Originally Posted by: cs79 
bull28 can't post and said via a PM:
bull28 wrote:Hey I just received FIRM offer today, start date is Oct 1st down in Farmers Branch TX (Dallas)
we made it
feel free to post this info into the thread since I cannot post in threads yet
Just adding my experience.
Been applying to IRS and GSA for almost 8 years, had scores and scores of "Best Qualified" and "Highly Qualified" and even had several interviews by phone. (Note, I was not claiming my veteran status and do not have any disability, etc., that would bump my chances).
In mid-August 2018 I received an email from IRS HR asking me to fill out a lot of forms. It said "Your application has been received and accepted and you are now ready to take the next step in the hiring process for this announcement. Please visit UsaJobs.gov and follow the steps listed below to access your assigned tasks."
Filled out the forms now showing against my USAJobs application; some questions I had difficulty finding the right answer among the choices offered and had to ask my assigned HR rep for assistance. Got them all filled out to meet the 1-week deadline. Next I received an appt notice for fingerprinting and ID photo. Took care of that within 3 days of getting the notice.
Last week of August I got the Tentative Offer and instructions to complete the QIP background information. (They got really picky in my case, wanting to know people who knew me in K-12 school years. I moved from my home town immediately after HS graduation and never once had any interaction with the people I grew up with; no idea where they live or even if they are still alive. Had to pay internet people-finder services to locate a few).
First week of September, got "Action Required: Please accept firm offer letter for your new position" email
Second week, got "You are scheduled to attend a new hire orientation" email
From 1st notice in mid-August to EOD swearing in day, 1 month 3 days.
No idea if background check was done, I doubt it, it will probably happen in the next few months to year.
Oddly enough, and as part of my new-hire education giving links to various intranet sites, I discovered my name on a team roster dating back to mid-June. Apparently I was selected and assigned to a team in June. I only heard about it in August and completed hiring in September.
As to open positions and hiring activities, I hear from my management and all those around me in the office that there is a backlog of need for IT pros. I know nothing about available funding, however, not how big that backlog is.
Hope this boosts expectations for a few of you.