**11/13/23**

**GENERIC PERFORMANCE PLAN**

**FOR**

**CATEGORY IV SCIENTISTS**

EMPLOYEE:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

RATING PERIOD:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE RATER AND
REVIEWER ACCORDING TO ARS POLICIES.**

EMPLOYEE=S SIGNATURE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
DATE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

RATING OFFICIAL=S SIGNATURE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
DATE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

REVIEWING OFFICIAL=S SIGNATURE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**PROGRESS REVIEW(S):**

RATING OFFICIAL=S INITIALS: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

EMPLOYEE=S INITIALS: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**ELEMENT I Critical: Yes**

**PROJECT PLANNING AND EXECUTION**

**FULLY SUCCESSFUL LEVEL:**

Conceives, defines and prepares project plans, including rationale and
expected outcomes, that address the objectives of the CRIS Work Unit,
and documents these plans for the Lead Scientist (LS) and/or Research
Leader (RL), as appropriate. Prepares project proposals, CRADAs and
other external agreements as needed. Project approaches must be flexible
so that new directions can be pursued to achieve CRIS goals, if dictated
by experimental results. Keeps Lead Scientist and Research Leader
informed of project activities on a regular basis.

Experimental and/or theoretical approaches utilize appropriate design,
methodology, principles and theories to meet the project objectives.
Experiments must be planned and conducted following applicable
standards, such as good laboratory practices, hazardous material safety,
biohazardous materials and recombinant DNA guidelines, animal care
requirements, and rules pertaining to human subjects. Data must be
recorded, organized, and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods,
where applicable, and interpreted in a manner that reflects the highest
scientific standards.

Expert contributions toward the development of Prospectus and Project
Plan for the required peer review reflect coherently written objectives
and procedures relevant to his/her facet of the Project Plan.
Contributions are scientifically sound and accurate, grammatically
correct, and are prepared within set deadlines. Prospectuses and Project
Plans are developed cooperatively with staff assigned to project, Lead
Scientist, Research Leader and as necessary, Laboratory/Center/Institute
Director, Area Office and NPS, in all phases of project development and
preparation for the peer review process. Responses to peer review
recommendations adequately address reviewers' concerns by making
recommended changes in the Project Plans or by appropriate and
constructive justification as to why recommendations were not made.
Research is performed as outlined in the approved Project Plan. Research
progress reports are provided to the Lead Scientist, as required.

Alignment to Strategic Plan: This position directly contributes to the
accomplishment of ARS Strategic Plan Goal \# [(specify the
goal(s))]{.underline} . This position is responsible for investigating
and conducting research on the affects of [(personal CRIS
research)]{.underline} , ARS National Program \# ( ). The performance
elements and standards in this performance plan reflect the specific
results, outcomes, and/or accomplishments expected.

Conducts all tasks in a manner which demonstrates an awareness of and
compliance with all USDA civil rights policies and responsibilities.
Meets and deals with co-workers and customers with respect and in a
manner that consistently contributes to a work environment that is free
from discrimination.

**ELEMENT I (Continued) Critical: Yes**

**PROJECT PLANNING AND EXECUTION**

**SPECIFIC GOALS FOR THE RATING PERIOD: *{Note -- Goals below are an
example only.}***

1\. Continue purification of limited amounts of PPV-PENN virions for
dsRNS studies and development of a polyclonal U.S. antiserum (per 14
month milestone under objective #2A of Project Plan for CRIS xxxxxxx).

2\. Investigate *in planta* interactions of specific strains of plum pox
virus, inoculated singly and jointly, by aphids and grafting, in the
bioindicator hosts GF 305 and *Prunus tomentosa*, *Colmo pea*, and
*Nicotiana bentamiana* (per 14 month milestone under objective #1A, 1B,
1C of Project Plan for CRIS xxxxxxxx).

**END OF YEAR RATING:**

□ **Does Not Meet** □ **Fully Successful** □ **Exceeds**

**ELEMENT II** **Critical:** **Yes**

**PROGRAM DELIVERY**

**FULLY SUCCESSFUL LEVEL:**

Carries out and documents activities to successfully achieve expected
outcomes of project plans. Contributes to annual reports documenting
success in execution of project plans and in program delivery to meet
the objectives of his/her CRIS Work Unit, and National Program
milestones and outcomes, in a format that meets Agency requirements for
GPRA.

Documentation of accomplishments and program delivery can be achieved
through multiple means, e.g., reports, presentations, publications,
establishment of databases, patents, service or technology transfer
activities, or by a combination of these. Reports and publications must
be approved by the Research Leader for submission, and documented in
RMIS. Manuscripts approved in the prior rating period are accounted for,
including explanation of the status of any manuscripts not yet accepted.
Technology transfer is pursued through appropriate dissemination to
stakeholders and customers, development of CRADAs and patents, and
relevant response to regulatory and action agency needs.

**SPECIFIC GOALS FOR THE RATING PERIOD:**

**END OF YEAR RATING:**

□ **Does Not Meet** □ **Fully Successful** □ **Exceeds**

**ELEMENT III Critical: No**

**MANAGES RESOURCES**

**FULLY SUCCESSFUL LEVEL:**

Adheres to Agency guidelines on CRIS accountability and maintains
facilities and equipment in functional and safe condition.

Ensures that operations and facilities under the scientist=s supervision
meet the requirements of applicable Federal, State and ARS/laboratory
safety standards. Promptly initiates corrective measures to address
problems or meet statutory and regulatory compliance mandates. Provides
guidance to employees assigned to CRIS under his/her supervision\* or
**technical** leadership to ensure that they are adequately trained in
the safety, health and environmental aspects of their work and ensures
that all follow ARS policies, procedures and guidelines for
environmental, safety, radiological, occupational health, animal care
and related issues. Ensures security of experimental materials,
equipment, chemicals and organisms under the scientist=s supervision.

Recommends development of personnel, under his/her supervision\* or
**technical** leadership, consistent with program needs of the CRIS and
Research Management Unit. Ensures that goals, objectives, and scientific
plans of CRIS are communicated to all personnel, under his/her such
leadership, assigned to CRIS. Recommends recognition of personnel, under
his/her such leadership, to appropriate supervisors.

Contributes to smooth work flow of Research Management Unit and/or
Location/Center by maintaining effective communication with all
personnel assigned to CRIS and with Center/Area administrative and
support staff. This includes meeting deadlines; responding promptly to
requests; providing complete information when initiating specific
cooperative agreements, grant proposals, CRIS project statements, etc.;
obtaining Agency guidance when necessary; and ensuring proper feedback
of information to personnel assigned to CRIS. Keeps Research Leader and
other supervisors of personnel assigned to CRIS informed on a regular
basis of human resource and scientific issues, equipment and fiscal
needs, travel plans, and contacts with Area, NPS and other relevant
organizations/institutions and clientele.

\*Supervision of no more than two support personnel

**SPECIFIC GOALS FOR THE RATING PERIOD:**

**END OF YEAR RATING:**

□ **Does Not Meet** □ **Fully Successful** □ **Exceeds**

**ELEMENT IV Critical: No**

**PROGRAM-RELATED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES**

**FULLY SUCCESSFUL LEVEL:**

Initiates and/or participates in program-related activities which
support ARS operations and goals, and which contribute meaningfully to
the accomplishment of the ARS mission, strategic objectives, and
National Programs of which the Management Unit is a part. Implements
systematic activities for professional self-improvement, including
on-the-job training and self-study. Participates in professional
societies, technology transfer, peer reviews, peer panels, and other
activities or organizations where professional expertise is utilized,
communicated, or enhanced.

**SPECIFIC GOALS FOR THE RATING PERIOD:**

**END OF YEAR RATING:**

□ **Does Not Meet** □ **Fully Successful** □ **Exceeds**