Federal · Final rule · Personnel Management Office
Managing Senior Professional Performance
Final rule Significant Official data
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Official abstract (Federal Register)
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are issuing a final rule to strengthen the performance appraisal of senior-level (SL) and scientific or professional (ST) employees, collectively referred to as "senior professionals." This final rule establishes a new subpart dedicated exclusively to senior professional performance appraisal that aligns more closely with Senior Executive Service (SES) performance appraisal regulations. The rule also eliminates senior professional appraisal programs, removes the prohibition of a standardized distribution of performance rating levels, and enhances oversight of the appraisal process.
Dates (as published)
Effective November 18, 2026.
Read the rule on FederalRegister.gov ↗