BACKGROUND
The OHRM Advisory updates employee eligibility for QSIs.  The updates reduce the timeframe for measuring performance by only requiring the most recent performance appraisal and reducing the length of time when another QSI may be awarded from 24 months to 12.

ELIGIBILTY

1. QSIs are reserved for the most exceptional performance.  No single accomplishment merits a QSI; it may be granted only to those employees who have demonstrated sustained exceptional performance, commensurate with the classification of the employee’s position, over at least a 12-month period in the same grade and type of position.

2. Employees are to meet the following criteria to be considered eligible for a QSI:

   1. Be at the full performance level of their position;

   2. Have performed in the same grade and type of position for at least 12 months before the end of the appraisal cycle;

   3. Be below step 10 of their grade level;
   4. Received a rating of record of Fully Successful in FY 2022;
   5. Not have received a QSI within the previous 52 weeks;
   6. Have demonstrated sustained performance of the highest quality, and demonstrably above the expectations defined at the Fully Successful level of their performance plan; and
   7. Have attained accomplishments that contributed substantially to the organization’s goals, commensurate with the classification of their position.

1. Each FSIS Program Area is provided with allocations for the number of QSIs that may be granted. The allocations vary annually.  Requests for additional QSI allocations may be made to the Office of Human Resources and will be considered by the Office of the Administrator on a case-by-case basis.
2. Each Program Area is to submit a Form AD-3115, Recommendation and Authorization of Quality Step Increase for each QSI nominee by the due date communicated to the FSIS Management Council via e-mail, which will also include their QSI allocations.
3. Form AD-3115 is to be prepared by either the nominee’s first level or second level supervisor.
4. The AA is to provide final approval for their respective Program Area’s QSI nominations.