Providing for the Appointment of Alumni of AmeriCorps to the Competitive Service
This Executive Order creates a formal path for AmeriCorps alumni to be appointed noncompetitively to positions in the federal competitive service. It authorizes federal agencies to appoint individuals who have completed AmeriCorps service, and who are certified by AmeriCorps, to competitive-service jobs without the usual competitive hiring process. The intent is to broaden the federal workforce with candidates who have demonstrated public-service commitment and relevant experience. The order clarifies certification rules, timing for appointments, and limits; it also preserves existing rules for VISTA participants and delegates implementing regulations to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). In short, if an AmeriCorps alum has completed the required service hours and is certified, a federal agency can hire them noncompetitively to a qualifying competitive-service role, subject to ongoing rules about qualifications, background checks, and appropriations.
Key Points
- 1Noncompetitive eligibility for AmeriCorps alumni: Agencies may appoint eligible AmeriCorps alumni noncompetitively to positions in the competitive service for which they are qualified.
- 2Certification requirements: The AmeriCorps CEO (or designee) must certify individuals who have satisfactorily completed at least 1,700 hours of national service, either through a full-term AmeriCorps service (Team Leader or Member) or the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps component, or through totals of 1,700 hours under AmeriCorps State and National programs.
- 3VISTA status preserved: The order explicitly does not alter the Non-Competitive Eligibility status for VISTA participants who complete their service.
- 4Certification reliability and process: The CEO/designee may rely on confirmations from the organization that supervised the service; if a certification is found to be incorrect, AmeriCorps must take appropriate action after reviewing the facts.
- 5Timing and extensions: Appointments under this order must occur within 1 year after the end of the most recent AmeriCorps term, with possible extensions up to 3 years for certain ongoing circumstances (e.g., additional service, military service, studies, or background investigations).
- 6Disqualifications and standards: Individuals must meet existing disqualification criteria (citizenship/suitability/occupational standards) and may not be hired if disqualifying conditions apply, consistent with general law.
- 7Regulations and implementation: The Director of OPM is authorized to issue implementing regulations; individuals meeting the terms of the order are eligible for noncompetitive hiring with or without additional regulations.
- 8General provisions: The order does not remove authority or budgeting prerogatives of agencies, and it does not create enforceable rights; implementation is subject to applicable law and appropriations.