Conversion to the competitive service

(a) In general A Fellow shall complete the Program within the time limits established under section 5, including any agency-approved extension under that section, after which the Fellow may be converted under subsection (b). (b) Conversion An agency may convert, without a break in service, a Fellow who has been successfully certified under section 6(d)(2) to a term or permanent position in the competitive service for which the Fellow is qualified. (c) Conversion at A different agency A Fellow may be converted under subsection (b) to a position at a different agency if the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The original employing agency is unable to convert the Fellow to a position in the competitive service in the organizational unit of the agency in which the Fellow has served or another component within the agency— (A) including because of unforeseen budget constraints, a reorganization, the abolishment of positions, or any other appropriate reason; and (B) which is not because of the failure of the Fellow to obtain a certification under section 6(d)(2) or because of the misconduct, poor performance, or suitability of the Fellow. (2) The conversion shall occur before the end of the Program period, as established under section 5, plus any agency-approved extension under that section. (3) The position at the new agency shall have a full performance level that is equivalent to, or less than, the position to which the Fellow would have been converted at the original employing agency.