Legislation has been introduced to improve recruitment and career development in the senior executive service and it including provisions to alter the composition of the SES.
The Senior Executive Service Reform Act of 2012, S-2249, introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, would reduce from 25 percent to 15 percent the number of SES positions at the start of each fiscal year that can be filled by non-career appointees.
It would also require agencies to create an assistant secretary position for administration or management to be filled by a career SES employee, as well as require agencies to appoint career SES employees to positions with direct responsibility for agency-wide functions in acquisition, IT, and HR.
Other provisions, according to a summary of the bill would: Prohibit the use of quotas or forced distribution of ratings for performance appraisals; Provide for annual pay adjustments for senior executives and other senior employees rated at the fully successful level or higher; Include executive performance awards and bonuses in basic pay for purposes of calculating retirement annuities; and, Require a written explanation for an SES performance rating if such rating is lowered from the initial recommendation.
Under the bill OPM would be required to establish a Senior Executive Service Resource Office to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of the SES, advance its professionalism, and promote diversity, and it would authorize agencies to establish a rotation program for career SES appointees.
The bill further would require agencies to submit plans to OPM to enhance and maximize opportunities in SES for the advancement and appointment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.
