Inconsistencies, yes, hence grievance procedure - in the end, OPM is the final authority over Agency HR unless it's an ambiguous - differed to the Agency for policy. MOUs are not binding if they oppose OPM, unless again, the OPM differs it to the Agency. Our agency holds NTE's and probation employees are typically not permitted through for NTE positions. NTE are typically journeymen who are moved to another location "Not To Exceed" x time frame and returned to their defined duty station. NTE are not a probationary detail or... if for some reason they permit an employee currently on probation to accept the position - then they are required to complete their probation time frame.
This is all predicated on their SF-50 status under 24.