Comment Number: OL-10511662
Received: 3/16/2005 4:36:15 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 working for civil service for several years, I would be the first one to say there needs to be changes to improve the present system and streamline the dead weight. However, along with those changes, there needs to be a fair system in place that ensures equity and fairness in the workplace so as to reward those employees who perform in an exceptional manner verses employees who are marginal. I'm not so sure that this new system will validate that process. I have concerns that major decisions affecting employees will be left up to a supervisor who may hold grudges against some employees or play favoristism towards others. Based on my experience in the last several years, there are some good supervisors/managers but there are just as many bad ones. Those who are into power and control behaviors, will see this new system as a means to intimidate and manipulate their staff. Unfortunately, the result being some will be rewarded because they played by the supervisor's rules verses other employees who may not be as popular with their managers will get left behind. It appears the government is rushing into implementing this system too fast - and too many unanswered questions. With changes as widespread as these, you need time to work through the kinks and allow time to process the overall impact on the civilan workforce. In all honesty, I don't think this system will encourage good people to stay. I think most will move into the civilian sector, outside DOD. Once you develop a working environment where employees are forced to compete with each other just to keep their job, it becomes pretty vicious and ultimately undesireable working conditions. Many are very concerned about their jobs right now and the future in DOD doesn't look too inviting with this new system in place.