basis. The
purpose of this direct-hire authority is to provide a streamlined and
accelerated hiring process that allows the STRLs to compete
successfully with private industry for high-quality scientific,
technical, engineering, or mathematics students for filling STRL
scientific and engineering positions. This authority creates a unique
student hiring authority for the STRL scientific and engineering
positions: The STEM SSEP. Section 1104 of the NDAA for FY16 provides
students appointed under the SSEP the opportunity for noncompetitive
conversion to a permanent scientific or engineering position upon
graduation from the applicable institution of higher education.
To effectively implement the SSEP, this FRN also:
1. Establishes SSEP student employment qualification standards,
similar to the Pathways qualification standards, which will allow
students appointed under this authority to be aligned to a pay band/
grade commensurate with the highest level of education completed and/or
prior experience.
2. Establishes a flexible length student term appointment, which
will provide a mechanism for students appointed under the SSEP to
remain on a term appointment until completion of their educational
program. Absent this flexibility, SSEP appointees would be limited to a
four-year appointment in accordance with 5 CFR 316.301.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Section 1105 of the NDAA for FY 2015 permits the Department to
waive subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, U.S Code (U.S.C.) (other
than sections 3303 and 3328) when using the SSEP direct-hire authority.
Section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2016 permits the Department to waive
provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, U.S.C. (other than
sections 3303 and 3328) and provides for noncompetitive conversion of
SSEP students. Appendix A lists the laws, rules, and regulations that
require waivers to implement the authorities described in this FRN.
C. Expected Benefits
This direct-hire authority is expected to streamline the hiring and
development of high-quality SSEP students pursuing bachelors or
advanced degrees in STEM courses of study. This direct-hire and
noncompetitive conversion authority enhances the STRLs' ability to
compete with private industry by improving recruiting efforts;
providing clear career tracks for STEM students from undergraduate
through post-graduate school; and offering career progression
opportunities for STEM students who join the STRL scientific and
engineering workforce.
D. Participating Organizations and Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as STRLs under section 1105 of the
NDAA for FY 2010 and section 1105 of the NDAA for FY 2015 (including
any newly-designated STRLs authorized by SECDEF or by future
legislation) with approved personnel management demonstration project
plans published in FRNs may use the provisions described in this FRN.
II. Personnel System Changes
All current STRL demonstration project plans are hereby amended to
add the following:
A. Authority
STRLs may use the direct-hire authority authorized by section 1105
of the NDAA for FY 2015 to appoint students pursuing bachelors or
advanced degrees in STEM disciplines to temporary, term, flexible
length student term, or, for those STRLs with modified term appointment
authority, via modified term appointments. STRLs may use the authority
authorized by section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2016 to provide SSEP
students noncompetitive conversion to permanent scientific or
engineering positions upon graduation from the applicable institution
of higher education provided the students meet all eligibility criteria
and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification requirements for
the position.
B. Definitions
1. STEM positions are those positions described in the STRL FRN
(Appendix B) or internal operating procedures in the Scientist and
Engineer and/or Technical Career Paths. The positions not classified
under the broad-banding structure will be identified in respective STRL
internal operating procedures.
2. Institution of higher education is defined in sections 1001 and
1002 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
3. Qualified candidates are defined as students who:
(a) Are enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in a program of
undergraduate or graduate instruction leading to a bachelor's or
advanced degree in a (STEM) course of study at an institution of higher
education as that term is defined in section B.2., and includes those
enrolled in a 2-year university parallel (or equivalent) program
designed specifically for transfer to a 4-year institution.
(b) Meet the minimum qualification standards for the position as
described in Appendix C of this FRN or the specific STRL demonstration
project qualification standards for the position to be filled.
4. ``Employee'' is defined by 5 U.S.C. 2105.
C. Provisions
1. Use of this appointment authority must be consistent with merit
system principles.
2. Student appointments authorized by section 1105 of the NDAA for
2015 may be term, modified term, flexible length student term or
temporary. If students are appointed under existing term or modified
term appointments
[[Page 29282]]
because flexible length student term appointments are not available at
the time of appointment, they may convert to the new flexible length
student term appointment provided they were notified in writing at the
time of the initial appointment of the possibility they may be
converted at a later date.
3. Qualified candidates may be appointed to scientific and
engineering student positions without regard to the provisions of
subchapter I of chapter 33, title 5, U.S.C. (other than sections 3303
and 3328).
4. Upon graduation from the applicable institution of higher
education, successful candidates in section 2.II.C.3. may be
noncompetitively converted to permanent scientific or engineering
positions in the competitive service within the STRL without regard to
the provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and
3328).
5. During each calendar year, each STRL may use this authority to
appoint no more than (10) percent of the total number of scientific and
engineering positions within the STRL that are filled at the close of
the previous fiscal year.
6. Classification/Pay Bands/Career Tracks. This FRN authorizes the
STRLs to establish separate pay band/career track level(s) or to modify
existing pay band/career track level(s) and classification guidelines
to accommodate students hired under this direct-hire authority.
Specific details regarding student classification pay band/career track
level(s) shall be included in the respective STRLs' internal operating
procedures.
7. Temporary Appointments (Students). 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 continue to
be met. An appointment after a break-in-service of three or more days
shall count against the direct-hire allocation in section 2.II.C.5.
Students may not be promoted while serving on the temporary
appointment, but may be converted to a new appointment at a higher
grade/band level provided the student meets the qualification
requirements for the higher grade/band position. This conversion to a
new appointment does not count against the direct-hire allocation in
section 2.II.C.5.
8. Flexible Length Student Term Appointments (Students). A flexible
length student term appointment authority is created for SSEP students
appointed for a period of at least one year. The flexible length
student term appointment will have no end date, but will expire 120
days after completion of the designated academic course of study unless
the human resources office has been notified via receipt of a Request
for Personnel Action (SF-52) for noncompetitive conversion to a
permanent position. The eligibility criteria for the student
appointment must continue to be met for the duration of the
appointment. SSEP participants who complete one educational program and
continue to meet the definition of ``student'' in section 2.II.B.3(a)
while further pursuing their education are not counted against the
direct-hire allocation in 2.II.C.5 as a new appointment.
(a) Promotion. Students may be promoted while serving on the
flexible length student term appointment to a higher grade/band level
provided the student meets the program and qualification requirements
for the position.
9. SSEP participants must complete a probationary period in
accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1599e, or an approved STRL Lab Demo extended
probationary period requirement, upon conversion to the competitive
service. When an SSEP participant is converted directly from the SSEP
to a permanent, competitive service position in a similar line of work
without a break in service, time spent in the SSEP may be credited
toward probationary period completion in accordance with title 5 CFR
315.802.
10. Documenting Personnel Actions (Students). Personnel actions for
appointments of SSEP appointees are documented citing the first legal
authority code (LAC)/legal authority as Z2U/Public Law 103-337. The
second LAC/legal authority will be Z5CD/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-
Student), section 1105(1)(a)(3), Public Law 113-291, 12/19/2014.
11. Noncompetitive Conversion to Permanent Appointment. Students on
temporary, term, or flexible length student term SSEP appointments may
be noncompetitively converted to a permanent appointment at the
discretion of the STRL director. The authority to convert the student
to a permanent position may be further delegated in the STRL's internal
operating procedures. These conversions do not count against the
direct-hire allocation in 79 FR 43722, July 28, 2014, paragraph
2.II.B.4.
(a) Students employed under the SSEP may be noncompetitively
converted to a permanent appointment upon graduation from the
applicable institution of higher learning, provided the student meets
all eligibility criteria and OPM qualification requirements for the
STRL scientific or engineering position.
(b) 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.
(1) Time spent under a term or flexible length student term
appointment shall count towards probationary period completion and
career tenure. If the student was converted from a temporary to a term
or flexible length student term appointment without a break in service
of three days and was subsequently converted to a permanent position,
the temporary time shall also count towards career tenure.
(2) Time spent under a temporary appointment, unless otherwise
provided in section 2.II.C.11(b)(1), is not counted towards career
tenure.
(3) SSEP students are subject to a probationary period as specified
in section 2.II.C.9.
(4) 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.
(c) In cases where the STRL Director does not plan to convert the
SSEP student to a permanent position, the SSEP's Flexible Length
Student Term 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.
12. Documenting Personnel Actions (Noncompetitive Conversions).
Personnel actions for noncompetitive conversions of SSEP participants
to permanent appointments are documented citing the first legal
authority code (LAC)/legal authority as Z2U/Public Law 103-337. The
second LAC/legal authority will be Z5CE/Direct-Hire Auth (STRL-SSEP
Conv), section 1104, Public Law 114-92, 11/25/2015.
13. Recruitment 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 should be included in the respective STRL's internal
operating procedures.
(2) A student who is eligible to continue employment for the
duration of the obligated service and who does
[[Page 29283]]
not fulfill the service obligation may be required to provide
repayment. Pursuant to 5 CFR chapter 1, section 410.309(c).
(3) Expenses of training. Students hired under the SSEP may be paid
travel expenses 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 may be paid each time the student returns to
duty to the STRL. Procedures for paying these expenses shall be
documented in the STRL's respective internal operating procedures.
(b) Pay Flexibilities.
(1) STRLs may use any applicable pay flexibilities (e.g.,
recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives under 5 CFR part 575;
student loan repayments under 5 CFR part 537; and the superior
qualifications and special needs pay setting authority and the maximum
payable rate rule under 5 CFR part 531, subpart B, or demonstration
project pay flexibilities). Procedures for paying these flexibilities
shall be documented in the STRL's respective internal operating
procedures.
(2) Relocation Incentive/Bonus. Students hired under the SSEP may
receive a relocation incentive/bonus. The authority to pay relocation
incentives is expanded to allow an STRL to pay an incentive each time
the student returns to duty to the laboratory. This authority applies
to all student positions in the STRLs and provides the ability to
expand recruitment to top universities and incentivize mobility by
paying additional expenses to students accepting employment outside of
their geographic area. A relocation bonus 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 of the student's living
expenses while working in the STRL. Procedures for paying these
incentives shall be documented in the STRLs internal operating
procedures. This section provides all designated STRLs the authority to
implement a relocation bonus similar to the authority granted to the
AFRL in the Air Force Research Laboratory in 75 FR 53076.
D. Personnel Considerations
1. Work Schedules. There are no limitations on the number of hours
a student can work per week as long as all applicable laws and
regulations governing overtime and hours of work are adhered to.
Supervisors and students should agree on a schedule of school and work
such that work responsibilities do not interfere unduly with the
academic schedule and that completion of the educational program is
accomplished.
2. Break in Program. STRL directors may use their discretion in
either approving or denying a request for a break in program. This may
be further delegated in the STRLs' internal operating procedures. A
break in program is a period of time when the student is working but is
unable to go to school, or is neither attending classes nor working.
3. Reduction in Force (RIF). Demonstration project students are
covered by the RIF rules outlined in each STRL's FRN. Students serving
under a temporary appointment are covered under Tenure Group 0 until
completion of one year of continuous creditable civilian service. If
the temporary appointment is extended for an additional year, then the
tenure changes to Tenure Group 3. Students serving on a term
appointment are covered under Tenure Group 3.
Note: All STRL RIF rules must be updated to incorporate the
requirements of 10 U.S.C. 1597(f).
4. Termination.
(a) Temporary appointments expire upon the not-to-exceed date,
unless extended.
(b) Flexible Length Student Term appointments for SSEP students
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 converted noncompetitively to a permanent position as
described in paragraph 2.II.C.11.
(c) Individuals may retain eligibility for SSEP if they continue to
meet the definition of a ``student'' (i.e., are enrolled in a
qualifying academic program) as identified in Section 2.II.B.3 and meet
any academic requirements specified by the employing STRL.
(d) Students may be terminated for reasons including, but not
limited to, mission requirements, misconduct, poor performance
(including academic), or suitability.
E. Authorized Positions
1. SSEP appointments. The number of appointments made in a calendar
year may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of scientific and
engineering positions in such STRL, to include Senior Executive
Service, Senior Technical, Senior Scientific Technical Manager or above
General Schedule (GS)-15, military, and students within the STRL that
are filled as of the close of the fiscal year ending before the start
of such calendar year.
2. When determining the number of appointments authorized, if the
percentage of authorized positions does not equal a whole number, the
STRL shall round down to the next lower number.
3. Any changes to these authorizations, such as (but not limited
to) increasing the number of appointments allowed or extending/
eliminating the sunset date, do not require additional FRN
notification.
F. Evaluation
STRLs will provide information and data on the use of these direct-
hire appointment authorities including numerical limitations, hires
made, declinations, veterans hired, difficulties encountered, and/or
recognized efficiencies when requested by the SECDEF, head of the
Military Department, Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research &
Engineering), or Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Civilian
Personnel Policy).
Appendix A
United States Code and Code of Federal Regulations Waived Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratories
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 the
3328). extent necessary to allow
provisions of the direct hire
authorities as described in
this FRN.
5 CFR Part 316, Subparts C-D--
Waived to the extent necessary
to allow provisions of the
direct hire authorities as
described in this FRN.
[[Page 29284]]
5 U.S.C. 4108 (a)-(c)--Employee 5 CFR, Part 410, Sec.
Agreements; Service after Training. 410.309--Waived to allow: (1)
Waive to allow: (1) the STRLs to the STRLs to determine if a
determine if a service agreement is service agreement is required
required and if so, to determine the and if so, the period of
period of required service for required service for students
students employed under the Demo; (2) employed under the demo; (2)
the Commanding Officer or the the Commanding Officer or the
Laboratory STRL Director to waive in STRL Director to waive in
whole or in part a right of recovery; whole or in part a right of
and (3) allow students to sign a recovery; and (3) allow
service agreement up to three times students to sign a service
the length of the training. agreement up to three times
the length of the training.
5 U.S.C. 5753--Recruitment and 5 CFR part 575, Subparts A and
relocation bonuses. Waived to the B--Recruitment and Relocation
extent necessary to allow those STRL Incentives. Waived to the
scientific and engineering employees extent necessary to allow
and positions to be treated as employees hired and positions
employees and positions under the under the SSEP program to be
General Schedule and to allow treated as employees and
relocation incentives to be paid to positions under the General
SSEP students whose worksite is in a Schedule and to allow
different geographic location than relocation incentives to be
that of the college in which enrolled paid to SSEP students whose
each time they return to duty. worksite is in a different
geographic location than that
of the college in which
enrolled each time they return
to duty.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix B
STRLs Federal Register Notice of Approval of a Demonstration Project
Plan
Part 1: STRLs Authorized by Director of Defense Research and
Engineering, Memo 30 Aug 1994 and Section 342 of the FY 1995 NDAA,
Public Law 103-337
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRL Federal Register notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Force Research Laboratory.......... 61 FR 60400 amended by 75 FR
53076.
Army Research Laboratory............... 63 FR 10680.
Aviation and Missile Research, 62 FR 34906 and 62 FR 34876
Development, and Engineering Center. amended by 65 FR 53142 (AVRDEC
and AMRDEC merged together).
Communications-Electronics Research, 66 FR 54872.
Development, and Engineering Center.
Engineer Research and Development 63 FR 14580.
Center.
Medical Research and Material Command.. 63 FR 10440.
Naval Research Laboratory.............. 64 FR 33970.
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare 62 FR 64050.
Centers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 2. STRLs Authorized by Section 1105 of the FY 2010 NDAA,
Public Law 111-84
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRL Federal Register notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armament Research, Development and 76 FR 3744.
Engineering Center.
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center.... 74 FR 68936.
Natick Soldier Research, Development 74 FR 68448.
and Engineering Center.
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare 76 FR 8530.
Centers, Weapons and Aircraft
Divisions.
Office of Naval Research............... 75 FR 77380.
Space and Naval Warfare Systems 76 FR 1924.
Command, Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Center, Atlantic and Pacific.
Tank Automotive Research, Development 76 FR 12508.
and Engineering Center.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix C
Qualification Standards for STRL Student Trainee Positions
This standard describes the qualification requirements for the
STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP) participants.
Requirements for SSEP Participants
Appointments may be at the highest grade or level for which the
participant is qualified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grade/level Level of education
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS-2 or Demo Equivalent................ Completion of high school or
GED diploma.
GS-3 or Demo Equivalent................ Completion of 1 full academic
year of post-high school
study.
GS-4 or Demo Equivalent................ Completion of 2 full academic
years of post-high school
study or an associate's
degree.
GS-5 or Demo Equivalent................ Completion of 4 academic years
of post-high school leading to
a bachelor's or equivalent
degree.
[[Page 29285]]
GS-7 or Demo 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-9 or Demo Equivalent................ Completion of 2 academic years
of graduate level education,
or a master's degree or
equivalent graduate degree.
GS-11 or Demo Equivalent............... For research positions,
completion of all requirements
for a master's or equivalent
degree. For non-research
positions, completion of all
requirements for a PhD or
equivalent degree.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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/band for which the student is
qualified.
Dated: June 22, 2017.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2017-13487 Filed 6-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
