Agencies assist Fellows along their 2-year developmental journey in the program. It is the responsibility of both Fellows and their supervisors to negotiate the developmental activities and work responsibilities that will prepare the Fellow for a targeted position at the conclusion of the program. Below is a time line that chronicles PMF developmental milestones:

As a supervisor of a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF), you will play a critical role in the orientation of the PMF to the Federal government, the achievement of the PMF's career goals, and the retention of the PMF in the Federal Service. PMF Supervisors play a critical role in the PMF Program and most directly impact the overall experience for their Fellows by providing them with developmental opportunities and meaningful work.

As a supervisor of a PMF, you are required to:

• Provide work time and funds for class fees and associated travel expenses for a minimum of 80 hours of mandatory PMF training in each year of the fellowship. See the Mandatory NOAA PMF Training and Development Program section for more information.
• Provide the PMF with 2 developmental assignments; 1 that is 120-180 calendar days (4-6 months) in length and 1 that is 30-180 calendar days (1-6 months) in length during the fellowship. See the Mandatory NOAA PMF Training and Development Program section for more information.
• Develop an individual development plan (IDP) with the Fellow using the NOAA PMF IDP Template that addresses the target position, developmental requirements, and recommended activities.
• Support the PMF in selecting a mentor that is outside of their normal chain of command.
• Establish a performance plan and annual evaluation for each Fellow with performance elements and standards for the competencies expected and for duties assigned.
• Provide input to NOAA’s Operating Executive Resources Board (OERB) as needed to evaluate the Fellow’s progress and certify whether he or she has successfully completed the program.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, supervisors of PMFs are required to:

• Provide the PMF with developmental work that contributes to the office's mission.
• Develop performance standards and evaluate the PMF's performance regularly to support promotions and conversion.
• Provide guidance and feedback to the PMF.
• Initiate all appropriate PMF personnel actions.
• Communicate and work with the NOAA PMF Program Managers.

Supervisors must monitor the Fellow's work progress and provide feedback on how well the Fellow is performing in meeting the learning objectives of the IDP. Supervisors must also identify areas needing improvement so that any unacceptable performance can be addressed and corrected before the end of an appraisal period. Fellows must be evaluated and rated satisfactorily on their work performance prior to advancement in grade levels and prior to conversion to the competitive service. In the unusual circumstance that a Fellow's performance is below "fully successful" or equivalent, the supervisor should contact the NOAA PMF Training Program Manager and their servicing HR advisor for oversight and guidance.

Training and development are fundamental components of the PMF Program. Regulations require that Fellows receive a minimum of 80 hours of formal classroom training in each year of their fellowship. In addition, NOAA PMFs must complete 2 developmental assignments; 1 that is 120-180 calendar days (4-6 months) in length and 1 that is 30-180 calendar days (1-6 months) in length during the fellowship. These requirements must be completed prior to the Fellow's anticipated conversion date (2 years from the PMF's entry on duty date). NOAA PMFs must also establish and maintain a relationship with a mentor outside of their chain of command.

NOAA has developed a mandatory NOAA PMF Training and Development Program to ensure that PMFs complete these program requirements. The requirements provide consistency of training and are intended to make the PMFs a corporate NOAA resource. NOAA is also interested in ensuring that the content and quality of training received is beneficial and complimentary to the career development of PMFs. The Fellows' training and developmental assignments must be documented on his/her individual development plan (IDP).

The Fellow's home office (the Program Office within the Fellow's NOAA Line/Corporate Office) is responsible for providing funds for the PMF's class fees and associated travel expenses. Additional training is encouraged. Please contact the NOAA PMF Training Program Manager for additional guidance and suggestions on training opportunities.

NOAA PMF Training Requirements
  - Duration Requirements for Formal Training Hours
  - Types of Training That Do Not Count Toward 80 Hour Annual Requirement
NOAA PMF Developmental Assignment Requirements
NOAA PMF Mentor Requirements

NOAA PMF Training Requirements                                      Top

• OPM PMF Orientation & Training Program
  (24 hours of training in year 1)
• NOAA PMF Orientation
  (16 hours of training in year 1)
• DOC PMF Orientation
  (16 hours of training in year 1)
• NOAA Leadership Seminar
  (24 hours of training in either year 1 or 2)
• Supervisory Training
  (40 hours to be completed in either year 1 or 2)
• Elective Training
  (40 hours to be completed in either year 1 or 2),
  tailored to the specific learning objectives of the PMF's target position

Classes must be “all day” in length, e.g., at least 6 hours of class time per day, to count toward the formal classroom training component. If a course is held several hours a day for multiple days, total class time must equate to an “all day” course length or more. If a class meets once for 4 hours, this does not count as formal class room training because it does not meet the "all day" length requirement.

Fellows are highly encouraged to take supplemental training to gain the most from their PMF experience. However, on-the-job training, independent study, reading managerial/ leadership books, and attending brown bag meetings, NOAA Town Hall Meetings and NOAA PMF Panel Meetings do not count towards the minimum 80 hour annual training requirement.

Per OPM's guidance from March, 2007, instruction delivered totally technology based, such as on-line, e-learning, virtual instruction, etc., may not be substituted for the formal classroom training requirement. Skillsoft courses available through the Commerce Learning Center (CLC) would be included in the totally technology based category.

However, Fellows may count blended learning towards the 80 hour annual training requirement provided that the training is formally structured with specific objectives, provides learners with the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other students (albeit in a virtual setting), and provides an opportunity to evaluate the progress of the participant. The blended learning must combine some form of human instructor intervention with multiple students, whether it be virtual or in person, and any electronic learning component (i.e., webinars, go-to meetings, web-ex meetings, etc.). There are instances of blended learning available in the CLC.

While e-learning courses do not count toward the minimum 80 hour annual PMF requirement, Fellows are highly encouraged to take e-learning courses via the CLC as supplemental training. The CLC contains over 2000 e-learning courses on a multitude of topics that will be of interest to Fellows, including Business Skills/Project Management, Business Skills/Strategic Planning, Business Skills/Team Building, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Financial Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Personal and Professional Leadership, and Supervision & Management. To access the CLC at NOAA:

1. Open your web browser and go to this address: https://doc.learn.com/noaa
   
   
2. To login, enter your user name and password. Your username is your complete NOAA email address (firstname.lastname@noaa.gov). For example, John.Smith@noaa.gov. If you are a first time user, your password was sent via email. During your first session, you must change your password. You cannot login again with the original password. In addition, you will be asked to answer some questions for future use in retrieving a forgotten password. Make sure you can easily remember your responses. If you have trouble accessing the system, please contact Live Support at: http://livesupport.eskillz.com/DOC_NOAA.aspx?username=&classroomid=21. You will be connected to a live chat page.
   
   
3. Once you have logged in, click on the "Training and Development" button on the left navigation bar. Web-based courses are organized by topic area. Click on any topic area to explore the array of courses offered.
   
   
4. Select the course you are interested in, and select "click here to enroll."

OPM conducts an annual PMF Orientation & Training Program for first-year Fellows. This is a three-day program that counts as 24 formal classroom training hours in year 1 of the PMF's fellowship. This three-day OPM sponsored program focuses on contemporary leadership, communication, and teamwork skills as well as career development planning. Working mealtime sessions, evening activities, plenary and concurrent breakout sessions are scheduled to encourage Fellows to interact with each other. OPM typically schedules three orientation sessions between October and January for Fellows. PMFs may register for only one session. Each session is held at OPM's Eastern Management Development Center (EMDC) in Shepherdstown, WV, less than 2 hours from Washington, D.C.

The sessions scheduled for the PMF Class of 2008 were:
Session 1: October 14-16, 2008 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Session 2: November 12-14, 2008 (Wednesday - Friday)
Session 3: January 21-23, 2009 (Wednesday - Friday)

Cost: The Fellow's office is responsible for travel, lodging and per diem expenses. PMFs will need to obtain travel orders from their office prior to attending a session. Fellows should work with their supervisor and the administrative staff who process travel orders to cover projected expenses. Visit: OPM PMF Orientation Registration for more information.

NOAA conducts an annual Orientation specifically for its first-year PMFs. The 2-day program counts as 16 formal classroom training hours in year 1 and is held in Silver Spring, Maryland in the early winter. The Orientation is designed to clarify expectations and requirements regarding NOAA's PMF training and development program, and assist the Fellows with IDP development; and encourage Fellows to form a network with other Fellows and PMF Alumni.

The NOAA PMF Class of 2008 Orientation took place December 10-11, 2008 (Wednesday - Thursday) in Silver Spring, MD. The Orientation was held in the first floor conference room in SSMC-1 from 9:00am-5:00pm each day followed by optional evening networking events. Any Class of 2008 Fellows who were unable to attend their Orientation must attend the Class of 2009 Orientation.

The U.S. Department of Commerce conducts an annual Orientation for all Fellows employed by the Department or its bureaus. The 2-day program counts as 16 formal classroom training hours in year 1 and is held in Washington, D.C. The Orientation is designed to enhance the Fellow's knowledge of the Department’s organizational structure, increase knowledge of current training and development initiatives such as the Commerce Learning Center, and provide opportunities for Fellows to network.

The 2008 DOC PMF Orientation took place November 20-21, 2008. It was held in the Hoover Building in Washington, D.C. Any Class of 2008 Fellows who were unable to attend their Orientation must attend the Class of 2009 Orientation.

In either year of the fellowship, NOAA PMFs are required to attend the NOAA Leadership Seminars (NLS) as a staff member. The NLS is a four-day event for 150 employees from all of NOAA’s Line and Corporate Offices from the field and headquarters.  The target audience for the NLS is GS 13-14s (or equivalents), and participants are nominated by their Line and Corporate Offices.

The NLS enhances attendees’ knowledge and insight of current NOAA initiatives and drivers, including NOAA’s regional collaboration initiatives, the importance of outreach, the purpose of the goal teams, and the PPBES process. Participants network with NOAA senior leaders and other participants and enhance their leadership skills. For more information, visit: http://www.wfm.noaa.gov/NLS/.

The next NLS will be held during the summer of 2009. Exact dates have yet to be determined. The PMF Training Program Manager will notify Fellows once the dates have been finalized. Class of 2007 Fellows who have yet to fulfill their NLS staffing requirement will have first priority to staff the 2009 NLS.

Requirements
Cost
Recommended Courses

Requirements:  NOAA PMFs are required to complete 40 hours of supervisory training in either year of the fellowship. In order for a course to qualify for this requirement, it must develop and enhance the attendee's personal management, communication and supervisory skills, and be designed for employees transitioning to supervisory/management positions.

Although most supervisory courses by nature will be geared to employees at the GS-13 level (or equivalent) and above, Fellows should not let the "target audience" for a particular course dissuade them from taking that course. The courses below meets the 40 hour requirement. The Fellow and his/her supervisor can also pursue an alternative to the courses listed below. The supervisory course can be taken either through NOAA or an external vendor. If a Fellow is uncertain if a course would qualify for the supervisory requirement, the PMF is encouraged to send a description of the course to the NOAA PMF Training Program Manager for review.

Cost:   The cost to complete a course to satisfy the supervisory training requirement will vary depending on the vendor selected and is the responsibility of the Fellow's office. If the Fellow must travel to take the course, travel expenses, per diem and lodging must also be paid by the Fellow's office and travel orders will be required.

Recommended Courses:

Requirements
Cost
OPM-Sponsored PMF Forums
NOAA PMF Training Resource Bank

Requirements:   NOAA PMFs are required to complete 40 hours of elective training in either year of the fellowship. The courses selected for this training component should develop and enhance the PMF's skills that will be necessary for the Fellow's target position. The courses can be taken either through NOAA or an external vendor. Fellows should consult with PMF alums within their Line/Corporate Office, their supervisor, and the NOAA PMF Training Program Manager for recommendations on potential training courses. OPM-Sponsored PMF Forums also count toward the elective training requirement.

Cost:   The cost to complete courses to satisfy the elective training requirement will vary depending on the vendor selected and is the responsibility of the Fellow's office. If the Fellow must travel to take a course, travel expenses, per diem and lodging must also be paid by the Fellow's office and travel orders will be required.

OPM-Sponsored PMF Forums:   OPM offers several 1-day training Forums each year that count as 8 hours of formal classroom training each. For NOAA PMFs, these hours would count toward the elective training requirement. These Forums are open to all current Fellows, although attendance is voluntary. They will provide valuable information on specific content issues such as the Federal budget or health care challenges, or on leadership issues such as budget analysis or conflict resolution. There is no cost to the Fellow's office to attend these Forums unless travel and per diem expenses are necessary.

NOAA PMF Training Resource Bank:   Includes all training courses taken by NOAA PMFs from the Class of 2003 to present (NOAA PMF access only)

Requirements
Cost
Finding Potential Developmental Assignment Opportunities
NOAA PMF Developmental Assignment Resource Bank
Building the Developmental Assignment Business Case
Required Documentation for Developmental Assignments
Security Clearance Procedures
Administrative Details Before the Assignments Begin
Host Office PMF Performance Assessment

Requirements:   NOAA PMFs must complete 2 developmental assignments; 1 that is 120-180 calendar days (4-6 months) in length and 1 that is 30-180 calendar days (1-6 months) in length during the fellowship. Both assignments must be completed prior to the Fellow's anticipated conversion date (2 years from the PMF's entry on duty date).

The 120-180 day developmental assignment must be in the occupation and/or functional discipline in which the Fellow will most likely be placed, and should assist the PMF in meeting the learning objectives as outlined on the IDP. The assignment must have full-time management and/or technical responsibility consistent with the Fellow's IDP. The 30-180 day developmental assignment can be to any field desired that relates to the overall career path identified by the supervisor and Fellow in the IDP.

The developmental assignments are intended to broaden the Fellow's perspective on the work of NOAA and the Department, produce a more insightful employee and eventually a more effective leader. The assignments allow Fellows to strengthen managerial and technical competencies, learn about program functions from another perspective, and/or contribute on projects that will help NOAA implement its mission. The assignments also benefit the Fellow's home office through the connections and insights the Fellow will gain during the assignments, the technical knowledge and skills the Fellow will acquire, and the Fellow's work on projects that may be mutually beneficial to both the host and home office.

Both developmental assignments must be outside of the Fellow's immediate program office. One or both assignments can take the PMF to another Line/Corporate Office within NOAA, another Agency, branch of Government (including Capitol Hill), state/local government, to the private sector, or to a non-profit organization, as appropriate. If the home office concludes that an assignment to a non-Federal entity is appropriate to assist a Fellow to reach core competencies necessary for conversion to the targeted position at the end of the fellowship, it is the responsibility of the home office to contact the NOAA PMF Training Program Manager to ensure that potential legal and ethical issues associated with such an assignment are addressed.

Fellows are also encouraged to pursue assignments in the field (outside of the Washington D.C. metro area) if the budget of the home and host offices can accommodate costs for housing, transportation, and per diem if required.

Cost:   During the developmental assignments, the Fellow remains an employee of the home office. The Fellow's home office continues to pay the salary and benefits of the PMF. If the Fellow pursues a field assignment, the Fellow's home office and the potential host office should come to an agreement beforehand with regard to paying for the Fellow's housing, transportation, and per diem expenses.

Finding Potential Developmental Assignment Opportunities:   The developmental assignments are arranged between the PMF, the Fellow's supervisor, and the interested host office. While some home offices arrange the Fellow's assignments, many PMFs take the initiative to identify assignments they are particularly interested in. Fellows should also query PMF alumni within their Line/Corporate Office to gain ideas for potential opportunities.

PMFs are encouraged to be flexible and to have reasonable expectations regarding their home office's approval of the location and timing of the developmental assignments. The assignments are to be clearly outlined and negotiated in advance with the Fellow's supervisor. In addition, the Fellow's home and host office supervisors should mutually agree on the timing of the assignment to preclude conflict with work in the Fellow's home office.

The NOAA PMF Training Program Manager and/or PMF alumni will periodically e-mail available NOAA developmental assignment opportunities to current PMFs. For available assignments outside of NOAA, Fellows are encouraged to monitor potential opportunities on the OPM PMF website at: https://www.pmf.opm.gov/RotationsOpportunities.aspx.

Page last edited: August 11, 2009