Purpose

The Employee Performance Communication System (EPCS) is NASA's performance management system for all employees other than Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Scientific and Technical (ST), and Senior Level (SL) employees. EPCS coverage includes employees serving under temporary, term, excepted (including NASA Excepted (NEX)), and Student Educational Employment Program appointments. The EPCS establishes a systematic process for planning, monitoring, developing, assessing, and rewarding employee performance that contributes to achieving the Agency's Vision, mission, and goals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The EPCS creates a strategically linked set of performance expectations for all employees, promotes a performance culture that focuses on two-way communication and accountability for results, and clearly differentiates between high and low performers.

Applicability

This NPR is effective May 1, 2007, and is applicable to NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers (including Component Facilities), and the NASA Shared Services Center. Unless otherwise indicated, the word Center(s) in the text of this NPR includes NASA Headquarters and the NASA Shared Services Center. Any reference to Center Director(s) includes the Assistant Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration and the Executive Director, NASA Shared Services Center.

The Office of the Inspector General has statutory independence and may create a separate performance management system that more effectively meets its mission requirements.