Final answer:
Direct-hire authority is the authority granted to an executive department or agency to hire individuals directly without going through the usual competitive hiring process. It is issued for permanent or nonpermanent positions in the competitive service at GS-15 and below.
Step-by-step explanation:
Direct-hire authority is the authority granted to an executive department or agency to hire individuals directly without going through the usual competitive hiring process. It is issued for permanent or nonpermanent positions in the competitive service at GS-15 and below. This authority allows agencies to bypass certain hiring restrictions and appoint individuals directly based on their qualifications and experience.
For example, if an agency needs to fill a position at the GS-15 level, they can use direct-hire authority to hire a candidate who meets the qualifications for that position without going through the competitive hiring process.
This authority can be issued for one or more positions and is typically used for higher-grade positions that require specialized experience or education.