The pattern of SES members getting high ratings overall continued in 2014, according to the latest OPM compilation, showing that all but about 10 percent were rated at one of the top two levels of the five-level rating system.
Among career SESers, 47.9 percent received an “outstanding” or equivalent rating in 2014, compared with 45.3 percent in 2013, while the next level down, “exceeds expectations,” the figures were 41.8 and 43.9 percent, respectively.
In both years almost all the rest were rated as level 3, “fully successful” with fewer than 1 percent—in raw numbers, 21 and 29—rated as either “minimally successful” or “unacceptable.”
Under the SES system, those in the top three levels are eligible for annual performance awards, which averaged above $11,000 for those in the top level, about $8,800 for those at level 4 and $8,400 for those at level 3 in each year—with the 2014 payouts in each case being slightly higher.
In addition, those in the top three levels received pay raises of about $3,700, $3,000 and $1,600, respectively in each year.
Each year since at least 2010 more than 85 percent of execs have received one of the top two ratings, with the percentage creeping up in recent years.
Bonuses to SES members have come under steady criticism in Congress, particularly in light of the scandals at agencies including the VA, IRS and GSA, all of which involved career senior execs. Several bills that have advanced in Congress seek to limit the amount available to be paid, especially at the VA; those provisions may become part of a wrapup funding measure for the remainder of the fiscal year that could come to voting soon.
