Additional Implementing Guidance for Schedule Policy/Career Final Rule (Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service)

MEMORANDUM TO: Heads of Departments and Agencies FROM: Scott Kupor, Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management DATE: February 6, 2026 RE: Additional Implementing Guidance for Schedule Policy/Career Final Rule (Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service) On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published the final rule Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service and released guidance to agencies on implementing this rule. As noted in our February 5, 2026 memorandum, OPM will provide ongoing support to agencies to ensure full and complete implementation of the final rule. The attached files provide additional guidance to agencies to implement changes to internal policies and communicate key information about Schedule Policy/Career. Agency Chief Human Capital Officers and/or Human Resources Directors should contact OPM for any additional information using the following contact information: • • • • Performance Management and Awards: performance-management@opm.gov Employee Accountability: employeeaccountability@opm.gov Hiring: employ@opm.gov Pay Policy (severance pay, incentives, student loan repayment program): paypolicy@opm.gov Employees should contact their agency human resources offices for assistance. cc: CHCOs, Deputy CHCOs, and Human Resources Directors Attachments: Appendix 1: Template: Agency Compensation Policies under Schedule Policy/Career Appendix 2: Template: Agency Policies on Hiring Schedule Policy/Career Employees

Appendix 3: Template: Agencies Policies on Performance-Based and Adverse Actions for Schedule Policy/Career Employees Appendix 4: Template: Administrative Grievance Process for Schedule Policy/Career Appendix 5: Quick Reference Guides for Human Resources, Managers, and Employees Appendix 6: Briefing Decks for Leaders, Managers and Supervisors, Employees, and Human Resources Professionals