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Title 21: Alternative Pay & Personnel System

Title 21 Overview

Passed by Congress in December 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act granted an alternative pay and personnel system, Title 21, to the FDA to improve the Agency’s ability to recruit and retain scientific, technical, and professional experts in certain occupational series that support the development, review, and regulation of medical products.

FY23 Omnibus expanded Title 21 to include cross-cutting operational positions and individuals that support the development, review, and regulation of food and cosmetics in addition to medical products. Both statutes amended the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act 21 United States Code.

Government Reimagined

Flexible Hiring: Streamlines the hiring process, improving the time to hire and efficiency of the hiring process. 

Competitive Pay: Title 21 grants FDA the ability to create an alternative pay system (APS). The APS competitively compensates outstanding and qualified candidates in scientific, technical, professional, and cross-cutting operational position. 

Federal Benefits: Like other Federal hiring authorities, Title 21 provides employees with a robust and competitive benefits package to attract and retain talent (see FAQs).

Job Opportunities Career Fields & Pay FAQs

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