Which authority delegates to the heads of agencies the authority to make suitability determinations and take suitability actions?

• A. OPM Authority
• B. Agency Authority
• C. Congressional Authority
• D. Presidential Authority

Answer: (B)

Agency Authority is the mechanism by which the central policy body delegates to the heads of agencies the power to make suitability determinations and take related actions. This enables individual agencies to assess fitness for employment and take appropriate actions within their jurisdiction, while still operating under the overarching standards and guidelines established for federal personnel.

Presidential Authority and Congressional Authority refer to higher-level powers tied to the President or to statutes enacted by Congress, not the routine delegation to agency heads for day-to-day suitability decisions. OPM Authority provides the overarching framework and policy guidance, but the specific delegation that allows agency heads to adjudicate and act is the Agency Authority.