The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has authorized a government-wide direct hire authority for artificial intelligence (AI) positions, in an effort to help with the AI hiring surge following President Biden’s recent AI executive order (EO).
In a Dec. 29 memo, OPM said the new direct hiring authority (DHA) will apply to several AI-focused positions, including IT specialist, computer scientist, computer engineer, and program analyst.
“This authorization will assist agency efforts to increase AI capabilities in the Federal government,” the memo says.
“OPM is authorizing this DHA through December 31, 2028, or until OPM terminates this authority, whichever occurs first,” it adds. “OPM will continue to explore subsequent occupational series involving AI work requirements to further assist Federal agencies with their most pressing hiring needs.”
Through the authority, agencies can expedite their hiring process to help meet the EO’s call for increased AI talent across the Federal government. OPM said agencies can immediately appoint qualified individuals to competitive service, career, career-conditional, term, or temporary positions.
OPM said it will periodically assess agencies’ use of the direct hire authorities and “may modify or terminate them as appropriate.” Agencies will also be required to submit quarterly reports that identify each hire made under the direct hire authority.
Additionally, OPM said it is authorizing the use of certain Schedule A appointments to support the AI EO’s implementation.
Since the release of the EO, agencies have been busy appointing chief AI officers (CAIOs). These employees will drive the creation of their agency’s AI strategy and establish new governance.
Over the next few months, the CAIOs will start weighing in on strategic decisions and will work on strategies to manage the risks of AI while driving innovation.
Those who are interested in joining the national AI talent surge can apply to open government positions at AI.gov.
