"Prohibiting Forced Distribution" Fact Sheet Posted

Employees have asked a number of questions about the forced distribution of performance ratings under NSPS. The NSPS regulations (5 CFR §9901.412(a)) expressly prohibit the use of forced or pre-determined distribution of ratings.

What is forced distribution?

Forced distribution occurs when managers assign performance      ratings based on a pre-determined rating distribution by percent of      the population or number of employees.

In forced distribution rating systems, employees are ranked relative      to one another, rather than the evaluation of individual employee job      performance assessed against rating criteria.

How are ratings distributed in NSPS?

NSPS links pay to individual performance by recognizing the accomplishments of employees through an assessment of their performance. Distinctions in performance are made among employees based on individual performance and contributions.

CLICK HERE to view the Fact Sheet on Prohibiting Forced Distribution that provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

DoD and OPM Announce Review of National Security Personnel System

On March 16, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that they will undertake a review of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The review will include a thorough examination of all NSPS policies, regulations, and practices. DoD will delay any further conversions of organizations into NSPS until at least October 2009, pending the outcome of this review.

CLICK HERE to read the press release on the NSPS review.
CLICK HERE to view the Pentagon Channel report on the NSPS review.
CLICK HERE to read an article about the review.
CLICK HERE for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the review.

2009 Payouts Complete for NSPS Employees

In January 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) completed performance-based payouts for employees working under NSPS. Close to 170,000 employees assigned to over 1,600 pay pools received final ratings and . . .


CLICK HERE  to view the complete article.