Federal Manager's Daily Report

The House Veterans Affairs Committee has held a hearing on HR-473, another in a series of bills aimed at reforming the SES at VA that would put execs of that department under different policies than those at other agencies, but that are seen as precedent for applying similar changes government-wide. The bill:

Restricts awarding “outstanding” performance ratings to no more than 10 percent of VA SESers in a year and “exceeds fully successful” ratings to no more than 20 percent.

Requires the VA to take any complaint or report from an appropriate person or entity related to any facility or program managed by an SES employee into account in evaluating that employee’s performance.

Requires the reduction of the federal annuities of individuals removed from the VA SES if they are convicted of a felony that influenced their performance while employed in such position, including if they were subject to removal or transfer from the VA SES, but who left the VA before final action was taken.

Requires VA SESers to be rotated at least every five years to a position at a different location that does not include the supervision of the same personnel or programs, with limited exceptions allowed.

Prohibits the VA from placing an SES employee on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status, for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day period, again with limited exceptions allowed; extended paid leave commonly has been used during investigations that could lead to disciplinary actions, although by rule such leave is supposed to be rare and short.

Directs the Secretary to contract with a nongovernmental entity for a review of the management training program for VA SES employees.