NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 3335.1J Effective Date: June 29, 2023 Expiration Date: June 29, 2028

Subject: Merit Promotion and Placement (Updated with Change 1)

Responsible Office: Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer

Chapter 5. Assignments to Agency-Level Functions

5.1 Purpose

This chapter enables organizations with responsibility for Agency-level functions to recruit and select candidates for key technical positions/assignments from highly qualified individuals across the Agency.

5.2 Coverage

5.2.1 This chapter applies to filling technical positions/assignments in organizations with responsibility for Agency-level functions and covers employees under NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and NASA Safety Center (NSC) program offices. This is subject to change. This does not apply to Headquarters level program offices.

5.2.2 Administrative, secretarial, and business support positions/assignments within these organizations are not covered by this chapter.

5.3 Duration of Assignments

5.3.1 Assignment periods are long-term rotational assignments lasting two to five years.

5.3.2 The rotational nature of the assignment will be documented in a memorandum of understanding or other appropriate documentation.

5.3.3 The need for long-term rotational assignments of more than two years will be assessed on an annual basis.

5.4 Temporary Promotions

5.4.1 To attract NASA's best talent to Agency-level positions, temporary promotion opportunities may be offered.

5.4.2 Temporary promotions of GS employees are subject to the requirements in chapter 3 of this directive.

5.5 Eligibility to Apply for Vacancies

Employees on long-term rotational assignments are eligible to apply for any NASA vacancy announcement, regardless of the area of consideration.

5.6 Placement of Returning Employees

If an employee on a long-term rotational assignment chooses to return to their Center, the Center is responsible for placing the returning employee into a position at the same grade level and with the same promotion potential as the position occupied immediately before assignment to the Agency-level function.

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