Removal and reduction in force

(a) Removal (1) In general An agency may remove a Fellow for a reason related to misconduct, poor performance, or suitability, upon which the agency shall submit to the Director written notification of the removal. (2) End of term (A) In general As a condition of employment, the appointment of a Fellow shall end at the end of the 2-year Program period, plus any agency-approved extension of the appointment of the Fellow under section 5(b), unless the Fellow is converted under section 10. (B) Failure to convert If an agency does not convert a Fellow at the end of the Program, as provided in section 10, or extend the appointment of the Fellow under section 5(b), the appointment of the Fellow shall expire on the date that is 30 days after the date on which, as applicable— (i) the certification for Program completion is denied under section 6(d)(3); or (ii) the Director denies a request submitted by an agency for an extension of the appointment. (b) Reduction in force Each Fellow shall be in the excepted service group II for purposes of section 351.502 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.