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FAQ / Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions related to transition to DCIPS Grades (updated 22 April 2011)
Questions related to 5 August USD(I&S) memo
USD(I&S) Accreditation and Certification Initiative Frequently Asked Questions
DCIPS OVERVIEW
Who are the intelligence components of the Department of Defense?
What is DCIPS and why do we need it?
Where does DCIPS derives its authority?
In the policy development of pay for performance under DCIPS, was the Senior Executive Service Management System considered?
How does DCIPS relate to the Pay Modernization effort at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)?
How does DCIPS differ from the National Security Personnel System?
Why don't any of the DCIPS Volumes address benefits, entitlements, or leave?
DCIPS OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
What is the occupational structure of DCIPS?
What are mission categories and occupational groups?
What are DCIPS work categories?
How are work levels established in DCIPS?
Does DCIPS have more than one pay band in its occupational structure?
I'm familiar with the term "GS" for the General Schedule pay plan. What does the term "IA" mean?
The Combat Support Agencies (NSA, NGA and DIA) frequently receive taskings and guidance from offices of the DoD Director of Administration and Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), since they consider us to be in the "Fourth Estate".
DCIPS CONVERSION ISSUES
How is band placement determined at the time of conversion?
Does this method of determining band placement continue after conversion?
Do I need to do anything to ensure my position converts to the consolidated DCIPS pay bands?
My position does not seem to clearly align to the DCIPS structure. What should I do?
I am currently in a career ladder position with promotion potential to the GG-12 level. At the time of conversion, will my placement in the band be based on my current grade level or the target grade level of my position?
My position was converted to NSPS but has been identified for conversion to DCIPS. How will my conversion be handled?
IMPACT OF DCIPS
Will basic civil service protections be preserved - such as whistleblower protections, equal access, prohibition against favoritism, and veteran's preference?
How does DCIPS impact the Fair Labor Standards Act?
Does DCIPS impact who maintains my official personnel file or how I receive my paycheck?
DCIPS PAY ISSUES
How does a General Pay Increase (GPI) and locality adjustment affect my pay?
How does the process of setting performance objectives work?
I will be employed overseas. How does Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) impact my DCIPS pay?
As a DCIPS employee in a graded structure, will I receive within grade increases (WGIs)?
How will I advance within my pay band?
How are grade and pay retention handled under DCIPS?
Under DCIPS, is my position eligible to receive a special salary rate?
What happens to my retirement, health insurance, and other benefits when I convert to DCIPS?
Under DCIPS, are employees eligible for a Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS)?
STAFFING ISSUES
Can a component still establish developmental positions under DCIPS?
DCIPS Volume 2005 limits term appointments and extensions to a total of 5 years, including situations where a term employee is promoted, reassigned, or reduced in work level, pay band, or grade, to another term position. Does selecting a term employe
I have a critical vacancy in a Professional work category in pay band 3. There are several seemingly qualified individuals in the Professional work category in pay band 2. Can I simply promote one of those individuals to pay band 3?
As a supervisor, do I retain my ability under DCIPS to reassign employees within a particular band?
I have a vacant position that needs to be filled on a temporary basis. Can I temporarily promote or detail an individual to fill it?
I still have questions regarding hiring flexibilities under DCIPS. Who should I contact?
For personal reasons, I found it necessary to take a position in a lower band. If a position similar to my original position becomes available, will it be necessary for me to compete for that position?
I was employed by a competitive service organization prior to my appointment to a DCIPS position. Does this mean that I can no longer apply for positions that are open to "status" candidates only?
How are trial periods handled under DCIPS?
DCIPS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
When does the DCIPS evaluation period occur?
Why are ODNI performance elements posted on the DCIPS website?
How does the process of setting performance objectives work?
Can components develop a standard objective for employees in like positions?
Can I receive a rating of "Outstanding" even if my supervisor does not rate me as a 5 on each performance objective and each performance element?
How will feedback at the end of the year be handled?
Who will provide oversight to the performance management process?
What is the impact of an unacceptable rating?
Once I move to the pay-for-performance system, will I continue to be eligible for special act, on-the-spot and time off awards?
FURTHERANCE OF DCIPS
When and how will I receive additional information about DCIPS?
DOD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IC CIVILIAN JOINT DUTY PROGRAM
What is the IC Civilian Joint Duty (JD) Program (JDP)?
Why should I participate?
Who is eligible to participate in a JD Rotation (JDR)?
What will this experience provide to my home organization when I return?
How do I find out more about the JDP?
What is a Joint Duty Qualifying Experience (JDQE)?
How can JD credit be earned?
How do I apply for a JDR?
How do I find out what JDRs are available?
Can I apply for more than one JDR at a time?
Can I apply for a JDR that is above or below my current grade?
Do I need a JD credit for promotion?
How many JD credits do I need?
How will an appraisal and any pay increase or bonus be handled for an employee detailed to a joint duty assignment (JDA)?
TRAINING WITH INDUSTRY PROGRAM
Can I take a rotational assignment in a related private sector company?
Is the Training With Industry (TWI) program for uniformed military or civilians?
What is the purpose of TWI?
In DoD, who is ultimately responsible for the TWI program.
How long can a TWI assignment last?
Is a specific Memorandum of Understanding used?
Is there any other documentation needed?
What happens at the end of the TWI assignment?
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE FOREIGN LANGUAGE, AND REGION AND CULTURE PROGRAM
OUSDI Foreign Language within DIE Reference - 2016 Update
What is the Defense Language Program?
Who Governs The Defense LREC Program?
Is There an Equivalent IC Language Program?
What Policies Drive The Defense LREC Program and IC Foreign Language Program?
How Are Foreign Languages Assessed?
How Are Foreign Language Proficiencies Measured?
Is Training Offered in Foreign Languages?
Can I Get Paid For Testing In A Foreign Language?
Can I get Paid For Using My Regional Expertise and Culture?
Are There DoD and IC Programs Where I Can Go To Request For Foreign Language Support?
How Do I Get A Job That Uses My Foreign Language Abilities?
How Do I Assess my Regional Expertise And Culture Knowledge?
UNIQUE SITUATIONS
If an employee is recalled to active military duty, will they still be included in the pay pool? How will they be evaluated and rewarded?
How will the DCIPS equivalency protocol be applied to military ranking?
How will an employee’s placement in a particular pay band be treated for quarters- purposes at overseas locations?
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
What is the Role of the OUSD(I&S) in managing the quotas for DoD Leadership programs?
What are the eligibility requirements for centrally-managed leadership programs?
What DoD centrally-managed programs are available to Combat Support Agency personnel?
Executive Leader Development Program (ELDP)
Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP)
Defense Senior Leader Development Program (DSLDP)
White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP)
How can I apply to a centrally-managed leadership development program?
Who pays for a centrally-managed leadership development program?
What other training opportunities are available to Defense Intelligence Enterprise employees?
INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT
DCIPS Interchange Agreement (Expires 31 Dec 2025)
DCIPS FAQs INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT
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