Eligibility and Nomination

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for the ComSci Program, applicants:

  • must be career Federal Government employees of the Executive Branch;
  • must be U.S. citizens;
  • must have completed their undergraduate education;
  • must be a level GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 (or equivalent) in a professional or management series or SES; and
  • must be nominated by their agency for consideration by the program.

Nomination

Applicants are nominated for consideration by the ComSci Program by a designated agency representative (generally a training officer, supervisor, division chief. etc.). In general, nominations are based on the candidate's qualifications, accomplishments, and potential for career growth. Nomination by an agency does not ensure a candidate's selection by the ComSci Program.

The nomination process ensures that applicants:

  • meet the minimum eligibility requirements;
  • have the signature of an approving official, authorizing the applicant to participate in the program (if selected);
  • have their agency's support for participation (if selected) in the program;
  • have their agency's commitment to provide the time for the applicant to participate in the program; and
  • have their agency's commitment to provide the funds to support their participation (if selected) in the ComSci Program.*

*The signature of the nominating official denotes agreement to support the applicant's salary, fringe benefits, housing or relocation expenses required, local travel expenses, the tuition fee ($8,500 for either option of the program), and expenses associated with the one-week field trip (which are estimated to be about $2,500).

Nomination forms, applications, and supporting documentation must be received by the advertised closing date where the nomination/application package will be reviewed.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check with their Personnel Office to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed within their agency.

Applications are competitive, and applicants will be interviewed by the ComSci Program before final selections are made.

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