NSPS
- The DoD National Security Personnel System
On 30 April 2006, approximately 11,000 Department of
Defense (DoD) employees were converted from the old
civil service system to the National Security Personnel
System (NSPS) as part of NSPS Spiral 1.1. NSPS is being
implemented in spirals, each containing a number of
DoD organizations. In the Army, NSPS Spiral 1.1 was
implemented in CONUS-based Civilian Human Resource Agency
(CHRA) organizations. CHRA managers, supervisors, and
employees received extensive training prior to the implementation
on the basics of NSPS. This includes performance management,
setting clear performance expectations, as well as evaluating
and providing feedback to employees. All DoD organizations
will be provided the same extensive training prior to
implementation.
DoD continues to review options for the deployment
of Spirals 1.2 and 1.3 planned for later this year and
early next year. The provisions of NSPS being implemented
are: performance management, compensation and classification,
staffing, and workforce shaping.
Note:
Previously the South Pacific Region (SPR) was scheduled
to convert to NSPS with Spiral 1.1 organizations. The
SPR conversion to NSPS was delayed for a variety of
reasons. Currently USACE is scheduled to begin implementing
NSPS in October 2007. Managers and employees will receive
NSPS training prior to implementation.
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All employees are encouraged to visit the NSPS website
for up-to-date information
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http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/
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Civil service General Schedule (GS) to NSPS Conversion
Calculator
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http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/conversion/index.html
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Army guidance and detailed plans are posted on the
Civilian Personnel On-Line site
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http://cpol.army.mil/library/general/nsps/
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Additional information and links are available on
the Regional Business Center (RBC) website
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http://rbc.spd.usace.army.mil/
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Implementation of the National Security Personnel
System (NSPS) will require that supervisors, managers,
and employees not only have a basic knowledge of NSPS
regulations and processes, but also possess the core
competencies needed to successfully transition to and
thrive in the new environment. Four core competencies
have been identified as being essential for successful
NSPS implementation. These are: 1) the ability to deal
with change; 2) skill in interpersonal communications;
3) the ability to coach and counsel employees; and 4)
the ability to achieve results through performance and/or
manage employee performance. These skills have always
been important--under NSPS, these skills become even
more critical.
There are two sources of core competency training
available: web-based courses through the Army Knowledge
Online (AKO) E-Learning program; and classroom training
presented onsite at installations and activities by
training vendors. These core competency courses are
not mandatory, but are recommended for managers, supervisors
and employees to assist in the development of core competencies.
Ideally, this training should be taken prior to implementation
of NSPS.
These courses do not provide technical information
about NSPS-their focus is on the development of the
core competencies (soft skills) which will be needed
to successfully implement NSPS. Training on NSPS regulations
and processes will be provided to employees and supervisors
when NSPS is deployed at their installation or activity.
Any Army employee may register for online courses
under Army's E-Learning program through AKO.
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Instructions for registering for these courses are
available at:
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http://www.chra.army.mil/nsps-training/index.htm.
The recommended online courses are listed in the
Army E-Learning catalog under Army NSPS Core Competency
Training. In addition to the recommended courses,
there are many other related online soft skill courses
available. There is no cost for taking the online
courses.
Employees should obtain their supervisor's approval
before taking online courses. Most installations/activities
have distance learning facilities which are available
for employees who do not have computers at their worksites
or who wish to take the course away from the worksite
in an environment where they are not subject to interruptions
or distractions.
Managers, who have funds available, and would prefer
to offer classroom training, may contact the CHRA West
Region Human Resources Development Training Office (520)
538-1580, to identify potential vendors and assist in
arranging for training.
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