Using Schedule A to Hire Candidates with Disabilities - March 9, 2023 GSA Order

Sep 15, 2026

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GSA Order HRM 9720.1 (March 9, 2023) provides guidelines for using Schedule A under Title 5, Excepted Service to hire individuals with disabilities, including intellectual, severe physical, or psychiatric disabilities. It defines the order’s scope, authority, and background incorporating relevant statutes, regulations, and executive orders, and establishes policies and procedures for hiring actions. The directive also addresses implementation conditions, responsibilities, proof verification prior to appointment, filing, competitive and non-competitive processes, veterans-related appointment routes, and onboarding through post-selection actions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

References

Definitions

Responsibilities

Verifying Proof of Disability Prior to Appointment

Procedures for Hiring Individuals With Disabilities

Filing Positions

Competitive Process

Non-Competitive Process

CFR Subpart 2

Veterans Appointment

Veterans Recruitment Appointment

30% or More Disabled Veterans Program

Veterans Employment Opportunity Program

Recruitment

Applicant Eligibility and Qualification Requirements

Eligibility/Citizenship

Veteran’s Preference

Priority Reemployment List

Referral Services and Other Resources

Onboarding

After Schedule A Selection is Made

Duration of Appointment

Probationary Period

Crediting Federal Service for Probationary Period

Eligibility for Leave

Eligibility for Benefits

Time and Grade Requirements/Within Grade Increases

Conversions

Promotions

Transfers to Another Federal Agency

Reinstatements

Adverse Actions and Appeals

Hiring Goals

Documentation and Accountability

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Washington, DC 20405 HRM 9720.1 March 9, 2023 GSA ORDER SUBJECT: Using Schedule A to Hire Candidates with Disabilities 1. Purpose. This Order establishes guidelines for hiring candidates with disabilities using Schedule A of Title 5, Excepted Service at the General Services Administration (GSA) . When provisions of this guidance differ from changes in applicable law or regulation, the changes in law or regulation apply. 2. Background. This guidance covers only Schedule A positions filled under the excepted service authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u), regarding persons with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities (hereinafter “Persons with Disabilities” or ‘Schedule A’) . This directive incorporates information from ● Applicable statutes (e.g. , 5 U.S.C. 3302), ● Regulations (5 CFR 3. 1, 5 CFR 213.3102(u) and 5 CFR Parts 302 and 315), ● Executive Order (E.O. ) 12125, Competitive Status for Handicapped Federal Employees (March 15, 1979), ● E.O. 13124, Amending the Civil Service Rules Relating to Employees With Psychiatric Disabilities (June 4, 1999), ● E.O. 13548, Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (July 26, 2010), and ● E.O. 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (January 25, 2021) . This Order creates a foundation for consistent hiring practices of individuals with disabilities using the Schedule A authority. 3. Scope and Applicability. a. This Order contains policies and procedures for the hiring of applicants with disabilities using Schedule A of Title 5, Excepted service. The provisions of this Order apply to all hiring actions using this authority and are intended to improve the quality and availability of this information to all hiring officials within GSA. a. This policy does not apply to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) . The OIG has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978,(5 U.S.C. App.3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Inspector General”) and GSA Order ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1, GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“The Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the OIG” and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority) . Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management. 4. Nature of Revision. This directive is new and does not revise any other GSA Orders. 5. Implementation action. The implementation of this GSA Order must be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and, as it affects employees represented by a bargaining unit, is contingent upon compliance with applicable labor relations obligations. 6. Signature. /S/ Traci Dimartini Chief Human Capital Officer Office of Human Resources Management USING SCHEDULE A TO HIRE CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………..5 2. References……………………………………………………………………………………………5 3. Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………………….6 4. Responsibilities……………………………………………………………………………………...7 5. Verifying Proof of Disability Prior to Appointment……………………………………………8 6. Procedures for Hiring Individuals With Disabilities……………….………………….…..…..8 7. Filing Positions……………………………………………………….…………...……………….10 8. Competitive Process ……………….……………………..………………………………..……..10 9. Non-Competitive Process …………………………………..………………………..………….10 10. CFR Subpart 2……..……………………………………………………….……………………..10 11. Veterans Appoint

FAQs

What is the purpose of the GSA order on Schedule A hiring?

It establishes guidelines for hiring candidates with disabilities using Schedule A under Title 5, Excepted Service at the General Services Administration (GSA).

Who does Schedule A apply to under this guidance?

It covers Schedule A positions filled under the excepted service authority for persons with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities.

Does this policy apply to the Office of Inspector General (OIG)?

No. The order does not apply to the OIG because the OIG has independent personnel authority under the Inspector General Act and related GSA delegations.

Sep 15, 2026

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