Performance Rating

GAO was asked whether the Headquarters Military Airlift Command has the authority to make the final decision on the overall performance rating of an individual and whether it has the prerogative to change an individual's rating. The jurisdiction of GAO is limited to the settlement of monetary claims made by or against the United States and to the audit and evaluation of Government programs. GAO does not comment on individual complaints concerning personnel actions unless a monetary claim is involved. Regulations provide that employees are entitled to contest adverse personnel actions and to file administrative appeals with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM has the responsibility for providing technical assistance to agencies in developing performance appraisal systems and can direct changes in a system when it does not meet statutory requirements. Thus, the question was for OPM to decide and not for GAO consideration.