# Presentation: 665624

## Serving on theSupergrade Panel

**ARS Research Position Evaluation System**

**(9/07)**

## Mission

**The ARS Supergrade Panel:**
**Reviews GS-15 positions to determine if they meet criteria for classification as Supergrade (ST)**
**If so, panel *****recommends***** Upgrade (UPG) and HRD submits case to the Department**
**Can only recommend because no agency has final classification authority above GS-15**
**Performs maintenance review of current ST positions**

## What GS-15 positions?

**Those referred by “regular” panels (scored 56 or more points)**
**Those previously scored at 54 points by a Supergrade Panel and due under the 5-year cycle**
**Those scored at 54 points by a “regular” panel and referred by an**** ****Area Director**

## ST maintenance review?

**We review current ST positions to ensure they are *****maintaining***** the requisite stature, recognition, and impact to retain Level F evaluation**
**We cannot UPG an ST position... there are no values above Level F**
**We will usually find ST’s impacting in-grade and reach a Remain in Grade (RIG) decision**
**We could find an ST impacting below grade--or no longer functioning as a Category 1 scientist--and reach a Grade/Category Problem (GCP) decision**

## How Supergrade Panels operate

- AA-ROM designates the Chair
- IDR’s assignments are recommended by RPE Staff and confirmed by Chair
- Scientists prepare case writeup and ARS-229
- Standard IDR procedures apply, *except* that AD and NPL(s) ***must*** be contacted

## Evaluation approach

**Focus is exclusively on Factor 4**
**Does position meet all four Factor 4, Level F criteria?**
**If not, is it strong enough** **in three criteria to**** ****overcome weakness in the fourth?**
**ARS-229 is a key document is making the determination**
**Supergrade Panels *****never***** score for ST based solely on Factors 1-3**

## Factor 4/Level F criteria

**Has received honors and awards from major national organizations for accomplishments;**
**Is sought as an advisor and consultant on scientific and technological programs and problems which extend *****well beyond***** own field;**
**Serves as a recruiting attraction for recent graduates or visiting scientists; *****and*****,**
**Personal competence is likely to be a major consideration in agency sponsorship of programs in their field.**

## Grading table 1

| Level Point Values |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Factor | Levels |  |
|  | E | F |
| 1 | 10 | 12 |
| 2 | 10 | 12 |
| 3 | 10 | 12 |
| 4 | 20 | 24 |

**Grading table 1**

## Grading table 2

| Point Conversion |  |
| --- | --- |
| Points | Outcome |
| 46-54 | GS-15 |
| 56-60 | ST |

## Effect of Supergrade decisions

| Total Points | Effect |
| --- | --- |
| 56 or more | Case submitted to Department for approval |
| 54 | Case returns to mandatory (5-year) schedule; next review is by Supergrade (not regular) panel * |
| 52 or below | Case returns to mandatory schedule; next review is by regular panel |
| * AD authorized to approve early review by Supergrade Panel |  |

## Information resources

**Guidance distributed with case materials**
**Evaluation Methodology**
**Extract (Factor 4, Levels E and F)                       **
**Panelist Instructions - ARS Form 229**
**Key Points**
**Sample Completed ARS-516**
**Sample Summary Statements**
**RPES web site <http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/rpes/index.html>**
**Merle Cole, Head, RPE Staff (301-504-1563)**