NSPS has competition rules Published June 19, 2009 By 72nd Force Support Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Under the National Security Personnel System there are alternate forms of competition that do not require vacancy announcements, but do adhere to merit principles. The purpose of these alternate forms of competition is to reduce or eliminate paperwork while filling the position with a highly qualified candidate in a timely manner. The process of selecting candidates under these forms of competition recognizes and considers employee performance. There are three alternative forms of competition: exceptional performance promotion, alternate certification and assessment boards. Exceptional Performance Promotion means an employee whose most recent annual rating of record is a level five performance rating may be promoted to a vacant position in a higher pay band. Under this form of competition an employee does not have to self nominate for the position however the vacant position must have the same occupational code (or related interdisciplinary/ inter-occupational code) and similar function as the position the employee held at the time the Level 5 rating was received. Also management must consider other employees with the same level of performance. Alternate Certification is where a selecting official may make a by-name request for a highly qualified individual to fill a vacant position. The manager must submit the name of the employee to the human resources office along with a description of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for the vacant position. In turn, if the human resource office determines the employee is in the "highest quality group" then the employee can be placed on the position. Assessment Boards are boards comprised of senior level managers (subject matter experts) that regularly meet to evaluate and recommend employees for vacant positions. Qualified candidates, ranked into occupational groups, are placed on the Assessment Board's referral list. If an employee's name appears on the referral list, a manager can select that employee for a promotion without advertising the vacancy. Referral lists are valid for one year. Components may elect to use any or all of the above alternative forms of competition to fill vacant positions. Currently, Tinker is only using the alternate certification process. As the need arises, the other two flexibilities may be put in place. Any questions concerning NSPS alternate forms of competition may be directed to your organization's Human Resources Recruitment Specialist. For assistance, Maintenance employees can contact the staffing specialist for their organization at 739-2660. All other employees can reach their staffing specialist at 739-3803.