ARTICLE 27

CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

A. The Parties support the DFAS Career Enhancement Program
(CEP), which is an upward mobility program designed to improve
and expand the career and promotion opportunities of high-potential
employees. Employees selected for the CEP are eligible
for promotion if they successfully complete their training
requirements, perform successfully, and demonstrate potential for
performing at a higher level (up to the target grade).

B. CEP announcements are open to DFAS employees in grades
GS-4 through GS-7. Target positions are generally no higher than
GS-11. Qualified applications will be reviewed using a crediting
plan, by panel, and a list of best qualified candidates will be
referred to selecting officials having designated CEP vacancies
in their work units. The provisions of Article 26.13B4 also
apply.

C. Selectees may be promoted or reassigned into the program
at their current grade levels; however, no position will be
filled above GS-7. Employees currently above GS-7 may consider a
change to a lower grade to obtain an opportunity to move into a
different career field or one with higher promotion potential.
Pay retention applies to participants covered by this situation.

D. Each employee selected for the program chooses a mentor
from a list. The mentor provides advice and counseling
throughout the program. A training agreement is developed by the
employee, the mentor, and the appropriate supervisor. The
training agreement is tailored to the specific needs of the
employee and identifies formal training, on-the-job training, and
the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the target
position.

E. The progress of CEP employees is monitored and
documented, and employees are counseled on a regular basis.
Employees in the program are responsible for completing all
training requirements, with the support of their supervisors and
mentor. Those employees not successfully completing the
requirements are reassigned out of the program.