Next step in NSPS begins

  • Published
  • By Guy A. Volb
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
The next step in implementing DOD's National Security Personnel System lies with managers and supervisors, that of drafting job objectives.

"Job objectives," according to Barbara Hanlin, Hill's NSPS program manager, "will be the mechanism for rating employees on their performance and contribution to the mission. The objectives will also be used by the supervisor to communicate job expectations to employees. Feedback is critical to this process."

There's a lot of information for supervisors and managers to digest - at least in the initial stages of implementation. So it's best, according to Ms. Hanlin, for them to rely on the classes and workshops held here.

"There is a ton of information on pay for performance," said Ms. Hanlin. "Supervisors should work with their organization's labor liaisons to schedule upcoming Job Objective workshops with the DPLCE employee relations branch.

"The initial process of converting to NSPS pay for performance may be difficult as it involves new concepts; however, there are also some similarities to the performance management system that we've used in years past and will continue to use for non-bargaining GS employees and wage system employees. If supervisors use the resources and tools available, it will aid in the process."

Ms. Hanlin said supervisors should be reading background material as much as possible to get a better grasp for what's needed to make a successful transition. "Don't wait until the last minute to create job objectives; log into 'My Biz/My Workplace' and check your hierarchy to make sure it is correct. If you have issues or concerns, please work with your respective wing NSPS focal points."

Current guidelines say performance plans will be in place and communicated to employees within 30 days of the start of the rating cycle, entrance on duty of a new employee or employee job change.

"The NSPS rating cycle begins Jan. 21 of next year -- following conversion, so job objectives and performance plans should be in place in the on-line tool by Feb. 19 of this year," Ms. Hanlin said.

Demonstrations and tutorials for the performance appraisal application online tool are available at the DOD Web site. The online tool takes about 40 minutes to complete, according to Ms. Hanlin, but is well worth the time. Both options are available on the NSPS home page at: http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps. Military supervisors of civilian employees and supervisors of Air Force civilian employees from other agencies will have access to 'My Workplace' only through a virtual account.