§ 330.307 - Agency responsibilities.

(a) Agency programs. (1) Each agency has primary obligation to assist, to the maximum extent practical and in keeping with the requirements set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, in the placement of surplus and displaced employees. OPM's placement program only supplements these efforts and is not intended to relieve an agency of its responsibility to provide the maximum placement assistance possible.

(2) Each agency is required to operate a positive placement program for its own surplus and displaced employees. The program must, at a minimum, provide for the establishment and maintenance of a reemployment priority list for the commuting area for those employees who have received a specific notice of separation through reduction in force or a Certification of Expected Separation, as provided for in subpart B of this part. Additionally, each agency is expected to supplement this basic requirement with other forms of appropriate assistance to be given to employees prior to actual separation. An agency's positive placement program should include the following elements:

(i) Criteria of eligibility for assistance;

(ii) The duration of eligibility;

(iii) The types of assistance provided, including counseling, job referral, and training;

(iv) Consideration of the appropriateness of placing restrictions on filling vacancies by any means when qualified surplus or displaced employees are available in the agency's positive placement program.

(b) Registration of eligible employees. In accordance with subpart H of part 351 of this chapter, agencies must inform affected employees about the Interagency Placement Program at the same time that Certifications of Excepted Separation or specific reduction in force notices are distributed. Employees who receive a Certification of Expected Separation may register up to 6 months prior to separation. Agencies are responsible for assisting employees with their registration forms, for completing the information requested on the forms, for ensuring employees meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position(s) registered, and for sending them to the appropriate office as instructed by OPM.

(c) Consideration of individuals referred. Agencies will give full consideration to individuals referred through OPM's Interagency Placement Program. Full consideration is a careful and open review of the qualifications of the registrant as described in the individual's application forms, contact to determine interest and availability, and an interview; if possible, to further assess the registrant's ability to perform the duties of the position within a reasonable period of time. An appointing officer may not pass over an IPP eligible to select a non-IPP eligible unless an objection to the IPP eligible is sustained by OPM or an agency with delegated authority.