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119-s-1768119th CongressWALLET

TALENTS Act

Sponsored By: Senator Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Would expand the Presidential Management Fellows Program to recruit and develop future federal leaders and set up a statutory structure for local Federal Executive Boards to improve regional coordination and management. The bill lays out who can apply, how fellows are trained and rotated, and how agencies and boards must manage the program.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More Presidential Management Fellows spots

If enacted, this would create a Presidential Management Fellows program run by OPM and the Director. The Director would run an annual competition and publish finalists for agencies. For FY2026 through FY2031 each year would have 200% of the pre-enactment fellow positions. Applicants would need an advanced degree finished no more than two years before the announcement or expect to finish by August 31, and to serve must have completed the degree within two years before starting.

Two-year federal hiring path for Fellows

If enacted, agencies could hire Fellows using 2-year Schedule D excepted service appointments. Agencies could place Fellows at GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 (or equivalent). The two-year appointment would count as a trial period, not a probationary period. Fellows would be classified in excepted service group II for RIF rules.

Fellow evaluation, conversion, and transfers

If enacted, Executive Resources Boards would evaluate each Fellow near program end and tell Fellows at least 30 days before completion if they met requirements. Fellows who are certified could be converted without a break in service to term or permanent competitive jobs. If an original agency cannot convert for reasons like budget or reorganization, cross-agency conversion would be allowed before the Program end. Fellows denied certification could ask the Director to reconsider within 15 days and remain in the Program while waiting. Agencies may remove Fellows for misconduct, poor performance, or suitability and must notify OPM.

Fellow training, mentoring, and rotations

If enacted, agencies would give each Fellow at least 80 hours per year of formal interactive training tied to an Individual Development Plan. Agencies must approve the IDP and assign a managerial mentor within 90 days of appointment. Each Fellow would get at least one 120–180 day developmental rotation under a different supervisor and may get a shorter additional rotation. Fellows could request part-time schedules for up to 180 days if the agency approves.

Local Federal Executive Boards created

If enacted, the Director would create or continue Federal Executive Boards in a list of metropolitan areas named in the bill. FEBs would coordinate local interagency management, training, shared services, and outreach. Each FEB must adopt bylaws, file a work plan by July 1, and submit an annual report by January 1. The Director could dissolve, merge, or create FEBs as needed.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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