Defense Business Board Task Group’s Review of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS)

On May 14, 2009 the Deputy Secretary of Defense requested the DBB to form a Task Group to review NSPS to help the Department determine: (1) if the underlying design principles and methodology for implementation are reflected in the NSPS program objectives; (2) whether the program objectives are being met; and (3) whether NSPS is operating in a fair, transparent, and effective manner. This Task Group is a subcommittee of the Defense Business Board, and pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Government in Sunshine Act of 1976, and other appropriate federal regulations, this Task Group does not work independently of the Board's charter.

Terms of Reference

The Task Group is comprised of Mr. Rudy deLeon, who will chair this group, Mr. Michael Bayer,
and Mr. Robert Tobias.

The Task Group will present its findings to the Defense Business Board during a public meeting later this summer. The final report to the Secretary of Defense and to the Director, Office of Personnel Management is expected by the end of the summer.

Public meetings of the Defense Business Board’s Task Group Review of the NSPS will be held June 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and June 26 from 9:00 a.m. until noon, resuming from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Hyatt-Arlington, 1325 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.

On June 25 the Task Group will invite experts on this topic who have recently testified before Congress. On June 26 the Task Group will hear from select members of the public where the Task Group requires additional information or explanation from previously submitted written comments.

Written comments should be addressed to:
Defense Business Board
ATTN: Ms. Phyllis Ferguson
2521 South Clark Street, Room 650
Arlington, VA 22202

While individuals are not required to follow any specific format when submitting written comments, it would be beneficial to the Task Force’s analysis if those individuals who are submitting written comments consider formatting their comments along the following lines:

1. Classification Architecture (design of pay bands, pay schedules, and career groups)
2. Implementation of NSPS (initial orientation, availability of training, communication with employees)
3. Labor Management Relations (collective bargaining issues)
4. Pay Pool Process (pay pool funding, transparency, fairness, equity, uniformity and consistency across pay pools)
5. Pay Setting (rules/flexibilities for setting pay on reassignments, promotions, new hires, etc.)
6. Pay Structure (pay bands, targeted local market supplement, general salary increases)
7. Performance Management (design of performance management system including performance plans, monitoring performance, performance criteria, rating levels, rating distribution, performance process, communication, reconsideration process, administrative workload)
8. Program Outcomes (mission alignment, results focused, high-performing workforce)
9. Staffing and Employment (appointing authorities, alternative promotion procedures, hiring flexibilities)

In addition and on a voluntary basis, the Task Force would also like those submitting written comments to consider identifying themselves as one of the following: (1) DoD NSPS Employee, (2) DoD NSPS Supervisor, (3) DoD Non-NSPS Employee, (4) Other Federal Government Employee, (5) Non-Federal Government Employee or (6) Interested Organization.

Please note: The Board operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended; therefore, all public presentations will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection, including being posted on the Board’s web site.