NSPS Final Enabling Regulations Published

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) jointly issued Final Enabling Regulations for the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). NSPS was authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA 2004) and amended by NDAA 2008. The final regulations become effective 60 days after publication, consistent with the provisions of the Congressional Review Act.

While Congress made significant changes to the underlying NSPS statute, the core features of NSPS remain essentially intact, including the pay banding and classification structure, compensation flexibilities, and the pay for performance system. NSPS retains the core values of the civil service, including merit system principles and veterans’ preference, and allows employees to be paid and rewarded based on performance results and local market considerations.

“We have been working diligently to update the regulations,” said Brad Bunn, Program Executive Officer, NSPS. “The updates align regulations with NDAA 2008, as well as adjust and clarify the rules to ensure uniform and consistent application of NSPS program principles.”

An outline of key changes to NSPS can be accessed online:

• To view the major changes to NSPS brought about by NDAA 2008, CLICK HERE.
• To view the adjustments and clarifications made to lend consistency to NSPS based on lessons learned and best practices, CLICK HERE.
• To view the additional substantive changes made to NSPS following publication of the proposed regulations, CLICK HERE.
• To view the Final Enabling Regulations, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Bunn emphasized that NSPS implementation remains on schedule. “NSPS continues to be a top priority for the Department,” he said. “Approximately 183,000 DoD employees presently work under the system.”

PAA Strategy Supports End-of-Cycle and Performance Planning Activities

September and October are important times in the performance management cycle. Employees and supervisors are ending one cycle and planning for the next one.

Beginning September 28, 2008, PAA will be available in two versions:

• PAA v2.0 is used to complete FY08 annual appraisal activities (available through March 2009)
• PAA v3.0 is used to build FY09 performance plans
  
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