FR 2021-02258

Overview

Title

Excepted Service

Agencies

ELI5 AI

The government can hire people in special ways without using the usual process, like how sometimes a teacher might pick a student to be a helper without asking everyone first. In June 2020, they decided which of these special hiring tricks they would keep or stop using for certain jobs.

Summary AI

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced a notice about special hiring authorities that were created or canceled for specific government agencies in June 2020. These authorities, known as Schedule A, B, and C, allow for the appointment of employees without going through the traditional federal hiring process. In June 2020, no new Schedule A or B authorities were reported. However, some Schedule C authorities were approved and others were revoked. This information is published every month and also included in an annual report.

Abstract

This notice identifies Schedule A, B, and C appointing authorities applicable to a single agency that were established or revoked from June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

Type: Notice
Citation: 86 FR 8231
Document #: 2021-02258
Date:
Volume: 86
Pages: 8231-8234

AnalysisAI

General Summary

The document is an official notice from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) concerning changes to special hiring authorities for federal employment during June 2020. These authorities, referred to as Schedule A, B, and C, are exceptions to the standard federal hiring process and are used for specific reasons, such as filling positions that require unique qualifications. The notice reports that, in this period, no changes were made to Schedule A or B authorities, while changes to Schedule C authorities included both approvals and revocations.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One issue with the document is the lack of specific details regarding the Schedule C authorities that were affected. The notice mentions approvals and revocations but does not provide information on which positions or individuals these changes pertained to. This absence of transparency could be problematic for those interested in understanding the practical implications of these changes.

Additionally, the document directs readers to the Federal Register and an external government website for more information, without guiding how to effectively navigate these resources. For those unfamiliar with governmental processes, this lack of direction might hinder further investigation into the specifics of these appointing authorities.

The formal language and reference to specific federal regulations (5 CFR 213.103) could also present a challenge to individuals without a background in government appointments. The document assumes a level of understanding that may not be accessible to all readers.

Another concern is the lack of context or explanation regarding the significance of Schedule A, B, and C authorities. Without background information, readers might not grasp the importance of these hiring exceptions or why they matter.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the document affects how government agencies can appoint employees, which ultimately impacts how effectively these agencies serve the public. Changes to Schedule C authorities could signal shifts in agency priorities or the type of expertise needed, influencing how well the government can tackle certain issues.

The notice can also shed light on government transparency practices, indicating a willingness to publish hiring-related information regularly. However, the lack of detailed data may not satisfy those seeking complete transparency.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For government agencies, the changes in Schedule C authorities may enable them to acquire specific skill sets quickly, bypassing the typically lengthy federal hiring process. This flexibility can enhance the agencies' capability to respond to immediate needs or challenges.

Applicants for federal positions might find this notice relevant as it hints at potentially available job opportunities through these special appointing authorities. However, without specific information, individuals may struggle to find exactly which roles were filled or newly available.

For officials and policymakers, the notice represents an accountability measure, confirming that changes in federal hiring practices are being documented and shared with the public, albeit at a high level.

Issues

  • • The document refers to specific 'Schedule C appointing authorities' that were approved or revoked during June 2020 but does not provide detailed information on who or what positions were affected. This lack of transparency might be of concern.

  • • The document makes reference to 'the Federal Register' and a website link for information publication, but does not outline how one can access more detailed records or listings which might be necessary for a more thorough review.

  • • The language used throughout the text is formal and somewhat complex, which might be difficult for laypersons to fully comprehend without prior knowledge of governmental appointing authorities and the referenced regulations.

  • • The notice does not provide context or explanation for the significance of Schedule A, B, and C authorities, potentially leaving readers without an understanding of why these appointments or revocations matter.

Statistics

Size

Pages: 4
Words: 345
Sentences: 15
Entities: 42

Language

Nouns: 122
Verbs: 22
Adjectives: 10
Adverbs: 1
Numbers: 31

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.69
Average Sentence Length:
23.00
Token Entropy:
4.53
Readability (ARI):
15.18

Reading Time

about a minute or two