Employee Performance Communication System (EPCS)
GSFC adopted the Employee Performance Communication System (EPCS) system in February 1997. This new system was developed by an Agencywide team chartered to study and recommend improvements to NASA's performance appraisal system. The primary goals of the system are to improve individual and organizational performance by enhancing communication between supervisors and employees and to provide a simplified, streamlined approach to performance planning and appraisal. The EPCS also links individual performance elements to the NASA Strategic Plan, GSFC's Strategic Implementation Plan and/or an organization's plan or goals. (Employees at Greenbelt covered by the Washington Area Metal Trades Council (WAMTC) Agreement are excluded, pending successful completion of negotiations. They will remain under their current negotiated appraisal system.)
Two Level Rating System
A two-level rating system (Meets Expectations and Fails to Meet Expectations) replaced the
five-level rating system (Outstanding, Highly Successful, Fully Successful, Minimally
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory). This is intended to take the emphasis away from the
adjective rating and to facilitate and encourage communication instead of labels.
Additionally, neither the development of plans nor an overall ratings of Meets
Expectations require review by the second level supervisor.
Rating Period
Employees receive mid-term reviews under the EPCS and the rating period is 1 year.
Employees are rated by their supervisor on September 30. New employees
must be on a plan for a period of 90 days before a rating may be
issued.
Documentation of the Performance Plan and Appraisal
Documentation of the plan and appraisal are simplified. A written
plan and narrative summary are required, and the form is one double-sided page.
Under the EPCS, only critical elements are defined. The EPCS appraisal form also provides supervisors and employees an opportunity to identify individual development activities such as education, training, rotational assignments, etc., that will assist the employee to achieve performance and career goals.
If you have any questions concerning the EPCS, please contact your Human Resources Management Specialist. EPCS forms are available to download from the OHCM Forms page.
