| Comment Number: | EM-017510 |
| Received: | 3/9/2005 4:44:40 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
March 9, 2005 DoD NSPS Comments , DoD NSPS Comments: I write to express my concerns about the proposed personnel system, NSPS. The motivations behind developing a new personnel system are both understandable and commendable. As a person who entered into government employment with an advanced technical degree, strong work ethic, and private industry experience I applaud the efforts to reward performance. However, it is my belief that the shortfalls of the system are being ignored and the benefits of the old system are being marginalized. The major shortfall of the proposed NSPS is that too much responsibility for rewarding performance is placed in the hands of management. Inherently, people are prone to favoritism, prejudice, and many other emotions that are not conducive to unbiased assessments. Although avenues for appeal are present, they are in practice, very time consuming, costly, and provide no tangible leverage to the plaintiff. This shortfall is present in the commercial workforce and negatively affects morale. Another shortfall is that relating pay too closely with performance develops a competitive environment among team members creating a potentially counterproductive work environment. Additionally, it creates an environment where services are sold to the highest bidder and job turnover rates are high as they are in the private industry. This can pose a significant national security risk by encouraging subject matter experts to place personal gain over national security interests. The aforementioned shortfalls of the NSPS create an unstable work environment built on tenuous relationships. In conclusion, it is my belief that the current incentives of regular pay raises, quality step increases, cash awards and bonuses are sufficient to motivate the workforce while fostering loyalty and concern for the greater mission of providing the soldier with the best support possible while they defend this great nation. An individual's financial security in a stable work environment cannot be undervalued or underestimated. Just ask anyone who has lost their private industry job without warning. Loyalty to a greater cause quickly becomes the furthest thing from their professional vocabulary. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely,