Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued an interim final rule today to extend the eligibility date for noncompetitive appointment of military spouses married to a member of the armed forces on active duty through December 31, 2028, as called for by enactment of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 117-263). 

“Expanding access to federal jobs for military spouses allows spouses to grow and succeed in their own careers while also supporting their partners in uniform,” said OPM Director Kiran Ahuja. “This policy will assure the federal government’s access to a diverse and talented group of applicants across the globe, and we are honored to benefit from their expertise.” 

OPM’s interim final rule extends the eligibility date of the Military Spouse Non-Competitive Appointment Authority by allowing spouses married to members of the armed forces on active duty to remain eligible for noncompetitive appointment under this hiring authority until December 31, 2028. Following enactment of the FY 2019 NDAA provisions, these spouses were eligible until August 12, 2023. 

Agencies can choose to use this authority when filling competitive service positions on a temporary (not to exceed one year), term (more than one year but not more than four years), or permanent basis. The authority does not entitle spouses to an appointment over any other applicant– it is used at the discretion of an agency.  

The interim final rule supports Executive Order 13832, Enhancing Noncompetitive Civil Service Appointments of Military Spouses, which recognizes the tremendous sacrifices and service of the members of the armed forces and their families and aims to decrease the burden of regulations that can inhibit the entry of military spouses in the workforce. The interim final rule advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s Joining Forces Initiative, which is working to eliminate barriers to employment and increase economic opportunities for military families, as well as the Administration’s priorities under Executive Order 14100, Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors, issued in June 2023.  

Public may submit comments on the interim final rule on the Federal Register.