Proposed rule · 2026-03619

Performance Appraisal for General Schedule, Prevailing Rate, and Certain Other Employees

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a proposed rule to increase the efficiency of performance management for non- Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, including General Schedule (GS) and prevailing rate employees. The proposed rule amends the approved patterns of summary levels by removing a "Level 2"; requires agencies to undergo biennial appraisal system certifications with OPM; requires a supervisory critical element for all supervisors covered under this subpart; removes the prohibition of a forced, or standardized, distribution of performance-rating levels; removes the option to grieve a performance rating; and removes the mandatory review of level 1 ratings.