[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 5, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2008]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 5CFR337.202]

[Page 230-231]
 
                    TITLE 5--ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
 
                CHAPTER I--OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
 
PART 337_EXAMINING SYSTEM--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart B_Direct-Hire Authority
 
Sec. 337.202  Definitions.

    In this subpart:
    (a) A direct-hire authority permits hiring without regard to the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3309 through 3318; part 211 of this chapter; and 
subpart A of part 337 of this chapter.
    (b) A severe shortage of candidates for a particular position or 
group of positions means that an agency is having difficulty identifying 
candidates possessing the competencies or the knowledge, skills, and 
abilities required to perform the job requirements despite extensive 
recruitment, extended announcement periods, and the use, as applicable, 
of hiring flexibilities such as recruitment or relocation incentives or 
special salary rates.
    (c) A critical hiring need for a particular position or group of 
positions means that an agency has a need to fill the position(s) to 
meet mission requirements brought about by circumstances such as, but 
not limited to,

[[Page 231]]

a national emergency, threat, potential threat, environmental disaster, 
or unanticipated or unusual event or mission requirement, or to conform 
to the requirements of law, a Presidential directive or Administration 
initiative.