Billet FAQs

Proposed Questions and Answers

The following information provides some general background on the Commissioned Corps billet system. As identified in the responses to some of the questions, there are some differences between the various Operating Divisions (OPDIVs). Please contact your OPDIVs Commissioned Corps liaison for answers to specific questions. Also, please note that changes may be made to the billet system as a part of the Commissioned Corps transformation activities. The following information represents the best general information that is available as of March 2006, and will be updated as new information becomes available. 

1. What’s the difference between a position description, billet description and vacancy announcement?

A position description covers the duties, requirements, and civil service grade (GS level) of a position for a civil service applicant. A billet description is the Commissioned Corps equivalent and describes the duties and requirements of a position based on its billet level. Vacancy announcements are the vehicles used by the Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) to advertise vacancies. They are written based on the civil service position description for the position being advertised.

 2. How is the billet level of a position determined?

 The position description is evaluated by the Chief Classifier and scored to determine the GS level based on a standardized scale. Billet levels are based on an equivalence to the GS grade, e.g. GS 14/15 = O-6. 

 3. What are the minimum qualifications for a particular position?

 The position description posted for a vacancy describes the minimum qualifications that a civil service applicant must meet. Although there is some variation between OPDIVs, in general, the selecting official can hire an officer whom the supervisor believes is capable of performing the duties, regardless of the officer’s rank and whether or not they meet the civil service minimum qualifications.

4. Can a position be advertised at more that one GS level?

 Yes.  You may see a posting for multiple GS levels, such as 7/9/11. This allows a civil service employee to be awarded a merit promotion in the future without re-advertising the position. The goal is to provide the selecting official flexibility in hiring to best meet the needs of their office or OPDIV.  

 5. When a commissioned officer is hired, how is their billet determined?

 The billet grade reflects the duties of the position.  The duties, and therefore billet grade, should be based on the level at which the officer is expected to function.

 6.  On my Personnel Orders, what is BDN ?

 BDN is your “Billet Description Number”.

7.  Now that I have my BDN, can I get a copy of my billet description?

Yes, go to the website: https://dcpweb.psc.gov/billets/scripts/main_menu.htm, and enter your BDN to retrieve the billet description.

8. Is there variability in the application of the billet system within the different agencies that PHS officers can be assigned to?

While the billet policy is the same throughout the Corps, there may be some variability in how the OPDIVs use the billet system to help accomplish their mission. In general, most OPDIVs utilize standard billets that have been graded by the Chief Classifier in the Servicing Personnel Office of the OPDIV. However, non-standard billets can be created when a standard billet does not adequately match the needs of the OPDIV.  The non-standard billets are written by the supervisor of the officer who will perform the duties.

9. Can the billet of a commissioned officer be raised after they meet certain qualifications without re-advertising the position?  

A billet describes the duties of the position, not the capabilities of the officer filling the position. A billet can be increased if the duties of the position change to a level that requires a billet increase. The potential for upgrading an existing billet varies between OPDIVs and is based on the needs of the organization and interpretation of the original policy. A billet cannot be changed because the officer is performing at an exceptional level; officer performance is documented and acknowledged through the COER system. 

10. How will my current billet affect my upcoming promotion?

The 2006 Engineer Benchmarks are the guideposts given to the promotion board as they review the service records of each officer being considered for promotion. Within precept #3, Career Progression and Potential, the benchmarks recommend that officers seeking promotion to the rank of O-4, O-5, or O-6, occupy a billet grade equivalent to, or greater than, the rank to which they are seeking promotion. It is important to remember that this is a guide and not criteria. The promotion board is asked to use their professional judgment as they review the entire service record of the officer in context with the entire set of benchmarks. (These benchmarks are available at:

http://www.usphsengineers.org/promotion/PY06_Engineer_Benchmarks.pdf)

11. What is ‘Indian Preference’? How does it work?

 Indian preference is term used in conjunction with the Indian Health Service (IHS) policy of granting preference to persons of Indian descent when appointments are made to vacant positions.  This policy evolved from the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.  Its intent is to help facilitate Indian self-government. 

 Indian preference applies to initial hiring, reassignments, transfers and competitive promotions for positions that are filled by either civil service or commissioned corps applicants.  To be eligible for Indian Preference, the individual first must be qualified for the position and suitable for Federal employment, and then meet the Federal Government’s definition of “Indian”. When these conditions are met, it is the policy of the IHS to provide absolute preference to qualified Indian applicants and employees when filling vacancies within the IHS. 

 Additional information on Indian Preference can be found in Chapter 3, Part 7 of Indian Health Manual, which provides information to IHS employees on IHS-specific policies and procedures.