BIS STRENGTH Act

This legislation, known as the "BIS STRENGTH Act," empowers the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security (BIS) to attract and appoint highly qualified experts to address critical skill deficiencies within the Bureau. The Under Secretary is authorized to conduct annual studies to identify specific, uncommon knowledge, skills, and expertise that are difficult to fill through the standard civil service process and constrain BIS's ability to fulfill its mandate. Under this authority, personnel can be appointed from outside the civil service, with their basic pay rates set competitively, not exceeding the maximum for senior-level positions. However, these appointments are subject to strict limitations: an individual's service cannot exceed five years , and the total number of employees hired under this special authority is capped at 25 at any given time . Additionally, total annual compensation for these experts cannot surpass that of the Vice President. The bill requires the Under Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress, detailing identified skill gaps, efforts to hire internally, the qualifications and impact of appointed experts, and long-term staffing needs. This special hiring authority is temporary, with a sunset clause that terminates its effectiveness five years after enactment, although existing appointments may continue until their term expires.