ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13473Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13473

To Authorize Certain Noncompetitive Appointments in the Civil Service for Spouses of Certain Members of the Armed Forces

This executive order grants federal agencies authority to make noncompetitive appointments to competitive civil service positions for spouses of active-duty military members relocating on permanent change of station orders, spouses of totally disabled retired or separated service members, and unremarried widows or widowers of service members killed on active duty. The policy aims to support military recruitment and retention by easing employment barriers for military families.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 56703

Impact dates

  1. OPM Director to prescribe regulations implementing noncompetitive appointment authority

Key directives

  • Authorize noncompetitive appointments for spouses of active-duty members on PCS orders who relocate (Sec. 3(a))
  • Authorize noncompetitive appointments for spouses of totally disabled retired/separated members (Sec. 3(b))
  • Authorize noncompetitive appointments for unremarried widows/widowers of members killed on active duty (Sec. 3(c))
  • OPM Director to prescribe regulations (Sec. 3)
  • Agency heads to employ existing appointment authority as appropriate to carry out policy (Sec. 4)

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Noncompetitive appointment authority takes effect for eligible spouses upon signing

Near term (90d)

  • OPM expected to prescribe implementing regulations
  • Agency heads begin employing expanded appointment authority

Long term

  • Ongoing hiring preference for eligible military spouses and survivors
  • Potential cumulative effect on federal workforce composition and military retention rates

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadline for OPM regulations creates implementation uncertainty
  • Noncompetitive appointments may generate tension with merit-based civil service principles and other preference-eligible groups
  • Section 5(b) disclaimer that order creates no enforceable rights may limit recourse for eligible individuals if agencies decline to use authority
  • Scope limited to 'competitive service' positions; excepted service not addressed
Executive Order 13473: To Authorize Certain Noncompetitive Appointments in the Civil Service for Spouses of Certain Members of the Armed Forces · Executive Orders