Flexibility has been built into the allocation process to allow for some adjustments during the biennial cycle, within statutory limits, to meet unanticipated needs. OPM works with agencies to identify acceptable alternatives, such as the use of temporary allocations. Each agency examines its SES position requirements and submits a written request to OPM for a specific number of SES positions for a 2-year period. OPM may adjust individual allocations, if an agency presents sufficient justification.
Agencies are responsible for their executive resources planning and utilization.
OPM can authorize some temporary spaces, and suggest other alternatives. Every 2 years, OPM formally asks agencies to review and prioritize their executive resources needs in conjunction with their strategic plans, budget requirements, and program performance. Based on this analysis, agencies send OPM a written request for SES, SL, and ST spaces. Agencies that ask for allocation increases provide a comprehensive, agencywide assessment of their executive resources needs, covering established and requested positions, and prioritize all current and proposed positions in terms of their relative contribution to the agency mission requirements. In such cases, OPM may authorize the use of temporary allocations until the next biennial.