Personnel Demonstration Project

Naval Sea Systems Command:
Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)
Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC)
27 August 2002

Shirley B. Scott
Project Manager

National Defense Authorization
Act For Fiscal Year 1995

SEC. 342. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT
PERSONNEL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

(b) Defense Laboratories Personnel Demonstration Projects

(1) The Secretary of Defense May, with the Approval of Director of the
Office of Personnel Management, Carry Out Personnel Demonstration
Projects at Department of Defense Laboratories Designated by the
Secretary as Department of Defense Science and Technology
Reinvention Laboratories.

(2)(A) Each Personnel Demonstration Project Carried Out Under the
Authority of Paragraph (1) Shall be Generally Similar in Nature to the
China Lake Demonstration project.

NAVSEA Warfare Centers’ Personnel Demonstration Project

Project Components:

1. Broad Banding.(Simplified Job Evaluation System)
2. Performance Development
3. Incentive Pay.
4. Reduction-in-Force
5. Competitive Examining and Appointment
   

Major Sites

Panama City, FL

Dam Neck, VA

Philadelphia, PA

NSWC Division Headquarters

• Conora, CA
• Port Hueneme, CA
• Carderock, VA
• Indian Head, VA
• Dahlgren, VA
• Crane, IL

NUWC Division Headquarters

• Keyport, WA
• Newport, NJ

Civilian Employees

NSWC & NUWC January 2002 Total = 20,417

Demo Participating Employees

I. Broad Banding: Objectives

• Streamlined Classification Process
• Greater Flexibility in Assignments
• Increased Authority to Set Pay
• Reduced Administrative Burden and Associated Costs
  

I. Broad Banding: Key Elements

Career Paths:

• Science and Engineering (ND)
• Administrative and Technical (NT)
• General Support ( NG)

Pay Bands:

• 5 to 6 bands
• Continuum of salaries,No steps
• Generic band descriptors

Pay Increases:

• Incentive Pay within a band
• Promotions between bands
• Locality & General increases

Career Path Development

• Reviewed Occupational Series & Staffing Patterns
• Grouped Occupations into 3 major categories aligned with
  • mission needs & organizational culture;
  • knowledge, skill and qualification requirements; and,
  • “lessons learned”
    

Career Path Definitions

Scientific/Engineering(ND)

• Two-grade Interval Positions in Professional Engineering and Physical, Biological, Mathematical, and Computer Sciences, e.g., Mechanical Engineer, Physicist, Mathematician.
  

Admin./Technical(NT)

• Two-grade Interval Positions in Administrative, Managerial, and.Technical (non-science & engineering) Fields, e.g., Administrative Officer, Accountant, Computer Specialist; and,
• One-grade Interval Engineering and Scientific Technician Positions, e.g., Electronics Technician, Physical Science Technician.

General Support (NG)

• One-grade Interval Positions in Administrative support and Clerical Fields, e.g., Secretary, Personnel Assistant, Computer Operator and.Assistant; and,
• Specialized Positions Supporting the Facility, e.g., Firefighter, Police Officer, Guard.
  
  

Broad Band Development

• Consolidated GS grade levels based on:
  • typical career progression (i.e., student, entry, developmental, full performance,.and expert levels);
  • broad classification principles; and,.
  • staffing & recruitment goals & objectives.

Career Paths & Broad Bands

CAREER PATH AUTHORIZED TITLES

Scientific/Engineering (ND)

• Student Trainee
• Supervisory Engineer/Scientist
• Engineer/Scientist
• Manager
• Program Manager
  

Admin./Technical (NT)

• Student Trainee
• Administrative/Technical Specialist
• Technician
• Supervisory Administrative/Technical Specialist
• Supervisory Technician
• Manager
  

General Support (NG)

• Student Trainee
• Supervisory Guard
• Assistant
• Supervisory Police Officer
• Supervisory Assistant
• Police Chief
• Guard
• Fire Protection Chief
• Police Officer
• Fire Protection Specialist
  

Level Descriptors

• Pre-classified” Generic 1- page descriptors.
• Limited Number (~ 26 total) - Standardized.
• Replaces OPM classification standards.
• Retains OPM occupational series & definitions.
• Blends criteria for 1-2 GS grades into single descriptor
  • Scope of Assignment
  • Level of Responsibility/Authority
  • Supervisory Controls
  • Personal Contacts
    

Sample Level Descriptor

GLD No. ND-03

ND CAREER PATH
LEVEL III

AUTHORIZED TITLES: ENGINEER OR SCIENTIST

This level is the intermediate level for engineer or scientists who, in addition to fundamental knowledge and skills, possess the ability to work as a productive team member and to develop an assignment through background investigation, research, and discussion. At this level, the employee has demonstrated the ability to select among precedents, make choices involving several alternatives, and develop a total package that is acceptable within given time frames and technical constraints.

The incumbent performs engineering or scientific work that is associated with specific tasks which may be a significant part of a major project or program having few, if any, new requirements calling for advanced engineering or scientific concepts. Assignments typically involve the adaptation of equipment, test procedures, models, and simulations. The engineer/scientist is a source of information and participates in developing reports of progress and findings for higher level review.

Incumbent may be a member of a team responsible for developing a project/system using information available in guides; catalogs; or technical information. Some adaptation is required to ensure the project meets specifications.

At this level, the employee has a good working knowledge of engineering or scientific concepts. The supervisor is usually available to answer questions; however, the incumbent is expected to search out and recommend solutions to unusual problems. Work is normally accepted as accurate.

New employees with knowledges and skills obtained through completion of an advanced degree in an appropriate discipline meet the requirements for assignment to this level.

Sample Level Descriptor

GLD No. ND-04

ND CAREER PATH
LEVEL IV

AUTHORIZED TITLES: ENGINEER OR SCIENTIST

Engineers or scientists at this level work on varied, complex state-of-the-art equipment systems, combat subsystems, and/or unique equipment systems and subsystems requiring the application of advanced scientific and engineering theories, concepts, and principles. As a specialist for an assigned function, type of equipment or subject area, the employee provides expertise in research or development of new or improved systems or equipment, advancement of technology, or resolution of controversial or novel problems.

The employee develops or tests new equipment/materials/concepts that significantly add to the operability and usefulness of what exists or develops new equipment/systems having new features, or significantly adds to the understanding and usefulness of previously unexplained and untested phenomena. The employee develops plans and procedures to extend existing knowledge and tests to account for newly emerging ideas and concepts. Assignments involve providing expert advice and guidance to managers, supervisors, peers, and sponsors on specific technical aspects of systems or concept development. In many instances, experimental data is nonexistent and concepts are controversial and the employee is often called upon to technically defend and support his/her ideas.
Level IV engineers or scientists may also provide technical leadership to a group of engineers, scientists and technical support staff, responsible for a small to medium project/program requiring the services of Level III and IV employees or contractors. Plans, guides, and coordinates the work of the group; assigns tasks; and, reviews work and resolves conflicts. Development of written plans and presentations to interested parties on program/project status, problems, milestones, etc. is expected. Keeps supervisor informed of progress and provides input to supervisor on team member accomplishments, contributions, and performance.

Supervision is usually limited to providing administrative direction and support. Level IV engineers or scientists are expected to carry out work that may have little or no precedent and provide leadership in resolving major technical and administrative problems. Recommendations and decisions are typically not reviewed except when controversial issues, policy matters, or unproven
concepts are involved.

Level Descriptor Addendum

• 1 page
• Tailors individual positions
  • Specific project/program assignments
  • Knowledge, skill, abilities
  • Required qualifications
  • General & technical competencies
  • HR Specific Info (e.g., security clearance, drug.testing, FLSA, etc.)
• Facilitates recruitment and staffing decisions
  

Level Descriptor Addendum

STANDARD LEVEL DESCRIPTOR ADDENDUM

CAREER PATH__________ BAND LEVEL_____ ___LEVEL DESCRIPTOR NUMBER ____________________
TITLE_______________________________________________________________________________________
SERIES: _____________________ POSITION SENSITIVITY: __________ _____________________________
ORG CODE:__________________________ DUTY STAT: ___________________________________________
Drug Test Required? (Testing Designated Position (TDP)): Y or N
Financial Disclosure Statement (SF 450) Required?: Y or N
Full Performance Level (FPL):________________________

ENGINEERING/SCIENTIFIC/PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINES:________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
SPECIALITY CODE/AREA (e.g., Fiber Optics) _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ASSIGNED PROGRAM/PROJECT AREA: ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):
General: ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Technical:________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Physical: ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
HAZARDOUS DUTY: Incumbent is regularly exposed to the hazard of __________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
However, the hazard is reduced through the use of standard operating procedures and/or
safety equipment.

I CERTIFY THAT THIS IS AN ACCURATE STATEMENT OF THE MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION AND ITS ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND THAT THE POSITION IS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS FOR WHICH I AM RESPONSIBLE. THIS CERTIFICATION IS MADE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS TO BE USED FOR STATUTORY PURPOSES RELATING TO APPOINTMENT AND PAYMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, AND THAT FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS MAY CONSTITUTE VIOLATIONS OF SUCH STATUTES OR THEIR IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS.
____________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Signature Date
********************************************************************************************
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
PD NO.____________________ DATE EST.:____________ SUPV/MGL CODE:_____ FUNC CODE:________ FLSA: __________________________________

SIMPLIFIED JOB EVALUATION

NAVSEA Warfare Centers' Personnel Demonstration Project

Classification System (employee perspective)

Percent Agree

NAVSEA Centers' Personnel Demonstration Project

Classification System (Supervisory Authorities)

Percent Agree

NAVSEA Warfare Centers' Personnel Demonstration Project

Pay Satisfaction

Percent Agree

NAVSEA Warfare Centers' Personnel Demonstration Project

Pay for Performance Link

Percent Agree

Personnel Demonstration Project

Naval Sea Systems Command:
Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)
Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC)

For further Information:
http.//www.nswc.navy.mil/dem