Opinion ID: 3045440
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: GS-14 Vacancy

Text: On March 19, 2002, the OIG announced a GS-14 senior auditor vacancy, a role that includes “planning, directing, and guiding audit teams . . . or serving as a full-time team leader on assignments of extreme complexity,” and generally managing the work of all audit teams. (Id. at 176.) Applicants were required to have a “degree in accounting,” and at least “one year of specialized experience” at the GS-13 level. (Id. at 177.) Ware and Walters were the only two qualified candidates to apply, and they were to be evaluated on their “experience, education, training, self-development, and performance appraisals as they related” to the “knowledge skills and abilities” (KSAs) required for the position. (Id. at 177.) The GS-14 position was of particular importance because van Beverhoudt planned to retire in the near future (as he did, in April 2006). Given the small size of the Caribbean Field Office, van Beverhoudt’s GS-15 position would be phased out, and the person selected as GS-14 would be the next head of the office. Van Beverhoudt recommended Ware for the promotion, and, though his superiors in Washington – including LaRouche – had the ability to override his recommendation, they did not do so. He notified Walters of his decision on April 19, 2002, informing her that he had chosen Ware “[b]ecause he gets along with more people on the staff” and his work was “more complete.” (Id. at 87; 572-73.) He further stated that “Mike [Ware] will be better for the office in the long run.” (Id.) -7-