Overview of the SES Performance Management System
Beginning in FY 2013, HHS began implementation of the new government-wide Senior Executive Service (SES) performance management system (PMS). The HHS Senior Executive Service Performance Management System (SES PMS) is applicable to all Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and the following Senior-level Title 42(f) scientists:
- NIH Deputy Directors,
- IC Directors,
- IC Deputy Directors,
- Scientific Directors,
- Clinical Directors,
- Scientific Executives (as designated by T-42 Extramural Committee) and
- Associate Directors and Office Heads in the NIH OD who report directly to the NIH Director.
The rating period is October 1 – September 30.
Performance Cycles
Establishment
The establishment phase of the executive performance cycle typically occurs in October of each year when the fiscal year begins (October 1st). HHS issues guidance for establishing executive. Following HHS’s guidance, the NIH Office of Human Resources (OHR) will submit agency-specific guidance to the executive community via the OHR Director’s Desk (email).
Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and Senior-level Title 42(f) executives are expected to establish their performance plans in USA Performance (USAP) by the requested due dates. All new executives are required, by HHS, to be placed on a plan within 30 days from their Entry on Duty (EOD) date.
Mid-Year
Mid-year progress reviews typically occur in the April timeframe. Following HHS’s guidance, the NIH Office of Human Resources (OHR) will submit agency-specific guidance to the executive community via the OHR Director’s Desk (email). During mid-year, Rating Officials must conduct progress reviews with each executive for whom they are responsible. All executives who onboard on or before the mid-year cutoff, July 2nd, must be placed on a performance plan and rated at closeout. Those that onboard after the mid-year cutoff of July 2nd will not be placed on a plan or rated at closeout.
Closeout
Executive Closeout occurs annually in approximately September. The NIH Office of Human Resources (OHR) receives guidance from HHS. Following HHS’s guidance, OHR will submit agency-specific guidance to the executive community via the OHR Director’s Desk (email).
Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and Senior-level Title 42(f) executives are expected to close-out their performance plans in USA Performance (USAP) by the requested due dates.
Executives must have been in their position and on an established Executive performance plan for a minimum of 90 days as of September 30th in order to be rated.
USA Performance (USAP)
USA Performance (USAP) is an automated performance management system for Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL), and Senior-Level Title 42 executives. It is managed by OPM and rolled out HHS-wide for the FY 2019 performance management cycle. NIH SES, SL, and Senior-Level Title 42 executives will use USAP for their individual performance plans.