An act to amend title 5, United States Code, to codify the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program, and for other purposes
PL 115-1 (H.R.39), enacted 01/20/2017

131 STAT. 3 
PUBLIC LAW 115–1—JAN. 20, 2017 
Public Law 115–1 
115th Congress 
An Act 
To amend title 5, United States Code, to codify the Presidential Innovation Fellows 
Program, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Tested Ability to Leverage Excep-
tional National Talent Act of 2017’’ or the ‘‘TALENT Act of 2017’’. 
SEC. 2. PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION FELLOWS 
PROGRAM 
‘‘§ 3171. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program 
‘‘(a) POLICY.—It is in the national interest for the Government 
to attract the brightest minds skilled in technology or innovative 
practices to serve in the Government to work on some of the 
Nation’s biggest and most pressing challenges. This subchapter 
establishes a program to encourage successful entrepreneurs, execu-
tives, and innovators to join the Government and work in close 
cooperation with Government leaders, to create meaningful solu-
tions that can help save lives and taxpayer money, fuel job creation, 
and significantly improve how the Government serves the American 
people. 
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator of General Services 
shall continue the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program (herein-
after referred to as the ‘Program’) to enable exceptional individuals 
with proven track records to serve time-limited appointments in 
executive agencies to address some of the Nation’s most significant 
challenges and improve existing Government efforts that would 
particularly benefit from expertise using innovative techniques and 
technology. 
‘‘(c) ADMINISTRATION.—The Program shall be administered by 
a Director, appointed by the Administrator under authorities of 
the General Services Administration. The Administrator shall pro-
vide necessary staff, resources and administrative support for the 
Program. 
‘‘(d) APPOINTMENT OF FELLOWS.—The Director shall appoint 
fellows pursuant to the Program and, in cooperation with executive 
agencies, shall facilitate placement of fellows to participate in 
Appointment. 
5 USC 3171. 
5 USC 
prec. 3171. 
Tested Ability 
to Leverage 
Exceptional 
National Talent 
Act of 2017. 
5 USC 101 note. 
Jan. 20, 2017 
[H.R. 39] 
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131 STAT. 4 
PUBLIC LAW 115–1—JAN. 20, 2017 
projects that have the potential for significant positive effects and 
are consistent with the President’s goals. 
‘‘(e) APPLICATION PROCESS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall prescribe the process 
for applications and nominations of individuals to the Program. 
‘‘(2) PROGRAM STANDARDS.—Following publication of these 
processes, the Director may accept for consideration applica-
tions from individuals. The Director shall establish, administer, 
review, and revise, if appropriate, a Governmentwide cap on 
the number of fellows. The Director shall establish and publish 
salary ranges, benefits, and standards for the Program. 
‘‘(f) SELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF FELLOWS.— 
‘‘(1) PROCEDURES.—The Director shall prescribe appropriate 
procedures for the selection, appointment, and assignment of 
fellows. 
‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—Prior to the selection of fellows, the 
Director shall consult with the heads of executive agencies 
regarding potential projects and how best to meet those needs. 
Following such consultation, the Director shall select and 
appoint individuals to serve as fellows. 
‘‘(3) TIME LIMITATION.—Fellows selected for the Program 
shall serve under short-term, time-limited appointments. Such 
fellows shall be appointed for no less than 6 months and no 
longer than 2 years in the Program. The Director shall facilitate 
the process of placing fellows at requesting executive agencies. 
‘‘(g) RESPONSIBILITIES
OF AGENCIES.—Each executive agency 
shall work with the Director and the Presidential Innovation Fel-
lows Program advisory board established under section 3172 to 
attempt to maximize the Program’s benefits to the agency and 
the Government, including by identifying initiatives that have a 
meaningful effect on the people served and that benefit from 
involvement by one or more fellows. Such agencies shall ensure 
that each fellow works closely with responsible senior officials for 
the duration of the assignment. 
‘‘§ 3172. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program advisory 
board 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of General Services shall 
continue an advisory board to advise the Director of the Presidential 
Innovation Fellows Program by recommending such priorities and 
standards as may be beneficial to fulfill the mission of the Presi-
dential Innovation Fellows Program and assist in identifying poten-
tial projects and placements for fellows. The advisory board may 
not participate in the selection process under section 3171(f). 
‘‘(b) CHAIR; MEMBERSHIP.—The Administrator shall designate 
a representative to serve as the Chair of the advisory board. In 
addition to the Chair, the membership of the advisory board shall 
include— 
‘‘(1) the Deputy Director for Management of the Office 
of Management and Budget; 
‘‘(2) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management; 
‘‘(3) the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Govern-
ment of the Office of Management and Budget; 
‘‘(4) the Assistant to the President and Chief Technology 
Officer; and 
‘‘(5) other individuals as may be designated by the Adminis-
trator. 
Designation. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
5 USC 3172. 
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131 STAT. 5 
PUBLIC LAW 115–1—JAN. 20, 2017 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 39: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017): 
Jan. 10, 11, considered and passed House. 
Jan. 17, considered and passed Senate. 
‘‘(c) CONSULTATION.—The advisory board may consult with 
industry, academia, or nonprofits to ensure the Presidential Innova-
tion Fellows Program is continually identifying opportunities to 
apply advanced skillsets and innovative practices in effective ways 
to address the Nation’s most significant challenges.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for chapter 
31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM 
‘‘3171. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program. 
‘‘3172. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program advisory board.’’. 
(c) TRANSITION.—The Presidential Innovation Fellows Program 
established pursuant to Executive Order No. 13704 (5 U.S.C. 3301 
note) as in existence on the day before the date of enactment 
of this Act shall be considered the Presidential Innovation Fellows 
Program described in the amendments made by this Act. 
(d) NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.—No additional funds 
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act or the 
amendments made by this Act. This Act and the amendments 
made by this Act shall be carried out using amounts otherwise 
authorized. 
Approved January 20, 2017. 
5 USC 3171 note. 
5 USC 
prec. 3010. 
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