NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 3300.1C Effective Date: November 01, 2015 Expiration Date: June 30, 2030

Subject: Employment, Appointment Authorities, and Details

Responsible Office: Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer

Chapter 2. Distinguished Scholar Appointment Authority

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 This chapter describes the hiring parameters and qualification requirements for individuals appointed under the distinguished scholar appointing authority in the competitive service in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 9810.

2.1.2 The objective of this authority is to place less emphasis on work experience and provide an alternative external hiring vehicle that gives more weight to the academic performance of recent graduates.

2.2 Coverage

2.2.1 This authority may be used to fill scientific and professional positions covered by the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.

2.2.2 This authority can be used to fill career or career-conditional positions in the competitive service at grades General Schedule (GS) -7 through GS-12. This authority provides one source of candidates; supervisors may also consider candidates from other hiring sources.

2.3 Eligibility

2.3.1 Candidates shall:

a. Meet the appropriate qualification requirements (for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions, use the Agency AST Qualification Standard) and have received the qualifying degree from an accredited university within two years of the effective date of the appointment.

b. Meet the required academic achievement standards described in 5 U.S.C. § 9810 (b) at the time of graduation.

2.3.2 All grade point averages (GPAs) is expressed in terms of a 4.0 scale. If a candidate's GPA is based on a grading scale of other than 4.0, the GPA shall be converted to a 4.0 grading scale to determine eligibility. GPAs are rounded in accordance with the OPM Qualifications Standards. For example, a GPA of 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and a GPA of 2.94 is rounded to a 2.9.

2.4 Recruitment and Rating

2.4.1 HR Offices shall:

a. Post vacancy announcements on USAJOBS and include a statement that identifies the position(s) as being filled under the Distinguished Scholar provisions.

b. Use the Agency automated staffing system to evaluate and refer candidates.

2.4.2 Candidates who meet minimum qualifications may be referred on an unranked list. When using an unranked list, qualified veterans have absolute preference in the absence of Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) candidates.

2.4.3 If candidates are further evaluated using a category rating process, qualified veterans have absolute preference within the appropriate category.

2.5 Selection Priority

2.5.1 ICTAP eligibles receive selection priority.

2.5.2 When making selections, candidates eligible for veterans preference shall be considered ahead of non-preference eligibles in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 9810(c). Appointments are not subject to 5 U.S.C. 3309 - 3318, including traditional competitive service requirements for pass over procedures for preference eligibles.

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