Research Position Evaluation System

Welcome to Panelink!

This site will be of interest principally to ARS research scientists and other ARS personnel. Other government and private research organizations may also find it informative. ARS is justly proud of RPES... the most highly regarded research position classification system in the Federal government.

Primary management responsibility for RPES rests with the the ARS Associate Administrator for Research Operations and Management. RPES is administered on a nationwide basis by the Research Position Evaluation Staff in the ARS Human Resources Division.

Follow these links for details about RPES:

Policies/Procedures

• Policies and Procedures 431.3-ARS
• Manual 431.3-ARS
• Summary of Major Changes to Revised P&P/Manual

Tips For First-Timers

• Click here for details

Classification Guidance

• OPM Research Grade Evaluation Guide (external link)
• RPES Evaluation Criteria
• RPES Grade Conversion Table

RPES GovTrip Travel Instructions

• Click here for details

Other Guidance/References

• RPES Forms
• Brochure Series
• Online Presentations
  • New Researcher Orientation
  • Case Writeup Preparation
  • RPES Panel Operations
• RPES Panel Outcomes
  • Panel Decision Options
  • Decision Data
• Supergrade Panel
  • Overview
  • Referral Policy
  • General Information
• New Hire Panels
  • Perspectives and Strategies
  • Format Options
• Research Supervisors and the GSSG
  • Classification Policy
  • GSSG Irrelevance to Panel Decisionmaking
• Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts

• RPES Advisory Committee
• Research Position Evaluation Staff

Contact Information:

Research Position Evaluation Staff
ARS Human Resources Division
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5107
Telephone: 301.504.1562
FAX: 301.504.1586
Primary Contact: merle.cole@ars.usda.gov

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Last Updated: 09/30/2008