| Comment Number: | OL-10505699 |
| Received: | 3/11/2005 5:39:09 AM |
| 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:
Greetings, I’ve had the opportunity to work for the Department of Defense both as a Soldier and civilian and have seen many changes. I’ve heard and read comments both for and against NSPS, some I don’t understand, others I do and in deed welcome; particularly the pay for performance aspect. However, it would seem that the flexibility given under NSPS could invite favoritism, i.e. ‘I can now hire and reward whomever I want, and discriminate at will within the confines of the rules’. Unless, of course, there is sufficient oversight, which seems be lacking under NSPS; for example, employees will be entitled to a minimum of 15 days advance notice and a minimum of 10 days to reply, which run concurrently (at the same time). Under current rules, employees have 30-days (US Code, Title 5, Part III, Subpart C, Chapter 43, Subchapter I, § 4303). Which brings me to this point: Overseas employment and authority given to local managers. Has thought been given to an employee’s right of return to CONUS in the event he/she is “fired”? Will a deterrence factor be put in place making it a requirement for the hiring agency to pay for this return? Will other benefits be withheld during a suspension, namely Living Quarters Allowances and COLA? This is not to hinder management, but would serve as a safety net and possibly prevent certain unfair practices. On a positive note, I hope this will be a platform of real change in the case of hiring practices among all services. I’ve noticed that it is difficult, if not impossible to even apply for certain jobs due to wording that only targets individuals currently working within a particular service or agency thus making it difficult for an employee to leave one DOD function and find work within another. In spite of the varying opinions, change is coming; let's work to make it for the better. Regards,