Although the DoD authorization bill enacting a repeal of DoD’s NSPS personnel system has been signed into law, there is still work to be done by managers.
The measure anticipates that NSPS could remain alive, at least in places, for more than another two years, since the mandated ending date is not until January 1, 2012. In the meantime, employees currently covered by NSPS will continue to follow NSPS regulations, policies and procedures until the transition takes place for their organization. The transition must start within six months, but DoD has said that a comprehensive plan must be put in place before it will begin.
"It is important to remember that, at this important time in the pay pool process, employees and managers have significant responsibilities in NSPS that must be accomplished. Evaluating and rewarding employee performance continues to be an important aspect of organizational success and individual employee pay," said a DoD factsheet.
Most of the NSPS workforce will convert to the GS or their previous pay system. Employees will not be reduced in pay upon conversion. The grade of the position will be determined using the same procedures and criteria currently in use for GS employees.
The authorization bill requires DoD to issue new department-wide policies in areas including hiring, performance evaluation and linking those evaluations to rewards. It also requires regular supervisory training on that new system once it is put in place.
