Hiring processes

(a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 701 the following new section: 702. Hiring processes (a) Standardized approval process for filling vacant positions (1) Process required (A) In general The Secretary shall establish a standardized, nationwide approval process for filling vacant employment positions within the Department. (B) Variability The process required by subparagraph (A) may be different for each type of employment position in the Department. (C) Approval windows The process required by subparagraph (A) shall include a standardized approval window for each approval step. (2) Timeline For any employment position going through the process established under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), if the time for a step in the approval process exceeds five business days beyond the allotted time set forth under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph, it shall be automatically approved. (3) Delegation If the approval authority for a step in the hiring process established under paragraph (1) is vacant, on leave, or otherwise unable to respond to requests for approval, such authority for approval will be delegated to the supervisor of such approval authority or such other designee as may be specified in the chain of command. (4) Time to fill goal Each window of time allotted for each approval step under paragraph (1)(C) when added together shall not exceed the goal of the Department to fill window for that employment position. (b) Standardized process for creating, editing, and approving facility-Specific lists (1) In general The Secretary shall develop a standardized, nationwide process for creating, editing, and approving facility-specific hard-to-recruit or hard-to-retain lists. (2) Extended authority Under the process required by paragraph (1), flexibilities, authorities, and policies regarding a list created with such process may be considered applicable for 90 days after an employment position in the Department is no longer on the list and for any posting for that position that was vacant at the time the position dropped off the hard-to-recruit or hard-to-retain list. (c) Process for tentative offers of employment The Secretary shall develop a standardized process for issuing tentative offers of employment with the Department and such process shall require that each such offer includes a specified rate of basic pay. (d) Third-Party contracts The Secretary may conduct laboratory testing, background clearances, and other candidate approval and vetting procedures through a contract with a third party. (e) Electronic signatures (1) Authority The Secretary shall allow electronic signatures on any hiring, recruitment, retention, or other employment documents once a standardized process for such signatures is developed and implemented. (2) Standardized process The Secretary shall develop a standardized process for use of electronic signatures as described in paragraph (1), which shall include exceptions and limitations as the Secretary considers appropriate and that allows for use of electronic signatures for employment documents, including standard form 1152 and related successor forms, SF 2823 and related successor forms, and SF 3102–FERS and related successor forms. (f) Employee community building program The Secretary shall establish an employee community building program that connects employees in similar positions, offices, and programs to connect with each other nationwide.. (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 701 the following new item: 702. Hiring processes..