PILOT PROGRAM ON DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR VETERAN TECHNICAL EXPERTS INTO THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE.

SEC. 1112. [10 U.S.C. 1701 note] PILOT PROGRAM ON DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR VETERAN TECHNICAL EXPERTS INTO THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE. (a) Pilot Program.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of appointing qualified veteran candidates to positions described in subsection (b) in the defense acquisition workforce of the military departments without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code. The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in each military department through the service acquisition executive of such military department. (b) Positions.—The positions described in this subsection are scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematics positions, including technicians, within the defense acquisition workforce. (c) Limitation.—Authority under subsection (a) may not, in any calendar year and with respect to any military department, be exercised with respect to a number of candidates greater than the number equal to 1 percent of the total number of positions in the acquisition workforce of that military department that are filled as of the close of the fiscal year last ending before the start of such calendar year. (d) Definitions.—In this section: (1) The term “employee” has the meaning given that term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code. (2) The term “veteran” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (e) Termination.— (1) In general.—The authority to appoint candidates to positions under the pilot program shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Effect on existing appointments.—The termination by paragraph (1) of the authority in subsection (a) shall not affect any appointment made under that authority before the termination date specified in paragraph (1) in accordance with the terms of such appointment.