Federal Agencies Give Senior Experts a New Performance Review Playbook
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting November 18, 2026, senior professionals—those top experts just below the Senior Executive Service—will get a fresh, sharper way to review their work. This new rule makes their performance appraisals more like the SES system, removes old limits on rating scores, and boosts oversight to keep things fair and clear. Agencies can expect smoother, more meaningful reviews that better match these pros’ big responsibilities, with no extra costs announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Senior professionals move to SES‑style reviews
Starting November 18, 2026, agencies must apply a new subpart to senior‑level (SL) and scientific/professional (ST) employees—positions above GS‑15 and just below the Senior Executive Service (SES)—that aligns their performance appraisals more closely with the SES appraisal system. The rule creates a dedicated senior professional appraisal framework with five summary performance levels and annual appraisals.
Limits on top ratings via standardized distributions
The rule removes the prior prohibition on pre‑set rating distributions and authorizes OPM to establish a standardized distribution that can limit the percentage of senior professionals who receive the highest rating levels; Schedule C and Schedule G excepted appointees may be excluded. OPM cited that in fiscal years 2023–2024 about 90% of senior professionals received Levels 4 and 5 and less than 0.5% received ratings below Level 3.
Appraisals can affect pay and job actions
Under the new rules, senior professional appraisals must include a mathematical method for deriving ratings and appraisals will be used as a basis to adjust pay, reward, retain, develop, and remove senior professionals. The framework also includes enhanced multilayered oversight such as Performance Review Board review and permits a Presidential waiver if an agency's senior professionals are deemed outstanding.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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