Friday to Thursday, 2026-10-16 to 2026-10-22 · · run 20261023T2246Z
US finalizes senior professional performance rules
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The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget issued a final rule on October 19, 2026, to strengthen performance appraisals for senior-level and scientific or professional employees.
The rule establishes a new subpart for senior professional performance appraisal that aligns more closely with Senior Executive Service regulations, the agencies said.
The rule eliminates senior professional appraisal programs, removes the prohibition of standardized distribution of performance rating levels, and enhances oversight.
The rule takes effect on November 18, 2026.
Senior professionals serve in positions classified above GS-15 and just below the Senior Executive Service.
In fiscal years 2023 and 2024, approximately 90 percent of senior professionals received ratings at Levels 4 and 5, while less than a half of one percent received ratings below Level 3.
The final rule eliminates the prior prohibition on forced distribution and provides that OPM may establish a standardized distribution of rating levels for agencies to apply.
Senior professionals appointed under Schedules C and G may be excluded from such requirements.
Sources
- Managing Senior Professional Performance Federal Register, significant rules
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