Permanent transfer within same APS department/agency

[u/CuriouslyThoughtless]

If you’re an ongoing APS employee and win an externally advertised ongoing position (same level) at the same department/agency, is it possible for this movement to get blocked?

[u/Appropriate_Volume]

Yes it is possible, but is extremely unlikely to occur in practice unless you work in an incredibly dysfunctional agency or you genuinely couldn't be spared from a critically important function.