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Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
- What is the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program?
- What is the purpose of the program?
- What are the program dates and deadlines?
- What are the program options?
APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
- Who is eligible to apply for the ComSci Program?
- Why must applicants be nominated by their agencies?
- How do I apply?
SELECTION
EDUCATION and LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
WORK ASSIGNMENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE
- How much does the ComSci Program cost?
- How are the tuition costs paid?
- Does the Fellowship provide housing during the Fellowship year?
- What is my official status while on a full-time work assignment?
- How is my salary paid when I am on a full-time work assignment?
- Where can I direct additional questions?
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. What is the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program?
The U.S. Department of Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program was established in 1964 at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program provides career, senior level employees of the Executive Branch with an opportunity to study national and international issues relating to the development, application, and management of science and technology policy.
The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which mandates the ComSci Program, gave management responsibility to the Secretary of Commerce. After being managed for many years at the Commerce Department's Technology Administration, program management returned to NIST in 2006. Since 1964, more than 500 individuals have graduated from the program.
2. What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the ComSci Program is to provide a hands-on learning experience for participants, increasing their understanding of:
technological innovation as a source of national and international economic growth;
the relationship of science and technology to government policies on economics, trade, education, and fiscal matters;
the organization of scientific and technological activities in the Federal Government; and
the technical activities and problems in other executive, legislative, and judicial agencies of the government, thereby motivating and encouraging the development of cooperative endeavors and programs.
3. What are the program dates and deadlines?
The ComSci application period opens on the second Wednesday in February.
The ComSci application period closes on the second Wednesday in April.
Interviews generally will be held during the second week in May.
Successful candidates are notified, and ComSci Fellowship announcements are made, during the last week in June.
The ComSci Fellowship Program begins on the second Thursday in September.
Work assignments usually begin in late September and end in June. However, to coincide with the legislative calendar, which begins in January, the Capitol Hill work assignment may begin in January and end in October.
The ComSci Fellowship Program ends with graduation on the fourth Thursday in June. (Fellows in Capitol Hill works assignments will continue the assignment portion of the program until October.)
4. What are the program options?
Two ComSci Program options are offered to applicants:
1. The ComSci Program With Work Assignment (Full-time Program)
This option offers a 10-month, intensive and challenging work assignment in an executive or legislative branch office (generally in the Washington Metropolitan Area), coupled with the policy study and leadership program of regularly-scheduled ComSci seminars, site visits, and other activities. It is designed to provide participants who choose the Full-time Program with policy-making and program-management experience at the highest executive levels. Guidance and assistance in seeking one's full-time work assignment is provided. Fellowship assignments are structured around the interests, qualifications, and developmental needs of each participant. Work assignments are aligned to each participant's specialty or competence. The tuition cost for this option is $8,500.
2. ComSci Program Without Work Assignment (Part-time Program)
This option is a 10-month policy study and leadership program without the work assignment. This option allows individuals to participate in ComSci on a once-a-week, part-time basis. Participants continue to work at their home agencies throughout the duration of the program while attending regular seminars and specially scheduled ComSci events. Option 2 is best suited for individuals in the Washington Metropolitan Area or for individuals who are able to commute to Washington, D.C., for one day each week. The tuition cost for this option is $8,500.
APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
5. Who is eligible to apply for the ComSci Program?
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.
6. Why must applicants be nominated by their agencies?
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).
Nominations forms, applications, and supporting documentation are forwarded by the agency's nominating official to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 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.
During the application period, which begins on the second Wednesday in February, applicants should apply online at www.usajobs.opm.gov. Applications must be completed and submitted by the second Wednesday in April. Nomination forms also must be submitted by the second Wednesday in April.
SELECTION
The ComSci Program uses a competitive selection process. Applications received by the closing date are first screened to ensure eligibility of the candidate, completeness of the application, and the receipt of the signed Nomination Form.
Following the first screening, applications are reviewed to identify candidates who:
- have a record of accomplishment and achievement in their federal career and in their field;
- have articulated clear goals for their participation in the program; and,
- have best identified the experience and abilities they hope to bring to the program.
Candidates whose applications best meet the above criteria are invited for interview. Interviews are conducted by a three-person panel comprised of the ComSci Program director, and former ComSci Fellows.
Following the interviews, the candidates are ranked, and reference checks are conducted for the finalist candidates.
Official notification of selection to participate in the ComSci Program is made by the Secretary of Commerce.
9. How important are my references?
References are very important. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of three references. At least one reference should be an individual who can speak to your professional experience and accomplishments in your field. One recommendation should be from your current supervisor. The third reference may be a former supervisor or other individual who knows you well, professionally.
If you are selected for interview, please alert your references that they may be contacted and request that they respond to the person conducting the reference check. An inability to reach your references could have a negative impact on your acceptance into the program.
POLICY STUDY and LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
10. What is the policy study and leadership program?
The policy study and leadership program is the backbone of the ComSci Program's overall learning activities. Whether participating in the part-time program or the full-time program with work assignment, Fellows take part in a wide variety of policy study and leadership opportunities and activities in the form of regular seminars, local site visits, a week-long Capitol Hill orientation, a week-long policy study field trip, an independent public service project, and a group project. The activities are tailored to meet the interests and needs of the class, while fulfilling the program goals and purposes.
Fellows play an important role in the ComSci Program, as a personal network to their peers and as an extension of the learning opportunities associated with the program. During the course of the Fellowship year, each Fellow will make a presentation on his/her home agency, or in the case of those with a full-time assignment, their home or their host agency. Working with the ComSci Program Director, Fellows also are encouraged to recommend seminar speakers and venues for local site visits. In addition, Fellows discuss and recommend possible destinations and study issues for the week-long policy study field trip.
WORK ASSIGNMENTS
11. How are work assignments made?
The ComSci Program Director will work with each Fellow participating in the full-time program to identify an appropriate work assignment and agency placement. Fellows are expected to take an active role in identifying and seeking placement opportunities.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
12. How much does the ComSci Program cost?
The ComSci Program tuition cost is $8,500 for the Part-time or the Full-time option. There are approximately $2,500 in travel costs, borne by the Fellow's home agency, for the one-week policy study field trip. And, there are approximately $100-$150 in out-of-pocket expenses borne by the Fellows. The out-of-pocket expenses are related to non-travel food or expenses that cannot be paid for with appropriated funds.
13. How are the tuition costs paid?
Upon selection into the ComSci Program, participants are instructed to have their home agencies prepare and submit a training form to the Director of the ComSci Program. Agencies should submit a Standard Form 182 (Request, Authorization, Agreement, and Certification of Training), or equivalent, for each participant.
14. Does the Fellowship provide housing during the Fellowship year?
No. Fellows and their agencies are responsible for their housing arrangements.
15. What is my official status while on a full-time work assignment?
Officially, Fellows are on a training assignment, not a detail. Therefore, an SF-52 (Personnel Action) is not required by your home agency.
16. How is my salary paid when I am on a full-time work assignment?
Your home agency should handle your payroll as it does now, whether direct deposit or mailed to your home.
17. Where can I direct additional questions?
Please contact ComSci.
 ComSci is managed by NIST, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Privacy policy / security notice / accessibility statement / Disclaimer / Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) / No Fear Act Policy / ExpectMore.gov (performance of federal programs) |