---
kind: "section"
citation: "5 C.F.R. § 430.204"
title: "5"
number: "430.204"
heading: "Agency performance appraisal system(s)."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/5/430.204"
---

# §430.204. Agency performance appraisal system(s).

- (a) Each agency as defined at [section 4301(1)](/usc/5/4301.md?p=1) of title 5, United States Code, shall develop one or more performance appraisal systems for employees covered by this subpart.
- (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and parameters for the application and operation of performance appraisal within the agency for the employees covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall—
  - (1) **Provide for—**
    - (i) Establishing employee performance plans, including, but not limited to, critical elements and performance standards;
    - (ii) Communicating performance plans to employees at the beginning of an appraisal period;
    - (iii) Evaluating each employee during the appraisal period on the employee's elements and standards;
    - (iv) Recognizing and rewarding employees whose performance so warrants;
    - (v) Assisting employees in improving unacceptable performance; and
    - (vi) Reassigning, reducing in grade, or removing employees who continue to have unacceptable performance, but only after an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance.
  - (2) Identify employees covered by the system;
  - (3) **Specify the flexibilities an agency program established under the system has for setting—**
    - (i) The length of the appraisal period (as specified in [§ 430.206(a)](/cfr/5/430.206.md?p=a));
    - (ii) The length of the minimum period (as specified in [§ 430.207(a)](/cfr/5/430.207.md?p=a));
    - (iii) The number(s) of performance levels at which critical and non-critical elements may be appraised (as specified in [§ 430.206(b)(7)](/cfr/5/430.206.md?p=b-7) (i)(A) and (ii)(A)); and
    - (iv) The pattern of summary levels that may be assigned in a rating of record (as specified in [§ 430.208(d)](/cfr/5/430.208.md?p=d));
  - (4) Include, where applicable, criteria and procedures for establishing separate appraisal programs under an appraisal system; and
  - (5) Require that an appraisal program shall conform to statute, the regulations of this chapter, and the requirements established by the appraisal system.
- (c) **Agencies are encouraged to involve employees in developing and implementing their system(s).** When agencies involve employees, the method of involvement shall be in accordance with the law.

## Notes

### Amendments

[60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995; 60 FR 47646, Sept. 13, 1995]

### Source

Source: 60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 2301, chapter 43 and 5307(d).

### Amendments

[60 FR 43943, Aug. 23, 1995; 60 FR 47646, Sept. 13, 1995]