Excepted Service Problem

[Guest]

To anyone still in Phase 1,

If you get a chance to discuss your hiring action with your new SF, try to get them to use the typical direct hiring authority for scientists and engineers and NOT the SMART hiring authority. The typical DHA will allow them to appoint you to the competitive service, which means you can apply for "federal only" jobs, like promotions! If they use the SMART hiring authority, you are appointed into an excepted service which never gains "Status" for merit promotions and internal hires. This is no problem if you want to stay in that position forever. But, if you want a promotion or to move to another job, you need to be in the competitive service. Ask your SF if they can use the DHA for scientists and engineers instead of the SMART authority.

I'm ineligible for the promotion they are trying to give me because of this!!!

[Guest]

I would think this is by design. SMART has only served to screw over as many award recipients as possible so far.

[Guest]

They should be able to convert you after being in your position for two years (I believe this is directly in the hiring authority).

[guest]

are you guys that dissatisfied with your this scholarship? or is it typical government bullshit

[Guest]

are you guys that dissatisfied with your this scholarship? or is it typical government bullshit

That depends on what you mean by "typical government BS." I expected that I would be dealing with red tape, slow reaction times on any issues that come up - that kind of thing. I also didn't think that I was going to have access to the best equipment and facilities, even though that's what the SMART program promises. I mean, this is government work after all.

On the other hand, I didn't expect to be lied to repeatedly about my promotions and treated like garbage on a daily basis. They have you under contract, and they know it. If they want you to be a janitor, that's what you're going to be.

So I guess if you anticipate that phase 2 is going to be a living hell, then yeah, it's just typical government BS.

[Original Poster]

are you guys that dissatisfied with your this scholarship? or is it typical government bullshit

That depends on what you mean by "typical government BS." I expected that I would be dealing with red tape, slow reaction times on any issues that come up - that kind of thing. I also didn't think that I was going to have access to the best equipment and facilities, even though that's what the SMART program promises. I mean, this is government work after all.

On the other hand, I didn't expect to be lied to repeatedly about my promotions and treated like garbage on a daily basis. They have you under contract, and they know it. If they want you to be a janitor, that's what you're going to be.

So I guess if you anticipate that phase 2 is going to be a living hell, then yeah, it's just typical government BS.

This isn't everyone's experience. As implied by my post above, I'm being promoted now. There is just some personnel red tape to deal with. My experience has been great. I'm allowed almost complete research freedom, plenty of R&D dollars, opportunities to interact with policy makers in DC and several SES on a regular basis and impact nationwide operational decisions. I'm a GS13-4 now, after only 2 years, and expect to be a GS14 soon. After about 4 more years I'll be applying for my 15. $116k after 6 years isn't too shabby for government work. My point is that this experience is wildly different for every participant.

[Original Poster]

They should be able to convert you after being in your position for two years (I believe this is directly in the hiring authority).

You are correct. But, it's not required, just allowed. Also, it's not automatic. My HR person didn't have a clue this was supposed to happen. We are getting it resolved now, but personnel actions are S-L-O-W.

[anonymous12456]

They should be able to convert you after being in your position for two years (I believe this is directly in the hiring authority).

You are correct. But, it's not required, just allowed. Also, it's not automatic. My HR person didn't have a clue this was supposed to happen. We are getting it resolved now, but personnel actions are S-L-O-W.

I am having trouble now with my transition to career competitive. They have been saying that I will be switched at 2 years since I started and that is TODAY and just yesterday they decided that they actually want to wait until my service commitment is complete in 1 more year. My supervisor wants me to be changed and everyone in my department knows that I do the work of a much higher GS level than I am currently being compensated for, but our HR is lazy and doesn't feel like doing to paperwork. I am not sure if I have grounds, but I am considering a grievance. I just want the same opportunities as other to compete for other positions.

[Guest]

They should be able to convert you after being in your position for two years (I believe this is directly in the hiring authority).

You are correct. But, it's not required, just allowed. Also, it's not automatic. My HR person didn't have a clue this was supposed to happen. We are getting it resolved now, but personnel actions are S-L-O-W.

I am having trouble now with my transition to career competitive. They have been saying that I will be switched at 2 years since I started and that is TODAY and just yesterday they decided that they actually want to wait until my service commitment is complete in 1 more year. My supervisor wants me to be changed and everyone in my department knows that I do the work of a much higher GS level than I am currently being compensated for, but our HR is lazy and doesn't feel like doing to paperwork. I am not sure if I have grounds, but I am considering a grievance. I just want the same opportunities as other to compete for other positions.

Was it written at the bottom of your hiring SF-50? If so, they have to do it...."have to"

[Guest]

The bottom of my original SF-50 says

This appointment is intended to continue for 2 years. Upon satisfactory completion of 2-year trial period, you will be noncompetitively converted to career-conditional appointment. If performance is not satisfactory, or you fail to satisfactorily complete program, employment will be terminated.