ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13318Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13318

Presidential Management Fellows Program

This executive order establishes the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program to recruit outstanding graduate-degree holders and experienced professionals into federal public sector management. It replaces the earlier Presidential Management Intern Program (Executive Order 12364), sets eligibility criteria, appointment rules, and a two-year fellowship structure with possible one-year extension, and directs OPM to manage the transition and prescribe implementing regulations.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 66317

Impact dates

  1. OPM to prescribe regulations and merit-based rules for program implementation

  2. OPM to provide for orderly transition from Intern Program to Fellows Program

Key directives

  • OPM Director to prescribe merit-based rules for recruitment, nomination, assessment, selection, appointment, placement, and continuing career development of fellows
  • OPM Director to provide for orderly transition from Presidential Management Intern Program to Presidential Management Fellows Program
  • OPM Director to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the order
  • Department/agency heads retain authority to appoint fellows employed in their organizations
  • Universities and colleges to nominate eligible individuals through competitive selection processes
  • Fellow appointments not to exceed 2 years unless extended by agency head with OPM concurrence for up to 1 additional year

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • PMF Program constituted; existing Presidential Management Interns redesignated as PMFs

Near term (90d)

  • OPM to prescribe regulations and merit-based rules for recruitment, nomination, assessment, selection, appointment, placement, and career development
  • OPM to provide for orderly transition from Intern Program to Fellows Program

Long term

  • ongoing program operation with annual cohorts
  • fellows may complete program and obtain competitive civil service status

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit calendar deadlines specified; OPM discretion on timing creates implementation uncertainty
  • Transition from prior Intern Program could create administrative friction or confusion for existing participants
  • Fellows have no right to further federal employment after appointment expires unless they complete program satisfactorily and meet OPM requirements
  • Vague 'expect to receive soon thereafter' language for degree completion allows interpretive flexibility that could affect eligibility consistency
Executive Order 13318: Presidential Management Fellows Program · Executive Orders