TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.
The salary listed is based on the 2019 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.
Summary
TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.
The salary listed is based on the 2019 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.
Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Selectee placement will be based on requirements of the agency to effectively meet goals and objectives.
Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public.
Conduct a full range of complex investigations, including pre-registrant, scheduled, security, and compliance (i.e. public interest, civil, or criminal) within the regulated pharmaceutical and chemical program.
Conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record-keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
Collect and analyze information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
Research and prepare a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and provide guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
Develop and maintain working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies in order to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
Plan, implement, and participate in multi-jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations
This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
If selected, you must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Diversion Control Program. This mandatory agreement remains in effect throughout your career as a Diversion Investigator.
Successful completion of a mandatory 12 week in residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Drug testing designated position
Successful completion of an one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
Mobility agreement required.
Must maintain a valid state driver's license
Medical examination required.
Qualifications
GS-07: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: drafting documents to summarize information, incidents, or investigations for review by a supervisor; responding to questions from government officials or the general public on frequently used, rules, regulations, or laws; gathering and organizing information from databases, online resources, or documents; and evaluating information to identify potential violations of rules, regulations, or laws. -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by at least one year of graduate level education. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in a field or I expect to complete all requirements within the next nine months; and my education meets at least one of the following requirements for superior academic achievement: 1) class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; 2) grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; 3) grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR 4) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than one year. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)
GS-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service performing such duties as writing reports to document incidents or investigations for potential use in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings; providing guidance on the application of rules, regulations, or laws to government officials or the general public; analyzing data from various sources to identify trends and verify the accuracy of information; organizing and evaluating information to identify potential violations of rules, regulations, or laws and determine appropriate action(s); and participating in meetings, briefings, or hearings to provide information about investigative activities. . -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-09 level may be met by two (2) full academic years of graduate level education or completion of all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or completion of all requirements for an LL.B or J.D. degree, if related. -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.
Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
Writing
Oral Communication
Reasoning
Planning and Evaluation
Compliance Inspection
Research
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, click here.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.
Additional information
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
A recruitment incentive may be authorized
All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.
It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package, it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click here to access the Drug Questionnaire.
To submit your completed Drug Questionnaire please follow the instructions for uploading in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.
Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
If you experience technical issues with completing your online application, you may review online help resources or submit a ticket to the Help Desk by accessing the 'Help Center' (upper-right of your screen, next to the question mark icon).
Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Ultimately selectee placement will be based on the requirements of the agency in order to effectively meet its' goals and objectives.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Phase 1: USA Hire Assessments
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments. The USA Hire Assessments will be completed online and include the Assessment Questionnaire and Biographical Data Questionnaire. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Oral Communication, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Technology Application, and Writing.
Phase 2: Proctored Testing
The best qualified candidates from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Judgment Assessment, Mathematics Assessment, and the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from those available. There are over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Arithmetic, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Writing.
***You will not be able to retake the USA Hire assessment for one (1) year, regardless of whether you pass or fail.***
Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
The best qualified candidates from Phase 2, will have their resumes and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.
Phase 4: Structured Interview
Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted by telephone or email to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete the in-person Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communication; Problem Solving, Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; and Teamwork.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories; Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Names of all candidates in the best qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Required Documents:
Resume
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10520221.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS accountto apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Diversion Staffing Unit via email, HRRD.Recruit@usdoj.gov or at 2023074148 to obtain an alternative application.
You must complete the USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Assessments must be received by helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov BEFORE the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).
Before attempting to take the USA Hire Assessments, you should visit the sample items at https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.action . While the sample items are not the same type of items as those you will complete for this job, viewing the sample items should provide an indication of whether the computer you are using is likely to experience any presentation or performance issues during testing.
You can also use this site to determine if you may wish to request a Reasonable Accommodation to take the assessments. Please note the assessments you will be completing do NOT include a video or audio component. They include ONLY text-based questions and response options. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance please contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov .
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Assessments, click here for more information about the request process: http://www.usajobs.gov/content/pdfs/USAHireReasonableAccommodation.pdf.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours of the closing of the JOA. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours from the time the email is sent.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation (e.g.: resume, transcripts, etc.) and that you complete all required assessments.
After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your application package to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. Following completion of all evaluation phases a list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email. Once the selections have been made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
Please remember, if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from assessments@USAHire.opm.gov with a link to take the USA Hire Assessments. Please be sure to check your email, spam and junk folders daily. These assessments must be completed within 48 hours after the close of this JOA. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact HelpDesk@USAHire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. The tentative time frame for beginning the Structured Interviews (Evaluation Phase 4) is late October 2019.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Required Documents:
Resume
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10520221.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS accountto apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Diversion Staffing Unit via email, HRRD.Recruit@usdoj.gov or at 2023074148 to obtain an alternative application.
You must complete the USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Assessments must be received by helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov BEFORE the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).
Before attempting to take the USA Hire Assessments, you should visit the sample items at https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.action . While the sample items are not the same type of items as those you will complete for this job, viewing the sample items should provide an indication of whether the computer you are using is likely to experience any presentation or performance issues during testing.
You can also use this site to determine if you may wish to request a Reasonable Accommodation to take the assessments. Please note the assessments you will be completing do NOT include a video or audio component. They include ONLY text-based questions and response options. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance please contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov .
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Assessments, click here for more information about the request process: http://www.usajobs.gov/content/pdfs/USAHireReasonableAccommodation.pdf.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours of the closing of the JOA. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours from the time the email is sent.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation (e.g.: resume, transcripts, etc.) and that you complete all required assessments.
After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your application package to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. Following completion of all evaluation phases a list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email. Once the selections have been made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
Please remember, if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from assessments@USAHire.opm.gov with a link to take the USA Hire Assessments. Please be sure to check your email, spam and junk folders daily. These assessments must be completed within 48 hours after the close of this JOA. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact HelpDesk@USAHire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. The tentative time frame for beginning the Structured Interviews (Evaluation Phase 4) is late October 2019.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.