On March 21, 2025, the White House released a memorandum aimed at enhancing the suitability and fitness assessments of the federal workforce. This memorandum delegates authority to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make final suitability determinations regarding executive branch employees based on their conduct after appointment. It outlines requirements for rulemaking that will amend existing regulations to improve the process of suitability determinations and actions.

The memorandum specifies that OPM will propose regulations requiring federal agencies to refer cases to OPM for suitability determinations based on post-appointment conduct. Furthermore, if the OPM Director issues instructions concerning the separation or corrective action related to an employee, the agency head must comply within five business days. This framework aims to ensure accountability and uphold standards within the federal workforce.

Additionally, the memorandum clarifies that it does not interfere with the existing authority of executive departments or agencies. It emphasizes that any implementation must align with applicable laws and available appropriations, and it does not create any enforceable rights or benefits. The OPM Director is also responsible for publishing the memorandum in the Federal Register to ensure transparency.

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