OPM cuts red tape for stimulus hiring

The Office of Personnel Management just gave federal agencies a break in quickly hiring employees to deal with the economic stimulus plan.

It authorized agencies to use appointments if they are tied directly to the stimulus plan. Known as "excepted service" jobs, they aren't subject to competition employees without going through the normal competitive process.

The Office of Personnel Management on March 12 authorized agencies to use "excepted service" appointments to fill temporary stimulus jobs if they are tied directly to the stimulus package. Excepted service jobs are not subject to competition. The openings do not have to be announced publicly.

For more on fast tracking jobs:
- check out this Federal Times article