The 'Plum Book' is out in print and digital formats

The Government Printing Office on Monday released its quadrennial “United States Policy and Supporting Positions” directory, colloquially known as the “Plum Book.”

The book provides a guide to the more than 8,000 federal civil service leadership and support positions available in the executive and legislative branches. In a 21^st century upgrade to the 60-year-old tradition, GPO announced that the directory would be available as a searchable Web app, alongside a digital version on the agency’s website. The print version has been available in GPO’s store since Monday morning at 10 a.m., and sells for $38.

"This publication is a great example of how GPO serves as the official link between the government and its citizens by making information available in official, digital and secure formats," acting Public Printer Davita Vance-Cooks said in a statement.

The Plum Book contains details on positions by agency, pay grade, tenure and appointment type, and more. Major categories of positions listed include those in the Executive Schedule, Senior Executive Service, Senior Foreign Service, Schedule C posts, and other positions at the General Schedule 14 level or above that are exempt from the competitive civil service.

The book is alternatively published by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee after each presidential election.