What should agency procedures establish regarding pass-over requests for preference eligibles?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of having detailed guidelines for submitting and evaluating pass-over requests for preference eligibles. These guidelines serve several key functions:

First, they ensure fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. By providing a structured approach, agencies can objectively assess each pass-over request based on established criteria, thereby minimizing the potential for bias or discrimination.

Second, detailed guidelines help clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the employees involved in the process and the applicants. This clarity ensures that everyone understands what is required for a pass-over request and what factors will be taken into consideration when these requests are evaluated.

Third, having well-defined procedures allows for consistency in how pass-over requests are handled across different cases and employees. This consistency fosters trust in the process and assurance that all applicants, especially those who are preference eligibles, are treated equitably.

In contrast, mechanisms like automatic approval without justification would undermine the integrity of the system, leaving room for misuse. A complete rejection of all pass-over requests lacks flexibility and fails to recognize valid cases. Similarly, prioritizing non-preference eligibles is contrary to the principles of the preference system designed to protect those who fall under preference eligibility criteria. Overall, detailed guidelines enhance the fairness and efficacy of the pass-over request