Performance-Related Compensation

Performance Pay Increases (Performance Awards and Quality Step Increases) may be granted to motivate employees by recognizing and rewarding those who attain high levels of performance of value to the organization. An employee may receive a performance award or a Quality Step Increase (QSI) but not both for the same rated performance.

• Performance Awards: An employee on an approved performance plan on the last day of the appraisal period, including any extension (delayed rating) needed to meet the 90 day requirement, is eligible for a performance award. An employee is ineligible for a performance award if not in a pay status for 90 days or if he/she has received a rating of “Unacceptable.”
• Quality Step Increases (QSIs): Though de-linked from the end of appraisal cycle, a QSI may be given at the end of the rating cycle to a GS employee who satisfies the following requirements: (a) has a rating of record of Achieved Excellence or Exceeds; (b) has demonstrated sustained, high-quality performance which significantly enhances mission accomplishment; and (c) has not received a QSI within the preceding 52 weeks. An employee may receive a QSI or a performance award but not both for the same rated performance.
• Performance Awards and QSIs are approved by a Performance Incentive Pay Official (PIPO) or his/her designee, who is at least one level above the immediate supervisor.