New Senior Professional Performance Appraisal System & Plan, SL & ST Positions

This Office of Personnel Management memo created a new performance management system for Senior Leader (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) positions. The memo removes the prohibition on a forced distribution of performance ratings, and it mandates that certain SL and ST employees at the low end of a forced distribution be fired or transferred. The memo also prohibits certain bonuses or rates of pay for SL and ST employees who do not receive top ratings. The memo adds certain substantive elements into SL and ST performance evaluations, including elements on “commitment to the principles of the Founding” and “demonstrably support[ing] implementation of the President’s policy priorities.” It also mandated removal of all rating elements related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.