(a) OPM will determine when there is a critical hiring need for particular occupations, grades (or equivalent) and/or geographic locations. OPM may decide independently that such a need exists or may make this decision in response to a written request from an agency.

(b) An agency when requesting direct-hire authority under this section, or OPM when deciding on its own, must:   (1) Identify the position(s) that must be filled;   (2) Describe the event or circumstance that has created the need to fill the position(s);   (3) Specify the duration for which the critical need is expected to exist; and   (4) Include supporting evidence that demonstrates why the use of other hiring authorities is impracticable or ineffective.