Comment Number: OL-10502662
Received: 3/2/2005 3:03:48 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 was involved in the Contribution-based Compensation and Appraisal System (CCAS) pay for performance plan for the FY2004 rating cycle, which was a beta test for NSPS. We were advised that the program was an opportunity to reward superior performing employees, and that the program would never 'hurt' you... i.e., you couldn't earn less than you would under the GS system. That hasn't proven to be true. I was rated as performing well above my expected standard performance of a GS-13 step 1. I was awarded a Contribution Rating Increase (CRI) as well as a Contribution Award. However, the CRI I received is less than I would have gotten if I'd been allowed to progress to a GS-13 step 2. And the Contribution Award I received was less than I would have gotten if I'd received the same percentage award as the GS employees in my office. I am proud to be a civil service employee, and am personally motivated to do my best regardless of the monetary benefits. However, I have to admit it's frustrating, and a little demotivating, to be recognized as contributing more to my organization than expected, yet be compensated less than the GS employees who were not involved in the program. Worse, this lower pay scale is the one at which I will enter NSPS, and it will affect every future contribution increase of my career. Pay for performance is supposed to motivate employees toward better performance. This program does not do that. The GS system will remain for other federal employees... and you can bet everyone under NSPS will compare their annual pay increases to what they would have gotten under the GS system. If I'd performed poorly, I could understand why I am earning less. But I performed above expectations... and I am still earning less. There is a strong perception this program is not at all about rewarding superior performers. It's about saving money. Based on my experience, you will have a hard time convincing me that perception is inaccurate.