ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13678Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13678

Conversion Authority for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

This executive order grants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) authority to non-competitively convert Schedule B criminal investigators (special agents) to career civil service appointments after three years of satisfactory service, bringing ATF in line with other federal law enforcement agencies. The Office of Personnel Management is directed to issue implementing regulations.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 60949

Impact dates

  1. OPM regulations to implement conversion authority

Key directives

  • Grant ATF authority to non-competitively convert Schedule B criminal investigators to career appointments after 3 years of fully satisfactory service
  • Require OPM Director to prescribe implementing regulations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO takes effect upon signing
  • Authority to convert eligible ATF investigators becomes available

Near term (90d)

  • OPM regulations to be drafted and issued (no fixed deadline specified)

Long term

  • Eligible ATF investigators with 3+ years service may seek conversion
  • Structural change to ATF recruitment competitiveness

Risks & tensions

  • No deadline specified for OPM regulations, creating implementation uncertainty
  • Vague 'qualifications and other requirements' to be established by OPM Director leaves discretion undefined
  • Non-competitive conversion may raise equity concerns with other civil service candidates
  • Limited to those already appointed under Schedule B, not new hires
Executive Order 13678: Conversion Authority for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives · Executive Orders