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OPM.gov / Policy / Coronavirus Disease 2019
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response Program

Overview and Background

In response to the National Emergency declared for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), federal agencies will have rotational opportunities for federal employees to support the COVID-19 response.

The COVID-19 Response Program will use Open Opportunities, a governmentwide platform offering professional development opportunities to current federal employees. The platform provides a centralized location where federal agencies can post details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments.

Current federal employees, with applicable skills, can apply for rotational opportunities to assist with the federal response to COVID-19. To apply, federal employees must have supervisory approval, in writing, and need not be in a like or related position to qualify for the detail, microdetail, and/or temporary rotational assignment. The supervisory approval may be in the form of an email message from the supervisor. During this National Emergency, supervisors are encouraged to approve the rotational assignment, when feasible.

Stakeholders:

  • Federal Employees
  • Federal Agencies
  • CHCO Council

Process: 

  1. Federal Agencies develop and submit COVID-19 related details, microdetails, and/or temporary assignments*
  2. Details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments are posted to Open Opportunities
  3. Federal agencies and employees are informed of the details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments and the application process
  4. Federal Employees apply to the detail, microdetail, and/or temporary rotational assignment
  5. Federal Agencies review applications and select individuals for the details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments

*Details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments should include:

  • Series
  • Title
  • Grade Level
  • Open Period
  • Position Type
  • Duration
  • Number of Openings
  • Location
  • Responsibilities
  • Qualifications
  • Application Process
  • Security Clearance requirement

Key Considerations:  

  • CHCOs and the offices posting opportunities are encouraged to work together to identify meaningful details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments related to COVID-19.
  • Details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments between competitive service agencies do not require prior OPM approval.
  • Details, microdetails, and/or temporary rotational assignments between excepted service agencies and competitive service agencies require prior OPM approval before the detail can be effective.
  • The detail, microdetail, and/or temporary rotational assignment is non-reimbursable and can last up to one year.
  • To apply, federal employees must have supervisor approval, in writing, and need not be in a like or related position to qualify for the detail, microdetail, and/or temporary rotational assignment. The supervisory approval may in the form of an email message from the supervisor.
  • During this National Emergency, Supervisors are encouraged to approve the rotational assignment, when feasible.
  • Memorandum of Understanding will be completed between host agency and home agency (or component, where individual rotates within their home agency).

For additional questions, contact workforce@opm.gov.

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