---
kind: "section"
citation: "5 C.F.R. § 337.201"
title: "5"
number: "337.201"
heading: "Coverage and purpose."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/5/337.201"
---

# §337.201. Coverage and purpose.


OPM will permit an agency with delegated examining authority under [5 U.S.C. 1104(a)(2)](/usc/5/1104.md?p=a-2) to use direct-hire authority under [5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3)](/usc/5/3304.md?p=a-3) for a permanent or nonpermanent position or group of positions in the competitive service at GS-15 (or equivalent) and below, if OPM determines that there is either a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for such positions. It is not required that this direct-hire authority be exercised by a delegated examining unit. Requests for direct-hire authority must be submitted by the agency's Chief Human Capital Officer (or equivalent) at the agency headquarters level. OPM will determine the length of the direct-hire authority based on the justification.


## Notes

### Source

Source: 69 FR 33275, June 15, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 1104(a), 1302, 2302, 3301, 3302, 3304, 3319, 5364; E.O. 10577, 3 CFR 1954-1958 Comp., p. 218; 33 FR 12423, Sept. 4, 1968; and 45 FR 18365, Mar. 21, 1980; 116 Stat. 2135, 2290; 117 Stat. 1392, 1665; and E.O. 13833.