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OPM and OMB final rule creates dedicated appraisal subpart for senior professionals

By LexCircuit Desk · · AI-drafted, human-reviewed

The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget published a final rule on October 19, 2026 governing performance appraisal of senior-level and scientific or professional employees. The rule establishes a new subpart dedicated to senior professional appraisal, eliminates senior professional appraisal programs and removes the prohibition on a standardised distribution of rating levels. It takes effect on November 18, 2026.

Text (Federal Register) →

Key points

  • Senior professionals hold positions established under 5 U.S.C. 5376, classified above GS-15 and just below the Senior Executive Service.Federal Register
  • The new subpart aligns senior professional appraisal more closely with Senior Executive Service appraisal regulations in 5 CFR Part 430.Federal Register
  • The rule enhances oversight of the appraisal process and amends 5 CFR Parts 351, 430, 451, 534, 537, 630 and 894, plus OMB Part 1330.Federal Register
  • The rule carries RIN 3206-AO88 for OPM and RIN 0348-AB92 for OMB, under docket OPM-2025-0011, at 91 FR 65904.Federal Register

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RegulationU.S.OPM Senior Professional Performance Appraisal RuleEmploymentRegulatoryFor practitionersFor governance