NSPS Web-based tool now easier to use after enhancements

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gilmartin
  • ESC Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Electronic Systems Center people who fall under the National Security Personnel System, or those who supervise someone who does, will be happy to find that the Performance Appraisal Application has been updated with several improvements that should make it much easier to navigate.

According to Bob Youtt, ESC's NSPS program manager, the new version 2.0 of the Web-based PAA tool that supports the performance planning and appraisal process of NSPS is now available on the My Biz and My Workplace sites in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System.

"The latest version of the PAA incorporates feedback from users that makes it much more user friendly," Mr. Youtt said. "Since this was a new system, people were often puzzled as to what steps to take next when doing their interim appraisals. The next time they log on, they'll be happy to find an online help feature has been added to provide navigational assistance."

Mr. Youtt said users will also like the new series of quick guides, conveniently organized by user group and topic, which provides step-by-step instruction for performing specific tasks.

PAA Version 2.0 also offers improved printing capabilities for employees and pay pool managers. Now, employees can print specific sections of the performance plan or the entire plan. Pay Pool Managers can print performance plans for the entire pay pool.

Additionally, easy-to-understand screens, buttons, links, and terminology help make PAA Version 2.0 friendlier for users, Mr. Youtt said.

The PAA also now features additional space for entering job objectives and assessments, as well as character counters at the bottom of certain areas to help users track how close they are to running out of space.

PAA Version 2.0 also lets employees access the tool and work on performance plans prior to NSPS conversion. This feature helps employees prepare for NSPS and become familiar with the required tools for fulfilling responsibilities in the performance management process.

"I encourage everyone to log on and familiarize themselves with the new features now, so they'll be ready for the first NSPS performance period closeout, which begins Oct. 1," Mr. Youtt said.

He also advises people to watch for more enhancements of this tool that are coming later this fall, including CAC Card-enabled log on to the My Biz and My Workplace sites.