How to Recommend an Employee for Quality Step Increase

• At the end of the performance appraisal cycle, identify those employees whose performance was of such a high quality that they merit a Quality Step Increase. These employees should be expected to continue performing at this level into the next appraisal cycle.
   
• Ensure that your office can afford a permanent increase in the recommended employees' salaries.
   
• Make sure that the employees are eligible for a QSI. If the employee is covered by the five-level system, he or she must have received a final rating of Level 5. Check with your servicing Workforce Management Office Advisor if necessary.
   
• If the employee is covered by the two-level system,
  • Write a justification citing specific examples of the employee's exceptional performance. This justification must be attached to the CD-516, Classification and Performance Management Record.
     
  • Forward a QSI Certification Memo, listing each of your recommended employees, to your servicing Workforce Management Office. This listing must be received in Workforce Management by the last business day in December.

If the employee is covered by the five-level system,

• Check the QSI box on the "Performance Summary Rating” page from the CD-430, Performance Plan and Appraisal Record (CD-430)
• Enter "Yes" under the "QSI" box in your Performance Management Tracking System spreadsheet
• Ensure that your Line or Corporate Office submits this QSI recommendation in its five-level closeout package to WFMO by mid-November

Page last edited: January 17, 2008