constitute the overall policy for the application process for a DME, DPRE and DAR-T applicant.
2. General.
a. Selection Process. The general process of selection is divided into three parts: DMS determines if system-defined minimum qualifications are met; the selecting official determines if need and ability requirements are met; an evaluation specialist is then assigned to further review the applicant’s qualifications and abilities. Below is a high-level representation of the selection process.
Figure 5-1. High-Level Selection Process Flow
Request Selecting Evaluating Specialist/Panel
Designee Official completes applicant evaluation applicants completes need requirements and makes
b. Selection Considerations.
(1) When a need for a designee has been identified, the field office management will query DMS for a listing of qualified applicants.
Note: DMS is the sole source from which to obtain qualified applicants.
(2) Under normal circumstances, DMS will generate a listing of up to three of the most qualified applicants fulfilling the specific requirements set forth by the field office.
(3) An evaluation panel, determined by the selecting official, will then be established to review and evaluate the list of viable applicants identified through DMS.
(4) DMS replaces the initial applicant screening process previously held by the NEB. The DMS automatically produces a list of the most qualified applicants for each designee type based on the experience, credentials, background, and geographic requirements specified by field office management.
3. Need and Ability to Manage. See volume 1 of this Order.
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a. Initial Request. DMS will return a maximum of three applicants per request. If there are more than three applicants that match the search criteria, DMS will generate the three with the highest scores within the system. If the number of applications is less than three, the selecting official is given the opportunity to amend the search criteria two additional times. After the third query, the office status changes to “Request Lock Out,” which prevents the office from submitting further requests for applications of this type for six months.
b. Additional Requests.
(1) If the selecting official, in consultation with the field office management, rejects the applications provided by DMS for good cause, DMS may be accessed for an additional listing of up to three applicants for review. If the evaluation panel, with concurrence by the selecting official, rejects the second group of applications, the field office must wait six months before requesting additional applications from DMS.
(2) “Request Lock Out” status will only allow the selecting official to continue with the list of applicants provided during the last search. The selecting official may also contact the policy owner to request that the lockout be removed.
(3) If no qualified candidates are available within DMS, an appointing official may request a deviation from minimum qualification requirements if:
(a) The FAA demonstrates a significant need for the appointment, and (b) The designee meets an equivalent qualification.
5. Evaluation.
a. Evaluation Panel. The selecting official will assign an evaluation panel to further evaluate the applicant(s) that DMS identifies. At such time that one or more viable applicants have been identified through DMS, an evaluation panel is convened to consider the merits of each applicant. The panel is generally comprised of three FAA staff which should include:
(1) The managing specialist expected to be assigned to the designee. The presumed managing specialist will assume the role of “evaluating specialist” during the evaluation process.
(2) Two additional ASIs which may include an FLM.
b. Evaluation Panel Tasks. The evaluation panel assesses each applicant’s background, knowledge, and experience by conducting a thorough review of the designee application. To support this process, the following tasks must be accomplished:
(2) Verify that the applicant possesses the appropriate airman certificate for the authorities sought.
(3) Review relevant information for each prospective application from each of the following FAA databases in order to determine that candidate’s aviation background and any issues which may have an adverse effect on that candidate’s application:
(a) EIS; (b) AIDS; (c) SPAS; (d) PTRS; and (e) DMS.
(4) Ensure, based on the research found in the databases above, that the requirements of volume 1, chapter 4, are met.
(5) Contact references.
(6) Interview the applicant to determine if the general and specific qualifications
necessary for appointment are present, responses are consistent with the application information, and the qualities necessary to be successful as a designee are possessed.
(7) Evaluate the applicant’s facilities and equipment to be used for testing (DME/DPRE).
c. Evaluation Panel Outcomes.
(1) When the evaluation panel determines that an applicant meets the requirements for designation, the results are documented in DMS and a recommendation is provided to the appointing official. If the appointing official is in agreement with the recommendation, the appointment process will ensue. Refer to chapter 4, Designee Appointment, in this order for information relating to the appointment process.
(2) If the evaluation panel, with concurrence from the selecting official, rejects the applications provided by DMS for good cause, DMS may be queried for an additional listing of up to three applicants. If the evaluation panel, with concurrence from the selecting official, rejects the second group of applications, the requesting field office must wait six months before soliciting additional designee applications from DMS.
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Chapter 4. Designee Appointment
1. Purpose. This chapter provides the policy related to the designee appointment of DME,