In a memo last week to agency heads, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) extended the “Schedule A” expedited hiring process to fill positions needed for pandemic-related purposes.

A March 20 memo to agency leaders signed by Michael Rigas, the current Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, notified agencies that they can use Schedule A excepted service appointments to fill temporary positions in response to the coronavirus outbreak, or COVID-19. The guidance allows agencies to use the hiring authority for one year or until the termination of the current public health emergency, with a possible one-year extension.