Comment Number: OL-10501901
Received: 2/28/2005 12:23:54 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:

I've attended several meetings and spoken with Ms. Debra Collett. Basically as I see this new system, it will be greatly subjective. It sounds good on paper, but if you get a supervisor that doesn't want to make waves, or doesn't like you, or any number of other personal factors are involved, then the outstanding or even just good employee will not be recognized from all the rest. That outstanding employee can be summarily dismissed because the supervisor no longer has to show just cause. That outstanding employee can get into financial trouble because of illness/injury and the supervisor can use that to dismiss them. The only positive aspect was that if a GS-04 wants to apply for a GS-06 they can't, under the current format, no matter what their educational/work experience is. NSPS is supposed to make selection of the best qualified possible. However, again, the good ole boy system will be present. But, in speaking at a recent NSPS session during EEO training, we found that jobs will be classified at 3 levels. The question was asked if you can cross over into another level, symbolizing the scenario above. The question was talked around, but never directly answered. We basically got the answer was 'no'. Again, preventing someone who works hard to improve their skills, get a degree, from entering into any position but for what they are currently in. This was equated to an actor only being known as a comedian and not being selected for a drama role because of the stereotype. Because of my position, I've studied the NSPS program very carefully. I've stressed myself to the max worrying that the minute it becomes effective, I will be escorted off this base. I'm currently classified as 'non-determined' as far as a security clearance is concerned because I'm in financial trouble. I’ve had this classification for 3 years and as recently as last July was told it would be finalized by the end of July (04), but it’s still not completed. I had surgery and extensive treatment and had to go on LWOP for a while. I tried to work with my creditors and they said "It's your problem, not ours. Pay what we want, not what you want to pay." I've recently incurred $11K more medical bills because I constantly worry about having a job. I cannot begin over in the public sector because of my age. I won't qualify for SS (even if I could live off it), for 11 more years. I'm diabetic and can't even get systems to okay a 19" monitor recommended by my optomistrist/phisician. If I try to pursue it as an EEO reasonable accommodation complaint, I leave myself open for termination under the new system. The new system is designed to get rid of people without fallout. Pure and simple. The government won't have to worry about EEO complaints, retirement buyouts, RIFs, or union contracts.