[Federal Register: June 5, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 108)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 30778]

[[Page 30778]]


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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR Part 338

RIN 3206-AH85


Qualification Requirements (General)

AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing proposed
regulations concerning the use of qualification standards. The proposed
regulations clarify the use of OPM's Operating Manual: Qualification
Standards for General Schedule Positions when considering experience in
making competitive service appointments.

DATES: Written comments will be considered if received on or before
July 7, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send or deliver written comments to Mary Lou Lindholm,
Associate Director for Employment, U.S. Office of Personnel Management,
1900 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20415.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Gonzales Vay, 202-606-0830,
FAX 202-606-2329, or TDD 202-606-0023.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed regulations are part of OPM's
response to the requirements in section 17 of the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-65, December 19, 1995). OPM is required to
promulgate regulations concerning the consideration of experience of
applicants who are being considered for positions in the competitive
service. We are adding a statement to part 338 to clarify that
experience is considered as outlined in OPM's Operating Manual:
Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions. The Operating
Manual is available to the public for review at agency personnel
offices and Federal depository libraries, and for purchase from the
Government Printing Office.
    In addition, section 17 requires OPM to conduct a study on excepted
service considerations when making appointments in the competitive
service. The purpose is to determine how the experience of candidates
is evaluated. As part of this proposed rulemaking, we are soliciting
suggestions from agencies as to what types of information should be
gathered and evaluated by such a study.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    I certify that this regulation will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities because it affects
only certain Federal employees.

List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 338

    Government employees.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
James B. King,
Director.

    Accordingly, OPM is proposing to amend part 338 of title 5, Code of
Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 338--QUALIFICATION STANDARDS (GENERAL)

    1. The authority citation for part 338 is revised to read as
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 3301, 3302, 3304; E.O. 10577, 3 CFR, 1954-
1958 Comp., p. 218.

    2. Subpart C is added to read as follows:

Subpart C--Consideration for Appointment

Sec. 338.301  Competitive Service Appointment.

    Agencies must ensure that employees who are given competitive
service appointments meet the requirements included in the Office of
Personnel Management's Operating Manual: Qualification Standards for
General Schedule Positions. The Operating Manual is available to the
public for review at agency personnel offices and Federal depository
libraries, and for purchase from the Government Printing Office.

[FR Doc. 97-14621 Filed 6-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-01-P