# AGENDA 

1.  **Welcome -** [Terry Young](mailto:terry.young@mail.va.gov),
    Moderator (202-273-9821)

2.  **HRMO Activity --** [Terry Young](mailto:terry.young@mail.va.gov)

**[SELECTION(S) MADE:]{.underline}**

Sandra Carpenter, VAMC, Columbia, MO

**[CURRENT VACANCIES:]{.underline}**

###### Charleston, SC

### Long Beach (GS-15 *Virtual position* -- may be assigned to any facility within 

### VISN 22: VA Greater Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, 

### Loma Linda or Southern Nevada Healthcare System).

> **3. HR Management Programs and Policies - Items of Interest:**
>
> **T38 Annual Review of Special Salary Rates --** Dawna Powell
> (202-273-7527)
>
> VHA Directive 2003-059, on the Title 38 Annual Review of special rates
> was issued on 10/15/03. As was the case with last year's review, you
> are only required to certify those positions for which the increase is
> **not** necessary. Signed certifications must be submitted no later
> than 12/05/03. If certification is not received by 12/5, the
> occupation will receive the GS increase. If the director wants all of
> the special rate positions to receive the GS increase, you will not
> need to take any action. Fax signed certifications to 202-273-7607.
>
> **SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) --** Marisa Palkuti
> (202-273-9765)l**\
> **
>
> The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to announce its second
> One-VA SESCDP in December 2003. The announcement date is tentative and
> contingent upon OPM approval of the VA SESCDP plan. The merit staffing
> announcement will be open a minimum of 30 days and will, in all
> likelihood, be extended for 45 days to ensure adequate application
> preparation time\--given the holidays. The announcement will appear on
> the OPM jobs web site.

This program is available to employees interested in becoming Medical
Center Directors, Regional Office Directors, or attaining promotion to
other Senior Executive Service positions within VA. Employees at the
GS-14 and above and Title 38 equivalent levels are eligible. Candidates
will be selected from those determined to be "Best Qualified."

The program provides a series of intensive training and developmental
experiences for candidates with high potential for assuming executive
responsibilities in VA. These experiences, normally to be completed over
a period of 12-24 months, include formal courses and seminars, work
assignments, individual coaching, and mentoring by current SES members.
The program is highly individualized. Specific developmental assignments
and formal training are planned for each individual and described in
their Executive Development Plans (EDPs). EDPs are discussed with
supervisors, senior advisors/mentors, executive development staff and
the Executive Resources Board Executive Development Committee (EDC).
While the VA SESCDP will be an important source of candidates for SES
positions, successful completion of the program does not guarantee
appointment to an SES position. For most candidates, the estimated time
commitment is 50% of their regular duty time...this is a very intensive
developmental program.

> Further details will be distributed as the announcement date
> approaches. Informational broadcasts will be scheduled on the VA
> Knowledge Network as the time approaches.
>
> **\
> Update on the New Performance Management System--** John Murray
> (202-273-9823 )
>
> I spoke on the status of our new performance and awards programs
> during the September 24^th^ conference call. The following is the
> latest information.
>
> We still haven't satisfied our bargaining obligations with AFGE and
> NAGE. Management feedback supports implementing the program right away
> for non-bargaining unit employees, and then bringing bargaining unit
> employees into the program after we've met our bargaining obligations.
> We also heard it was important to have the flexibility to stagger
> implementation for non-bargaining unit employees. We are finalizing
> the implementation procedures and will get them to you soon.
>
> The new VA Handbooks 5013, Performance Management Systems, and 5017,
> Employee Recognition and Awards, should be approved within two weeks.
> Once approved, they will be attached to a memorandum from the
> Assistant Secretary for Human Resources & Administration that will
> officially implement the new 5-level appraisal program and convey any
> implementation and transition procedures.
>
> Again, any timetables associated with the conversions will be
> reasonable and achievable.
>
> The VA Training Team is nearly finished with the development of
> training and marketing materials for the new program. A satellite
> broadcast from the Secretary and videotaped training for employees and
> supervisors should be rolled out by the early-December time frame.
>
> The new VA Form 0750 should be available on-line within a week.
> Approximately 25,000 hard copy versions will also be available. The
> six-page set of forms will no longer be in an accordion format that
> folds out. Instead, it will be 3 back-to-back pages that staple
> together.
>
> A question was raised after the September Conference Call asking if
> there was a formal VHA-wide effort to integrate the JCAHO competencies
> into the new 5-level performance plans. The answer to that question is
> "no." However, my source indicated that on a case-by-case basis, VHA
> does not want to preclude the use of any competencies in certain
> performance plans where it might be appropriate to use them. Also be
> aware that VHA has implemented a separate and distinct Executive
> Career Field program (ECF), which is a 5-level program for Associate
> Directors, Assistant Directors and Nurse Executives. Information on
> this ECF program can be obtained at VHA's website or by contacting
> VHA's Management Support office in VA Headquarters.
>
> In closing, I want to remind everyone again that employees covered by
> VA's performance appraisal program are still under a pass-fail program
> and should proceed on that basis until notified otherwise. That
> includes accomplishing mid-year reviews and performance appraisals
> where appropriate.
>
> If you have any questions or want to discuss any of the items brought
> up in the conference call, feel free to call me at (202) 273-9835.
>
> **VERA and VSIP --** [Allan Porta](mailto:allan.porta@mail.va.gov)
> (973-676-1000, X1567)

(see below and attached document)

3.  **\"A little bit of this...a little bit of that...\"....** Terry
    Young

**•** (In case you missed this)

On September 25, 2002, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
authorized early retirement authority (# 2003-026) for VA from October
1, 2002 through September 30, 2003. The Acting Assistant Secretary for
Human Resources and Administration, William H. Campbell, has notified
the Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and other Key Officials
that OPM has extended VA\'s authority through November 29, 2003.

Except for the change in the expiration date, all conditions,
provisions, and requirements for VA\'s authority #2003-026 remain in
effect, including the quarterly reporting requirements for
Administrations and Staff Offices. You may offer early retirements to
employees through November 29, 2003.

The Department-wide early retirement request for FYs 2004-2006 has been
submitted to OPM for approval.

Call or e-mail me if you have any questions.

***Allan J. Porta***

Staffing Division (051D)

Programs and Policies Service

Office of Human Resources Management

Department of Veterans Affairs

\(973\) 676-1000 ext 1567

FAX (973) 395-7220

allan.porta@mail.va.gov

> **\
> **