NSPS conversion coming soon Published July 28, 2006 By Kimberly Champagne 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The National Security Personnel System will be implemented at Shaw Jan. 21. NSPS will improve the way the Department of Defense hires, assigns, compensates and rewards employees, according to officials. “Approximately 140 appropriated fund employees assigned to Shaw will be converting to the NSPS system in January,” said Pat Womack, 20th Mission Support Squadron civilian personnel officer. “The NSPS is the biggest change to the civil service system in more than 25 years. One of its key tenants is that it closely ties pay raises to job performance, rather than longevity. Under the NSPS, employees will be focused on outcomes that support our mission and they will be rewarded for results,” said Maj. Jimmie Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing MSS commander. In addition, local market supplements will also vary with the new program. Initially, adjustments are the same as locality pay salary rates under the GS system. In the future, DoD will make adjustments based on factors such as: mission requirements, labor-market conditions, availability of funds, allowances and differentials such as those paid to employees overseas and in Alaska and Hawaii, according to officials. On an annual basis, an organization receives funding set aside for performance payouts. Performance payouts can be in the form of a base salary increase, a bonus, or a combination of the two. “While I have reservations about the new system, I realize change is needed,” said Alex Lujan, 20th Fighter Wing historian. Training will be required to assist employees in the transition to NSPS. The mandatory training must be accomplished prior to conversion. “Those who will convert will be notified via email that they must attend one of these sessions,” said Mrs. Womack. Subject specific training sessions for Shaw employees will be held Oct. 23-24 and Nov. 6-7. Training for supervisors will start Aug. 28 with multiple sessions in September and October. Supervisors will also be required to attend an eight-hour course on interactive communication skills; course dates begin the week of Oct. 16 and the week of Nov. 6.