Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project Program, 78829-78839 [2020-26775]
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[FR Doc. 2020–26830 Filed 12–4–20; 8:45 am]
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[FR Doc. 2020–26895 Filed 12–3–20; 11:15 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory
Personnel Demonstration Project
Program
Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)),
Department of Defense (DoD).
ACTION: This notice provides new
authorities to all Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory
(STRL) Personnel Demonstration
(Demo) Projects.
AGENCY:
STRLs may implement
innovative approaches to attract and
retain exceptional talent. The
flexibilities described herein allow the
STRLs to better manage their workforce
and applicant pools by providing: A
streamlined approach to receiving
applications; an efficient process for
determining whether applicants are
qualified; flexibility to set an entrance
on duty date prior to receipt of an
applicant’s official transcript; an
additional direct hiring authority; a
flexible-length and renewable-term
appointment authority for positions
providing direct support to the STRL; an
increase in the maximum student loan
repayment amount; and the ability to
waive the completion of a background
investigation prior to employment in a
Special-Sensitive position.
DATES: Implementation of this Federal
Register notice will begin no earlier
than December 7, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of the Air Force:
• Air Force Research Laboratory: Ms.
Rosalyn Jones-Byrd, 937–656–9747,
Rosalyn.Jones-Byrd@us.af.mil.
• Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms.
Amy Balmaz, 540–653–8598,
Amy.T.Balmaz.civ@mail.mil.
Department of the Army:
• Army Research Institute for the
Behavioral and Social Sciences: Dr.
Scott Shadrick, 254–288–3800,
Scott.B.Shadrick.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Armaments Center: Mr. Mike
Nicotra, 973–724–7764,
Michael.J.Nicotra.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Army Research Laboratory:
Mr. Christopher Tahaney, 410–278–
9069, Christopher.S.Tahaney.civ@
mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Aviation and Missile Center:
Ms. Nancy Salmon, 256–876–9647,
Nancy.C.Salmon2.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Chemical Biological Center:
SUMMARY:
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78829
Ms. Patricia Milwicz, 410–417–2343,
Patricia.L.Milwicz.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber,
Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center: Ms. Angela
Clybourn, 443–395–2110,
Angela.M.Clyborn.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Ground Vehicle Systems
Center: Ms. Jennifer Davis, 586–306–
4166, Jennifer.L.Davis1.civ@mail.mil.
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Soldier Center: Ms. Joelle
Montecalvo, 508–206–3421,
Joelle.K.Montecalvo.civ@mail.mil.
• Engineer Research and
Development Center: Ms. Patricia
Sullivan, 601–634–3065,
Patricia.M.Sullivan@usace.army.mil.
• Medical Research and Development
Command: Ms. Linda Krout, 301–619–
7276, Linda.J.Krout.civ@mail.mil.
• Technical Center, Space and
Missile Defense Command: Dr. Chad
Marshall, 256–955–5697,
Chad.J.Marshall.civ@mail.mil.
Department of the Navy:
• Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons
Division and Aircraft Division: Mr.
Richard Cracraft, 760–939–8115,
Richard.Cracraft@navy.mil.
• Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center: Ms. Lori
Leigh, 805–901–5917, Lori.Leigh@
navy.mil.
• Naval Information Warfare Centers:
Æ Naval Information Warfare Center
Atlantic: Mr. Michael Gagnon, 843–218–
3871, Michael.L.Gagnon@navy.mil.
Æ Naval Information Warfare Center
Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson, 619–553–
0833, Angela.Hanson@navy.mil.
• Naval Medical Research Center: Dr.
Richard Arnold, 937–938–3877,
Richard.Arnold.10@us.af.mil.
• Naval Research Laboratory: Ms.
Ginger Kisamore, 202–767–3792,
Ginger.Kisamore@nrl.navy.mil.
• Naval Sea Systems Command
Warfare Centers: Ms. Diane Brown, 215–
897–1619, Diane.J.Brown@navy.mil.
• Office of Naval Research: Ms.
Margaret J. Mitchell, 703–588–2364,
Margaret.J.Mitchell@navy.mil.
DoD:
• Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Director,
Laboratories and Personnel Office, 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.)
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103–337, as amended by section 1109 of
the NDAA for FY 2000, Public Law 106–
65, section 1114 of the NDAA for FY
2001, Public Law 106–398, and section
211 of the NDAA for FY 2017, Public
Law 114.328 (10 U.S.C. 2358 note),
authorizes the Secretary of Defense
(SECDEF), through the USD(R&E), to
conduct personnel demonstration
projects at DoD laboratories designated
as Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratories (STRLs). All STRLs
authorized by section 1105 of the NDAA
for FY 2010, Public Law 111–84 (10
U.S.C. 2358 note), as amended by
section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2018,
Public Law 115–91 (10 U.S.C. 2358
note), as well as any newly designated
STRLs authorized by the SECDEF or
future legislation, may use the
provisions described in this Federal
Register Notice (FRN). STRLs
implementing these flexibilities must
have an approved personnel
demonstration project plan published in
an FRN and must fulfill any collective
bargaining obligations. Each STRL will
establish internal operating procedures
(IOPs) as appropriate.
The 20 current STRLS are:
• Air Force Research Laboratory
• Joint Warfare Analysis Center
• Army Research Institute for the
Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Army Research Laboratory
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Armaments Center
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Aviation and Missile
Center
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Chemical Biological Center
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber,
Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Ground Vehicle Systems
Center
• Combat Capabilities Development
Command Soldier Center
• Engineer Research and Development
Center
• Medical Research and Development
Command
• Technical Center, U.S. Army Space
and Missile Defense Command
• Naval Air Warfare Center
• Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center
• Naval Information Warfare Centers,
Atlantic and Pacific
• Naval Medical Research Center
• Naval Research Laboratory
• Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare
Centers
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• Office of Naval Research
2. Summary of Comments
On September 16, 2020 (85 FR 57842–
57847), the Department of Defense
published a notice titled ‘‘Department of
Defense Science and Technology
Reinvention Laboratory Personnel
Demonstration Project Program’’ for a
30-day public comment period. The
public comment period ended on
October 16, 2020. No public comments
were received.
3. Overview
1. Introduction
A. Purpose
This notice provides new personnel
management flexibilities designed to
enable the STRLs to be more agile and
competitive in attracting, hiring, and
continuously shaping world-class
candidates in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
career fields and in career fields that
directly support the STRL mission. This
FRN describes several flexibilities that
support these innovative approaches to
the Federal hiring process including:
(1) Authority to utilize an alternative
method to announcing position
vacancies.
(2) Authority to modify Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) policies
when determining a combination of
experience and education is qualifying
for science and engineering (S&E)
positions.
(3) Authority to establish an entrance
on duty (EOD) date prior to receipt of
official college transcripts.
(4) Authority to utilize direct hire for
any position (1) involving 51 percent or
more of time in direct support of the
STRL mission; (2) identified by the
STRL as hard to fill; (3) having a history
of high turnover; or (4) requiring a
unique, laboratory-related skillset.
(5) Authority to appoint candidates to
flexible-length or renewable-term
positions that provide direct support to
the STRL.
(6) Authority to offer flexible and
meaningful student loan repayment
options that keep up with college
tuition inflation rates.
(7) Authority to make a final job offer
and establish an EOD prior to a final
favorable eligibility determination at the
Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented
Information (SCI) level.
B. Required Waivers to Law and
Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain
title 5, U.S. Code (U.S.C.), and title 5,
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
provisions are required only to the
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extent that these statutory and
regulatory provisions limit or are
inconsistent with the actions authorized
under these demonstration projects.
Appendix A lists waivers needed to
enact authorities described in this FRN.
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 FRN.
C. Problems With the Present System
and Expected Benefits
(1) Despite the authorities already
established for the STRLs, it is difficult
to find and attract specialized talent in
high-demand STEM and direct support
career fields as they compete with other
Government agencies, industry, and
academia. The STRLs have difficulty
hiring elite talent because of long,
arbitrary, and layered processes, unlike
their industry counterparts, who are
able to pay more, hire faster, and be
more agile.
USAJobs creates a hindrance as the
STRLs try to attract highly sought after
talent, both external and internal to the
Federal government. Candidates must
search through pages of opportunities,
which may or may not lead to STRL
opportunities; job advertisements often
lack luster in description; and
candidates face a long application
process if they do apply to
opportunities. This, coupled with the
extensive onboarding process, creates a
huge deterrent as the STRLs compete to
attract top-tier talent.
In order for STRLs to obtain a
competitive edge in the battle for talent,
it is imperative that they have an
expedited, simpler method for finding
interested candidates and ensuring their
resumes are seen by hiring managers.
USAJobs flyer job announcements for
direct hire and reassignment
opportunities will direct the applicants
to the hiring STRL without having to
apply through the lengthy USAJobs
process and the Component’s
application process.
(2) Many STRL S&E positions are
considered interdisciplinary in nature
as different skillsets are equally relevant
to the work. Additionally, OPM
classification and qualification
standards are not kept up to date with
newer career fields, emerging
technologies, and changing skill
requirements. The ability to hire based
on demonstrated skillsets instead of
degrees attained for specific
occupational series will enable the
STRLs to focus on hiring talent versus
credentials.
The OPM ‘‘General Schedule
Qualifications Policies’’ describe a
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method of qualifying a candidate based
on demonstrated skills when the
candidate does not meet educational
requirements. As provided by paragraph
4.g. in the ‘‘Application of Qualification
Standards’’ section, ‘‘Educational and
Training Provisions or Requirements’’
subsection, a comprehensive evaluation
of the applicant’s entire background is
made by a panel of at least two
individuals with professional standing
in the field.
In an effort to reduce the time it takes
to establish a panel and hold the review,
one subject matter expert (SME) will be
considered sufficient to qualify the
applicant for STRL positions. STRL
managers with direct knowledge of the
mission, regardless of their occupational
series or military occupation codes, will
be considered SMEs for purposes of
determining qualifications under this
authority.
(3) S&E positions have positive
education requirements that must be
verified by the hiring authorities.
Servicing personnel offices typically
request unofficial transcripts or a letter
from the registrar from applicants in the
beginning stages of the hiring process in
order to make preliminary qualification
determinations. Applicants must wait to
receive their start dates until after their
official transcripts have been received
and reviewed.
On average, it takes approximately
two weeks to receive transcripts through
postal mail and one week to receive
electronic transcripts. Both timeframes
increase significantly if transcripts are
lost or the electronic transcript codes
are unknowingly sent to a junk email
box. New college graduates face even
longer delays as generally there is a
four- to six-week delay in obtaining
their official transcripts after graduation.
At the same time, discrepancies
between an official transcript and the
unofficial or registrar letter confirming
completion of degree requirements
occur extremely rarely.
In order for STRLs to compete better
with industry and academia, this FRN
authorizes STRLs to hire candidates
using unofficial transcripts or a letter
from the registrar’s office stating the
student is in the final semester and
providing the expected completion/
graduation date. These new hires will be
required to provide official transcripts
within 30 calendar days after they
report to duty. This will allow the
STRLs to complete the hiring in a
parallel versus serial approach, which
will significantly reduce the length of
the hiring process. If official transcripts
are not provided or fail to show proof
of the required qualification
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requirements, individuals may be
removed.
(4) STRLs are not just pursuing
scientific and engineering talent, but all
talent, ensuring there are always
qualified staff to support the mission.
Strong support staff are essential to
ensuring the STRLs are prepared to
maintain and advance technology. In
addition to the direct hire authorities
authorized for S&E positions, the STRLs
need to utilize a direct hire authority to
recruit for positions that directly
support the unique STRL missions, are
identified by the STRLs as hard to fill,
have a history of high turnover, or
require unique, laboratory-related
skillsets. For example, recruitment and
retention of qualified police officers and
security guards have become critical
issues for some STRLs. Remote sites
must be properly protected by qualified
personnel to ensure there is not a
mission failure resulting from
insufficient protection of property and
personnel. The ability to use a direct
hire authority for support positions will
greatly reduce the hiring timelines and
allow for more streamlined hiring
processes to promptly place personnel
into critical support positions.
(5) STRLs need the ability to shape
the mix of skills and expertise in the
entire workforce to meet organizational
and Department-designated missions in
the most cost-effective and efficient
manner; to shape the workforce to better
respond to such missions; and to reduce
the average unit cost of the workforce.
Component and DoD-level drawdowns
sometimes prevent STRLs from hiring
even though the STRLs have funding
and industrially funded missions.
Typical term appointments, while
limited in length, may provide a means
to hire during these times.
Similar to the flexible-length and
renewable-term technical appointment
authority provided in section 1109 of
the FY 2016 NDAA, as amended and
documented in 82 FR 43339, STRLs
need the ability to appoint qualified
candidates to positions providing direct
support to their missions for a period of
more than one year, but not more than
six years, with the ability to extend in
up to six-year increments. This flexiblelength and renewable-term appointment
authority will give the STRLs the ability
to attract candidates who are willing to
accept such flexible assignments, and
employees will be given benefits similar
to those received by the career
workforce.
(6) The average cost for a four-year
undergraduate degree can range from
$40,000 for in-state tuition and fees at
a public university or college to over
$225,000 for an Ivy League degree.
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Advanced degrees add significantly to
these costs. The current allowable
Student Loan Repayment Program
(SLRP) amount, established in 2003, has
a maximum of $60,000, paid in $10,000
increments. The average annual
inflation rate between 2000 and 2019 for
in-state college tuition was 5.13 percent.
To remain in line with inflation, and to
stay competitive with private industry
and academia, the SLRP amount should
be over $100,000. At the present SLRP
amount, industry is willing to buy out
a Federal employee’s service agreement
in order to entice them to come work for
them.
The authority to offer a SLRP up to
$125,000 in up to $25,000 yearly
installments will provide a meaningful
student loan repayment program that
may provide the STRLs the ability to
recruit, hire, and retain top talent. The
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering
(OUSD(R&E)) may adjust this amount as
necessary to maintain competitiveness
with industry and academia and to
continue to enable the STRLs to attract
and recruit top talent.
(7) The present method for obtaining
security eligibility for an SCI position is
slow and time consuming. Currently,
final job offers cannot be extended to
candidates for Special-Sensitive
positions without their first obtaining a
final favorable eligibility determination
at the SCI level.
Title 5 CFR 1400.202 prohibits an
organization from waiving the security
requirements for candidates being
selected for these Special-Sensitive
positions. This exclusion significantly
delays the timeline for hiring a person
into a Special-Sensitive position.
Average time to complete a SpecialSensitive security investigation is well
over a year. This constrains the STRL’s
ability to complete its mission; causes
strain and burnout on the rest of the
personnel as they try to fill in for
manning gaps; and deters top-tier talent
from applying to positions.
The authority to make a final job offer
and establish an EOD prior to a final
favorable eligibility determination at the
Top Secret/SCI level will provide STRLs
the ability to make timely job offers.
D. Participating Organizations and
Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as
STRLs under section 1105 of the NDAA
for FY 2010, Public Law 111–84, as
amended by section 1105 of the NDAA
for FY 2015, Public Law 113–291, and
section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2018,
Public Law 115–91 (10 U.S.C. 2358
note), including any newly designated
STRLs authorized by the SECDEF or by
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future legislation, with approved
personnel demonstration project plans
published in FRNs may use the
provisions described in this FRN.
II. Personnel System Changes
A. Description and Implementation
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(1) Use of USAJobs Flyers
STRLs have authority to determine
when to utilize USAJobs flyers to solicit
for STRL positions. Applications may be
submitted directly to the human
resources liaison in the STRL.
Candidates may apply through the link
or email address found in the flyer.
Postings may be open to internal
Government employees and external
U.S. citizen candidates. All candidates
will be asked to submit supporting
documentation to include a resume and
official or unofficial transcripts. Flyers
will include the following (1) open/
close dates, (2) compensation, (3)
appointment type and work schedule,
(4) duty location, (5) duties, (6) position
information, (7) conditions of
employment, (8) qualification
requirements, (9) education
requirements, (10) how candidates will
be evaluated, (11) benefits, (12) how to
apply, (13) an equal employment
opportunity statement, and (14) any
additional information determined
necessary by the STRL.
a. Positions may be filled through
direct hire authorities on a temporary,
term, or permanent basis or through
reassignment utilizing the USAJobs
flyer. When documenting direct hire
actions, cite the first legal authority
code (LAC)/legal authority for all
permanent, term, temporary, or special
demonstration project appointments as
Z2U/Public Law 103–337. The second
LAC/legal authority will be cited as the
appropriate direct hire authority, Z5C/
Direct Hire Authority (appropriate legal
authority).
b. When documenting reassignment
actions, cite the LAC/legal authority as
Z2U/Public Law 103–337.
(2) Hiring Demonstrated Exceptional
Talent Versus Credentials
As provided by OPM ‘‘General
Schedule Qualification Standards,’’
paragraph 4.g., in the ‘‘Application of
Qualification Standards’’ section,
‘‘Educational and Training Provisions or
Requirements’’ subsection, STRLs may
consider demonstrated exceptional
experience or a combination of
experience and education in lieu of a
candidate’s meeting OPM individual
occupational qualification requirements
for S&E positions. Utilizing the STRL
modification to this provision, the
STRLs may use one SME, instead of a
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panel of at least two, to conduct a
comprehensive evaluation of an
applicant’s entire background, with full
consideration given to both education
and experience, to determine a
candidate’s qualifications. In addition,
the unique nature of STRL
interdisciplinary positions allows for an
STRL manager with direct knowledge of
the mission and position requirements,
regardless of his or her occupational
series or military occupation code, to
serve as a SME to represent the needs
of the organization.
Demonstrated exceptional experience
is defined as experience that reflects
significant accomplishment directly
applicable to the position to be filled.
This is evinced through a substantial
record of experience, achievement, and/
or publications that demonstrate
expertise in an appropriate professional/
scientific field. A written analysis by the
SME will document the candidate’s
experience, achievements, and
publications used for qualification
determination.
Documentation justifying the
employee’s qualifications will be placed
in the employee’s electronic official
personnel file (e-OPF) to ensure the
employee is considered qualified for the
specific occupational series in the
future.
(3) Official transcripts
The requirement to have official
transcripts prior to establishing an EOD
is waived. STRLs and servicing
personnel offices may use unofficial
transcripts or a letter from a registrar or
dean to make qualification
determinations, thus eliminating several
days or weeks from the current hiring
timeline. Official transcripts must be
received within 30 calendar days after
EOD.
Once unofficial transcripts or a letter
from a registrar or dean is received, the
servicing personnel office will review
qualifications and begin the onboarding
process. Applicants will be asked to
request and submit official transcripts to
the servicing personnel office, but an
EOD may be established prior to receipt.
Applicants will sign a statement of
understanding (SOU) as part of their
pre-employment paperwork. Risk is low
and mitigated by requiring applicants to
sign the SOU prior to their EOD. The
SOU will include language stipulating
that if official transcripts are not
provided or fail to show proof that
individuals meet the qualification
requirements, individuals may be
subject to adverse actions up to and
including removal, as determined by
specific circumstances by applicable
regulations.
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The SOU will regulate the applicants
who do not have the degrees required
for the positions or who may have been
dishonest during the hiring process. The
SOU will be maintained in the
employee’s e-OPF. Once official
transcripts have been received by the
servicing personnel office, they will be
verified in the personnel system and
uploaded into the employee’s e-OPF.
(4) Direct Hire Authority
STRLs may appoint qualified
candidates to those positions that
involve 51 percent or more of time spent
in direct support of STRL activities; that
are identified by the STRLs as hard to
fill; that have a history of high turnover;
or that require unique, laboratoryrelated skillsets, without regard to the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 33,
subchapter I (excluding sections 3303,
3308, and 3328 of such title), as
determined by the STRL director.
a. Use of this appointment authority
must comply with merit system
principles.
b. Appointments may be made on
permanent, term, or temporary basis.
c. When documenting personnel
actions, cite the first LAC/legal
authority for all permanent, term,
temporary, or special demonstration
project appointments as Z2U/Public
Law 103–337. The second LAC/legal
authority will be cited as Z5C/Direct
Hire Auth (STRL-Direct Support) (with
appropriate legal authority once
assigned.)
d. STRLs will document requirements
for how positions qualify for usage of
this authority in their IOPs.
e. STRL positions not classified under
the broad banding structure will be
listed in IOPs.
(5) Flexible-Length and RenewableTerm Appointments for Support
Positions
STRLs may use flexible-length and
renewable-term appointments to
appoint qualified candidates whose
positions involve 51 percent or more of
time spent in direct support of STRL
activities for a period of more than one
year but not more than six years. The
appointment of any individual under
this authority may be extended without
limit in up to six-year increments at any
time during any term of service under
conditions set forth by the STRL
director. The provisions described in 82
FR 43339, II.A.1., apply to appointments
made under this authority.
(6) Student Loan Repayment
STRLs may provide student loan
repayment options that are in line with
current tuition costs and adjusted based
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on inflation without higher level
approval. This authority provides an
STRL the ability to repay all or part of
an outstanding qualifying student loan
or loans previously taken out by a
current STRL employee or a candidate
to whom an offer of employment has
been made.
Beginning in 2020, the amount of
student loan repayment benefits
provided by an STRL is subject to both
of the following limits:
a. Up to $25,000 per employee per
calendar year.
b. A total of $125,000 per employee.
OUSD(R&E) may increase these
amounts as deemed necessary to stay
competitive with private industry and
academia. Eligibilities, conditions,
qualifying student loans, and required
service agreements remain the same as
found in 5 CFR part 537. Loan payments
made by an STRL under this part do not
exempt an employee from his or her
responsibility and/or liability for any
loan(s) the individual has taken out. The
employee is responsible for any income
tax obligations resulting from the
student loan repayment benefit.
(7) Security Eligibility
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STRLs have authority to appoint
individuals to Critical-Sensitive (CS)
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and Special-Sensitive positions prior to
a final favorable eligibility
determinations at the Top Secret/SCI
level. Processes and pre-employment
waiver requirements similar to those
afforded CS positions will be applied in
these situations. For the purposes of
STRLs, an emergency or national
interest that necessitates an
appointment prior to the completion of
the investigation and adjudication
process includes an STRL’s inability to
meet mission requirements. Each
applicant’s Standard Form 86
‘‘Questionnaire for National Security
Positions,’’ fingerprints, and pre-screen
questionnaire will be reviewed, and a
favorable pre-screening eligibility
determination will be made prior to any
individual being given a final job offer
and EOD. Also, each STRL will provide
the written documentation needed to
support a waiver decision to the
appointing authority, who will
document the reason for the
appointment and ensure the
justification is sufficient before a final
offer of employment is made.
The individual will perform duties
and occupy a location permitted by
their current security eligibility (interim
or final), but not higher than Top Secret.
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The applicant may be required to sign
a statement of understanding that
documents that the pre-appointment
decision was made based on limited
information, and that continued
employment depends upon the
completion of a personnel security
investigation (tier 3 or 5) and favorable
adjudication of the full investigative
results.
B. Evaluation
Procedures for evaluating these
authorities will be incorporated into the
STRL demonstration project evaluation
processes conducted by the STRLs,
OUSD(R&E), or Component
headquarters, as appropriate.
C. Reports
STRLs will track and provide
information and data on the use of these
authorities when requested by the
Component headquarters or
OUSD(R&E).
III. Required Waivers to Law and
Regulations
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78838
Dated: December 1, 2020.
Kayyonne T. Marston,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense.
check ‘‘Only Show ICR for Public
Comment’’ checkbox.
[FR Doc. 2020–26775 Filed 12–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–C
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[Docket No.: ED–2020–SCC–0156]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget for Review
and Approval; Comment Request;
Generic Application Package for
Departmental Generic Grant Programs
Office of the Secretary (OS),
Department of Education (ED).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is
proposing an extension of a currently
approved information collection.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before January
6, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for proposed
information collection requests should
be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/
do/PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection request by
selecting ‘‘Department of Education’’
under ‘‘Currently Under Review,’’ then
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SUMMARY:
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For
specific questions related to collection
activities, please contact Alfreida
Pettiford, 202–245–6110.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Department of Education (ED), in
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general
public and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed,
revised, and continuing collections of
information. This helps the Department
assess the impact of its information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. It also
helps the public understand the
Department’s information collection
requirements and provide the requested
data in the desired format. ED is
soliciting comments on the proposed
information collection request (ICR) that
is described below. The Department of
Education is especially interested in
public comment addressing the
following issues: (1) Is this collection
necessary to the proper functions of the
Department; (2) will this information be
processed and used in a timely manner;
(3) is the estimate of burden accurate;
(4) how might the Department enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (5) how
might the Department minimize the
burden of this collection on the
respondents, including through the use
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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of information technology. Please note
that written comments received in
response to this notice will be
considered public records.
Title of Collection: Generic
Application Package for Departmental
Generic Grant Programs.
OMB Control Number: 1894–0006.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved information
collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State,
Local, and Tribal Governments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 9,861.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 447,089.
Abstract: The Department is
requesting an extension of the approval
for the Generic Application Package that
numerous ED discretionary grant
programs use to provide to applicants
the forms and information needed to
apply for new grants under those grant
program competitions. The Department
will use this Generic Application
package for discretionary grant
programs that: (1) Use the standard ED
or Federal-wide grant applications
forms that have been cleared separately
through OMB under the terms of this
generic clearance as approved by OMB
and (2) use selection criteria from the
Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR);
selection criteria that reflect statutory or
regulatory provisions that have been
developed under 34 CFR 75.209, or a
combination of EDGAR, statutory or
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 / Notices
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 235 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78829-78839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26775]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project Program
AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
(USD(R&E)), Department of Defense (DoD).
ACTION: This notice provides new authorities to all Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Demonstration (Demo)
Projects.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: STRLs may implement innovative approaches to attract and
retain exceptional talent. The flexibilities described herein allow the
STRLs to better manage their workforce and applicant pools by
providing: A streamlined approach to receiving applications; an
efficient process for determining whether applicants are qualified;
flexibility to set an entrance on duty date prior to receipt of an
applicant's official transcript; an additional direct hiring authority;
a flexible-length and renewable-term appointment authority for
positions providing direct support to the STRL; an increase in the
maximum student loan repayment amount; and the ability to waive the
completion of a background investigation prior to employment in a
Special-Sensitive position.
DATES: Implementation of this Federal Register notice will begin no
earlier than December 7, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of the Air Force:
Air Force Research Laboratory: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd,
937-656-9747, [email protected].
Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms. Amy Balmaz, 540-653-
8598, [email protected].
Department of the Army:
Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences: Dr. Scott Shadrick, 254-288-3800,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center:
Mr. Mike Nicotra, 973-724-7764, [email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research
Laboratory: Mr. Christopher Tahaney, 410-278-9069,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and
Missile Center: Ms. Nancy Salmon, 256-876-9647,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical
Biological Center: Ms. Patricia Milwicz, 410-417-2343,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center: Ms. Angela Clybourn, 443-395-2110,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle
Systems Center: Ms. Jennifer Davis, 586-306-4166,
[email protected].
Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center:
Ms. Joelle Montecalvo, 508-206-3421, [email protected].
Engineer Research and Development Center: Ms. Patricia
Sullivan, 601-634-3065, [email protected].
Medical Research and Development Command: Ms. Linda Krout,
301-619-7276, [email protected].
Technical Center, Space and Missile Defense Command: Dr.
Chad Marshall, 256-955-5697, [email protected].
Department of the Navy:
Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Aircraft
Division: Mr. Richard Cracraft, 760-939-8115,
[email protected].
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center: Ms. Lori Leigh, 805-901-5917,
[email protected].
Naval Information Warfare Centers:
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic: Mr. Michael
Gagnon, 843-218-3871, [email protected].
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson,
619-553-0833, [email protected].
Naval Medical Research Center: Dr. Richard Arnold, 937-
938-3877, [email protected].
Naval Research Laboratory: Ms. Ginger Kisamore, 202-767-
3792, [email protected].
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers: Ms. Diane
Brown, 215-897-1619, [email protected].
Office of Naval Research: Ms. Margaret J. Mitchell, 703-
588-2364, [email protected].
DoD:
Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Director, Laboratories and
Personnel Office, 571-372-6372, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Section 342(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 1995, Public Law (Pub. L.)
[[Page 78830]]
103-337, as amended by section 1109 of the NDAA for FY 2000, Public Law
106- 65, section 1114 of the NDAA for FY 2001, Public Law 106-398, and
section 211 of the NDAA for FY 2017, Public Law 114.328 (10 U.S.C. 2358
note), authorizes the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), through the
USD(R&E), to conduct personnel demonstration projects at DoD
laboratories designated as Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratories (STRLs). All STRLs authorized by section 1105 of the NDAA
for FY 2010, Public Law 111-84 (10 U.S.C. 2358 note), as amended by
section 1104 of the NDAA for FY 2018, Public Law 115-91 (10 U.S.C. 2358
note), as well as any newly designated STRLs authorized by the SECDEF
or future legislation, may use the provisions described in this Federal
Register Notice (FRN). STRLs implementing these flexibilities must have
an approved personnel demonstration project plan published in an FRN
and must fulfill any collective bargaining obligations. Each STRL will
establish internal operating procedures (IOPs) as appropriate.
The 20 current STRLS are:
Air Force Research Laboratory
Joint Warfare Analysis Center
Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
Army Research Laboratory
Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center
Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile
Center
Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological
Center
Combat Capabilities Development Command Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center
Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems
Center
Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center
Engineer Research and Development Center
Medical Research and Development Command
Technical Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
Naval Air Warfare Center
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center
Naval Information Warfare Centers, Atlantic and Pacific
Naval Medical Research Center
Naval Research Laboratory
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers
Office of Naval Research
2. Summary of Comments
On September 16, 2020 (85 FR 57842-57847), the Department of
Defense published a notice titled ``Department of Defense Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project
Program'' for a 30-day public comment period. The public comment period
ended on October 16, 2020. No public comments were received.
3. Overview
1. Introduction
A. Purpose
This notice provides new personnel management flexibilities
designed to enable the STRLs to be more agile and competitive in
attracting, hiring, and continuously shaping world-class candidates in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields
and in career fields that directly support the STRL mission. This FRN
describes several flexibilities that support these innovative
approaches to the Federal hiring process including:
(1) Authority to utilize an alternative method to announcing
position vacancies.
(2) Authority to modify Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
policies when determining a combination of experience and education is
qualifying for science and engineering (S&E) positions.
(3) Authority to establish an entrance on duty (EOD) date prior to
receipt of official college transcripts.
(4) Authority to utilize direct hire for any position (1) involving
51 percent or more of time in direct support of the STRL mission; (2)
identified by the STRL as hard to fill; (3) having a history of high
turnover; or (4) requiring a unique, laboratory-related skillset.
(5) Authority to appoint candidates to flexible-length or
renewable-term positions that provide direct support to the STRL.
(6) Authority to offer flexible and meaningful student loan
repayment options that keep up with college tuition inflation rates.
(7) Authority to make a final job offer and establish an EOD prior
to a final favorable eligibility determination at the Top Secret/
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) level.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain title 5, U.S. Code (U.S.C.), and
title 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. Appendix A lists waivers needed to enact
authorities described in this FRN. 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 FRN.
C. Problems With the Present System and Expected Benefits
(1) Despite the authorities already established for the STRLs, it
is difficult to find and attract specialized talent in high-demand STEM
and direct support career fields as they compete with other Government
agencies, industry, and academia. The STRLs have difficulty hiring
elite talent because of long, arbitrary, and layered processes, unlike
their industry counterparts, who are able to pay more, hire faster, and
be more agile.
USAJobs creates a hindrance as the STRLs try to attract highly
sought after talent, both external and internal to the Federal
government. Candidates must search through pages of opportunities,
which may or may not lead to STRL opportunities; job advertisements
often lack luster in description; and candidates face a long
application process if they do apply to opportunities. This, coupled
with the extensive onboarding process, creates a huge deterrent as the
STRLs compete to attract top-tier talent.
In order for STRLs to obtain a competitive edge in the battle for
talent, it is imperative that they have an expedited, simpler method
for finding interested candidates and ensuring their resumes are seen
by hiring managers. USAJobs flyer job announcements for direct hire and
reassignment opportunities will direct the applicants to the hiring
STRL without having to apply through the lengthy USAJobs process and
the Component's application process.
(2) Many STRL S&E positions are considered interdisciplinary in
nature as different skillsets are equally relevant to the work.
Additionally, OPM classification and qualification standards are not
kept up to date with newer career fields, emerging technologies, and
changing skill requirements. The ability to hire based on demonstrated
skillsets instead of degrees attained for specific occupational series
will enable the STRLs to focus on hiring talent versus credentials.
The OPM ``General Schedule Qualifications Policies'' describe a
[[Page 78831]]
method of qualifying a candidate based on demonstrated skills when the
candidate does not meet educational requirements. As provided by
paragraph 4.g. in the ``Application of Qualification Standards''
section, ``Educational and Training Provisions or Requirements''
subsection, a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's entire
background is made by a panel of at least two individuals with
professional standing in the field.
In an effort to reduce the time it takes to establish a panel and
hold the review, one subject matter expert (SME) will be considered
sufficient to qualify the applicant for STRL positions. STRL managers
with direct knowledge of the mission, regardless of their occupational
series or military occupation codes, will be considered SMEs for
purposes of determining qualifications under this authority.
(3) S&E positions have positive education requirements that must be
verified by the hiring authorities. Servicing personnel offices
typically request unofficial transcripts or a letter from the registrar
from applicants in the beginning stages of the hiring process in order
to make preliminary qualification determinations. Applicants must wait
to receive their start dates until after their official transcripts
have been received and reviewed.
On average, it takes approximately two weeks to receive transcripts
through postal mail and one week to receive electronic transcripts.
Both timeframes increase significantly if transcripts are lost or the
electronic transcript codes are unknowingly sent to a junk email box.
New college graduates face even longer delays as generally there is a
four- to six-week delay in obtaining their official transcripts after
graduation. At the same time, discrepancies between an official
transcript and the unofficial or registrar letter confirming completion
of degree requirements occur extremely rarely.
In order for STRLs to compete better with industry and academia,
this FRN authorizes STRLs to hire candidates using unofficial
transcripts or a letter from the registrar's office stating the student
is in the final semester and providing the expected completion/
graduation date. These new hires will be required to provide official
transcripts within 30 calendar days after they report to duty. This
will allow the STRLs to complete the hiring in a parallel versus serial
approach, which will significantly reduce the length of the hiring
process. If official transcripts are not provided or fail to show proof
of the required qualification requirements, individuals may be removed.
(4) STRLs are not just pursuing scientific and engineering talent,
but all talent, ensuring there are always qualified staff to support
the mission. Strong support staff are essential to ensuring the STRLs
are prepared to maintain and advance technology. In addition to the
direct hire authorities authorized for S&E positions, the STRLs need to
utilize a direct hire authority to recruit for positions that directly
support the unique STRL missions, are identified by the STRLs as hard
to fill, have a history of high turnover, or require unique,
laboratory-related skillsets. For example, recruitment and retention of
qualified police officers and security guards have become critical
issues for some STRLs. Remote sites must be properly protected by
qualified personnel to ensure there is not a mission failure resulting
from insufficient protection of property and personnel. The ability to
use a direct hire authority for support positions will greatly reduce
the hiring timelines and allow for more streamlined hiring processes to
promptly place personnel into critical support positions.
(5) STRLs need the ability to shape the mix of skills and expertise
in the entire workforce to meet organizational and Department-
designated missions in the most cost-effective and efficient manner; to
shape the workforce to better respond to such missions; and to reduce
the average unit cost of the workforce. Component and DoD-level
drawdowns sometimes prevent STRLs from hiring even though the STRLs
have funding and industrially funded missions. Typical term
appointments, while limited in length, may provide a means to hire
during these times.
Similar to the flexible-length and renewable-term technical
appointment authority provided in section 1109 of the FY 2016 NDAA, as
amended and documented in 82 FR 43339, STRLs need the ability to
appoint qualified candidates to positions providing direct support to
their missions for a period of more than one year, but not more than
six years, with the ability to extend in up to six-year increments.
This flexible-length and renewable-term appointment authority will give
the STRLs the ability to attract candidates who are willing to accept
such flexible assignments, and employees will be given benefits similar
to those received by the career workforce.
(6) The average cost for a four-year undergraduate degree can range
from $40,000 for in-state tuition and fees at a public university or
college to over $225,000 for an Ivy League degree. Advanced degrees add
significantly to these costs. The current allowable Student Loan
Repayment Program (SLRP) amount, established in 2003, has a maximum of
$60,000, paid in $10,000 increments. The average annual inflation rate
between 2000 and 2019 for in-state college tuition was 5.13 percent. To
remain in line with inflation, and to stay competitive with private
industry and academia, the SLRP amount should be over $100,000. At the
present SLRP amount, industry is willing to buy out a Federal
employee's service agreement in order to entice them to come work for
them.
The authority to offer a SLRP up to $125,000 in up to $25,000
yearly installments will provide a meaningful student loan repayment
program that may provide the STRLs the ability to recruit, hire, and
retain top talent. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) may adjust this amount as
necessary to maintain competitiveness with industry and academia and to
continue to enable the STRLs to attract and recruit top talent.
(7) The present method for obtaining security eligibility for an
SCI position is slow and time consuming. Currently, final job offers
cannot be extended to candidates for Special-Sensitive positions
without their first obtaining a final favorable eligibility
determination at the SCI level.
Title 5 CFR 1400.202 prohibits an organization from waiving the
security requirements for candidates being selected for these Special-
Sensitive positions. This exclusion significantly delays the timeline
for hiring a person into a Special-Sensitive position. Average time to
complete a Special-Sensitive security investigation is well over a
year. This constrains the STRL's ability to complete its mission;
causes strain and burnout on the rest of the personnel as they try to
fill in for manning gaps; and deters top-tier talent from applying to
positions.
The authority to make a final job offer and establish an EOD prior
to a final favorable eligibility determination at the Top Secret/SCI
level will provide STRLs the ability to make timely job offers.
D. Participating Organizations and Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as STRLs under section 1105 of the
NDAA for FY 2010, Public Law 111-84, as amended by section 1105 of the
NDAA for FY 2015, Public Law 113-291, and section 1104 of the NDAA for
FY 2018, Public Law 115-91 (10 U.S.C. 2358 note), including any newly
designated STRLs authorized by the SECDEF or by
[[Page 78832]]
future legislation, with approved personnel demonstration project plans
published in FRNs may use the provisions described in this FRN.
II. Personnel System Changes
A. Description and Implementation
(1) Use of USAJobs Flyers
STRLs have authority to determine when to utilize USAJobs flyers to
solicit for STRL positions. Applications may be submitted directly to
the human resources liaison in the STRL. Candidates may apply through
the link or email address found in the flyer. Postings may be open to
internal Government employees and external U.S. citizen candidates. All
candidates will be asked to submit supporting documentation to include
a resume and official or unofficial transcripts. Flyers will include
the following (1) open/close dates, (2) compensation, (3) appointment
type and work schedule, (4) duty location, (5) duties, (6) position
information, (7) conditions of employment, (8) qualification
requirements, (9) education requirements, (10) how candidates will be
evaluated, (11) benefits, (12) how to apply, (13) an equal employment
opportunity statement, and (14) any additional information determined
necessary by the STRL.
a. Positions may be filled through direct hire authorities on a
temporary, term, or permanent basis or through reassignment utilizing
the USAJobs flyer. When documenting direct hire actions, cite the first
legal authority code (LAC)/legal authority for all permanent, term,
temporary, or special demonstration project appointments as Z2U/Public
Law 103-337. The second LAC/legal authority will be cited as the
appropriate direct hire authority, Z5C/Direct Hire Authority
(appropriate legal authority).
b. When documenting reassignment actions, cite the LAC/legal
authority as Z2U/Public Law 103-337.
(2) Hiring Demonstrated Exceptional Talent Versus Credentials
As provided by OPM ``General Schedule Qualification Standards,''
paragraph 4.g., in the ``Application of Qualification Standards''
section, ``Educational and Training Provisions or Requirements''
subsection, STRLs may consider demonstrated exceptional experience or a
combination of experience and education in lieu of a candidate's
meeting OPM individual occupational qualification requirements for S&E
positions. Utilizing the STRL modification to this provision, the STRLs
may use one SME, instead of a panel of at least two, to conduct a
comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's entire background, with full
consideration given to both education and experience, to determine a
candidate's qualifications. In addition, the unique nature of STRL
interdisciplinary positions allows for an STRL manager with direct
knowledge of the mission and position requirements, regardless of his
or her occupational series or military occupation code, to serve as a
SME to represent the needs of the organization.
Demonstrated exceptional experience is defined as experience that
reflects significant accomplishment directly applicable to the position
to be filled. This is evinced through a substantial record of
experience, achievement, and/or publications that demonstrate expertise
in an appropriate professional/scientific field. A written analysis by
the SME will document the candidate's experience, achievements, and
publications used for qualification determination.
Documentation justifying the employee's qualifications will be
placed in the employee's electronic official personnel file (e-OPF) to
ensure the employee is considered qualified for the specific
occupational series in the future.
(3) Official transcripts
The requirement to have official transcripts prior to establishing
an EOD is waived. STRLs and servicing personnel offices may use
unofficial transcripts or a letter from a registrar or dean to make
qualification determinations, thus eliminating several days or weeks
from the current hiring timeline. Official transcripts must be received
within 30 calendar days after EOD.
Once unofficial transcripts or a letter from a registrar or dean is
received, the servicing personnel office will review qualifications and
begin the onboarding process. Applicants will be asked to request and
submit official transcripts to the servicing personnel office, but an
EOD may be established prior to receipt. Applicants will sign a
statement of understanding (SOU) as part of their pre-employment
paperwork. Risk is low and mitigated by requiring applicants to sign
the SOU prior to their EOD. The SOU will include language stipulating
that if official transcripts are not provided or fail to show proof
that individuals meet the qualification requirements, individuals may
be subject to adverse actions up to and including removal, as
determined by specific circumstances by applicable regulations.
The SOU will regulate the applicants who do not have the degrees
required for the positions or who may have been dishonest during the
hiring process. The SOU will be maintained in the employee's e-OPF.
Once official transcripts have been received by the servicing personnel
office, they will be verified in the personnel system and uploaded into
the employee's e-OPF.
(4) Direct Hire Authority
STRLs may appoint qualified candidates to those positions that
involve 51 percent or more of time spent in direct support of STRL
activities; that are identified by the STRLs as hard to fill; that have
a history of high turnover; or that require unique, laboratory-related
skillsets, without regard to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 33,
subchapter I (excluding sections 3303, 3308, and 3328 of such title),
as determined by the STRL director.
a. Use of this appointment authority must comply with merit system
principles.
b. Appointments may be made on permanent, term, or temporary basis.
c. When documenting personnel actions, cite the first LAC/legal
authority for all permanent, term, temporary, or special demonstration
project appointments as Z2U/Public Law 103-337. The second LAC/legal
authority will be cited as Z5C/Direct Hire Auth (STRL-Direct Support)
(with appropriate legal authority once assigned.)
d. STRLs will document requirements for how positions qualify for
usage of this authority in their IOPs.
e. STRL positions not classified under the broad banding structure
will be listed in IOPs.
(5) Flexible-Length and Renewable-Term Appointments for Support
Positions
STRLs may use flexible-length and renewable-term appointments to
appoint qualified candidates whose positions involve 51 percent or more
of time spent in direct support of STRL activities for a period of more
than one year but not more than six years. The appointment of any
individual under this authority may be extended without limit in up to
six-year increments at any time during any term of service under
conditions set forth by the STRL director. The provisions described in
82 FR 43339, II.A.1., apply to appointments made under this authority.
(6) Student Loan Repayment
STRLs may provide student loan repayment options that are in line
with current tuition costs and adjusted based
[[Page 78833]]
on inflation without higher level approval. This authority provides an
STRL the ability to repay all or part of an outstanding qualifying
student loan or loans previously taken out by a current STRL employee
or a candidate to whom an offer of employment has been made.
Beginning in 2020, the amount of student loan repayment benefits
provided by an STRL is subject to both of the following limits:
a. Up to $25,000 per employee per calendar year.
b. A total of $125,000 per employee.
OUSD(R&E) may increase these amounts as deemed necessary to stay
competitive with private industry and academia. Eligibilities,
conditions, qualifying student loans, and required service agreements
remain the same as found in 5 CFR part 537. Loan payments made by an
STRL under this part do not exempt an employee from his or her
responsibility and/or liability for any loan(s) the individual has
taken out. The employee is responsible for any income tax obligations
resulting from the student loan repayment benefit.
(7) Security Eligibility
STRLs have authority to appoint individuals to Critical-Sensitive
(CS) and Special-Sensitive positions prior to a final favorable
eligibility determinations at the Top Secret/SCI level. Processes and
pre-employment waiver requirements similar to those afforded CS
positions will be applied in these situations. For the purposes of
STRLs, an emergency or national interest that necessitates an
appointment prior to the completion of the investigation and
adjudication process includes an STRL's inability to meet mission
requirements. Each applicant's Standard Form 86 ``Questionnaire for
National Security Positions,'' fingerprints, and pre-screen
questionnaire will be reviewed, and a favorable pre-screening
eligibility determination will be made prior to any individual being
given a final job offer and EOD. Also, each STRL will provide the
written documentation needed to support a waiver decision to the
appointing authority, who will document the reason for the appointment
and ensure the justification is sufficient before a final offer of
employment is made.
The individual will perform duties and occupy a location permitted
by their current security eligibility (interim or final), but not
higher than Top Secret. The applicant may be required to sign a
statement of understanding that documents that the pre-appointment
decision was made based on limited information, and that continued
employment depends upon the completion of a personnel security
investigation (tier 3 or 5) and favorable adjudication of the full
investigative results.
B. Evaluation
Procedures for evaluating these authorities will be incorporated
into the STRL demonstration project evaluation processes conducted by
the STRLs, OUSD(R&E), or Component headquarters, as appropriate.
C. Reports
STRLs will track and provide information and data on the use of
these authorities when requested by the Component headquarters or
OUSD(R&E).
III. Required Waivers to Law and Regulations
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Dated: December 1, 2020.
Kayyonne T. Marston,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2020-26775 Filed 12-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-C