752 Noncompetitive Selection Procedures

Competitive procedures are not required when management initiates or an employee requests reassignment to the same level, or when an employee voluntarily accepts or requests in writing a position at a lower level. The following applies:

1. An employee seeking noncompetitive consideration must submit a written request to the selecting official.
2. An employee may request noncompetitive consideration before a vacancy is posted, during the time it is posted, or after the posting has closed.
3. A noncompetitive applicant may be selected before the competitive process begins, during the competitive process, or after a competitive package has been considered.
4. Selection is solely at the discretion of the selecting official.
5. Employees selected in this manner must meet the qualification requirements for the position; however, they are not required to meet the examination requirement.

Note: If an employee grade level EAS-17 or above competes in response to a vacancy announcement, the employee must follow the standard process for competitive consideration, including submitting an application for the position via applicant tracking system (see 753).