PART 430—PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Authority: 5 U.S.C. 2301, chapter 43 and 5307(d). Subpart A—Performance Management Source: 60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, unless otherwise noted. § 430.101 Authority. Chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code, provides for the performance appraisal of Federal employees. This subpart supplements and implements this portion of the law. § 430.102 Performance management. (a) Performance management is the systematic process by which an agency involves its employees, as individuals and members of a group, in improving organizational effectiveness in the accomplishment of agency mission and goals. (b) Performance management integrates the processes an agency uses to— (1) Communicate and clarify organizational goals to employees; (2) Identify individual and, where applicable, team accountability for accomplishing organizational goals; (3) Identify and address developmental needs for individuals and, where applicable, teams; (4) Assess and improve individual, team, and organizational performance; (5) Use appropriate measures of performance as the basis for recognizing and rewarding accomplishments; and (6) Use the results of performance appraisal as a basis for appropriate personnel actions. Subpart B—Performance Appraisal for General Schedule, Prevailing Rate, and Certain Other Employees Source: 60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, unless otherwise noted. § 430.201 General. (a) Statutory authority. (b) Savings provision. (c) Equivalent ratings of record. (2) Other performance evaluations given while an employee is not covered by the provisions of this subpart are considered ratings of record for reduction in force purposes when the performance evaluation— (i) Was issued as an officially designated evaluation under the employing agency's performance evaluation system, (ii) Was derived from the appraisal of performance against expectations that are established and communicated in advance and are work related, and (iii) Identified whether the employee performed acceptably. (3) When the performance evaluation does not include a summary level designator and pattern comparable to those established at § 430.208(d), the agency may identify a level and pattern based on information related to the appraisal process. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995; 60 FR 47646, Sept. 13, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 62502, Nov. 24, 1997] § 430.202 Coverage. (a) Employees and agencies covered by statute. (2) Section 4301(2) of title 5, United States Code, defines employees covered by statute by this subpart. Besides General Schedule (GS/GM) and prevailing rate employees, coverage includes, but is not limited to, senior-level and scientific and professional employees paid under 5 U.S.C. 5376. (b) Statutory exclusions. (c) Administrative exclusions. (d) Agency requests for exclusions. § 430.203 Definitions. In this subpart, terms are defined as follows: Additional performance element Appraisal Appraisal period Appraisal program Appraisal system Critical element Non-critical element Performance Performance appraisal system: Appraisal system. Performance plan Performance rating Performance standard Progress review Rating of record [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 62503, Nov. 24, 1997] § 430.204 Agency performance appraisal system(s). (a) Each agency as defined at section 4301(1) of title 5, United States Code, shall develop one or more performance appraisal systems for employees covered by this subpart. (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and parameters for the application and operation of performance appraisal within the agency for the employees covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall— (1) Provide for— (i) Establishing employee performance plans, including, but not limited to, critical elements and performance standards; (ii) Communicating performance plans to employees at the beginning of an appraisal period; (iii) Evaluating each employee during the appraisal period on the employee's elements and standards; (iv) Recognizing and rewarding employees whose performance so warrants; (v) Assisting employees in improving unacceptable performance; and (vi) Reassigning, reducing in grade, or removing employees who continue to have unacceptable performance, but only after an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance. (2) Identify employees covered by the system; (3) Specify the flexibilities an agency program established under the system has for setting— (i) The length of the appraisal period (as specified in § 430.206(a)); (ii) The length of the minimum period (as specified in § 430.207(a)); (iii) The number(s) of performance levels at which critical and non-critical elements may be appraised (as specified in § 430.206(b)(7) (i)(A) and (ii)(A)); and (iv) The pattern of summary levels that may be assigned in a rating of record (as specified in § 430.208(d)); (4) Include, where applicable, criteria and procedures for establishing separate appraisal programs under an appraisal system; and (5) Require that an appraisal program shall conform to statute, the regulations of this chapter, and the requirements established by the appraisal system. (c) Agencies are encouraged to involve employees in developing and implementing their system(s). When agencies involve employees, the method of involvement shall be in accordance with the law. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995; 60 FR 47646, Sept. 13, 1995] § 430.205 Agency performance appraisal program(s). (a) Each agency shall establish at least one appraisal program of specific procedures and requirements to be implemented in accordance with the applicable agency appraisal system. At a minimum, each appraisal program shall specify the employees covered by the program and include the procedures and requirements for planning performance (as specified in § 430.206), monitoring performance (as specified in § 430.207), and rating performance (as specified in § 430.208). (b) An agency program shall establish criteria and procedures to address employee performance for employees who are on detail, who are transferred, and for other special circumstances as established by the agency. (c) An agency may permit the development of separate appraisal programs under an appraisal system. (d) Agencies are encouraged to involve employees in developing and implementing their program(s). When agencies involve employees, the method of involvement shall be in accordance with law. § 430.206 Planning performance. (a) Appraisal period. (2) Each program shall specify a single length of time as its appraisal period. The appraisal period generally shall be 12 months so that employees are provided a rating of record on an annual basis. A program's appraisal period may be longer when work assignments and responsibilities so warrant or performance management objectives can be achieved more effectively. (b) Performance plan. (2) Performance plans shall be provided to employees at the beginning of each appraisal period (normally within 30 days). (3) An appraisal program shall require that each employee be covered by an appropriate written, or otherwise recorded, performance plan based on work assignments and responsibilities. (4) Each performance plan shall include all elements which are used in deriving and assigning a summary level, including at least one critical element and any non-critical element(s). (5) Each performance plan may include one or more additional performance elements, which— (i) Are not used in deriving and assigning a summary level, and (ii) Are used to support performance management processes as described at § 430.102(b). (6) A performance plan established under an appraisal program that uses only two summary levels (pattern A as specified in § 430.208(e)(1)) shall not include non-critical elements. (7) An appraisal program shall establish how many and which performance levels may be used to appraise critical and non-critical elements. (8) Elements and standards shall be established as follows— (i) For a critical element— (A) At least two levels for appraisal shall be used with one level being “Fully Successful” or its equivalent and another level being “Unacceptable,” and (B) A performance standard shall be established at the “Fully Successful” level and may be established at other levels. (ii) For non-critical elements, when established,— (A) At least two levels for appraisal shall be used, and (B) A performance standard(s) shall be established at whatever level(s) is appropriate. (iii) The absence of an established performance standard at a level specified in the program shall not preclude a determination that performance is at that level. (9) The performance plan of any supervisor covered under this subpart must include a supervisory critical element comprised of supervisory requirements established by OPM and agency-established criteria for protecting whistleblowers, as required by 5 U.S.C. 4302(b). [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 62503, Nov. 24, 1997; 91 FR 41537, July 7, 2026] § 430.207 Monitoring performance. (a) Minimum period. (b) Ongoing appraisal. (c) Unacceptable performance. (1) Assisting employees in improving unacceptable performance at any time during the appraisal period that performance is determined to be unacceptable in one or more critical elements; and (2) Taking action based on unacceptable performance. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 91 FR 41537, July 7, 2026] § 430.208 Rating performance. (a) As soon as practicable after the end of the appraisal period, a written, or otherwise recorded, rating of record must be given to each employee. (1) A rating of record must be based only on the evaluation of actual job performance for the designated appraisal period. (2) An agency must not issue a rating of record that assumes a level of performance by an employee without an actual evaluation of that employee's performance. (3) Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, a rating of record is final when it is issued to an employee with all appropriate reviews and signatures. (b) Rating of record procedures for each appraisal program must include a method for deriving and assigning a summary level as specified in paragraph (d) of this section based on appraisal of performance on critical elements and, as applicable, non-critical elements. (1) A Level 1 summary (“Unacceptable”) must be assigned if and only if performance on one or more critical elements is appraised as “Unacceptable.” (2) Consideration of non-critical elements must not result in assigning a Level 1 summary (“Unacceptable”). (c) OPM may establish, and refine as needed, a standardized distribution of some or all rating levels which agencies must apply when rating employees, except that employees appointed under Schedules C or G in the excepted service may be excluded from such standardized distribution requirements, as determined by OPM. (d) The method for deriving and assigning a summary level, as may be established by OPM as described in paragraph (c) of this section, may involve comparing, categorizing, and ranking employees or groups on the basis of their performance. Such procedures may also be used, where otherwise authorized by law and regulation, to inform award determinations and promotion decisions. (e) Summary levels. Pattern Summary level 1 2 3 4 5 A X X B X X X C X X X X (2) Within any of the patterns shown in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, summary levels must comply with the following requirements: (i) Level 1 through Level 5 are ordered categories, with Level 1 as the lowest and Level 5 as the highest; (ii) Level 1 is “Unacceptable”; (iii) Level 3 is “Fully Successful” or equivalent; and (iv) Level 5 is “Outstanding” or equivalent. (3) The term “Outstanding” may be used only to describe the summary level “Level 5.” (4) The designation of a summary level and its pattern must be used to provide consistency in describing ratings of record and as a reference point for applying other related regulations, excluding enhanced performance values under § 351.503(d) and (e) of this chapter. (f) The rating of record or performance rating for a disabled veteran must not be lowered because the veteran has been absent from work to seek medical treatment as provided in Executive Order 5396. (g) When a rating of record cannot be prepared at the time specified, the appraisal period must be extended. Once the conditions necessary to complete a rating of record have been met, a rating of record must be prepared as soon as practicable. (h) Each rating of record must cover a specified appraisal period. Agencies must not carry over a rating of record prepared for a previous appraisal period as the rating of record for a subsequent appraisal period(s) without an actual evaluation of the employee's performance during the subsequent appraisal period. (i) When either a regular appraisal period or an extended appraisal period ends and any agency-established deadline for providing ratings of record passes or a subsequent rating of record is issued, an agency must not produce or change retroactively a rating of record that covers that earlier appraisal period except that a rating of record may be changed— (1) Within 60 days of issuance based upon an informal request, as specified in agency policies and procedures, by the employee; (2) As a result of a formal proceeding permitted by law or regulation, other than a negotiated grievance procedure barred by paragraph (k) of this section, that results in a final determination by appropriate authority that the rating of record must be changed or as part of a bona fide settlement of a formal proceeding; or (3) Where the agency determines that a rating of record was incorrectly recorded or calculated. (j) A performance rating may be prepared at such other times as an appraisal program may specify for special circumstances including, but not limited to, transfers and performance on details. (k) Subject to 5 U.S.C. 7116(a)(7), a rating of record may not be challenged through the negotiated grievance procedures established under 5 U.S.C. 7121. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 62503, Nov. 24, 1997; 63 FR 53276, Oct. 5, 1998; 91 FR 41537, July 7, 2026; 91 FR 49227, Aug. 3, 2026; 91 FR 54796, Aug. 25, 2026] § 430.209 Agency responsibilities. An agency shall— (a) Submit to OPM for approval a description of its appraisal system(s) as specified in § 430.204(b) of this subpart, and any subsequent changes that modify any element of the agency's system(s) that is subject to a regulatory requirement in this part; (b) Transfer the employee's most recent ratings of record, and any subsequent performance ratings, when an employee transfers to another agency or is assigned to another organization within the agency in compliance with part 293 of this chapter and instructions in the OPM Guide to Personnel Recordkeeping; (c) Communicate with supervisors and employees (e.g., through formal training) about relevant parts of its performance appraisal system(s) and program(s); (d) Evaluate the performance appraisal system(s) and performance appraisal program(s) in operation in the agency; (e) Report ratings of record data to OPM in compliance with instructions in the OPM Guide to Human Resources Reporting; (f) Maintain and submit such records as OPM may require; and (g) Ensure that agency performance appraisal system(s) and performance appraisal program(s) are administered consistent with the merit system principles set forth under 5 U.S.C. 2301; and (h) Take any action required by OPM to ensure conformance with applicable law, regulation, and OPM policy. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 91 FR 41538, July 7, 2026] § 430.210 OPM responsibilities. (a) OPM shall review and approve an agency's performance appraisal system(s). (b) OPM must evaluate and certify the operation and application of an agency's performance appraisal system(s) on a biennial basis. OPM may recommend that the Office of Management and Budget limit an agency's aggregate awards spending based on an unfavorable evaluation. OPM must issue biennial certification criteria and policy. (c) If OPM determines that an appraisal system or program does not meet the requirements of applicable law, regulation, or OPM policy, including but not limited to the merit system principles set forth under 5 U.S.C. 2301, it shall direct the agency to implement an appropriate system or program or to take other corrective action. [60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, as amended at 91 FR 41538, July 7, 2026] Subpart C—Managing Senior Executive Performance Source: 80 FR 57694, Sept. 25, 2015, unless otherwise noted. § 430.301 General. (a) Statutory authority. (b) Purpose. (1) Encouraging excellence in senior executive performance; (2) Aligning executive performance plans with the results-oriented goals required by the Government Performance and Results Act Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA) or other strategic planning initiatives; (3) Setting and communicating individual and organizational goals and expectations that clearly fall within the executive's area of responsibility and control; (4) Reporting on the success of meeting organizational goals (including any factors that may have impacted success); (5) Systematically appraising senior executive performance using measures that balance organizational results with customer and employee perspectives, and other perspectives as appropriate; and (6) Using performance appraisals as a basis for pay, awards, development, retention, removal, and other personnel decisions. (c) Savings provision. § 430.302 Coverage. This subpart applies to— (a) All senior executives covered by subchapter II of chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code; and (b) Agencies as defined in § 430.303. § 430.303 Definitions. In this subpart— Agency Annual summary rating Appointing authority Appraisal period Critical element Initial summary rating Oversight official Performance Performance appraisal Performance management system Performance requirement Performance standard Progress review Senior executive performance plan Strategic planning initiatives System standards § 430.304 SES performance management systems. (a) To encourage excellence in senior executive performance, each agency must develop and administer one or more performance management systems for its senior executives in accordance with the system standards established in § 430.305. (b) Performance management systems must provide for— (1) Identifying executives covered by the system; (2) Monitoring progress in accomplishing critical elements and performance requirements and conducting progress reviews at least once during the appraisal period, including informing executives on how well they are performing; (3) Establishing an official performance appraisal period for which an annual summary rating must be prepared; (4) Establishing a minimum appraisal period of at least 90 days; (5) Ending the appraisal period at any time after the minimum appraisal period is completed, but only if the agency determines there is an adequate basis on which to appraise and rate the senior executive's performance and the shortened appraisal period promotes effectiveness; and (6) Establishing criteria and procedures to address performance of senior executives who are on detail, temporarily reassigned, or transferred as described at § 430.312(c)(1), and for other special circumstances established by the agency. § 430.305 System standards for SES performance management systems. (a) Each agency performance management system must incorporate the following system standards: (1) Use critical elements based on OPM-validated executive competencies to evaluate executive leadership and results, including the quality of the executive's performance; (2) Align performance requirements with agency mission and strategic planning initiatives; (3) Define performance standards for each of the summary rating performance levels, which also may be used for the individual elements or performance requirements being appraised; (4) Appraise each senior executive's performance at least annually against performance requirements based on established performance standards and other measures; (5) Derive an annual summary rating through a mathematical method that ensures executives' performance aligns with level descriptors contained in performance standards that clearly differentiate levels above fully successful; (6) Establish five summary performance levels as follows: (i) An outstanding level; (ii) An exceeds fully successful level; (iii) A fully successful level; (iv) A minimally satisfactory level; and (v) An unsatisfactory level; (7) Include equivalency statements in the system description for agency-specific terms for the five summary performance levels aligning them with the five performance levels required in § 430.305(a)(6); and (8) Use performance appraisals as a basis to adjust pay, reward, retain, and develop senior executives or make other personnel decisions, including removals as specified in § 430.312. (b) An agency may develop its own performance management system for senior executives in accordance with the requirements of this section. (c) OPM may establish, and refine as needed, a basic performance management system incorporating all requirements of this section, which agencies may adopt, with limited adaptation, for performance management of its senior executives. (d) OPM may establish, and refine as needed, a forced distribution of SES rating levels which agencies must apply when rating SES members, except that noncareer SES members may be excluded from such forced distribution requirements, as determined by OPM. [80 FR 57694, Sept. 25, 2015, as amended at 90 FR 44299, Sept. 15, 2025] § 430.306 Planning and communicating performance. (a) Each senior executive must have a performance plan that describes the individual and organizational expectations for the appraisal period that clearly fall within the senior executive's area of responsibility and control. (b) Supervisors must develop performance plans in consultation with senior executives and communicate the plans to them in writing, including through the use of automated systems, on or before the beginning of the appraisal period. (c) A senior executive performance plan must include— (1) Critical elements. (2) Performance standards. (3) Performance requirements. (d) Agencies may require a review of senior executive performance plans at the beginning of the appraisal period to ensure consistency of agency-specific performance requirements. Such reviews may be performed by the Performance Review Board (PRB) or another body of the agency's choosing. § 430.307 Monitoring performance. Supervisors must monitor each senior executive's performance throughout the appraisal period and hold at least one progress review. At a minimum, supervisors must inform senior executives during the progress review about how well they are performing with regard to their performance plan. Supervisors must provide advice and assistance to senior executives on how to improve their performance. Supervisors and senior executives may also discuss available development opportunities for the senior executive. § 430.308 Appraising performance. (a) Agencies must establish appropriate timelines for communicating performance plans, conducting appraisals, and assigning and communicating annual summary ratings. (b) At least annually, agencies must appraise each senior executive's performance in writing, including through the use of automated systems, and assign an annual summary rating at the end of the appraisal period. (c) Agencies must appraise a senior executive's performance on the critical elements and performance requirements in the senior executive's performance plan. (d) Agencies must base appraisals of senior executive performance on both individual and organizational performance as it applies to the senior executive's area of responsibility and control, taking into account factors such as— (1) Results achieved in accordance with agency mission and strategic planning initiatives; (2) Overall quality of performance rendered by the executive, (3) Performance appraisal guidelines that must be based upon assessments of the agency's performance and are provided by the oversight official to senior executives, rating and reviewing officials, PRB members, and appointing authorities at the conclusion of the appraisal period and before completion of the initial summary ratings; (4) Customer perspectives; (5) Employee perspectives; (6) The effectiveness, productivity, and performance results of the employees for whom the senior executive is responsible; and (7) Compliance with the merit system principles set forth under section 2301 of title 5, United States Code. [80 FR 57694, Sept. 25, 2015, as amended at 90 FR 44299, Sept. 15, 2025] § 430.309 Rating performance. (a) When rating senior executive performance, each agency must— (1) Comply with the requirements of this section, and (2) Establish a PRB as described at § 430.311. (b) Each performance management system must provide that an appraisal and rating for a career appointee's performance may not be made within 120 days after the beginning of a new President's term. (c) When an agency cannot prepare an annual summary rating at the end of the appraisal period because the senior executive has not completed the minimum appraisal period or for other reasons, the agency must extend the executive's appraisal period. Once the appropriate conditions are met, the agency will then prepare the annual summary rating. (d) Senior executive performance appraisals and ratings are not appealable. (e) Procedures for rating senior executives must provide for the following: (1) Initial summary rating. (2) Higher-level review (HLR). (i) A single review by an official at a higher level who did not participate in determining the executive's initial summary rating will satisfy this requirement. An official providing HLR may not change the initial summary rating but may recommend a different rating to the PRB. HLR may be provided by an official who is at a higher level in the agency than the appointing authority who will approve the final rating under paragraph (e)(4) of this section. (ii) When an agency cannot provide review by a higher-level official for an executive who receives an initial summary rating from the agency head because no such official exists in the agency, the agency must offer an alternative review as it determines appropriate, except that the review may not be provided by a member of the PRB or an official who participated in determining the initial summary rating. (iii) If a senior executive declines review by agency-designated higher-level officials, the agency may offer an alternative review but it not obligated to do so. The agency must document the executive's declination of the HLR opportunity provided by the agency before offering an alternative review. (iv) Copies of findings and recommendations of the HLR official or the official performing an alternative review under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) through (iii) of this section must be given to the senior executive, the supervisor, and the PRB. (3) PRB review. (4) Annual summary rating. (5) Shortened appraisal periods. § 430.310 Details and job changes. (a) When a senior executive is detailed or temporarily reassigned for 120 days or longer, the gaining organization must set performance goals and requirements for the detail or temporary assignment. The gaining organization must appraise the senior executive's performance in writing, including through the use of automated systems, and this appraisal must be considered when deriving the initial summary rating. (b) When a senior executive is reassigned or transferred to another agency after completing the minimum appraisal period, the supervisor must appraise the executive's performance in writing, including through the use of automated systems, before the executive leaves and provide this information to the executive. (c) The most recent annual summary rating and any subsequent appraisals must be transferred to the gaining agency or organization. The gaining supervisor must consider the rating and appraisals when deriving the initial summary rating at the end of the appraisal period. § 430.311 Performance Review Boards (PRBs). Each agency must establish one or more PRBs to make recommendations to the appointing authority on the performance of its senior executives. (a) Membership. (2) PRB members must be appointed in a way that assures consistency, stability, and objectivity in SES performance appraisal. (3) When appraising a career appointee's performance or recommending a career appointee for a performance-based pay adjustment or performance award, more than one-half of the PRB's members must be SES career appointees. (4) The agency must publish notice of PRB appointments in the Federal Register (b) Functions. (2) The PRB must make a written recommendation, including through the use of automated systems, to the appointing authority about each senior executive's annual summary rating, performance-based pay adjustment, and performance award. (3) PRB members may not take part in any PRB deliberations involving their own appraisals, performance-based pay adjustments, and performance awards. [80 FR 57694, Sept. 25, 2015, as amended at 90 FR 44299, Sept. 15, 2025] § 430.312 Using performance results. (a) Agencies must use performance appraisals as a basis for adjusting pay, granting awards, retaining senior executives, and making other personnel decisions. Performance appraisals also will be a factor in assessing a senior executive's continuing development needs. (b) Agencies are required to provide appropriate incentives and recognition (including pay adjustments and performance awards under part 534, subpart D) for excellence in performance. (c) A career executive may be removed from the SES for performance reasons, subject to the provisions of part 359, subpart E, as follows: (1) An executive who receives an unsatisfactory annual summary rating must be reassigned or transferred within the SES, or removed from the SES; (2) An executive who receives two unsatisfactory annual summary ratings in any 5-year period must be removed from the SES; and (3) An executive who receives less than a fully successful annual summary rating twice in any 3-year period must be removed from the SES. § 430.313 Training and evaluation. (a) To assure effective implementation of agency performance management systems, agencies must provide appropriate information and training to agency leadership, supervisors, and senior executives on performance management, including planning and appraising performance. (b) Agencies must periodically evaluate the effectiveness of their performance management system(s) and implement improvements as needed. Evaluations must provide for both assessment of effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws, OPM regulations, and OPM performance management policy. (c) Agencies must maintain all performance-related records for no fewer than 5 years from the date the annual summary rating is issued, as required in 5 CFR 293.404(b)(1). § 430.314 OPM review of agency systems. (a) Agencies must submit proposed SES performance management systems to OPM for approval. Agency systems must address the system standards and requirements specified in this subpart. (b) OPM will review agency systems for compliance with the requirements of law, OPM regulations, and OPM performance management policy, including the system standards specified at § 430.305. (c) If OPM finds that an agency system does not meet the requirements and intent of subchapter II of chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code, or of this subpart, OPM will identify the requirements that were not met and direct the agency to take corrective action, and the agency must comply. Subpart D—Performance Appraisal Certification for Pay Purposes Source: 69 FR 45550, 45551, July 29, 2004, unless otherwise noted. Note to subpart D: Regulations identical to this subpart appear at 5 CFR part 1330, subpart D. § 430.401 Purpose. (a) This subpart implements 5 U.S.C. 5307(d), as added by section 1322 of the Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 (Title XIII of Public Law 107-296, the Homeland Security Act of 2002; November 25, 2002), which provides a higher aggregate limitation on pay for certain members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) under 5 U.S.C. 5382 and 5383 and employees in senior-level (SL) and scientific or professional (ST) positions paid under 5 U.S.C. 5376. In addition, this subpart is necessary to administer rates of basic pay for members of the SES under 5 U.S.C. 5382, as amended by section 1125 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The regulations in this subpart strengthen the application of pay-for-performance principles to senior executives and senior professionals. Specifically, the statutory provisions authorize an agency to apply a higher maximum rate of basic pay for senior executives (consistent with 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective) and apply a higher aggregate limitation on pay (consistent with 5 CFR part 530, subpart B) to its senior employees, but only after OPM, with OMB concurrence, has certified that the design and application of the agency's appraisal systems for these employees make meaningful distinctions based on relative performance. This subpart establishes the certification criteria and procedures that OPM will apply in considering agency requests for such certification. (b) Senior executives generally may receive an annual rate of basic pay up to the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule under 5 U.S.C. 5382 and 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective. Senior employees generally may receive total compensation in a calendar year up to the rate for level I of the Executive Schedule under 5 U.S.C. 5307(a) and 5 CFR 530.203(a). Only employees covered by an appraisal system that OPM, with OMB concurrence, certifies under this subpart are eligible for a maximum annual rate of basic pay for senior executives up to the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule (consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5382 and 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective) and a higher aggregate pay limitation equivalent to the total annual compensation payable to the Vice President (consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5307(d) and 5 CFR 530.203(b)). § 430.402 Definitions. In this subpart— Appraisal system GPRA OMB OPM Outstanding performance Performance evaluation Performance expectations Program performance measures PRB Relative performance Senior employee Senior executive Senior professional § 430.403 System certification. (a) The performance appraisal system(s) covering senior employees must be certified by OPM, with OMB concurrence, as making meaningful distinctions based on relative performance before an agency may apply a maximum annual rate of basic pay for senior executives equal to the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule or apply an annual aggregate limitation on payments to senior employees equal to the salary of the Vice President under 5 U.S.C. 5307(d)). OPM, with OMB concurrence, will certify an agency's appraisal system(s) only when a review of that system's design, application, and administration reveals that the agency meets the certification criteria established in § 430.404 and has followed the procedures for certifying agency appraisal systems in § 430.405. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, agencies subject to 5 U.S.C. chapter 43 and 5 CFR part 430 seeking certification of their appraisal systems must submit systems that have been approved by OPM under § 430.312 or § 430.210, as applicable. In some agencies, the performance appraisal system(s) covers employees in many organizations and/or components, and their ability to meet the certification criteria in § 430.404 may vary significantly. In such cases, an agency may establish and/or submit separate performance appraisal systems for each of these distinct organizations and/or components to ensure timely certification of those performance appraisal system(s) that meet the criteria. New appraisal systems established under 5 CFR part 430, subpart B or C, as applicable based on the employees covered, must be approved by OPM. (c) When an agency establishes a new appraisal system for the purpose of seeking certification under this subpart, the agency may submit that system for certification even if it has not yet been approved by OPM under § 430.312 or § 430.210, as applicable. OPM will certify, with OMB concurrence, only those systems that OPM determines meet the approval requirements of 5 CFR part 430, subpart B or C, as applicable. (d) An agency must establish an appraisal system(s), as defined in § 430.402, for its senior professionals that meets the requirements of 5 CFR part 430, subpart B, and is separate from the system(s) established to cover its SES members under 5 CFR part 430, subpart C. For the purpose of certification under this subpart, such senior professional appraisal system(s) must meet the certification criteria set forth in § 430.404. At its discretion, an agency may include system features in its senior professional appraisal system(s) that are the same as, or similar to, the features of its SES appraisal system(s), as appropriate, including procedures that correspond to the higher level review procedures under § 430.308(b) and PRB reviews of summary ratings under § 430.308(c). (e) For agencies subject to 5 U.S.C. chapter 43 and 5 CFR part 430, OPM approval of the agency performance appraisal system(s) is a prerequisite to certification. Agencies not subject to the appraisal provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 43 and 5 CFR part 430 and which are seeking certification of their appraisal system(s) under this subpart must submit appropriate documentation to demonstrate that each system complies with the appropriate legal authority that governs the establishment, application, and administration of that system. § 430.404 Certification criteria. (a) To be certified, an agency's applicable appraisal system(s) for senior executives or senior professionals must make meaningful distinctions based on relative performance and meet the other requirements of 5 U.S.C. chapter 43, as applicable, in addition to the particular criterion cited here ( i.e. (1) Alignment, so that the performance expectations for individual senior employees derive from, and clearly link to, the agency's mission, GPRA strategic goals, program and policy objectives, and/or annual performance plans and budget priorities; (2) Consultation, so that the performance expectations for senior employees meet the requirements of 5 CFR part 430, subparts B and C, as applicable, and/or other applicable legal authority; are developed with the input and involvement of the individual senior employees who are covered thereby; and are communicated to them at the beginning of the applicable appraisal period, and/or at appropriate times thereafter; (3) Results, so that the performance expectations for individual senior employees apply to their respective areas of responsibility; reflect expected agency and/or organizational outcomes and outputs, performance targets or metrics, policy/program objectives, and/or milestones; identify specific programmatic crosscutting, external, and partnership-oriented goals or objectives, as applicable; and are stated in terms of observable, measurable, and/or demonstrable performance; (4) Balance, so that in addition to expected results, the performance expectations for individual senior employees include appropriate measures or indicators of employee and/or customer/stakeholder feedback; quality, quantity, timeliness, and cost effectiveness, as applicable; and those technical, leadership and/or managerial competencies or behaviors that contribute to and are necessary to distinguish outstanding performance; (5) Appropriate assessments of the agency's performance—overall and with respect to each of its particular missions, components, programs, policy areas, and support functions—such as reports of the agency's GPRA goals, annual performance plans and targets, program performance measures, and other appropriate indicators, as well as evaluation guidelines based, in part, upon those assessments, that are communicated by the agency head, or an individual specifically designated by the agency head for such purpose, to senior employees, appropriate senior employee rating and reviewing officials, and PRB members. These assessments and guidelines are to be provided at the conclusion of the appraisal period but before individual senior employee performance ratings are recommended, so that they may serve as a basis for individual performance evaluations, as appropriate. The guidance provided may not take the form of quantitative limitations on the number of ratings at any given rating level, and must conform to 5 CFR part 430, subpart B or C, as applicable; (6) Oversight by the agency head or the individual specifically designated under paragraph (a)(5) of this section, who certifies, for a particular senior employee appraisal system, that— (i) The senior employee appraisal process makes meaningful distinctions based on relative performance; (ii) The results of the senior employee appraisal process take into account, as appropriate, the agency's assessment of its performance against program performance measures, as well as other relevant considerations; and (iii) Pay adjustments, cash awards, and levels of pay based on the results of the appraisal process accurately reflect and recognize individual performance and/or contribution to the agency's performance; (7) Accountability, so that final agency head decisions and any PRB recommendations regarding senior employee ratings consistent with 5 CFR part 430, subparts B and C, individually and overall, appropriately reflect the employee's performance expectations, relevant program performance measures, and such other relevant factors as the PRB may find appropriate; in the case of supervisory senior employees, ratings must reflect the degree to which performance standards, requirements, or expectations for individual subordinate employees clearly link to organizational mission, GPRA strategic goals, or other program or policy objectives and take into account the degree of rigor in the appraisal of their subordinate employees; (8) Performance differentiation, so that the system(s) includes at least one summary level of performance above fully successful, including a summary level that reflects outstanding performance, as defined in § 430.402, and so that its annual administration results in meaningful distinctions based on relative performance that take into account the assessment of the agency's performance against relevant program performance measures, as described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section, employee performance expectations, and such other relevant factors as may be appropriate. Relative performance does not require ranking senior employees against each other; such ranking is prohibited for the purpose of determining performance ratings. For equivalent systems that do not use summary ratings, the appraisal system must provide for clear differentiation of performance at the outstanding level; and (9) Pay differentiation, so that those senior employees who have demonstrated the highest levels of individual performance and/or contribution to the agency's performance receive the highest annual summary ratings or ratings of record, as applicable, as well as the largest corresponding pay adjustments, cash awards, and levels of pay, particularly above the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule. Agencies must provide for transparency in the processes for making pay decisions, while assuring confidentiality. (b) Consistent with the requirements in section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, an agency's Inspector General or an official he or she designates must perform the functions listed in paragraphs (a)(5) and (6) of this section for senior employees in the Office of the Inspector General. § 430.405 Procedures for certifying agency appraisal systems. (a) General. (b) Certification requests. (1) A full description of the appraisal system(s) to be certified, including— (i) Organizational and employee coverage information; (ii) Applicable administrative instructions and implementing guidance; and (iii) The system's use of rating levels that are capable of clearly differentiating among senior employees based on appraisals of their relative performance against performance expectations in any given appraisal period reflecting performance evaluation results that make meaningful distinctions based on relative performance, and which include— (A) For the agency's senior executives covered by 5 CFR part 430, subpart C, at least four, but not more than five, summary rating levels—an outstanding level, a fully successful level, an optional level between outstanding and fully successful, a minimally satisfactory level, and an unsatisfactory level; (B) For the agency's senior professionals covered by 5 CFR part 430, subpart B, at least three, but not more than five, summary levels—an outstanding level, a fully successful level, an optional level between outstanding and fully successful, an unacceptable level, and an optional level between fully successful and unacceptable; and (C) For agencies not subject to 5 CFR part 430, subparts B and C, a summary rating level that reflects outstanding performance or a methodology that clearly differentiates outstanding performance, as defined in § 430.402; (2) A clearly defined process for reviewing— (i) The initial summary ratings and ratings of record, as applicable, of senior employees to ensure that annual summary ratings or ratings of record are not distributed arbitrarily or on a rotational basis, and (ii) In the case of senior employees with supervisory responsibilities— (A) The performance standards, requirements, or expectations for the employees they supervise to ensure that they clearly link to organizational mission, GPRA strategic goals, or other program and policy objectives, as appropriate, and (B) The performance standards, requirements, or expectations and the performance ratings of the employees they supervise to ensure that they reflect distinctions in individual and organizational performance, as appropriate; (3) Documentation showing that the appraisal system(s) meets the applicable certification criteria, as follows: (i) For provisional certification, the requirements in § 430.404(a)(1)-(4); and (ii) For full certification, all of the requirements in § 430.404. (4) For full certification, data on senior executive annual summary ratings and senior professional ratings of record, as applicable (or other documentation for agencies that do not use summary ratings), for the two appraisal periods preceding the request, as well as corresponding pay adjustments, cash awards, and levels of pay provided to those senior employees; and (5) Any additional information that OPM and OMB may require to make a determination regarding certification. (c) Certification actions. (1) Grant full certification of an agency's senior employee appraisal system(s) for 2 calendar years when an agency has demonstrated that it has designed and fully implemented and applied an appraisal system(s) for its senior executives or senior professionals, as applicable, that meets the certification criteria in § 430.404 and the documentation requirements of this section. (2) Grant provisional certification of an agency's senior employee appraisal system(s) for 1 calendar year when an agency has designed, but not yet fully implemented or applied, an appraisal system(s) for its senior executives or senior professionals, as applicable, that meets the certification criteria in § 430.404. OPM may extend provisional certification into the following calendar year in order to permit an agency to take any actions needed to adjust pay based on annual summary ratings, ratings of record, or other performance appraisal results determined during the calendar year for which the system was certified; or (3) Suspend certification under paragraph (h) of this section if, at any time during the certification period, OPM, with OMB concurrence, determines that the agency appraisal system is not in compliance with certification criteria. (d) Pay limitations. (1) Set a senior executive's rate of basic pay at a rate that does not exceed the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule, consistent with 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective; and (2) Limit aggregate compensation paid to senior employees in a calendar year to the rate for level I of the Executive Schedule, consistent with 5 CFR 530.203(b). (e) Full certification. (2) An agency with a fully-certified appraisal system(s) may set the rate of basic pay under 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective, for a senior executive covered by a certified system at a rate that does not exceed the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule and pay senior employees covered by certified system(s) aggregate compensation in a certified calendar year in an amount up to the Vice President's salary under 3 U.S.C. 104. (3) Full certification of an agency's appraisal system will be renewed automatically for an additional 2 calendar years, if— (i) The agency meets the annual reporting requirements in paragraph (g) of this section; and (ii) Based on those annual reports, OPM determines, and OMB concurs, that the appraisal system(s) continues to meet the certification criteria and procedural requirements set forth in this subpart. (f) Provisional certification. (2) During the 1-year period of provisional certification, an agency may set the rate of basic pay for a senior executive covered by the provisionally certified system at a rate that does not exceed the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule (consistent with 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective) and pay senior employees covered by provisionally certified systems aggregate compensation in the certified calendar year in an amount up to the Vice President's salary under 3 U.S.C. 104 (consistent with 5 CFR part 530, subpart B). (3) An agency must resubmit an application requesting provisional certification for every calendar year for which it intends to maintain provisional certification. An agency with a provisionally certified appraisal system(s) may request that OPM, with OMB concurrence, grant full certification upon a showing that its performance appraisal systems for senior executives and senior professionals, as applicable, meet the certification criteria in § 430.404 and the documentation requirements in this section, particularly with respect to the implementation and administration of the system(s) over at least two consecutive performance appraisal periods. (g) Annual reporting requirement. (h) Suspension of certification. (2) An agency's system certification is automatically suspended when OPM withdraws performance appraisal system approval or mandates corrective action because of misapplication of the system as authorized under §§ 430.210(c), 430.312(c), and 430.403(e). (3) OPM will notify the head of the agency at least 30 calendar days in advance of the suspension and the reason(s) for the suspension, as well as any expected corrective action. Upon such notice, and until its system certification is reinstated, the agency must set a senior executive's rate of basic pay under 5 CFR part 534, subpart D, when effective, at a rate that does not exceed the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule. While certification is suspended, an agency must limit aggregate compensation received in a calendar year by a senior employee to the rate for level I of the Executive Schedule. Pay adjustments, cash awards, and levels of pay in effect prior to that notice will remain in effect unless OPM finds that any such decision and subsequent action was in violation of law, rule, or regulation. (4) OPM, with OMB concurrence, may reinstate an agency's suspended certification only after the agency has taken appropriate corrective action. (5) OPM may reinstate the certification of an appraisal system that has been automatically suspended under paragraph (h)(2) of this section upon the agency's compliance with the applicable OPM-mandated corrective action(s).