TITLE 5 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

CHAPTER I - OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

SUBCHAPTER B - CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS

PART 731 - SUITABILITY

subpart a - SCOPE

731.101 - Purpose.

  (a) The purpose of this part is to establish criteria and procedures for making determinations of suitability for employment in positions in the competitive service and for career appointment in the Senior Executive Service (hereinafter in this part, competitive service) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3301 and Executive Order 10577 (3 CFR, 19541958 Comp., p. 218).

Section 3301 of title 5, United States Code, directs consideration of age, health, character, knowledge, and ability for the employment sought. Executive Order 10577 directs OPM to examine suitability for competitive Federal employment. This part concerns only determinations of suitability based on an individual's character or conduct that may have an impact on the integrity or efficiency of the service.

Determinations made under this part are distinct from determinations of eligibility for assignment to, or retention in, sensitive national security positions made under Executive Order 10450 (3 CFR, 19491953 Comp., p. 936), Executive Order 12968, or similar authorities.

  (b) Definitions. In this part: Applicant. A person being considered for employment.

Appointee. A person who has entered on duty and is in the first year of a subject to investigation appointment (as defined in 731.104).

Employee. A person who has completed the first year of a subject to investigation appointment.

Material. A material statement is one that is capable of influencing, or has a natural tendency to affect, an official decision.