WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final regulation that will allow agencies with critical shortages of information technology (IT) professionals to determine if direct hire authority (DHA) is justified.

IT has been a growing field in the Federal government, as positions have grown by nearly 200 percent since the 1980s, and hiring authority will greatly enhance the government’s ability to recruit needed IT professionals.

“With this action, the President is committed to easing the burden federal agencies face when hiring qualified IT candidates,” said OPM Acting Director Margaret Weichert. “With a strong commitment to addressing the skilling needs of the 21st century, this Administration is empowering federal agencies with greater flexibility to fill critical skills gaps that need immediate attention.”

The President’s Management Agenda’s three main goals are IT Modernization, Data Accountability and Transparency, and People - Workforce of the Future. This DHA addresses two of the three (IT and People) by bringing current, modern IT expertise into government agencies and shaping a 21^st century workforce. Hiring top talent in these fields is vital to long-term security and national competitiveness.

Agencies must determine the existence of a critical hiring need or a severe shortage of candidates before using DHA for IT positions. OPM will work closely with agencies to help ensure they use the DHA appropriately.

OPM will also continue its close coordination with the Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs as required under EO 13518, which established the Veterans Employment Initiative. Additionally, OPM will continue our efforts across government to support agencies as they seek to hire veterans.

Visit the Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) site to learn more about this DHA.