Where more than one pattern is used within a competitive area or in different competitive areas undergoing a reduction in force, there will be more than one modal rating. Agencies must use the same modal rating for all employees covered by the same pattern, within a competitive area. All ratings used in the modal tabulation must have the same summary level pattern and must be on record for the most recently completed appraisal period prior to the issuance of the reduction in force notices or issued prior to the cut-off date established by the agency. Agencies may tabulate modal ratings in advance or as needed. If modal ratings are calculated in advance, an agency will look at all of the competitive areas as soon as a cycle is completed and tabulate the modal rating for each pattern.
All modal ratings are then available in the event of a reduction in force.
If the modal rating is calculated on an as-needed basis, an agency contemplating a reduction in force will look for any employees with no usable ratings of record and determine what pattern they are covered by and what competitive area they are included in. Then, an agency need only tabulate the modal ratings for the relevant patterns in the affected competitive areas. How to Apply The Modal Rating . The summary level with the highest count is the modal rating. Apply the appropriate modal rating to determine the additional service credit to be applied in a reduction in force for any employee with no usable ratings.