[Federal Register: April 28, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 82)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 23011-23049]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28ap08-14]                         


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Part II





Office of Personnel Management





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5 CFR Part 250



Human Resources Management in Agencies; Final Rule


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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR PART 250

RIN 3206-AJ92

 
Human Resources Management in Agencies

AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION: Final Rule.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final 
regulations to implement certain provisions of the Chief Human Capital 
Officers Act of 2002, which set forth new OPM and agency 
responsibilities and requirements to enhance and improve the strategic 
management of the Federal Government's civilian workforce, as well as 
the planning and evaluation of agency efforts in that regard. Further, 
we are including a plain language rewrite of the subpart titled 
``Authority for Personnel Actions in Agencies.''

DATES: Effective Date: The regulations are effective on May 28, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles D. Grimes by phone at 202-418-
3163, by FAX at 202-606-2838, or by e-mail at pay-performance-policy. 
You may contact Mr. Grimes by TTY on 202-418-3134.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May, 23, 2006, the Office of Personnel 
Management (OPM) issued proposed regulations (71 FR 29593) to change 5 
CFR part 250, to read ``Human Resources Management in Agencies'' to 
reflect current usage, to make a plain language revision in subpart A, 
and to add regulations on strategic human resources management as new 
subpart B.

Case for Action

    Section 1304 of the Chief Human Capital Officers Act (CHCO Act), 
which was enacted within the framework of the Homeland Security Act 
(Pub. L. 107-296), and codified at 5 U.S.C. 1103(c), authorizes OPM to 
develop an assessment system, including metrics, for agency human 
capital management. Rather than establish a new reporting requirement, 
OPM elected to incorporate the CHCO Act requirements within the newly 
established Human Capital Accountability System and Human Capital 
Management Report (Accountability System).
    To accommodate the accountability assessment, OPM has modified the 
existing 5 CFR part 250. Subpart A, which establishes requirements for 
delegations of personnel authority to agencies, has been rewritten in 
plain English. Agencies will continue to operate in an environment of 
delegated personnel authority and will be required to ensure merit 
system accountability.
    The new subpart B details both agency and OPM responsibilities 
under the CHCO Act as well as the fundamental requirements of the 
Accountability System.
    OPM is cognizant of the burden placed on agencies by reporting 
requirements, and the regulations mitigate against increasing that 
burden through the incorporation of existing reporting requirements 
(e.g., PMA scoring) into the annual report to the maximum extent 
practicable. The CHCO Act metrics and the Accountability System will 
provide OPM with the data necessary to meet statutory requirements of 5 
U.S.C. 1103(a) and (c) and 5 U.S.C. 2301.

Major Issues

    As a general matter, multiple commenters suggested OPM collaborate 
directly with each affected agency or with a team of agency 
representatives to develop metrics tailored to each agency's 
requirements. We disagree. The CHCO Act gives OPM responsibility for 
assessing strategic management of human capital across Government. The 
Governmentwide focus requires standard metrics. OPM consults with 
agencies on a regular basis through a variety of mechanisms including 
the CHCO Council, the Human Resources Directors' Forum, and OPM's Human 
Capital Officers. HCAAF requirements are designed to enable OPM to 
fulfill this responsibility through a set of human capital management 
systems, standards and metrics.
    There also was general concern expressed by commenters that the 
CHCO Act regulations add significantly to agency OPM reporting 
requirements. However, the intent of the CHCO regulations is to 
coordinate human capital management reporting requirements in a single 
reporting system.
    A commenter noted that the Chief Human Capital Officer should 
approve workforce plans. A commenter also contended that it was the 
agency's responsibility to determine the timing and format of the human 
capital plan. We agree, but note that OPM has the responsibility to 
assess and approve agency human capital accountability systems. OPM's 
role is to assure that agencies engage in workforce planning that meets 
approved standards.
    Commenters also raised concerns about the interplay between the 
CHCO Act reporting requirements and the Annual Employee Survey 
regulations. While data from the Annual Employee Survey could be used 
for HCAAF metrics, there is no substantive overlap in these two 
regulations.

HCAAF

    The Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework (HCAAF), 
annexed hereto as an Appendix to the regulation, details the concepts 
and systems for planning, implementing, and evaluating the results of 
human capital management policies and practices. Commenters contended 
that the framework is too transactional, broad and theoretical. 
Commenters further contended that agencies cannot be held accountable 
for ambiguous human capital management practices. We disagree. HCAAF 
tools are not designed to ensure strict compliance, but to assist 
agencies to meet HCAAF requirements. Measuring effective and efficient 
HCM is best accomplished through representative, flexible indicators, 
which OPM has established in the HCAAF metrics.
    Commenters also objected to sections of 5 CFR 250.203(a)(1)(ii) on 
workforce analysis. While we agree that other measurement methods could 
be effective, OPM has chosen the current Human Capital and Workforce 
Analysis Plan elements based on well-documented workforce plan models 
used in the public and private sectors.
    A commenter proposed that performance measures should support 
agency goals instead of agency measures. We agree. The wording in 5 CFR 
250.203(a)(1) (iii) has been changed accordingly.

Metrics

    By this regulation, OPM defines the metrics to be used pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 1103(c) as the HCAAF and the HCAAF Systems, Standards, and 
Metrics (HCAAF-SSM). See 5 CFR 250.202(b). See the Appendix to this 
regulation. These metrics may be adapted, in the future, pursuant to 
notice and comment, to meet the future needs of both agencies and OPM. 
Commenters are providing feedback on the metrics to OPM through the 
public comment process and in other forums like the CHCO Council. OPM 
may incorporate this feedback, as appropriate, and pursuant to notice 
and comment, to further refine the measures in the future.
    Commenters generally contended that the metrics were inflexible, 
overly detailed and potentially inaccurate. We disagree. The HCAAF-SSM 
is a systematic method to examine strategic human capital practices 
across all

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Government agencies. Standardization is important because OPM cannot 
roll up metrics that are based on different calculations. Moreover, 
OPM, through the Accountability System, encourages all agencies to 
develop separate measures that address relevant agency issues. The 
HCAAF-SSM enables OPM to meet its statutory responsibility in the CHCO 
Act. That responsibility is to assess the strategic management of human 
capital across all of Government. OPM has determined that this can be 
accomplished only through using a common set of metrics.

Accountability

    Commenters expressed confusion surrounding the reporting 
requirements under the Human Capital Accountability System and annual 
Report. Commenters were concerned by the interplay of new and existing 
reporting requirements and whether there would be redundancy. However, 
the intent of the annual Human Capital Management Report is to provide 
a mechanism to consolidate human capital reporting into one annual 
report, and to incorporate this into agency performance and budget 
reporting. Commenters also contended that the reporting requirements 
are of no value to the agencies. We disagree. The Human Capital 
Management Report serves a number of purposes, including providing 
agencies a mechanism to document human capital results and actions 
planned to address areas needing improvement. Agencies will benefit 
from having effective, comparable human capital data.
    A commenter also proposed that the report be issued biennially to 
give agencies more time. We disagree. The annual report is appropriate 
as it provides timely feedback on agency human capital management 
systems. Moreover, the first complete accountability reporting with all 
required metrics is not required until 2008 to give agencies sufficient 
time to comply.
    A commenter proposed that the agencies' Chief Human Capital 
Officers have the authority to approve the agency accountability 
systems. We disagree. OPM has the authority to require agencies to 
establish accountability systems consistent with OPM standards. We made 
a clarifying change to 5 CFR 250.203(a)(1)(iii)(2) to ensure that any 
independent audit process is conducted with OPM participation.
    A commenter also suggested implementing a third-party appeals 
system prior to OPM withdrawing an agency's delegated examining unit or 
otherwise penalizing the agency. We disagree. OPM has longstanding 
authority under 5 U.S.C. 1104 to exercise oversight and control over 
agencies' use of delegated authorities without the intervention of a 
third party.
    Commenters proposed that OPM's role be more as advisor than 
auditor. While we will continue to provide guidance, advice and 
leadership to agencies, OPM has a statutory role as auditor of agency 
human capital management that must be fulfilled. Some commenters 
expressed confusion over whether a third party auditor would be 
required, but the proposed regulations have no such requirement. A 
commenter also suggested OPM change the language in 5 CFR 250.103 
regarding OPM discretion to require agency corrective action from may 
to must. We disagree. OPM retains discretion to determine the 
appropriate response to particular cases.
    A commenter contended that it was unnecessary to review each HC 
policy, program and operation every year. However, the regulations do 
not require such a review. Another commenter proposed that the annual 
Human Capital Management Report measure the number of employee 
complaints and resolution of such complaints. While we encourage 
agencies to include such measures in their accountability plans, and 
many agencies do track complaints, this is not a required metric.
    Commenters raised concerns about the sufficiency of pre-determined 
budgets when implementing the newly required Human Capital Management 
Report. Commenters contended that the timeline provided in the proposed 
regulation did not allow time to align the Accountability System and 
the budget development process. Concern was also raised about the 
availability of funding for accountability systems when agency human 
resources management does not control the budget. We disagree. The CHCO 
Act holds agencies responsible for maintaining accountability for 
results including merit system compliance. At the agency level, 
leadership is required to align budgets with strategic management of 
human capital. The first complete Human Capital Management Report with 
all required metrics is not required until 2008 to give agencies 
sufficient time to comply.
    Commenters also requested that OPM differentiate the requirements 
for agencies that have already implemented conforming accountability 
systems from the requirements for agencies that have not implemented 
such systems. We disagree. The regulations detailing the Accountability 
System have been drafted to provide individual agencies maximum 
flexibility while providing OPM comparable information across agencies.
    A commenter requested that OPM require agencies to post their Human 
Capital Management Reports on their Web sites. We disagree. While OPM 
believes that agencies should post their Human Capital Management 
Reports, an agency may have a number of valid reasons (e.g., national 
security) for not posting its report.

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Review

    This proposed rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management 
and Budget in accordance with Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    I certify that these regulations would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities (including 
small businesses, small organizational units, and small governmental 
jurisdictions) because they would only apply to Federal agencies and 
employees.

List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 250

    Authority delegations (Government agencies), Government employees.

Office of Personnel Management.
Linda M. Springer,
Director.

0
Accordingly, OPM is amending 5 CFR 250 to read as follows:
0
1. Revise part 250 to read as follows:

PART 250--HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN AGENCIES

Subpart A--Authority for Personnel Actions in Agencies
Sec.
250.101 Standards and requirements for agency personnel actions.
250.102 Delegated authorities.
250.103 Consequences of improper agency actions.
Subpart B--Strategic Human Capital Management
250.201 Coverage and purpose.
250.202 Office of Personnel Management responsibilities.
250.203 Agency responsibilities.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 1101 note, 1103(a)(5), 1103(c), 1104, 1302, 
3301, 3302; E.O. 10577, 12 FR 1259, 3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 218; 
E.O. 13197, 66 FR 7853, 3 CFR 748 (2002).

    Subpart B also issued under 5 U.S.C. 1401, 1401 note, 1402.

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Subpart A--Authority for Personnel Actions in Agencies


Sec.  250.101  Standards and requirements for agency personnel actions.

    When taking a personnel action authorized by this chapter, an 
agency must comply with qualification standards and regulations issued 
by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the instructions OPM has 
published in the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, and the 
provisions of any delegation agreement OPM has made with the agency. 
When taking a personnel action that results from a decision or order of 
OPM, the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity 
Commission, or Federal Labor Relations Authority, as authorized by the 
rules and regulations of those agencies, or as the result of a court 
order, a judicial or administrative settlement agreement, or an 
arbitral award under a negotiated agreement, the agency must follow the 
instructions in the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions and comply 
with all other relevant substantive and documentary requirements, 
including those applicable to retirement, life insurance, health 
benefits, and other benefits provided under this chapter.


Sec.  250.102  Delegated authorities.

    OPM may delegate its authority, including authority for competitive 
examinations, to agencies, under 5 U.S.C. 1104(a)(2), through a 
delegation agreement. The delegation agreement developed with the 
agency must specify the conditions for applying the delegated 
authorities. The agreement must also set minimum standards of 
performance and describe the system of oversight by which the agency 
and OPM will monitor the use of each delegated authority.


Sec.  250.103  Consequences of improper agency actions.

    If OPM finds that an agency has taken an action contrary to a law, 
rule, regulation, or standard that OPM administers, OPM may require the 
agency to take corrective action. OPM may suspend or revoke a 
delegation agreement established under Sec.  250.102 at any time if it 
determines that the agency is not adhering to the provisions of the 
agreement. OPM may suspend or withdraw any authority granted under this 
chapter to an agency, including any authority granted by delegation 
agreement, when OPM finds that the agency has not complied with 
qualification standards OPM has issued, instructions OPM has published, 
or the regulations in this chapter. OPM also may suspend or withdraw 
these authorities when it determines that doing so is in the interest 
of the civil service for any other reason.

Subpart B--Strategic Human Capital Management


Sec.  250.201  Coverage and purpose.

    The Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Act of 2002 acknowledges 
the critical importance of Federal employees to the effective and 
efficient operation of Government. As a part of OPM's overall 
leadership responsibilities in the strategic management of the Federal 
civil service, and pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1103, OPM is responsible for 
designing a set of systems, including standards and metrics, for 
assessing the management of human capital by Federal agencies. In this 
subpart, OPM establishes a framework of those systems, including system 
components, OPM's role, and agency responsibilities.


Sec.  250.202  Office of Personnel Management responsibilities.

    (a) As the President's chief human capital officer, the Director of 
OPM provides Governmentwide leadership and direction in the strategic 
management of the Federal workforce.
    (b) To execute this critical leadership responsibility, OPM adopts 
the Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework (HCAAF) to 
describe the concepts and systems for planning, implementing, and 
evaluating the results of human capital management policies and 
practices. See Appendix. In addition, OPM adopts the related set of 
assessment systems required by the CHCO Act as the HCAAF Systems, 
Standards, and Metrics (HCAAF-SSM), also included in the Appendix. Each 
such assessment system associated with the HCAAF consists of:
    (1) A standard against which agencies can assess the results of 
their management of human capital; and
    (2) Prescribed metrics, as appropriate, for organizational 
outcomes, employee perspective, and compliance measures with respect to 
relevant laws, rules and regulations.
    (c) Together, the HCAAF and the HCAAF-SSM guide agencies in 
planning, evaluating and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of 
agency human capital management with respect to:
    (1) Alignment with executive branch policies and priorities, as 
well as with individual agency missions, goals, and program objectives, 
including the extent to which human capital management strategies are 
integrated into agency strategic plans and performance budgets prepared 
under OMB Circular A-11;
    (2) Identifying and closing competency/skill gaps in the agency's 
mission-critical occupations; ensuring leadership continuity through 
the implementation of recruiting, development, and succession plans; 
sustaining an agency culture that values, elicits, identifies, and 
rewards high performance; and developing and implementing a knowledge 
management strategy, supported by appropriate investment in training 
and technology; and
    (3) Holding the agency head, executives, managers and human 
resources officers accountable for efficient and effective human 
capital management, in accordance with merit system principles.


Sec.  250.203  Agency responsibilities.

    (a) To assist in the assessment of the management of human capital 
in the Federal Government, and to help meet the statutory requirements 
to prepare that portion of the performance budget for which agency 
Chief Human Capital Officers are accountable as well as relevant 
portions of performance and accountability reports, heads of agencies 
or their designees must maintain a current human capital plan and 
provide OPM an annual Human Capital Management Report, as outlined 
below, based on an approved human capital accountability system. The 
HCAAF and the HCAAF-SSM provide more specific information on coverage 
and content for the plan and report.
    (1) Human Capital Plan. Using a format established by agreement 
between the agency and OPM, at a minimum the plan must include:
    (i) Human Capital Goals and Objectives. These are a comprehensive, 
integrated set of human capital goals and objectives, with detailed 
policy and program priorities and initiatives as appropriate, 
consistent with agency strategic plans and annual performance goals. 
These human capital goals and objectives must address each of the human 
capital management systems included in the HCAAF.
    (ii) Workforce Analysis. This analysis of the agency's workforce 
describes its current state, projects the human resources needed to 
achieve the agency's program performance goals and objectives during 
the term of the agency's strategic plan, and identifies potential 
shortfalls or gaps. An ongoing analysis must, for relevant agency 
mission requirements, describe the occupation(s) most critical to 
agency performance (including associated managerial and executive 
positions) and

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describe mission-critical competencies and key demographics (e.g., 
talent analyses, turnover, and retirement eligibility); and for each 
such occupation, describe its current and projected staffing levels, 
attrition and hiring estimates, and proposed training and development 
investments.
    (iii) Performance Measures and Milestones. One or more human 
capital metrics, as well as appropriate program milestones, for each 
human capital goal or objective, provide a basis for assessing progress 
and results, including compliance measures with respect to relevant 
laws, rules and regulations. These metrics must include, but are not 
limited to, those described in the HCAAF-SSM issued under Sec.  
250.202(b). These metrics and milestones must be specifically linked to 
broader agency program performance goals, to evaluate the impact of the 
agency's human capital management on its overall mission performance.
    (2) Human Capital Accountability System. This system provides for 
an annual assessment of agency human capital management progress and 
results including compliance with relevant laws, rules, and 
regulations. That assessment is conveyed in an annual Human Capital 
Management Report to OPM. The human capital accountability system must:
    (i) Be formal and documented;
    (ii) Be approved by OPM;
    (iii) Be supported and resourced by agency leadership;
    (iv) Measure and assess human capital management systems for 
mission alignment, effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with merit 
system principles, laws, and regulations;
    (v) Provide for an independent audit process, with OPM 
participation, for periodic review of human resources transactions to 
insure legal and regulatory compliance;
    (vi) Ensure that action is taken to improve human capital 
management programs and processes and to correct deficiencies; and
    (vii) Ensure results are analyzed and reported to agency management 
and OPM.
    (3) Human Capital Management Report. At a minimum, the agency's 
annual Human Capital Management Report must:
    (i) Provide an evaluation of and report on the agency's existing 
human capital management policies, programs, and operations, as they 
relate to the agency's overall mission/program performance. The report 
must address the performance measures and milestones contained in the 
agency human capital plan including compliance measures with respect to 
relevant laws, rules and regulations. The report must also document 
actions taken to correct any violations or deficiencies that are 
identified.
    (ii) Inform the development of human capital goals and objectives 
during the agency's strategic planning and annual performance budget 
formulation process, as well as the treatment of human capital results 
during the annual performance and accountability reporting process.
    (b) [Reserved]

    Note: The following appendix will not appear in the Code of 
Federal Regulations.


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SECTION I--Introduction to the HCAAF                  Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework
                                                       (HCAAF)
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Metrics
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Human Capital Assessment and Accountability           The HCAAF establishes and defines five human capital
 Framework (HCAAF).                                    systems that together provide a single, consistent
                                                       definition of human capital management for the Federal
                                                       Government. The HCAAF fuses human capital management to
                                                       the merit system principles--a cornerstone of the
                                                       American Civil Service--and other civil service laws,
                                                       rules, and regulations. Establishment of the HCAAF
                                                       fulfills OPM's mandate under the Chief Human Capital
                                                       Officers Act of 2002 (CHCO Act) to design systems and set
                                                       standards, including appropriate metrics, for assessing
                                                       the management of human capital by Federal agencies.
                                                      The regulation at 5 CFR 205.203 establishes requirements
                                                       for an agency to submit to OPM annually a Strategic Human
                                                       Capital Plan and an Agency Human Capital Accountability
                                                       Report. The requirements in the regulation are by design
                                                       congruent with the planning and reporting requirements
                                                       contained in OMB Circular A-11 and title 31 U.S.C.
Five Systems of HCAAF                                 The HCAAF outlines an ongoing process of human capital
                                                       management in every Federal agency--planning and goal
                                                       setting, implementation, and evaluating results--in five
                                                       systems:
                                                       Strategic Alignment (Planning and Goal Setting).
                                                       A system led by senior management--typically the Chief
                                                       Human Capital Officer (CHCO)--that promotes the alignment
                                                       of human capital management strategies with agency
                                                       mission, goals, and objectives through analysis,
                                                       planning, investment, measurement, and management of
                                                       human capital programs.
                                                       Leadership and Knowledge Management
                                                       (Implementation). A system that ensures continuity of
                                                       leadership by identifying and addressing potential gaps
                                                       in effective leadership and implements and maintains
                                                       programs that capture organizational knowledge and
                                                       promote learning.
                                                       Results-Oriented Performance Culture
                                                       (Implementation). A system that promotes a diverse, high-
                                                       performing workforce by implementing and maintaining
                                                       effective performance management systems and awards
                                                       programs.
                                                       Talent Management (Implementation). A system that
                                                       addresses competency gaps, particularly in mission-
                                                       critical occupations, by implementing and maintaining
                                                       programs to attract, acquire, promote, and retain quality
                                                       talent.
                                                       Accountability (Evaluating Results). A system
                                                       that contributes to agency performance by monitoring and
                                                       evaluating the results of its human capital management
                                                       policies, programs, and activities; by analyzing
                                                       compliance with merit system principles; and by
                                                       identifying and monitoring necessary improvements.
                                                      Each system consists of components that allow human
                                                       capital practitioners to assess how well the system is
                                                       strategically managing its human cpaital in compliance
                                                       with merit system principles.
Relationships Among the HCAAF Systems...............  Figure 1 below shows the relationships among the human
                                                       capital systems.


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                                                      Implementation of the HCAAF will enable agencies to
                                                       transform the Federal workplace into high-performing
                                                       arenas where every employee is enabled to understand and
                                                       maximize his or her contribution to agency mission.
                                                       Through implementation of the HCAAF, Federal agencies
                                                       will be able to focus on:
                                                       Human capital management systems and practices
                                                       that most impact attainment of their mission.
                                                       Measurable, observable agency and individual
                                                       performance results.
                                                      This will help to assure the American people's continuing
                                                       trust in their Government's ability to serve them and
                                                       protect our national security.
HCAAF Taxonomy......................................  The following components reflect the overall taxonomy of
                                                       the HCAAF.
    Standard........................................  A standard describes the critical human capital management
                                                       outcomes for agencies to strive toward in each of the
                                                       five HCAAF systems.
    Metrics.........................................  These are measurements that provide a basis for
                                                       comparison. Strategic human capital management requires a
                                                       reliable and valid set of metrics that provides an
                                                       accurate baseline against which individual agency
                                                       progress can be assessed. Required outcome metrics are
                                                       provided for the three systems that implement strategic
                                                       human capital plans and programs: Leadership and
                                                       Knowledge Management, Results-Oriented Performance
                                                       Culture, and Talent Management. These required metrics
                                                       are summarized on the following pages. Additional
                                                       suggested metrics are also included.
    Critical Success Factors........................  Each system is based on critical success factors that make
                                                       up the overall system. Critical success factors are the
                                                       areas on which agencies and human capital practitioners
                                                       should focus to achieve a system's standard and operate
                                                       efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with merit
                                                       system principles. For example, Change Management and
                                                       Diversity Management are two critical success factors
                                                       associated with the Leadership and Knowledge Management
                                                       system.
    Results.........................................  The results describe the desired effects when key elements
                                                       of a critical success factor are effectively implemented.
                                                       Results are presented in two categories: Effectiveness
                                                       results and compliance results. Compliance results refer
                                                       to specific statutory or regulatory requirements.
    Key Elements....................................  Each critical success factor contains several key elements
                                                       that are similar to the Elements of Yes that were
                                                       initially developed as part of the HCAAF. Key elements
                                                       describe what you would expect to see in an effective
                                                       critical success factor.
    Suggested Performance Indicators................  The suggested indicators--both effectiveness indicators
                                                       and compliance indicators--describe examples of visible
                                                       evidence of the existence of key elements and compliance
                                                       with merit system principles. Cumulatively, the
                                                       indicators identify how well the agency is doing relative
                                                       to key elements. The suggested performance indicators are
                                                       linked to the key elements and are not meant to be an all-
                                                       inclusive list. Human capital practitioners may need to
                                                       search for other indicators if agency approaches differ
                                                       from the list of suggested performance indicators
                                                       provided. Agencies may decide which suggested performance
                                                       indicators provide the best evidence that they have
                                                       implemented practices that lead toward achieving the
                                                       standard.
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SECTION I--Introduction to the HCAAF                  Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework
                                                       (HCAAF)
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Metrics
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Metrics.............................................  Metrics have been established to help agencies accomplish
                                                       the standard for the three systems that implement
                                                       strategic human capital plans and programs--i.e.,
                                                       Leadership and Knowledge Management, Results-Oriented
                                                       Performance Culture, and Talent Management. These three
                                                       systems have both required and suggested metrics.
                                                       Required metrics focus on human capital
                                                       management outcomes and are required for Governmentwide
                                                       reporting. They focus on human capital management
                                                       outcomes from three perspectives: organization, employee,
                                                       and merit system compliance.
                                                       Suggested metrics focus on human capital
                                                       management activities that support outcome metrics and
                                                       show the health of a specific HCAAF critical success
                                                       factor.
                                                      The metrics were developed based on extensive research
                                                       from a variety of expert sources. To be incorporated in
                                                       the HCAAF, a metric needed to meet the following
                                                       criteria:
                                                       Align with the HCAAF.
                                                       Drive organizational effectiveness directly or
                                                       indirectly.
                                                       Be applicable Governmentwide.
                                                       Be actionable (under the control of the agency).
                                                       Be practical (cost effective and acceptable).
                                                       Be reliable (stable).
                                                       Be valid (accurate and appropriate for its
                                                       purpose).
                                                      The metrics described in this Guide were carefully chosen
                                                       to maintain their usefulness over time. However, many
                                                       additional human capital metrics exist that agencies may
                                                       find they want to implement. Agencies are encouraged to
                                                       augment these Governmentwide metrics with other activity
                                                       and outcome metrics that are relevant to the agencies'
                                                       human capital objectives.
                                                      The following pages provide the system standard and the
                                                       required outcome metrics for the Leadership and Knowledge
                                                       Management, Results-Oriented Performance Culture, and
                                                       Talent Management systems. Refer to each specific
                                                       system's section for the suggested metrics.
Leadership and Knowledge Management System Standard.  Agency leaders and managers effectively manage people,
                                                       ensure continuity of leadership, and sustain a learning
                                                       environment that drives continuous improvement in
                                                       performance, and provide a means to share critical
                                                       knowledge across the organization. Knowledge management
                                                       must be supported by an appropriate investment in
                                                       training and technology.
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Required Outcome Metric         Description             Purpose
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization Metric:          Difference between    To determine how the
 Competency Gaps Closed for    competencies needed   agency should
 Management and Leadership.    and competencies      target its
                               possessed by          recruitment and
                               managers and          retention, and
                               leaders.              development efforts
                                                     to bring the
                                                     competencies of its
                                                     managers and
                                                     leaders into
                                                     alignment with the
                                                     agency's current
                                                     and future needs.
Employee Perspective Metric:  Items from Annual     To determine the
 Questions from Annual         Employee Survey.      extent to which
 Employee Survey about                               employees hold
 Satisfaction with                                   their leadership in
 Leadership.                                         high regard, both
                                                     overall and on
                                                     specific facets of
                                                     leadership.
Merit System Compliance       An assessment of      To determine that
 Metric: Merit-Based           compliance with       decisions,
 Execution of the Leadership   merit system          policies,
 and Knowledge Management      principles and        processes, and
 System.                       related laws,         practices executed
                               rules, and            under the
                               regulations           Leadership and
                               governing the         Knowledge
                               Leadership and        Management system
                               Knowledge             comply with the
                               Management system.    merit system
                                                     principles and
                                                     related laws,
                                                     rules, and
                                                     regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results-Oriented Performance   The agency has a diverse, results-
 Culture System Standard.       oriented, high-performing workforce and
                                a performance management system that
                                differentiates between high and low
                                levels of performance and links
                                individual/team/unit performance to
                                organizational goals and desired results
                                effectively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Required Outcome Metric         Description             Purpose
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization Metric: SES      Relationship between  To determine the
 Performance/Organizational    SES performance       extent to which SES
 Performance Relationship as   ratings and           appraisals and
 Linked to Mission.            accomplishment of     awards are
                               the agency's          appropriately based
                               strategic goals.      on achievement of
                                                     organizational
                                                     results.
Organization Metric:          Degree of linkage     To determine whether
 Workforce Performance         between employees'    all employees have
 Appraisals Aligned to         performance           performance
 Mission, Goals, and           appraisal plans and   appraisal plans
 Outcomes.                     agency mission,       that effectively
                               goals, and outcomes.  link to the
                                                     agency's mission,
                                                     goals, and
                                                     outcomes.
Employee Perspective Metric:  Items from Annual     To determine the
 Questions from Annual         Employee Survey.      extent to which
 Employee Survey about                               employees believe
 Performance Culture.                                their
                                                     organizational
                                                     culture promotes an
                                                     improvement in
                                                     processes, products
                                                     and services, and
                                                     organizational
                                                     outcomes.

[[Page 23018]]


Merit System Compliance       An assessment of      To determine that
 Metric: Merit-Based           compliance with       decisions,
 Execution of the              merit system          policies,
 Performance Culture System.   principles and        processes, and
                               related laws,         practices executed
                               rules, and            under the
                               regulations           Performance Culture
                               governing the         system comply with
                               Performance Culture   the merit system
                               system.               principles and
                                                     related laws,
                                                     rules, and
                                                     regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Talent Management System       The agency has closed skills, knowledge,
 Standard.                      and competency gaps/deficiencies in
                                mission-critical occupations, and has
                                made meaningful progress toward closing
                                skills, knowledge, and competency gaps/
                                deficiencies in all occupations used in
                                the agency.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Required Outcome Metric         Description             Purpose
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization Metric:          Difference between    To determine how the
 Competency Gaps Closed for    competencies needed   agency should
 Mission-Critical              and competencies      target its
 Occupations.                  possessed by          recruitment,
                               employees in          retention, and
                               mission-critical      development efforts
                               occupations.          to bring the
                                                     competencies of its
                                                     workforce into
                                                     alignment with the
                                                     agency's current
                                                     and future needs.
Employee Perspective Metric:  Items from Annual     To determine the
 Questions from Annual         Employee Survey.      extent to which
 Employee Survey about                               employees think the
 Organizational Capacity.                            organization has
                                                     talent necessary to
                                                     achieve
                                                     organizational
                                                     goals.
Employee Perspective Metric:  Items from Annual     To determine the
 Questions from Annual         Employee Survey.      extent to which
 Employee Survey about                               employees are
 Employee Satisfaction.                              satisfied with
                                                     their jobs and
                                                     various aspects
                                                     thereof.
Merit System Compliance       An assessment of      To determine that
 Metric: Merit-Based           compliance with       decisions,
 Execution of the Talent       merit system          policies,
 Management System.            principles and        processes, and
                               related laws,         practices executed
                               rules, and            under the Talent
                               regulations           Management system
                               governing the         comply with the
                               Talent Management     merit system
                               system.               principles and
                                                     related laws,
                                                     rules, and
                                                     regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION II--Strategic Alignment System                The Strategic Alignment System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Workforce Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Resources as Strategic Partner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Strategic Alignment System......................  This section contains information specific to the
                                                       Strategic Alignment system, which focuses on having a
                                                       human capital management strategy that is aligned with
                                                       mission, goals, and organizational objectives.
Definition..........................................  A system led by senior management--typically the Chief
                                                       Human Capital Officer (CHCO)--that promotes alignment of
                                                       human capital management strategies with agency mission,
                                                       goals, and objectives through analysis, planning,
                                                       investment, measurement, and management of human capital
                                                       programs.
Standard............................................  Agency human capital management strategies are aligned
                                                       with mission, goals, and organizational objectives and
                                                       integrated into its strategic plans, performance plans,
                                                       and budgets.
Critical Success Factors............................  The Strategic Alignment system is comprised of the
                                                       following critical success factors:
                                                       Human Capital Planning: The agency designs a
                                                       coherent framework of human capital policies, programs,
                                                       and practices to achieve human capital requirements to
                                                       directly support the agency's strategic plan.
                                                       Workforce Planning: The organization identifies
                                                       the human capital required to meet organizational goals,
                                                       conducts analyses to identify competency gaps, develops
                                                       strategies to address human capital needs and close
                                                       competency gaps, and ensures the organization is
                                                       appropriately structured.
                                                       Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge
                                                       Sharing: To leverage its efforts, the agency works with
                                                       others to share best practices and learn about new
                                                       developments.
                                                       Human Resources as Strategic Partner: Human
                                                       resources (HR) professionals act as consultants with
                                                       managers to develop, implement, and assess human capital
                                                       policies and practices to achieve the organization's
                                                       shared vision. Senior leaders, managers, HR
                                                       professionals, and key stakeholders contribute to the
                                                       human capital vision and the agency's broader strategic
                                                       planning process.
Applicable Merit System Principles..................  The following merit system principle is especially
                                                       relevant to the Strategic Alignment system:
                                                       The Federal work force should be used efficiently
                                                       and effectively. (5 U.S.C. 2301(b)(5)).
Metrics.............................................  Activities and outcomes of this system are assessed
                                                       through documented evidence of a Strategic Human Capital
                                                       Plan that includes human capital goals, objectives, and
                                                       strategies; a workforce plan; and performance measures
                                                       and milestones.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agencies are required under OPM regulations implementing the CHCO Act to submit the Strategic Human Capital Plan
 described by this system to OPM on an annual basis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 23019]]


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION II--Strategic Alignment System                The Strategic Alignment System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Workforce Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Resources as Strategic Partner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results: Human Capital Planning.....................  When the key elements of the critical success factor Human
                                                       Capital Planning are effectively implemented, agencies
                                                       will realize the following results:
                                                      Effectiveness Results
                                                       The agency's strategic plan establishes an agency-
                                                       wide vision that guides human capital planning and
                                                       investment activities.
                                                       The agency has a system in place to continually
                                                       assess and improve human capital planning and investment
                                                       and their impact on mission accomplishments.
                                                       Managers are held accountable for effective
                                                       implementation of human capital plans and overall human
                                                       capital management.
                                                      Compliance Result
                                                       In accordance with the Chief Human Capital
                                                       Officers Act of 2002 (CHCO Act), the agency CHCO carries
                                                       out the functions authorized in 5 U.S.C. 1402, including
                                                       aligning the agency's human resources policies and
                                                       programs with organizational mission, strategic goals,
                                                       and performance outcomes.
                                                      The following pages provide key elements and suggested
                                                       performance indicators for this critical success factor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             HUMAN CAPITAL PLANNING
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Key Elements                                   Suggested Performance Indicators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agency has a human capital planning system that:
     Promotes alignment of human capital         Effectiveness Indicators
     strategies with agency mission, goals, and           Key stakeholders, including HR, participate in
     objectives through analysis, planning, investment,   the development and revision of the agency's strategic
     and management of human capital programs             plan and facilitate workforce planning and analysis
                                                          efforts.
                                                          Documents substantiate involvement of key
                                                          human capital leaders and key stakeholders in the
                                                          planning process (e.g., team members of review boards,
                                                          working groups, or executive off-sites).
                                                          Human capital planning is managed by a human
                                                          capital review team or similar collaborative body
                                                          comprised of the CHCO and senior leaders and managers
                                                          from human resources, information technology, finance,
                                                          and mission-specific program areas.
                                                         Compliance Indicator
                                                          As provided by 5 U.S.C. 1303(c), the agency
                                                          holds managers and human resources officers
                                                          accountable for efficient and effective human
                                                          resources management in support of the agency's
                                                          mission, in accordance with merit system principles.
     Establishes a process for including human   Effectiveness Indicators
     capital activities and investments in the agency     The agency's annual performance plan and
     annual performance plan and budget                   budget request include human capital activities and
                                                          investments.
                                                          The annual plan identifies resources required
                                                          to implement human capital strategies (e.g., retention
                                                          bonuses, ``buyouts,'' awards, training, student loan
                                                          repayments, tuition assistance, Voluntary Early
                                                          Retirement Authority (VERA)). Funding requirements are
                                                          prioritized in case not all human capital strategies
                                                          can be funded.
                                                         Compliance Indicators
                                                          The agency has a standard for integrating its
                                                          human resources strategies into the budget as stated
                                                          in 5 U.S.C. 1303, as added by the CHCO Act of 2002.
                                                          As prescribed in the CHCO Act (31 U.S.C.
                                                          1115), the agency's performance plan provides a
                                                          description of how the performance goals and
                                                          objectives are to be achieved, including:
                                                         --The operational processes, training, skills and
                                                          technology, and the human capital information and
                                                          other resources
                                                         --The strategies required to meet the performance goals
                                                          and objectives.
                                                         [Note: In addition to amending and adding to title V,
                                                          the CHCO Act amends provisions of the Government
                                                          Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), which
                                                          requires agencies to prepare annual performance
                                                          plans.]

[[Page 23020]]


     Results in the development of an annual     Effectiveness Indicators
     human capital plan establishing human capital        The agency's planning process links the human
     goals, objectives, and investments that link to      capital framework to the mission, function, and
     the agency strategic plan and support mission        strategic management of the agency, as well as to
     accomplishment                                       other management initiatives such as e-Government and
                                                          competitive sourcing.
                                                          The agency has designed human capital
                                                          performance improvement strategies that support
                                                          mission accomplishment.
                                                          The agency has approved and communicated human
                                                          capital planning documents that describe human capital
                                                          goals, objectives, investments, and strategies that
                                                          are linked to the agency strategic plan.
                                                         Compliance Indicators
                                                          The agency includes human capital strategic
                                                          planning in agency performance plans and performance
                                                          reports as stated in 31 U.S.C. 1115, as amended by the
                                                          CHCO Act.
                                                          As prescribed in the CHCO Act (31 U.S.C.
                                                          1115), the agency's program performance report
                                                          includes a review of the performance goals and
                                                          evaluation of the agency's performance plan relative
                                                          to the agency's strategic human capital plan.
     Provides for a formal agency-wide           Effectiveness Indicators
     evaluation of the strategies in the human capital    The strategic human capital plan sets human
     plan and its implementation                          capital progress milestones and identifies those
                                                          responsible for meeting them.
                                                          The agency's annual performance review tracks
                                                          and measures human capital activities and investments.
                                                          The agency defines successful achievement of
                                                          the mission in terms of quantified long- and short-
                                                          term human capital performance goals.
                                                          The agency has a documented change management/
                                                          implementation process that identifies necessary human
                                                          capital practices that facilitate change.
The agency has a human capital planning system that:      Where appropriate, individual performance
                                                          plans and evaluations address accountability for
                                                          successful implementation of human capital strategies.
                                                          Human capital partnering is considered in
                                                          senior leaders' and managers' annual performance
                                                          reviews.
                                                         Compliance Indicators
                                                          In accordance with the Executive Performance
                                                          and Accountability Interim Rule (5 CFR 430 and 1330),
                                                          senior employee performance ratings appropriately and
                                                          clearly link to organizational mission, GPRA strategic
                                                          goals, or other program objectives.
                                                          Agency managers plan and communicate
                                                          performance elements and standards that are linked
                                                          with strategic planning initiatives in accordance with
                                                          the Executive Performance and Accountability Interim
                                                          Rule (5 CFR 430 and 1330).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION II--Strategic Alignment System                The Strategic Alignment System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Workforce Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Resources as Strategic Partner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results: Workforce Planning.........................  When the key elements of the critical success factor
                                                       Workforce Planning are effectively implemented, agencies
                                                       will realize the following results:
                                                      Effectiveness Results
                                                       The agency approaches workforce planning
                                                       strategically and in an explicit, documented manner. The
                                                       workforce plan links directly to the agency's strategic
                                                       and annual performance plans and is used to make
                                                       decisions about structuring and deploying the workforce.
                                                       Mission-critical occupations and competencies are
                                                       identified and documented, providing a baseline of
                                                       information for the agency to develop strategies to
                                                       recruit, develop, and retain talent needed for program
                                                       performance.
                                                       The agency's documented workforce plan identifies
                                                       current and future workforce competencies and the agency
                                                       is closing identified competency gaps through
                                                       implementation of gap reduction strategies such as:
                                                      --Restructuring.
                                                      --Recruitment.
                                                      --Competitive sourcing.
                                                      --Redeployment.
                                                      --Retraining.

[[Page 23021]]


                                                      --Retention (e.g., compensation, quality of work life).
                                                      --Technology solutions.
                                                       A business forecasting process is implemented
                                                       that identifies probable workforce changes, enabling
                                                       agency leadership to anticipate changes to human capital
                                                       that require action to ensure program performance.
                                                       Based on functional analyses, the agency is
                                                       appropriately structured to allow the right mix and
                                                       distribution of the workforce to best support the agency
                                                       mission.
                                                       Based on analysis of customer needs and workload
                                                       distribution, the agency has the right balance of
                                                       supervisory and non-supervisory positions to support the
                                                       agency mission.
                                                      Compliance Result
                                                       The CHCO assesses workforce characteristics and
                                                       future needs based on the agency's mission and strategic
                                                       plan in accordance with the CHCO Act of 2002 (5 U.S.C.
                                                       1402).
                                                      The following pages provide key elements and suggested
                                                       performance indicators for this critical success factor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               WORKFORCE PLANNING
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Key Elements                                   Suggested Performance Indicators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agency's workforce planning system includes a
 workforce analysis process that:
     Identifies mission-critical occupations     Effectiveness Indicators
     and competencies that are essential to achieving     Studies indicate which occupations and
     strategic goals.                                     competencies are essential to achieving the agency's
     Analyzes current strengths and weaknesses    strategic goals.
     regarding mission-critical occupations and           Mission-critical occupations and competencies
     competencies..                                       are identified in the agency's strategic plan and/or
     Identifies competency gaps and               performance plan, and its strategic human capital
     deficiencies, including current and future           plan.
     competency needs and losses due to voluntary         A methodology exists for determining mission-
     attrition..                                          critical occupations and competencies based in part on
     Systematically defines the size of the       professional qualifications (e.g., certifications,
     workforce needed to meet organizational goals..      licenses).
     Uses workforce planning reports and          Trends in mission-critical occupations are
     studies in conjunction with the best practice        analyzed in terms of the following suggested factors
     benchmarks to determine the most effective work      in order to continually adjust the agency's
     levels, workloads, and resources for efficient       recruitment and retention strategy to its current
     functioning..                                        state of need:
     Bases decisions related to restructuring,   --Number and distribution of positions by pay plan/
     redeployment, and reorganization on current          grade or pay band/series and geographic location.
     empirical and workforce analysis..                  --Average age.
     Conducts risk assessments to minimize       --Average length of service.
     adverse impacts on workforce due to restructuring.. --Diversity trends.
     Documents and assesses key supporting       --Average grade/band.
     functions of all business areas..                   --Retirement eligibility (current and expected).
     Regularly evaluates customer/citizen needs  --Turnover (e.g., separations, resignations, transfers,
     and incorporates these needs into workforce plans,   retirements).
     organizational goals, and functions..               --Surpluses in occupations and competencies.
                                                          Competency and/or staffing models have been
                                                          developed and there is analysis of gaps between the
                                                          current and desired competencies for mission-critical
                                                          occupations.
                                                          Documentation indicates workforce analysis
                                                          occurs on a periodic basis and is used to drive human
                                                          capital policy and decisions.
                                                          The agency uses a documented, systematic
                                                          strategic workforce planning process that addresses
                                                          the following issues:
                                                         --The link to the agency's strategic plan and the
                                                          strategic human capital plan.
                                                         --The link to the agency's annual performance/business
                                                          plan.
                                                         --Work activities required to carry out the goals and
                                                          objectives of the strategic plan (long term) and
                                                          performance plan (short term).
                                                         --How to structure the organization (e.g., determine
                                                          what must be done for continuance of Government
                                                          operations, determine necessary layers, streamline
                                                          functions, consolidate organizational elements) and
                                                          its work processes/workflow to carry out work
                                                          activities
                                                         --How to continually update the process to reflect
                                                          mission changes, technology advances (e.g., e-
                                                          Government), funding levels, competitive sourcing, and
                                                          other change drivers.
                                                         --Analysis and assessment of the current workforce
                                                          (e.g., skills, demographics, attrition) to meet long-
                                                          term and short-term goals and objectives.
                                                         --Workforce analysis including indicators such as size
                                                          and distribution of workforce (including Senior
                                                          Executive Service (SES)) by grade, series, geographic
                                                          locations, types of positions occupied, pay plan,
                                                          veteran representation, etc.
                                                         --How to develop current employees, recruit to fill
                                                          long-term and short-term goals, and provide for
                                                          continuity of leadership through succession to key
                                                          positions.
                                                         --How to minimize the adverse impact on the workforce
                                                          in restructuring the organization and its work
                                                          processes.
                                                          The agency uses multi-faceted techniques to
                                                          close competency gaps within the organization (e.g.,
                                                          strategic recruitment, mid-career hiring, training).

[[Page 23022]]


                                                          The agency conducts regular assessment of its
                                                          need for, and deployment of, executive resources.
     Forecasts future business changes in the    Effectiveness Indicators
     work of the agency and how the changes will affect   Line managers and key staff, including HR,
     the workforce.                                       consider and prepare for possible workforce changes in
     Regularly tracks established performance     areas such as mission/goals, technology, program
     measures, workforce trends, and technological        additions or deletions, functions, and outsourcing
     advances to ensure updated models for meeting        initiatives.
     citizen and organization needs.                      The agency's strategic plan and/or performance
                                                          plan and its strategic human capital plan reflect
                                                          forecasts of the human capital implications of future
                                                          business plans, including expectations and trends
                                                          concerning:
                                                         --Future workload and staffing needs.
                                                         --Workforce demographics in mission-critical
                                                          occupations.
                                                         --Changing competency requirements
                                                         --Industry benchmarking for similar occupations.
                                                         --Availability of competencies within applicable labor
                                                          markets.
                                                          The forecast is shared widely and used within
                                                          the agency by those who are responsible and
                                                          accountable to meet human capital needs.
The agency's workforce analysis process is based on
 sources of information such as:
     Current workforce demographic and           Effectiveness Indicators
     competitive sourcing studies.                        Information systems are in operation which
     Descriptive and documented plans and         provide human capital data to all appropriate
     processes for hiring, recruiting, employment, and    management levels to guide planning, analysis, and
     retention efforts..                                  decision making. Data integrity is maintained through
     Past agency assessments and workforce        quality control checks.
     data..                                               The agency conducts and uses management
     Information about anticipated changes        studies to:
     related to e-Government and competitive sourcing,   --Eliminate work and interfaces that add no value.
     goals, and objectives..
                                                         --Assess the organization's deployment strategies,
                                                          including identification of situations where
                                                          competitive sourcing is the most appropriate means to
                                                          meet their strategic objectives.
                                                          Staffing data showing trends in appointments,
                                                          promotions, conversions, separations, and retirements
                                                          are analyzed regularly, and management decisions
                                                          regarding workforce deployment are based on documented
                                                          data.
                                                          Turnover indicators (e.g., transfers,
                                                          retirements, and separations in each of the last
                                                          several years, overall, and by professional,
                                                          administrative, technical, clerical, and other
                                                          occupations) are monitored regularly.
The agency's workforce planning system includes an
 organizational structuring process that:
     Utilizes functional analysis to determine   Effectiveness Indicators
     appropriate organizational and physical structure.   Documentation of analyses of organizational
     Clearly organizes the agency staffing plan   functions shows review, planning, design, and, if
     by workflow, organizational initiative, and          applicable, implementation and outcome of efforts to
     functional area..                                    realign the workforce.
     Anticipates change in citizen needs by       Functional analyses and data analyses result
     continuously monitoring the evolution of needs,      in specific targets for workforce redeployment, which
     trends, and events affecting workforce planning..    are reflected in the strategic human capital plan and
     Avoids excess organizational layers.......   the workforce plan.
     Reduces redundant operations..............   The benefits of proposed changes to the
     Analyzes internal workforce statistics       structure and/or the workforce mix are quantified and
     (e.g., ratio of managers to workforce,               incorporated into the budget submissions.
     distribution of workforce), data, and trends to      Duplications in support areas such as
     make the most efficient choices for workforce        communications, legislative affairs, budget, and
     deployment..                                         personnel and/or duplications in program areas are
                                                          reduced and programs are streamlined and consolidated
                                                          wherever possible.
                                                          Analysis of data includes statistics such as
                                                          ratio of administrative jobs (e.g., administrative
                                                          officer, budget analyst, budget clerk, management
                                                          analyst, personnel clerk, personnel professional,
                                                          support services specialist) to the workforce,
                                                          distribution of administrative jobs by organizational
                                                          component and geographic location, and trends in
                                                          numbers and proportions of administrative jobs.
                                                          A model organization has been developed that:
                                                         --Reflects the numbers of employees needed and their
                                                          appropriate skill and grade or pay band/level mix.
                                                         --Identifies key leadership positions.
                                                         --Includes specific recruiting and training/development
                                                          activities.
                                                         Compliance Indicator
                                                          The agency appropriately applies pertinent
                                                          regulations and statutes to group or individual
                                                          deployment-related actions as specified in the Talent
                                                          Management system (Voluntary Early Retirement
                                                          Authority (VERA), Voluntary Separation Incentive
                                                          Payments (VSIP), Transfer of Function (TOF), etc.).
The agency's organizational structuring process
 demonstrates that it:

[[Page 23023]]


     Includes statistics regarding number of     Effectiveness Indicators
     supervisors, their series and grade/pay band,        Analysis of data includes statistics related
     geographic location, and ratio of supervisors to     to the number of supervisors, their geographic and
     employees.                                           organizational location, their series and grades/pay
     Obtains the mix of supervisory and non-      bands, the ratio of supervisors to employees, percent
     supervisory positions to best meet customer needs..  of supervisors in grades GS-12-15 or equivalent, etc.
     Documents the need for redirecting           Supervisory needs are clearly tied to the
     supervisory positions and the planned program        workflow process and the organizational structure
     design and assessment for the implemented changes..  resulting in a staffing plan that indicates the
     Addresses impediments to restructuring by    necessary number of supervisors by functional area.
     analyzing solutions found within the current         The agency has documented the need to redirect
     environment..                                        supervisory positions, designed and implemented a
     Uses a documented change management          program to support their redeployment, and developed
     strategy..                                           an evaluation process to determine if the anticipated
                                                          outcomes are being achieved.
                                                          Impediments are identified and solutions to
                                                          overcome impediments within the current environment
                                                          (e.g., Title V and/or other appropriate systems) are
                                                          identified and documented.
                                                          Through consultation with the Office of
                                                          Personnel Management (OPM), the agency makes a sound
                                                          business case for any waivers, exemptions, or
                                                          regulatory or legislative relief needed to overcome
                                                          barriers.
                                                          The agency has a documented change management
                                                          strategy, where appropriate, to overcome barriers and
                                                          facilitate restructuring/culture change efforts.
                                                          The agency's restructuring, redeployment, and
                                                          reorganization decisions are substantiated with
                                                          empirical evidence.
                                                          Agency records indicate that, during
                                                          restructuring, redeployment, and reorganizing,
                                                          operational disruption is minimized through the use
                                                          of:
                                                         --Effective internal and external communication plans
                                                         --Retraining
                                                         --Reassignment
                                                         --Placement assistance
                                                         --Relocation allowances
                                                         --VERA and VSIP where appropriate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION II--Strategic Alignment System                The Strategic Alignment System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Workforce Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Resources as Strategic Partner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results: Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge   When the key elements of the critical success factor Human
 Sharing                                               Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing are
                                                       Effectively implemented, agencies will realize the
                                                       following results:
                                                      Effectiveness Result
                                                       The agency looks beyond its own experience and
                                                       resources when developing human capital strategies and
                                                       works with others to share best practices.
                                                      Compliance Result
                                                       As provided in 5 U.S.C. 1303(c), the agency holds
                                                       managers and human resources officers accountable for
                                                       efficient and effective human resources management in
                                                       support of the agency's mission, in accordance with merit
                                                       system principles.
                                                      The following page provides key elements and suggested
                                                       performance indicators for this critical success factor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
           HUMAN CAPITAL BEST PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Suggested Performance
              Key Elements                          Indicators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agency has a human capital best
 practices and knowledge sharing system
 that:
     Benchmarks best practices   Effectiveness Indicator
     and lessons learned by other         The agency uses
     Government agencies and private      resources (e.g., Web sites,
     sector organizations.                research findings, special
                                          studies, program guidance)
                                          from sources such as:
                                         --OPM.
                                         --Office of Management and
                                          Budget (OMB).
                                         --Government Accountability
                                          Office (GAO.)
                                         --Society for Human Resource
                                          Management (SHRM).
                                         --International Public
                                          Management Association for
                                          Human Resources (IPMA-HR).

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                                         Compliance Indicator
                                          The agency's CHCO
                                          identifies best practices and
                                          benchmarking studies in
                                          accordance with the CHCO Act
                                          (5 U.S.C. 1402).
     Establishes a method or     Effectiveness Indicators
     process for collaborating with       The agency uses
     other agencies regarding effective   Governmentwide benchmarks
     human capital strategies.            (e.g., staffing timeliness,
                                          Central Personnel Data Files/
                                          FedScope, Federal Human
                                          Capital Survey (FHCS)
                                          responses) in setting human
                                          capital strategic goals.
                                          The agency
                                          participates in human capital
                                          managerial/professional
                                          employee groups (e.g., the
                                          Chief Human Capital Officers
                                          Council, the Small Agency
                                          Council, Federal Executive
                                          Boards, and National Academy
                                          of Public Administration).
     Provides valuable           Effectiveness Indicators
     information to human capital         Agency representatives
     planners on effective human          participate in Governmentwide
     capital strategies that is used to   collaborative efforts and/or
     improve human capital planning.      managerial/professional/
                                          employee organizations to
                                          share best practices and
                                          leverage lessons learned.
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SECTION II--Strategic Alignment System                The Strategic Alignment System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Workforce Planning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Capital Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Human Resources as Strategic Partner
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results: Human Resources as Strategic Partner.......  When the key elements of the critical success factor Human
                                                       Resources as Strategic Partner are effectively
                                                       implemented, agencies will realize the following results:
                                                      Effectiveness Results
                                                       HR professionals and key stakeholders are
                                                       involved in the agency strategic and workforce planning
                                                       efforts.
                                                       The HR function is adequately staffed and
                                                       prepared, in competencies and resources, to proactively
                                                       partner and consult with line managers.
                                                       The HR staff reaches out to other organizational
                                                       functions and components through facilitation,
                                                       coordination, and counseling to provide integrated
                                                       mission support.
                                                      Compliance Result
                                                       As provided by 5 U.S.C. 1303(c), the agency holds
                                                       managers and human resources officers accountable for
                                                       efficient and effective human resources management in
                                                       support of the agency's mission, in accordance with merit
                                                       system principles.
                                                      The following pages provide key elements and suggested
                                                       performance indicators for this critical success factor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      HUMAN RESOURCES AS STRATEGIC PARTNER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Key Elements                                   Suggested Performance Indicators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agency's human resources system:
     Is proactively involved in the agency       Effectiveness Indicators
     strategic and workforce planning efforts.            The HR staff consults with managers and
                                                          supervisors across the agency on various management
                                                          issues.
                                                          The HR staff provides advice and guidance to
                                                          managers on human capital strategies tailored to meet
                                                          organizational needs.
                                                          The HR staff assesses and anticipates needs of
                                                          customers (i.e., managers, supervisors, employees, and
                                                          applicants), develops functions and services to
                                                          support and fulfill those needs, ensures quality of
                                                          services, and communicates program requirements to
                                                          customers.
                                                          The HR staff involves line functions in
                                                          program review and/or development and likewise is
                                                          invited by line functions to organizational meetings
                                                          and retreats to identify and advise on HR issues.
                                                          FHCS and/or other surveys or interviews
                                                          indicate that HR staff members are viewed as internal
                                                          consultants and that human capital strategies support
                                                          the broader agency mission.
                                                          Policies describe the process and procedures
                                                          for communicating customer issues, resolving customer
                                                          dissatisfaction, and handling customer comments.
                                                          The HR staff measures and communicates the
                                                          value of products and services it provides through
                                                          feedback mechanisms.

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                                                         Compliance Indicator
                                                          As provided by 5 U.S.C. 1303(c), the agency
                                                          holds managers and human resources officers
                                                          accountable for efficient and effective human
                                                          resources management in support of the agency's
                                                          mission, in accordance with merit system principles.
     Includes a staff that has the skills and    Effectiveness Indicators
     competencies required for partnering with            The agency conducts HR staff development needs-
     executives and managers in strategic planning.       assessment studies to identify competency gaps.
                                                          The agency has strategies (e.g., automation,
                                                          competitive sourcing, recruitment, mentoring,
                                                          training) in place to close competency gaps in HR
                                                          staff and to provide managers the advice and tools
                                                          they need to operate.
                                                          HR staff conducts program reviews, customer
                                                          surveys, and regular assessments of information
                                                          systems and other support functions to identify areas
                                                          for continuing improvement.
                                                          Analysis of staffing levels includes
                                                          considerations such as HR servicing ratio, HR staff
                                                          distribution by series/grade/pay band, HR staff
                                                          average grade/pay band, age, length of service,
                                                          training completed, retirement eligibility, HR
                                                          supervisory ratio, and ratio of personnel actions to
                                                          personnel staff.
     Has a human resource information system     Effectiveness Indicator
     with the capacity to provide relevant and reliable   HR staff partners with managers to:
     data necessary for making fact-based human capital  --Conduct workforce studies and analyze results in
     decisions.                                           collaboration with managers; the data is used for
                                                          decision making
                                                         --Use all available functions and features of the
                                                          agency's current system to facilitate effective agency
                                                          workforce management (e.g., process and report on
                                                          personnel transactions, query data) and provide
                                                          routine reports to managers.
                                                         --Participate, as appropriate (i.e., depending on level
                                                          in organization), in agency and/or OPM initiatives to
                                                          support the OPM Enterprise Human Resources Integration
                                                          initiative, which will support HR management across
                                                          Government.
                                                         --Participate, as appropriate, in other e-government
                                                          initiatives such as e-payroll and RSM.
                                                         --The agency uses an HR information system that
                                                          promotes employee self-service and manager access to a
                                                          broad range of human capital information and
                                                          indicators.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION III--Leadership and Knowledge Management      The Leadership and Knowledge Management System
 System
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Leadership Succession Management
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Change Management
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Integrity and Inspiring Employee Commitment
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Continuous Learning
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Knowledge Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Leadership and Knowledge Management System......  This section contains information specific to the
                                                       Leadership and Knowledge Management system, which focuses
                                                       on identifying and addressing agency leadership
                                                       competencies so that continuity of leadership is ensured,
                                                       knowledge is shared across the organization, and an
                                                       environment of continuous learning is present.
Definition..........................................  A system that ensures continuity of leadership by
                                                       identifying and addressing potential gaps in effective
                                                       leadership and implements and maintains programs that
                                                       capture organizational knowledge and promote learning.
Standard............................................  Agency leaders and managers effectively manage people,
                                                       ensure continuity of leadership, and sustain a learning
                                                       environment that drives continuous improvement in
                                                       performance, and provide a means to share critical
                                                       knowledge across the organization. Knowledge management
                                                       must be supported by an appropriate investment in
                                                       training and technology.
Critical Success Factors............................  The Leadership and Knowledge Management system is
                                                       comprised of five critical success factors:
                                                       Leadership Succession Management. The
                                                       organization identifies leadership competencies and
                                                       establishes objectives and strategies to ensure there is
                                                       a continuous pipeline of available leadership within the
                                                       organization.
                                                       Change Management: The agency has in place
                                                       leaders who understand what it takes to effectively bring
                                                       about changes that achieve significant and sustained
                                                       improvements in performance.
                                                       Integrity and Inspiring Employee Commitment:
                                                       Leaders maintain high standards of honesty and ethics
                                                       that serve as a model for the whole workforce. Leaders
                                                       promote teamwork and communicate the organization's
                                                       shared vision to all levels of the organization and seek
                                                       feedback from employees. Employees respond by maintaining
                                                       high standards of honesty and ethics.

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                                                       Continuous Learning: Leaders foster a learning
                                                       culture that provides opportunities for continuous
                                                       development and encourages employees to participate.
                                                       Leaders invest in education, training, and other
                                                       developmental opportunities to help themselves and their
                                                       employees build mission-critical competencies.
                                                       Knowledge Management: The organization
                                                       systematically provides resources, programs, and tools
                                                       for knowledge sharing across the organization in support
                                                       of its mission accomplishment.
                                                      Together, these critical success factors ensure:
                                                       A constant flow of leaders who can properly
                                                       direct an agency's efforts to achieve results.
                                                       A workforce with the competencies required to
                                                       achieve the agency's mission.
                                                       That the workforce is motivated to use its
                                                       competencies in service of the agency's mission.
Applicable Merit System Principles..................  The following merit system principle is especially
                                                       relevant to the Leadership and Knowledge Management
                                                       system:
                                                       Employees should be provided effective education
                                                       and training in cases in which such education and
                                                       training would result in better organizational and
                                                       individual performance. (5 U.S.C. 2301(b)(7)).
Required Outcome Metrics............................  The following are required outcome metrics for the
                                                       Leadership and Knowledge Management system.
------------------------------------