Preface
P.1 Purpose
a. This NPR is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including NASA's Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers.
b. Any reference to Center Director(s) includes the Executive Director for Headquarters Operations and the Executive Director of the NASA Shared Services Center.
c. In this directive, all document citations are assumed to be the latest version, unless otherwise noted.
d. In this directive, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term "shall." The terms "may" or "can" denote discretionary privilege or permission, "should" denotes a good practice and is recommended, but not required, "will" denotes expected outcome, and "are/is" denotes descriptive material.
P.2 Applicability
This NPR is applicable to NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers (including Component Facilities), the NASA Shared Services Center, and the Office of the Inspector General. Unless otherwise indicated, use of the word Center(s) in the text of this NPR includes NASA Headquarters and the NASA Shared Services Center. Any reference to Center Director(s) includes the Assistant Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration and the Executive Director, NASA Shared Services Center.
P.3 Authority
a. Registers; preference eligibles furloughed or separated, 5 U.S.C. § 3315.
b. Civil service retention rights, 5 U.S.C. § 8151.
c. Presidential memorandum dated September 12, 1995, entitles "Career Transition Assistance for Federal Employees."
P.4 Applicable Documents and Forms
a. Reemployment Priority List (RPL), 5 C.F.R. Pt. 330, Subpart B.
b. Agency Career Transition Assistance Plans (CTAP) for Local Surplus and Displaced Employees, 5 C.F.R. Pt. 330, Subpart F.
c. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan for Displaced Employees, 5 C.F.R Pt. 330, Subpart G.
d. Reduction in Force, 5 C.F.R. Pt. 351.
d. Reduction in Force, 5 C.F.R. Pt. 351.
e. Restoration to Duty from Uniformed Service or Compensable Injury, 5 C.F.R. Pt. 353.
f. Grade and Pay Retention, 5 C.F.R. Pt. 536.
P.5 Measurement/Verification
The Office of Human Capital Management conducts functional reviews of Center Human Resources Offices. Centers will cooperate with these reviews and other evaluation activities, as required.
P.6 Cancellation
NPR 3330.1A, NASA Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), Revalidated February 7, 2013.
Revalidated on February 13, 2013, with Change 1, ORIGINAL SIGNED BY:
/S/
Thomas Luedtke
Acting Associate Administrator
for Institutions and Management
Chapter 1. NASA Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Special Selection Priority
1.1 Introduction
Federal agencies are required to establish CTAPs to assist their surplus and displaced employees affected by downsizing and restructuring. Such plans include programs to assist employees in transitioning to other employment and policies to provide special selection priority to well-qualified surplus and displaced employees who apply for Agency vacancies in the local commuting area. This NPR constitutes NASAs CTAP. This chapter of the NPR provides NASAs policies for special selection priority under CTAP, as prescribed in 5 CFR 330 Subpart F.
1.2 Responsibility
1.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the regulations, policies, and procedures governing special selection priority for NASA surplus and displaced employees.
1.2.2 Center HR Directors shall:
a. Ensure that selection practices for filling all competitive service vacancies comply with the requirements to give special selection priority to any CTAP eligibles.
b. Provide each eligible employee with written information about CTAP assistance and special selection priority at the time the Center issues a specific reduction in force (RIF) separation notice, certificate of expected separation, or other official certification that identifies an employee as likely to be separated by RIF, or removed under adverse action procedures for declining a directed reassignment or a transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
c. Conduct a specific orientation session for surplus and displaced Center employees on the eligibility requirements for special selection priority under CTAP, including how to apply for vacancies under CTAP.
d. Ensure that employees eligible for CTAP special selection priority are notified of vacancies in the local commuting area and understand the requirements to be determined well-qualified for the vacancies.
e. Ensure that Center vacancy announcements contain information on how CTAP-eligible employees can apply, required proof of eligibility, and the requirements for being determined well-qualified for the vacancies.
f. Advise CTAP eligibles in writing of the results of their applications and the results of an independent second review for applicants identified as not well-qualified for a vacancy for which they apply.
1.2.3. Employees are responsible for:
a. Requesting CTAP selection priority by applying for specific NASA vacancies in the local commuting area in which they are interested and answering the applicable question in NASA STARS indicating their eligibility for CTAP.
b. Providing proof of CTAP eligibility when notified of tentative selection under an announcement for which they indicated CTAP eligibility.
1.3 Coverage
The policies in this chapter apply to all surplus and displaced NASA civilian employees affected by downsizing and restructuring, who meet the eligibility requirements for CTAP placement assistance as described in paragraph 1.
1.4 Special Selection Priority: Eligibility
1.4.1 A surplus or displaced employee who is still on NASAs rolls is eligible for CTAP special selection priority if the following conditions are met:
a. Has a current performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent.
b. Applies for a NASA vacancy that is at or below the employees current grade level (and with no greater promotion potential).
c. Occupies a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy.
d. Files an application for a specific vacancy within the timeframes established by the vacancy announcement and provides the appropriate proof of CTAP eligibility (e.g., RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, notice of proposed removal) in accordance with the announcements instructions.
e. Is determined to be well-qualified for the vacancy after being assigned to one of three quality categories based on the degree to which their competencies meet the duties required. In instances where all minimally eligible candidates are referred (e.g., under the Distinguished Scholar authority), CTAP eligibles who are minimally eligible have selection priority. .
1.4.2 Employees are eligible for CTAP special selection priority on the date they are issued the RIF separation notice, a notice of proposed separation for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area, or a certificate of expected separation (or other official certification) stating that the employee?s position is surplus.
1.4.3 Eligibility for special selection priority expires on the earliest of:
a. The RIF separation date, the date of the employees resignation, retirement, or separation from the Agency (including separation under adverse action procedures for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function or similar relocation to another local commuting area).
b. Cancellation of the RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the commuting area, or other official Agency certification identifying the employee as surplus.
c. Effective date of the employees career, career-conditional, or excepted appointment without time limit (subsequent to the displacement leading to the CTAP eligibility) in any agency at any grade level.
d. The date of declination of a career, career conditional, or excepted appointment without time limit within NASA, for which the employee has applied and been rated well-qualified. Declination of a temporary or term position does not affect the employees selection priority for permanent positions.
1.5 Special Selection Priority: Operation
1.5.1 Except as indicated in paragraph 1.6, whenever a Center is filling a competitive service vacancy for a total of 121 days or more (including extensions), it will select a NASA CTAP eligible in the local commuting area who is well-qualified for the position before selecting any other candidate unless another employee would otherwise be separated by a RIF.
1.5.2 If a Center makes an initial determination that a CTAP applicant is not well-qualified for the vacancy, it must conduct an independent second review of the qualifications determination before referral lists are issued. The independent second review will be conducted by an HR specialist or subject-matter expert who did not make the initial determination. Upon completion of the independent second review, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the results of the review.
1.5.3 Upon completion of the independent second review, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the results of the review.
1.5.4 If there are multiple well-qualified CTAP eligibles, the selecting official may select any one of them for the vacancy.
1.5.5 If displaced or surplus candidates do not meet the definition of well-qualified, they shall be considered under normal rating and ranking procedures with other qualified candidates.
1.6 Exceptions to Special Selection Priority:
Actions that are not subject to CTAP special selection priority are identified in 5 CFR 330.606(d).
Chapter 2. Career Transition Assistance Services
2.1 Introduction
Federal agencies are required to provide career transition services to employees who may be impacted by restructuring or workforce realignment. NASA is committed to providing assistance to its surplus and displaced employees, including employees in the excepted service and the Senior Executive Service, to transition to other new and rewarding opportunities elsewhere in NASA or transition to careers either within or outside the Government. Any career transition assistance offered by the Agency should be flexible to meet the needs of the individual employee. NASA will provide career transition assistance to include such services as counseling, interview coaching, resume preparation, organization of job fairs, information on job vacancies, and job search assistance. Priority may be given to displaced employees over other employees eligible for career transition services.
2.2 Responsibility
2.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the regulations, policies, and procedures governing career transition services for Federal employees, as specified under this chapter.
2.2.2 Center HR Officers may provide career transition assistance services that go beyond these requirements to give displaced and surplus employees additional placement opportunities.
2.3 Career Transition Services
2.3.1 Excused Absence. Displaced and surplus employees may be authorized excused absence for purposes of career transition. Employees who have received a certificate of expected separation may be authorized up to eight hours of excused absence per pay period by their supervisor. Employees who have received a RIF separation notice may be authorized additional excused absence at the discretion of their supervisor.
2.3.2.1 Use of Government Equipment. Limited use of Government equipment for purposes of career transition is permissible. Employees shall consult with their supervisors prior to utilizing office equipment (including fax machine, computers, copiers, and printers) so that it does not interfere with work responsibilities. The employee's supervisor retains final authority on the type and amount of Government equipment that can be used for this purpose).
2.3.2.2 Access to Services or Facilities after Separation. Available transition assistance services provided under a CTAP plan can be used by CTAP eligibles up to six months after separation. However, current NASA employees shall be given priority for career transition services.
2.3.4.1 Orientation Session on the Use of Career Transition Services. When a Center identifies employees as surplus or displaced, the Center HR Office shall provide a specific orientation session for the affected employees. The orientation must include information on the use of career transition services and the eligibility requirements for selection priority under CTAP, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), and information on how to apply for vacancies under the CTAP and ICTAP (if applicable).
2.3.4.2 The orientation shall include information on the use of career transition services and the eligibility requirements for selection priority under CTAP, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), and information on how to apply for vacancies under the CTAP and ICTAP.
2.3.5.1 Retraining to be Provided to Employees. NASA may provide retraining of surplus and displaced employees who require enhanced skills for placement in continuing positions within the Agency, elsewhere in the Federal Government, or in the private sector. The level and scope of training provided will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors to be considered in deciding whether training will be provided include, but are not limited to, the amount and type of training needed, cost of training, duration of training, and need for the resulting skills. Employees needing training must work with their supervisor and human resources office to prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for employee development, which is required for retraining.
2.3.5.2 The level and scope of training provided shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
2.3.5.3 Factors to be considered in deciding whether training shall be provided include, but are not limited to, the amount and type of training needed, cost of training, duration of training, and need for the resulting skills.
2.3.5.4 Employees needing training shall work with their supervisor and HR office to prepare an Individual Development Plan for employee development, which is required for retraining.
2.3.6.1 Access for Employees with Disabilities. Each Center shall make career enhancement services available to all of its civil service employees.
2.3.6.2 Centers shall ensure that all services and opportunities are accessible to employees with disabilities and, when necessary, develop policies for such services at remote locations.
2.3.6.3 Career enhancement services shall include information and guidance on Federal, state, and local resources for employees with disabilities.
Chapter 3. NASA Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) for Displaced Employees
3.1 Introduction
Federal agencies are required to establish procedures to ensure that, when considering candidates from outside their workforce for vacancies lasting 121 days or more, special selection priority is given to any well-qualified, displaced employee who applies for the vacancy from another agency in the local commuting area. This chapter provides NASA?s policies for special selection priority under ICTAP.
3.2 Responsibility
3.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the applicable regulations, policies, and procedures governing special selection priority for Federal employees under the ICTAP.
3.2.2 Center HR Directors shall:
a. Ensure that selection practices for filling all competitive service vacancies comply with the requirements to give special selection priority to any ICTAP eligibles.
b. Provide each eligible NASA employee with information, in writing, about ICTAP assistance and special selection priority at the time the Center issues a specific RIF separation notice or notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area, includeig guidance on applying for vacancies under ICTAP and the documentation generally required as proof of eligibility.
c. Conduct a specific orientation session for displaced Center employees on the eligibility requirements for selection priority under ICTAP, including information on applying for vacancies under ICTAP.
d. Ensure that Center vacancy announcements contain information on how ICTAP eligible employees can apply, required proof of eligibility, and the requirements for being determined well-qualified.
e. Advise ICTAP eligibles in writing of the results of their application and the results of an independent second review if the applicants are identified as not well-qualified for a vacancy for which they apply.
f. Advise well-qualified, ICTAP eligibles when another well-qualified ICTAP eligible is selected.
3.3 Coverage
The policies in this chapter apply to all displaced Federal civilian employees affected by downsizing and restructuring, who meet the eligibility requirements for ICTAP placement assistance, as described in paragraph 3.4, and wish to be considered under NASA vacancy announcements for positions in the same local commuting area.
3.4.1 Individuals are eligible for ICTAP special selection priority for a NASA vacancy if they meet the following conditions:
a. Are a displaced employee.
b. Have a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent unless eligible based on their status as:.
(1) A former career or career-conditional employee who was separated because of a compensable injury or illness, whose compensation has been terminated and whose former agency is unable to place the individual as required by 5 CFR 353.110(b);
(2) A former career or career-conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group I or II, who retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or
(3) A former Military Reserve Technician or National Guard Technician who is receiving a special disability annuity from the Office of Personnel Management.
c. Apply for a NASA vacancy at or below the grade from which the employee has been, or is being, separated that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which the employee has been, or is being, separated.
d. Occupy or were displaced from a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy.
e. File an application for a specific vacancy within the timeframes established by the vacancy announcement and provide the appropriate proof of ICTAP eligibility.
f. Are determined to be well-qualified for the vacancy.
g. Are determined to be well-qualified for the vacancy after being assigned to one of three quality categories based on the degree to which their competencies meet the duties required. In instances where all minimally eligible candidates are referred (e.g., under the Distinguished Scholar authority), ICTAP eligibles who are minimally eligible have selection priority. 3.5.2 Eligibility for special selection priority begins on the date:
3.4.2 Eligibility for special selection priority begins on the date:
a. The Agency issues the employee a RIF separation notice.
b. The Agency certifies that it cannot place an employee whose compensable injury compensation has been terminated.
c. An employee is notified that his or her disability annuity has been or is being terminated.
d. The Agency issues a formal notice of proposed separation to an employee for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment outside the local commuting area.
e. The National Guard Bureau or Military Department certifies that a technician is receiving a special disability retirement annuity.
3.4.3 Eligibility for ICTAP special selection priority expires:
a. One year after separation.
b. One year after receiving the notification or certification that provided ICTAP eligibility.
c. When the employee receives a career, career-conditional, or excepted appointment without time limit in any agency at any grade level.
d. When the employee no longer meets the eligibility requirements (e.g., the employee is no longer being separated by RIF).
e. When an eligible employee declines a career, career-conditional, or excepted appointment without time limit for which the employee has applied and been rated well-qualified.
f. Upon failure to respond within a reasonable period of time to an offer or official inquiry of availability. (Documentation of efforts to communicate with the individual shall be retained in the file.)
3.5 Special Selection Priority in Filling Vacancies from Outside the NASA Workforce
3.5.1 Except as indicated in paragraph 3.6, whenever a Center is filling a competitive service vacancy for a total of 121 days or more (including extensions) from outside the NASA workforce, it shall select, in the order listed below, the following candidates before it can select another candidate from outside NASA:
a. Current or former NASA employees eligible under the Reemployment Priority List.
b. NASA employees eligible under CTAP.
c. Current or former Federal employees with ICTAP eligibility.
3.5.2 If there are multiple well-qualified ICTAP eligibles, the selecting official may select any one of them for the vacancy.
3.5.3.1 If a Center makes an initial determination that an ICTAP applicant is not well-qualified for the vacancy, it shall conduct an independent second review of the qualifications determination before referral lists are issued. The independent second review must be conducted by an HR specialist or subject-matter expert who did not make the initial determination. Upon completion of the review, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the results.
3.5.3.2 Upon completion of the review, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the results
3.6 Exceptions to Special Selection Priority
Actions that are not subject to ICTAP special selection priority are identified in 5 CFR 330.705(c).
Chapter 4. Reemployment Priority List (RPL)
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The RPL is a placement program that provides reemployment consideration for current and former career and career-conditional competitive service employees who are separated by RIF or have received a RIF separation notice or certificate of expected separation or are separated (or who accept a lower-graded position instead of separation) due to compensable injury or disability and who fully recover more than one year from the date compensation is payable. Federal regulations require each agency to establish and maintain an RPL specific to each commuting area for its employees who meet the eligibility requirements.
4.1.2 In accordance with the policies in paragraph 4.6, NASA RPL registrants are given priority consideration for competitive service vacancies over applicants who do not work for NASA.
4.2 Responsibility
4.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for maintaining and operating RPLs.
4.2.2 Center HR Directors shall:
a. Establish and maintain an RPL for the commuting area of their respective Center and, an RPL for any facility outside of the Center commuting area. If two or more NASA Centers or components are in the same commuting area, a single RPL will be established and maintained for the NASA activities in that commuting area. The RPL requires the endorsement of the affected Centers.
b. Establish and maintain a single RPL if two or more NASA Centers or component facilities are in the same commuting area. The RPL requires the endorsement of the affected Centers
c. Provide each eligible employee with information about the RPL, including appeal rights, at the time the employee is given a specific RIF notice of separation or a certification of expected separation.
d. Register eligible Center employees on the RPL within ten calendar days after receipt of an application or request from the individual.
e. Ensure that selection practices for filling all competitive service vacancies comply with the requirements to give priority consideration to any RPL registrants.
4.2.3 Employees who are eligible for RPL registration are responsible for requesting registration within the required timeframe, as well as providing any changes to the information on the registration.
4.3 Eligibility
4.3.1 A NASA employee affected by a RIF is eligible for RPL registration if the employee:
a. Has received a specific notice of RIF separation or a certification of expected separation.
b. Is serving under a competitive service appointment in tenure group I or II.
c. Has received a rating above unacceptable (level 1) as the last annual performance rating of record.
d. Has not declined a RIF offer of a position with the same type of work schedule and a representative rate at least as high as that of the position from which the employee was or will be separated.
e. Submits the application for RPL registration no later than 30 calendar days after the RIF separation date.
4.3.2 A NASA competitive service employee in tenure group I or II who is separated (or who accepts a lower-graded position in lieu of separation) due to a compensable injury or disability and who has fully recovered more than one year after compensation began is entitled to be placed on the RPL if the employee applies for reemployment within
30 calendar days after the date compensation ceases. However, if an appeal for continuation of compensation is filed, the 30-day period begins the day after resolution is reached.
4.4 Registration
4.4.1 Employees who are eligible for RPL registration, based on a RIF, are entered on the RPL only for the local commuting area where the employee?s former position was located. In the case of an RPL that has major components throughout a large commuting area (e.g., Headquarters and Goddard), employees may indicate availability for only one of those components if they desire. Eligible employees may register for positions for which qualified and available that are not at a higher grade (or equivalent), have no greater promotion potential than the position from which the employee was or will be separated, and have the same type of work schedule (full-time, part-time, intermittent, seasonal, on-call) as the position from which the employee was or will be separated. Employees may indicate availability for permanent, term, and temporary positions. In addition, an employee is entitled to consideration for any higher grade previously held on a nontemporary basis in the competitive service from which the employee was demoted under RIF procedures.
4.4.2 To be entered on the RPL, an eligible employee shall complete the application form provided by the Center and attach a resume. The form and resume must be submitted to the HR office within the required timeframe.
4.4.3 The form and resume shall be submitted to the HR office within the required timeframe.
4.4.4 Registration may occur as soon as a specific RIF notice of separation or a certification of expected separation has been issued. The employee shall submit the application within 30 calendar days after the RIF separation date. An employee who fails to submit a timely application form and resume is not entitled to be placed on the RPL.
4.4.5 Employees who are eligible for RPL registration, based on injury compensation, are entered on the RPL for the local commuting area of their former position and registered for their former position or an equivalent position (i.e., a position with the same representative rate as the employees former position).
4.4.6 Reemployment shall be requested within 30 calendar days after the compensation ceases. When an appeal for continuation of compensation is filed, the 30-day period begins the day after resolution is reached.
4.4.7 If 90 days after initial registration, NASA is unable to reemploy the registrant in the commuting area, employees may extend their registration to additional commuting areas. Employees are responsible for contacting the registering HR office to request extension of their registration.
4.4.8 In lieu of consideration at other commuting areas, registrants may extend their registration at their former local commuting area for the next best available position. This extension may occur 90 days or more after the initial registration. The Center HR staff shall assist the employee in determining the most appropriate additional position for which to register based on an assessment of potential placement opportunities.
4.5 Restrictions in Filling Positions
4.5.1 If a qualified individual is available on the Centers RPL, the Center shall not offer a position to an individual who is not on the RPL if the Center is filling a competitive service position by:
a. A new appointment, unless the individual appointed is a qualified 10-point preference eligible.
b. Transfer or reemployment, unless the individual appointed is a preference eligible, is exercising restoration rights based on return from military service or recovery from a compensable injury or disability within one year, or is exercising other statutory or regulatory reemployment rights.
4.5.2 Other actions for which the RPL does not apply are defined in 5 CFR 330.205.
4.5.3 Employees are considered qualified for a position if they:
a. Meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification requirements (or, if applicable, the Aerospace Technology (AST) qualification requirements) for the position, including any selective placement factors.
b. Are physically qualified to perform the duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
c. Meet any special qualifying condition that OPM has approved for the position.
d. Meet any other applicable requirement for appointment to the competitive service.
4.7 Selection from the RPL
4.7.1 The default Agency-wide selection procedure to be followed when there are multiple registrants on the RPL qualified for a position is retention standing order, as provided in 5 CFR 330.207(b).
4.7.2 As an alternative, Centers may establish rating and ranking order as the selection procedure to be used for their RPL, as provided in 5 CFR 330.207. If this option is taken, the Center maintaining the RPL shall establish this procedure in writing.
4.7.3 The Center shall use the established selection procedure in all instances of applying the RPL until the established, written policy is changed.
4.8 Termination of RPL Eligibility
Employees who are registered on the RPL shall be advised at the time of their registration of the circumstances that terminate their RPL eligibility, in accordance with the terminating conditions stipulated in 5 CFR 330.203. No further notification of termination of RPL eligibility is required.
Chapter 5. Special Repromotion Consideration
5.1 Introduction
NASA employees who are changed to a lower grade through no fault of their own and are eligible for grade or pay retention are entitled to special repromotion consideration when applying for vacancies filled under NASAs Competitive Placement Plan at the grade from which downgraded or any intervening grade. This consideration is intended to facilitate their placement into positions at their former grade level by requiring that these employees be considered for repromotion before other candidates are considered.
5.2 Responsibility
5.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the repromotion consideration policies in this chapter.
5.2.2 Center HR Directors shall:
a. Provide eligible employees with information about NASA?s repromotion consideration policy at the time the employees are notified that they will be downgraded.
b. Ensure that selection practices for filling all vacancies comply with the requirements to give repromotion consideration to any repromotion eligibles.
5.2.3 Employees eligible for repromotion consideration are responsible for requesting this consideration by answering the applicable question in NASA STARS.
5.3 Coverage
The provisions of this chapter apply to NASA employees reduced in grade from General Schedule (GS)-15 or equivalent and below who meet the requirements for grade or pay retention under 5 CFR, Part 536.
5.4 Repromotion Consideration Eligibility Requirements
5.4.1 A NASA employee is eligible for repromotion consideration if the employee:
a. Has been placed in a lower grade as a result of RIF procedures or job reclassification.
b. Is receiving grade or pay retention as a result of the RIF or reclassification action.
c. Has a current performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent.
5.5 Period of Eligibility
5.5.1 Eligibility for repromotion consideration begins on the date the employees grade or pay retention commences.
5.5.2 Repromotion consideration eligibility terminates on the earliest of:
a. Two years from the date grade retention commenced.
b. Two years from the date pay retention commenced for those employees who were not eligible to receive grade retention.
c. Loss of either grade or pay retention on the basis of conditions defined in 5 CFR 536.207 and 536.308.
5.5.3 Eligible employees who are within the two-year eligibility period on the closing date of the vacancy announcement shall receive repromotion consideration for that vacancy.
5.6 Operation of Repromotion Consideration
5.6.1 Repromotion eligibles shall receive consideration for NASA vacancies for which they apply via NASA STARS, provided that:
a. The grade level of the vacancy is higher than that of the employees current position, but the full performance level is no higher than the grade the employee held prior to the change to lower-grade.
b. The employee meets the OPM qualification requirements (or, if applicable, the AST qualification requirements) for the position, including any selective placement factors.
c. The employee answers the applicable question in NASA STARS that indicates they are eligible for repromotion consideration.
5.6.2 NASA repromotion eligibles shall be referred to the selection official after the Center has met its obligation to select employees eligible under CTAP and RPL, its obligation to give placement consideration to employees under the NASA Special Placement Consideration Program and prior to referring all other candidates.
5.6.3. Repromotion placement consideration does not mean that the eligible employees shall be selected for the position. It means that the selecting official is required to consider repromotion candidates prior to receiving certificates of nonpriority candidates from other sources.
5.6.4 If there are multiple repromotion consideration eligibles, they will be referred in alphabetical order, and the selecting official may select any one of them for the vacancy.
Chapter 6. NASA Special Placement Consideration Program
6.1 Introduction
NASAs CTAP Special Selection Priority Program and NASAs RPL offer placement assistance to employees who face separation due to RIF, or who decline a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the commuting area. The nature of assistance offered through these programs is defined in Chapters 1 and 4 of this NPR and the applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations. NASAs Special Placement Consideration Program offers additional assistance to employees eligible for CTAP and/or registered on the RPL due to a RIF by requiring that they be considered before other candidates for vacancies outside the commuting area.
6.2 Responsibility
6.2.1 The Assistant Administrator for Human Capital Management has overall responsibility for ensuring Agency compliance with the special placement consideration policies in this chapter.
6.2.2 Center HR Directors shall:
a. Provide each eligible employee with information about NASAs special placement consideration policy at the time the employee is informed of eligibility for CTAP special selection priority and RPL registration based on a RIF.
b. Ensure that selection practices for filling all vacancies comply with the requirements to give special placement consideration to eligible employees.
6.2.3 Employees eligible for special placement consideration are responsible for requesting this consideration by answering the applicable question in NASA STARS indicating their eligibility for CTAP/ICTAP.
6.3 Coverage
The provisions of this chapter apply to NASA employees who face separation and meet the requirements for CTAP eligibility as described in paragraph 1.4 and/or are registered on the RPL due to a RIF, as described in paragraph 4.4.
6.4 Special Placement Consideration Eligibility Requirements
6.4.1 A NASA employee is eligible for special placement consideration if the employee:
a. Is a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP special selection priority or is registered on the RPL due to a RIF.
b. Has a current performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent.
c. Is applying for a position outside of their commuting area that is at or below the employee?s current grade level or the grade level from which separated (and with no greater promotion potential).
d. Meets the OPM qualification requirements (or, if applicable, the AST qualification requirements) for the position, including any selective placement factors.
6.5 Period of Eligibility
6.5.1 Employees are eligible for special placement consideration on the date they become eligible for CTAP special selection priority or are registered on the RPL due to a RIF.
6.5.2 Special placement consideration terminates on the date employees are no longer eligible for CTAP special selection priority or their RPL eligibility expires, whichever is later.
6.5.3 Eligible employees who are eligible for CTAP special selection priority or are registered on the RPL due to a RIF on the closing date of the vacancy announcement shall receive special placement consideration for that vacancy.
6.6 Operation of Special Placement Consideration
6.6.1 An employee eligible for special placement consideration for vacancies outside the commuting area shall apply for the vacancy via NASA STARS in order to receive such consideration. Employees who meet the OPM qualification requirements (and any selective placement factors) will be referred to the selection official after the Center has met its obligation to select employees eligible under CTAP and RPL, and prior to referring all other candidates.
6.6.2 Employees who meet the OPM qualification requirements (or, if applicable, the AST qualification requirement) plus any selective placement factors shall be referred to the selection official after the Center has met its obligation to select employees eligible under CTAP and RPL, and prior to referring all other candidates.
6.6.3 Special placement consideration does not mean that the eligible employee shall be selected for the position. It means that the selecting official is required to consider special placement consideration candidates prior to receiving certificates of nonpriority candidates from other sources.
6.6.4 If there are multiple special placement consideration eligibles, they shall be referred in alphabetical order, and the selecting official may select any one of them for the vacancy.
APPENDIX A. Definitions
10-point preference eligible.
An individual entitled to 10-point veteran preference as follows:
a. 10-point (disability) preference is the preference to which a disabled veteran is entitled.
b. 10-point (compensable disability) preference is the preference to which a disabled veteran is entitled if he or she has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 10-percent or more.
c. 10-point (30% compensable disability) preference is the preference to which a disabled veteran is entitled if he or she is entitled to a 10¬point preference due to a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
d. 10-point (other) preference is the preference granted to the widow/widower or mother of a deceased veteran or to the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran.
Aerospace Technology (AST) qualification requirements. NASA's single agency qualification standard developed to meet NASA's need for its own unique and discrete specializations within the Agency's mission-oriented aerospace work.
Career appointment. Competitive service permanent appointment given to an employee who has completed three substantially continuous, creditable years of Federal service.
Career-conditional appointment. Competitive service permanent appointment given to an employee who has completed less than three substantially continuous, creditable years of Federal service.
Certificate of expected separation. Notification issued by an agency to an employee who the agency believes, with a reasonable degree of certainty, will be separated from Federal employment by reduction in force procedures.
Commuting area (for RPL). Commuting area is defined in 5 CFR 351.203. For purposes of operating the RPL, NASA Headquarters and Goddard Space Flight Center are in the same commuting area. The NASA Shared Services Center and Stennis Space Center are in the same commuting area.
Compensable injury. Defined at 5 C.F.R. 353.102.
Competitive service. All civilian positions in the Federal Government that are not specifically excepted from the civil service laws by or pursuant to statute, by the President, or by the OPM under Rule VI, and that are not in the Senior Executive Service.
Demotion. (also called "Downgrade") An action that moves an employee, while serving continuously in the same agency, to (1) a position at a lower grade when both the old and new positions are under the General Schedule or under the same type graded wage schedule, or (2) to a position with a lower rate of basic pay when both the old and the new positions are under the same type ungraded wage schedule or in a different pay-method category.
Directed reassignment. A management-directed change of an employee, while serving continuously within the same agency, from one position to another without promotion or demotion.
Displaced employee (for CTAP special selection priority). A displaced employee is a NASA employee who is:
a. A current career or career-conditional competitive service employee in tenure group I or II, at grade levels General Schedule (GS)-15 or equivalent and below, who has received a specific RIF separation notice or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
b. A current employee in the excepted service, serving on an appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has been given noncompetitive appointment eligibility and selection priority by statute for positions in the competitive service, and who is in receipt of a RIF separation notice or notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
c. A current employee serving on a Schedule A or B excepted appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, and who has received a RIF notice of separation or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area. Schedule A or B employees may exercise selection priority for permanent excepted service NASA positions within the local commuting area, provided the position to which appointed has the same appointing authority, i.e., Schedule A or B, as the position from which being separated.
Displaced employee (for ICTAP special selection priority). A displaced employee is:
a. A current career or career-conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group I or II, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has received a specific RIF separation notice, or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
b. A former career or career-conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group I or II, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who was separated through RIF or removed for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local area.
c. A former career or career-conditional employee who was separated because of a compensable injury or illness, whose compensation has been terminated and whose former agency is unable to place the individual as required by 5 CFR 353.110(b).
d. A former career or career-conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group I or II, who retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated.
e. A former career or career-conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group I or II, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent or below, who received a RIF separation notice and who retired on the effective date of the RIF or under the discontinued service retirement option.
f. A former Military Reserve Technician or National Guard Technician who is receiving a special disability retirement annuity from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
g. A current Executive Branch employee in the excepted service, serving on an appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has been given noncompetitive appointment eligibility and selection priority by statute for positions in the competitive service and who is in receipt of a RIF separation notice or notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
h. A former Executive Branch employee in the excepted service, who served on an appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has been given noncompetitive appointment eligibility and selection priority by statute for positions in the competitive service, and who has been separated through a RIF or removed for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside of the local commuting area.
Distinguished Scholar authority. Authority under the NASA Flexibility Act of 2004 to hire individuals for professional and scientific positions at the GS-7 through 12.
Downgrade. See definition of "Demotion."
Excepted appointment. An appointment to a position in the excepted service.
Excepted service. Unclassified service, unclassified Civil Service or positions outside the competitive service and the senior executive service. Excepted service positions have been excepted from the requirements of the competitive service by law, Executive order, or OPM regulation.
Full performance level. (also called "Promotion Potential") The highest grade level established for a particular position, sometimes call the target level of a career ladder.
Grade retention. The right of an employee to retain for two years, for pay and benefits purposes, the grade of the position from which he or she was reduced.
Local commuting area (for CTAP and ICTAP special selection priority). Local commuting area is define din 5 CFR 330.604(e). For the purpose of CTAP and ICTAp special selection priority, NASA Headquarters and Goddard Space Flight Center are in the same local commuting area. The NASA Shared Services Center and Stennis Space Center are in the same local commuting area.
NASA's Competitive Placement Plan. The plan under which NASA considers employees for vacant positions on the basis of personal merit. NASA's Competitive Placement Plan is contained in NPR 3335.1, Internal Placement of NASA Employees.
Pay retention. The retention of a rate of basic pay higher than the maximum rate of the grade for the position occupied.
Preference eligible. Defined at 5 C.F.R 211.102.
Promotion potential. See definition of "Full Performance Level."
Rating of record. Defined at 5 C.F.R. 430.203.
Reasonable accommodation. Any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Reclassification. A change in the classification of a position.
Referral list. A list of the highest-ranked eligibles provided to a hiring manager or appointing officer for employment consideration.
Representative rate. The fourth step of the grade for a position covered by the General Schedule and the prevailing rate for a position covered by a wage-board or similar wage-determining procedure.
Repromotion. The promotion of an employee back to a grade previously held.
Restoration rights. The entitlement of employees who leave their civilian positions for military duty to return to those positions after termination of that duty and the entitlement of an employee to return to his or her position after recovery from compensable injury.
Retention standing order. The order of a retention register, which is a record of all employees occupying positions in a competitive level arranged by tenure groups and subgroups, and by service dates within the subgroup used in a reduction in force to determine which employees are retained and which are separated or moved to other positions.
Selective placement factor. A knowledge, skill, ability, or other requirement which is essential for successful job performance and which an applicant must possess to be minimally qualified for the position.
Surplus employee. A surplus employee is:
a. A current employee serving under an appointment in the competitive service, in tenure group I or II, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has received a certificate of expected separation or other official certification issued by NASA indicating that the employee's position is surplus.
b. A current employee serving on an excepted service appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, who has been issued a certificate of expected separation or other official certification indicating that the employee's position is surplus, and who has been conferred noncompetitive appointment eligibility and special selection priority by statute for positions in the competitive service.
c. A current employee serving on a Schedule A or B excepted appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, and who is in receipt of a certificate of expected separation or other official certification indicating that the employee's job is surplus. Schedule A or B employees may exercise selection priority for permanent excepted service NASA positions within the local commuting area, provided the position to which appointed has the same appointing authority, i.e., Schedule A or B, as the position from which being separated.
Temporary position/appointment. An appointment made for a limited period of time and with a specific not-to-exceed date determined by the authority under which the appointment is made.
Tenure group. A category of employees ranked in priority order for retention during reduction in force.
Term position. A position that will last more than one year but not more than four years and that is of a project nature where the job will terminate upon completion of the project.
Transfer. A change of an employee, without a break in service of one full workday, from a position in one agency to a position in another agency that can be filled under the same appointing authority.
Transfer of function. The movement of the work of one or more employees from one competitive area to another.
Well-qualified candidate. A candidate who possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities which exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, meets all other requirements identified in 5 CFR 330.604(k), and is assigned to the top quality category.
APPENDIX B. Acronyms
AST Aerospace Technology
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CTAP Career Transition Assistance Plan
GS General Schedule
HR Human Resources
ICTAP Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NPR NASA Procedural Requirement
OPM Office of Personnel Management
RIF Reduction in Force
RPL Reemployment Priority List
USC United States Code
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