Presidential Innovation Fellows Program

Executive Order 13704 of August 17, 2015

Presidential Innovation Fellows Program

By the authority vested in me as President by the
Constitution and the laws of the United States of
America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. It is in the national interest for
the Federal Government to attract the brightest minds
skilled in technology or innovative practices to serve
in the Federal Government to work on some of the
Nation's biggest and most pressing challenges. This
order establishes a program to encourage successful
entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators to join the
Federal Government and work in close cooperation with
Federal Government leaders, to create meaningful
solutions that can help save lives and taxpayer money,
fuel job creation, and significantly improve how the
Federal Government serves the American people.

Sec. 2. Establishment and Administration. (a) The
Administrator of General Services (Administrator) shall
establish the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program
(Program) to enable exceptional individuals with proven
track records to serve time-limited appointments in
executive branch departments and agencies (agencies) to
address some of the Nation's most significant
challenges and improve existing Government efforts that
would particularly benefit from expertise using
innovative techniques and technology. Individuals
selected for the Program shall be known as Presidential
Innovation Fellows (Fellows).

    (b) The Program shall be administered by a
Director, appointed by the Administrator under
authorities of the General Services Administration
(GSA). GSA shall provide necessary staff, resources and
administrative support for the Program to the extent
permitted by law and within existing appropriations.
    (c) GSA shall appoint the Fellows and, in
cooperation with agencies, shall facilitate placement
of the Fellows to participate in projects that have the
potential for significant positive effects and are
consistent with the President's goals.

Sec. 3. Advisory Board. (a) The Administrator shall
establish an Advisory Board to advise the Director by
recommending such priorities and standards as may be
beneficial to fulfill the mission of the Program and
assist in identifying potential projects and placements
for Fellows. The Advisory Board will not participate in
the Fellows' selection process.

    (b) The Administrator will designate a
representative to serve as the Chair of the Advisory
Board. In addition to the Chair, the membership of the
Advisory Board shall include the Deputy Director for
Management of the Office of Management and Budget, the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the
Office of Management and Budget's Administrator of the
Office of Electronic Government, and the Assistant to
the President and Chief Technology Officer, or their
designees and such other persons as may be designated
by the Administrator. Consistent with law, the Advisory
Board may consult with industry, academia, or non-
profits to ensure the Program is continually
identifying opportunities to apply advanced skillsets
and innovative practices in effective ways to address
the Nation's most significant challenges.

Sec. 4. Application Process. (a) The Director, in
accordance with applicable law, shall prescribe the
process for applications and nominations of individuals
to the Program.

    (b) Following publication of these processes, the
Director may accept for consideration applications from
individuals. The Director shall establish, administer,
review, and revise, if appropriate, a Government-wide
cap on the number of Fellows.

The Director shall establish and publish salary ranges,
benefits, and standards for the Program.

Sec. 5. Selection, Appointment, and Assignment of
Fellows. (a) The Director, in accordance with
applicable law, shall prescribe appropriate procedures
for the selection, appointment, and assignment of
Fellows.

    (b) Prior to the selection of Fellows, the Director
will consult with agencies and executive branch
departments, regarding potential projects and how best
to meet those needs. Following such consultation, the
Director shall select and appoint individuals to serve
as Fellows.
    (c) The Fellows shall serve under short-term, time-
limited appointments. As a general matter, they shall
be appointed for no less than 6 months and no longer
than 2 years in the Program. The Director shall
facilitate the process of placing Fellows at requesting
agencies and executive branch departments.

Sec. 6. Responsibilities of Agencies. Each executive
branch department or agency, as defined in section 105
of title 5, United States Code, is encouraged to work
with the Director and Advisory Board to attempt to
maximize the Program's benefits to the department or
agency and the Federal Government, including by
identifying initiatives that will have a meaningful
effect on the people served and that will benefit from
involvement by one or more Fellows. Departments and
agencies also are encouraged to ensure that each Fellow
will work closely with responsible senior officials for
the duration of the assignment.

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order
shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head
thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with
applicable law and subject to the availability of
appropriations.

    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not,
create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity by any party against
the United States, its departments, agencies, or
entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any
other person.

    (Presidential Sig.)

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    August 17, 2015.