Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal developmental positions

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Competitive service The term competitive service has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Fellowship The term fellowship means a short-term employment opportunity (other than a post-fellowship service requirement), of not more than 2 years in length, that is intended to provide the recipient with work experience with an Executive agency or a military department that prepares the recipient for permanent employment with an Executive agency or a military department. (3) Internship The term internship has the meaning given the term internship program in section 3111a of title 5, United States Code. (4) Scholarship The term scholarship means— (A) financial support paid by an Executive agency or a military department towards an individual’s cost of attendance at an institution of higher education that is authorized to participate in a Federal student aid program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) in a course of study leading to a credential in a critical skill or another program that requires the student to demonstrate an interest in or agreement to pursue a career in public service; or (B) financial support paid by an Executive agency towards an individual’s cost of procuring private instruction in a critical skill. (5) Third-party internship or fellowship The term third-party internship or fellowship means an internship or a fellowship in the Federal Government that is facilitated and organized through a nongovernmental, third-party organization that has a formal arrangement with 1 or more Executive agencies, or with the legislative branch, to provide such internships or fellowships. (b) Appointment in competitive service The head of any Executive agency or military department may appoint in the competitive service any individual who has been certified by the Office of Personnel Management, within the 12-month period preceding the appointment, as having successfully completed any internship, scholarship, or fellowship program, or a third-party internship or fellowship. (c) Documentation The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, through the Executive Director of the Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center established under section 361, shall issue such documentation as is necessary to certify individuals under subsection (b) as eligible for noncompetitive appointments in the competitive service.