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.

All employees are encouraged to visit the NSPS website for up-to-date information

http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/

Civil service General Schedule (GS) to NSPS Conversion Calculator

http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/conversion/index.html

Army guidance and detailed plans are posted on the Civilian Personnel On-Line site

http://cpol.army.mil/library/general/nsps/

Additional information and links are available on the Regional Business Center (RBC) website

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.

Instructions for registering for these courses are available at:

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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The New NSPS Guide

HR Elements for Managers, Supervisors, and Employees - A Guide to NSPS (PDF)

This is a new publication developed by the NSPS Program Executive Office. This guide provides employees with an overview of the critical elements they need to understand as they convert to NSPS. The guide includes topics such as pay increases and bonuses, pay bands, and job objectives, to name a few. The guide also includes "Key Terms and Definitions" employees need to be familiar with as they convert to NSPS.

Other NSPS Guides and Information

Performance Appraisal Application User Guide - For Employees and Rating Officials (PDF)

How to Create a Performance Plan - A Step by Step Guide for Supervisors (PDF)

Performance Appraisal Application Quick Reference Guide - Quick Reference Guide (PDF)

Documenting Higher Level Review - For Previously Approved Performance Plans (PDF)

Pay Pool ID User Guide - Manage Pay Pool Identifier Application Manual (PDF)

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