Comment Number: OL-10501089
Received: 2/23/2005 1:37:19 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:

After reviewing the NSPS Guidelines I have a very negative view of this NSPS system. First, I am currently a GS-0025-09 Step 8 Park Ranger for the USACE and will never exceed pass a GS-09. Knowing I am always going to be a GS-09 I depend on these step increases. This new system takes these step increases away. Next, the pay band system gives Management too much control. Paying persons on good preformance and causing persons to lose pay on bad performance is not a good idea. From experience I have always tried to do the the best job I could but very few times I have gotten high performances. The performance ratings to me are a joke. Too many times I seen employees get high performances that did not deserve them. The reason is they were management's pets and/or management was blind on what was going on at the project. Another thing I see is with NSPS is that they are trying to slowly do away with the Union. At least I think this is what Resolution 19 is trying to say. Without the protection of the Union many people could lose their jobs for no reason. As for myself I have about seven years before full retirement. If this new system goes in I will be on pins and needles wondering if I can make it to retirement. I feel they could use anything against me because of my age to get rid of me before I can make full retirement. It is bad enought now because of the unfair OPM hiring rules. Because of these rules people like myself have no seniority hiring rights. With programs in place like co-op, unstanding scholar, etc, these young people are placed into jobs without competation. Persons like myself alot of times can not apply for these positions. There are no programs for persons like myself who have worked for the government at numerous projects for several years. Basicly well have no seniority rights like other agencies. I know because I have been turned down for about 200 Park Ranger Positions advertised at the grade I am currently at. If you have any questions about any of the information I presented in comments fell free to contact me at my home address above or at work. Thomas A.McAfoose USACE, Buckhorn Lake 804 Buckhorn Dam Road Buckhorn, KY 41721-8808 606-398-7251 thomas.a.mcafoose@usace.army.mil