Special Reports
National Security Personnel System
In the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress gave the Defense Department sweeping authority to design an implement a new system governing how more than 700,000 Defense civilian employees are hired, paid, promoted, and disciplined. Thus was born the National Security Personnel System, the Pentagon's effort to move to a pay-for-performance culture. The road to implementation of such a massive new system -- which has implications for personnel reform across the entire federal government -- has been far from smooth. Below are links to Government Executive's ongoing coverage of the implementation process.
LATEST NEWS
- Impending federal retirements could spur agencies to reassess needs
(11/19/09)
Supervisors require new skills in a changing workforce, report says. - President signs bill repealing Defense personnel system
(10/28/09)
Signing ceremony coincides with release of GAO report criticizing Pentagon's approach to pay for performance. - NSPS repeal could lead to new performance management system, observers say
(10/23/09)
Defense authorization legislation calls on Pentagon and OPM to work together on developing an alternative personnel system. - Senate sends bill ending Pentagon pay system to president's desk
(10/22/09)
Legislation also grants the military a higher pay raise than Obama requested and includes major retirement reforms. - House approves agreement on Pentagon pay-for-performance, sick leave benefit
(10/08/09)
Senate now will consider conference report on fiscal 2010 Defense authorization. - Congress moves to repeal Pentagon pay-for-performance system
(10/07/09)
Conference agreement also gives Defense secretary ability to propose new personnel flexibilities. - Most NSPS employees headed for full 2010 pay raise
(09/25/09)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says all but the worst performers will receive at least the same boost as General Schedule workers. - Lawmakers urge uniform pay policies for deployed civilians
(09/16/09)
Lack of standard guidance makes it difficult for agencies to treat overseas employees equally. - Labor group opposes Senate pay-for-performance language
(09/14/09)
Coalition claims provision in Senate's fiscal 2010 Defense authorization bill contains loopholes that would create a "refried version" of NSPS. - Defense opposes cuts in funding for civilian Air Force personnel
(09/09/09)
Pentagon officials also object to authorization bill language that could result in the repeal of a controversial pay-for-performance system. - Union leaders make NSPS repeal, personnel reform major priorities
(09/04/09)
August conventions help employee groups prepare for fall legislative sessions. - Panel recommends major changes to Pentagon pay system
(08/25/09)
But report does not call for elimination of the National Security Personnel System. - Obama's merit board nominees have deep background in union law
(08/04/09)
Lawyers led legal challenge to Pentagon's pay-for-performance system and set ground rules for union election at GAO. - Unions urge Obama to mend, not end, current federal pay system
(07/20/09)
Leaders call on administration to address problems with General Schedule before creating a new framework. - Deputy OPM nominee receives bipartisan support at hearing
(07/16/09)
Christine Griffin, a longtime disability advocate, is expected to tackle diversity and management issues in the federal workforce. - Panel recommends reform of Pentagon pay system
(07/16/09)
Draft report supports current moratorium on NSPS conversions, but does not call for elimination of personnel system. - Senators seek to add workforce provisions to Defense bill
(07/15/09)
Amendment includes language ironing out differences in treatment of unused sick leave in the two federal employee retirement systems. - Pay and benefits legislation awaits lawmakers
(07/07/09)
Congress could vote on several measures before August recess that would affect federal pay raise, retirement and leave. - Defense chief makes new appointments to policy board
(07/02/09)
Picks include Rudy DeLeon, who is leading the task force reviewing the Pentagon's pay-for-performance system. - Defense personnel system boasts supporters
(06/26/09)
Pay-for-performance at the Pentagon has many detractors, but also a fair share of defenders.
