Changes Could Be Some Time in Development

The pace of the changes to come at DoD is yet to be determined. DoD will have to issue implementing regulations or other policies “in collaboration with” the Office of Personnel Management, although OPM’s precise role is not defined. In the case of certain changes affecting unions, DoD will have to notify them of its plans, give them 60 days to comment, and give their views “full and fair consideration.” Also, the performance management system would have to be phased in through a requirement that such a system meet certain standards before being applied to all employees. In addition, language in the pending Transportation-Treasury appropriations bill for 2004 effectively bars DoD (as well as the Homeland Security department) from cutting into the January 2004 federal raise to free up funds to use for performance pay. Defense officials previously have said that they expect it would take a year or two to put a reformed personnel system in place.