Dover AFB implements NSPS; New DoD civilian personnel system to take effect Oct. 15

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A new personnel system for DoD civilian employees, called the National Security Personnel System, will be in place here Oct. 15. 

NSPS is a DoD-wide program affecting General Schedule non-bargaining unit civilian employees, said John Zeibka 436th Mission Support Squadron human resource specialist. 

NSPS was designed after Sept. 11 by the DoD to better meet today's national security demand, said Margie MacLeish, NSPS project implementation officer. NSPS will strengthen the Armed Forces' ability to accomplish the mission in an ever-changing national security environment. 

"NSPS is a human resources system that appropriately recognizes and rewards our employees' performance and the contributions they make to the mission," said Ms. MacLeish. 

The new system will affect employees in a number of ways, such as replacing the current GS pay scale and transforming the performance management system into a pay for performance system, said Mr. Zeibka. 

"This means that salary increase will no longer be based on longevity but on performance," he said. 

Pay scales based on performance bring the DoD in-line with the civilian market, said Ms. MacLeish. It provides an opportunity for high performance to be recognized. 

"(NSPS) provides a fair, consistent, objective performance system with clear performance expectations and improved supervisor - employee communications," she said. 

Besides maximizing employee performance, the new system will save the Air Force money, said Mr. Zeibka. 

"NSPS can maximize tax payer dollars by placing the focus on the mission and rewarding the top performers," he said. 

Retaining good employees will also save money the Air Force currently spends recruiting and training new employees, said Ms. MacLeish. 

To prevent any road blocks from popping up and tossing a wrench in the works while the base changes systems, two pre-conversion exercises have been conducted, she said. 

The MSS civilian personnel flight has also been providing information to affected members through town-hall meetings, Airlifter articles, e-mails and Web sites. They are also providing training to all employees who are converting as well as their supervisors and all Dover AFB squadron commanders. 

"We have been coding and reviewing positions for months," said Ms. MacLeish. "All systems are a go." 

Mr. Zeibka says he doesn't anticipate any road blocks. 

NSPS will strengthen our ability to accomplish the mission in an ever-changing national security environment, said Ms. MacLeish. 

"This is a big change, and we would ask everyone to please be patient as we move through it," she said. "I'm converting too, and I'm looking forward to it. This is a good change and it will work well."