Senior Biomedical Research Service (SBRS) Performance Management & Awards
Performance Management
Effective June 30, 2006, all SBRS members are now covered by the DHHS Performance Management Appraisal Program (PMAP)
Performance-Based Pay Level Adjustments (Increases or Decreases to Base Pay)
Salary based on merit - no grades, steps or ranks. Increases based on performance may be granted on an individual basis, not to exceed EX-I (currently $191,300). Downward adjustments may be effected for performance that is less than expected for the SBRS.
Under current NIH policy, SBRS members will be granted an across-the-board 3% annual base pay increase in the “spring” of each year, unless denied on an individual basis by the IC Director if performance so warrants. Provided the scientist has served at least one year in the SBRS, IC Directors may grant an additional base pay increase of up to 7% in the “spring” of each year, based on performance.
Under OIR Tenure Policy, salary may be reduced up to 20% of base pay or $20,000, whichever is greater, but not below the GS-14/5 level, when justified based on declining performance &/or in lieu of removal. One year advance notice will be provided.
Performance Appraisal
Formal appraisal of performance required by law.
Performance appraisal conducted annually. Ratings (Acceptable or Unacceptable) will serve as the basis for performance bonus decisions, & will be a factor in consideration of other personnel decisions, e.g., future pay level determinations & retention. When performance is Unacceptable, an opportunity to improve will be provided before any action is proposed to decrease pay, or remove from the SBRS, from tenure, or from government service.
Performance Bonuses
Must have an “Acceptable” annual performance rating for eligibility
SBRS members may receive performance bonuses, provided total compensation does not exceed EX-1 (currently $186,600). ICs may approve an annual performance bonus of up to 10% of base pay. Higher bonuses (NTE 20% of base pay) must be approved by the Director, NIH, as must bonuses that, in combination with other increases (merit, 3Rs, &/or cash awards) within the preceding 52 weeks, result in total increases exceeding certain limits.
AWARDS
Incentive (including Cash) Awards
- Eligible on the same basis as other federal employees.
- SBRS members may receive cash & other incentive awards, subject to the EX-1 limitation. ICs may approve individual cash awards of up to $10,000. Higher awards require approval by the Director, NIH, as do awards that in combination with other increases (merit, 3Rs, other cash awards & bonuses) within the preceding 52 weeks, result in total increases exceeding certain limits.
Honorary Awards
- Eligible on the same basis as other federal employees.
