NSPS Alternate Forms of Competition Published Jan. 18, 2008 By Jonetta M. Schrick 72nd Mission Support Group TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- 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. 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 appraisal score is a "Level 5" and may be promoted to a vacant position in a higher pay band. Under this form of competition an employee does not have to nominate himself. However, the vacant position must have the same 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 when a selecting official may request an individual by name. The manager submits the employee's name to the human resources office along with a description of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. If the human resource office determines the employee is in the "highest quality group" he can be placed in the position. When senior level managers meet to evaluate and recommend employees for vacant positions it's called an assessment board. 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, but Tinker is only using the alternate certification process. As the need arises the other two flexibilities may be put in place. New information regarding the use of these flexibilities will be available at https://wwwmil.tinker.af.mil/dpcweb/. Any questions concerning NSPS alternate forms of competition may be directed to your organization's Human Resources Recruitment specialist.