Editing Competitive service (section)

=== Direct Hire Authority ===
[[Direct Hire Authority]] allows an expedited process for agencies to fill certain positions that have been deemed to have a severe candidate shortage or a critical hiring need.<ref name=":0" />  It is authorized by {{USCode|5|3304}} and regulations are in {{CodeFedReg|5|337|||subpart=}}.  OPM determines which positions are eligible for Direct Hire Authority.  Government-wide Direct Hire Authority as of 2019 applies to certain medical, scientific, and cybersecurity occupations, as well as positions involved in Iraqi reconstruction efforts.  Agencies may also request to OPM that additional specific positions be filled through Direct Hire Authority.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority#url=Governmentwide-Authority|title=Direct Hire Authority: Governmentwide Authority|website=[[United States Office of Personnel Management|U.S. Office of Personnel Management]]|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref>

Direct Hire Authority expedites the typical hiring process by eliminating formal competitive rating and ranking procedures, such as the "rule of three" where hiring managers may select from only the top three rated candidates.  In addition, veterans’ preference does not apply.  However, public notice requirements still apply, such as posting on [[USAJobs]], as well as the one-year probationary period; and the appointee must meet all qualification requirements.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://management.cio.gov/assets/docs/Direct_Hire_Fact_Sheet%20(2).pdf|title=Fact Sheet: Direct Hiring Authority|date=2014-02-01|website=U.S. CIO Council|access-date=2019-03-17}}</ref>

Direct Hire Authority was first authorized by the [[Homeland Security Act]] of 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chcoc.gov/content/new-human-resources-flexibilities-direct-hire-authority|title=New Human Resources Flexibilities-Direct Hire Authority|date=2003-06-20|website=U.S. Chief Human Capital Officers Council|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref>  In 2003, medical, information security, and Iraqi reconstruction positions were announced as the first eligible government-wide position types.  Veterinary positions were added in 2009.  In 2018, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics positions as well as additional cybersecurity positions were added to the list.<ref name=":1" />