Proposed rule · 2026-03610

Managing Senior Professional Performance

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are proposing to revise the rules governing the performance appraisal of senior-level (SL) and scientific or professional (ST) employees, collectively referred to as "senior professionals." This rulemaking would establish a new subpart specifically dedicated to senior professional performance appraisal. The new subpart would align more closely with the SES performance appraisal regulations, eliminate senior professional appraisal programs, remove the prohibition of a forced distribution of performance rating levels, and enhance oversight.