Washington, D.C. - As part of a continuing effort to assist federal agencies in fully implementing the new performance-based pay system for the Senior Executive Service (SES), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will host a forum to present an overview of the new SES certification and pay administration regulations. The SES Performance-Based Pay System Forum will be held at the OPM headquarters in the Campbell Auditorium, Wednesday, July 28, 2004, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

OPM Director Kay Coles James said: "I am proud of the excellent work OPM has done to contribute to President George W. Bush's vision for a high-quality Senior Executive Service leadership corps and reform their pay system governmentwide. This forum helps further equip agencies to implement pay regulations and obtain SES certification of performance appraisal systems."

During the half-day event, OPM Associate Director Ron Sanders, Deputy Associate Directors and program managers will present an overview of interim final regulations for obtaining certification of performance-appraisal systems for members of the SES and employees in senior-level and scientific or professional positions. There will also be discussions on the proposed regulations for setting and adjusting pay for SES members, including setting rates of basic pay up to the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule.

Additionally, the forum will feature a detailed explanation of OPM's guidance for submitting requests for full or provisional certification.

In a recent memo (attached) to Chief Human Capital Officers, James encouraged full participation from agencies. "As we continue our efforts to reform pay and performance systems throughout the federal government, I encourage human resources and performance management SES specialists to take full advantage of this unique training opportunity."

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.