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The AF 860A form plays a crucial role in evaluating and documenting civilian performance within the U.S. Air Force. This form is designed to assess employee performance based on a structured appraisal system, ensuring that evaluations are fair and consistent. It includes several critical elements meant to capture essential duties and responsibilities, with ratings ranging from unacceptable to acceptable. Specifically, Part A addresses the essential performance elements, providing a framework for managers to rate employees accurately. It is vital to note that receiving a “Does not meet” rating in any critical area leads to an overall unacceptable performance rating, which can initiate a performance improvement plan. Additionally, for senior employees at GS-14 and GS-15 levels, Parts B and C provide opportunities to describe the impact of the employee’s work on mission accomplishment and justify performance awards. The form also incorporates sections for certification and promotes a clear process to recognize exemplary performance. Overall, the AF 860A not only serves as a tool for evaluation but also fosters a culture of accountability and encouragement, aiming to uplift individuals as they contribute to the mission of the Air Force.

Af 860A Example

CIVILIAN RATING OF RECORD

(Please read Privacy Act Statement on reverse before completing this form.)

EMPLOYEE(Last Name, First, Middle Initial)

SSN

ORGANIZATION

 

PAY PLAN

SERIES

GRADE/STEP

TOTAL BASE, LOCALITY AND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL PAY

PUBLIC, JOHN Q

 

0000

51 FSS/FSMC

 

GS

0201

12/05

$58,376 PA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPRAISAL PERIOD

FROM:

20130401

TO:

20140331

 

EFFECTIVE DATE:

20140601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Part A normally contains one to seven critical elements.

- Rate the critical element(s) in Part A by placing an "X" in the appropriate block (s). The overall performance rating is derived from the ratings of the critical elements. A rating of "Does not meet" on any critical element results in a determination that overall performance is unacceptable. An Unacceptable rating is the basis for initiating a performance improvement plan and requires proper documentation. Contact the Civilian Personnel Flight for assistance.

- Complete Part B, "Impact on Mission Accomplishment" for GS-14s and GS-15s (bullet format, limited to 9 lines) . Optional to complete for others. - Complete Part C, "Award Justification" for those being recommended for an award (bullet format, limited to 9 lines).

PART A. Position Requirements. (Was the employee's performance Unacceptable or Acceptable on the Performance Plan's critical elements?)

 

DOES NOT MEET

MEETS

 

DOES NOT MEET

MEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVERALL PERFORMANCE RATING R - ACCEPTABLE: Rated "Meets Standards" on all critical elements.

 

 

 

RN - UNACCEPTABLE: Rated "Does Not Meet Standards" on one or more critical elements

PART B. Impact on Mission Accomplishment. (Mandatory completion required for GS-14s/15s.)

N/A

PART C. Award Justification. (Part B may serve as Part C award justification.)

-UP TO 9 LINES

-BULLET FORMAT

If you do Not nominate for an award, leave this Part C blank.

PART D. Performance Award.

AWARD(Enter "P" - Performance or "Q" - QSI)

P

AWARD PERCENTAGE OR AMOUNT (If P (cash), enter as a percentage, e.g., 1.5, or as a whole dollar amount)

$250.00

OTHER AWARD (For Time-Off Awards, state number of hours) (Example: TOA (40 Hrs)

Certification for Time-Off Award (as applicable) : I have considered fully the wage costs and productivity loss in granting this time-off award. The amount of time-off granted is commensurate with the individual's contribution or accomplishment. I also considered the unit's workload and unit employees' leave projections and certify that the employee can schedule the time-off award in addition to other scheduled leave. I also considered other available forms of recognition in determining the amount of this time-off award. Note: Ensure the number of time-off award hours previously awarded to this employee this leave year plus this award does not exceed 80 hours.

PART E. Certification. (Certify by having rater, reviewer, award approving official (if required), and employee sign and date this form.)

RATER

DUTY PHONE

DATE (YYYYMMDD)

 

(784) 670-0

 

 

 

 

REVIEWER

DUTY PHONE

DATE (YYYYMMDD)

 

(784) 440-2

 

 

 

 

AWARD APPROVING OFFICIAL

DUTY PHONE

DATE (YYYYMMDD)

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE (Receipt acknowledged. Signature does not indicate agreement or disagreement.)

DATE (YYYYMMDD)

AF FORM 860A, 19990701, V3

PREVIOUS EDITIONS ARE OBSOLETE

PART F. Civilian Promotion Appraisal.

This appraisal is used for competitive in service placement actions, including promotions, reassignments or demotions to positions with known growth potential, and other such instances. The ratings on this form are used as a sort factor in determining final rank order of employees having substantially equal knowledge, skills and abilities, when the number of candidates exceeds the number of employees who can be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

APPRAISAL FACTORS - MANNER OF PERFORMANCE (Do not complete if employee is a GS-15)

Appraisal factors listed below represent work behaviors that can be observed in the context of the employee's current position and are considered predictive of performance at the next higher level. Based on your observations of the employee's performance, rate EVERY appraisal factor. Use the following scale in making the ratings. Place the number (1-9) in the block preceding the factor.

 

LOW RANGE

 

CENTRAL RANGE

 

HIGH RANGE

1.

Very Poor

4.

Slightly Below Fully Successful

7.

Above Fully Successful

2.

Far Below Fully Successful

5.

Fully Successful

8.

Far Above Fully Successful

3.

Below Fully Successful

6.

Slightly Above Fully Successful

9.

Outstanding

1. WORK EFFORT:

Exerts effort and shows initiative in starting, carrying out and completing tasks; spends time effectively performing work.

2. ADAPTABILITY TO WORK:

Picks up new ideas and procedures quickly; is easy to instruct; can adapt to the demands of new situations; understands and carries out oral or written instructions.

3. PROBLEM SOLVING:

Devises effective solutions to problems or identifies effective methods and procedures for accomplishing objectives.

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Sensitive to the behavior of fellow workers, supervisors and subordinates; maintains effective working relationships with others.

5. COMMUNICATION:

Communicates clearly and effectively, whether orally or in writing.

6. WORK PRODUCTIVITY:

Productive during work time; completes his/her work projects, duties and tasks in a timely manner.

7. SELF-SUFFICIENCY:

Works independently with little need for additional supervision or help; follows through well; accomplishes all tasks required to complete a job on his/her own.

8. SKILL IN WORK:

Performs job-associated tasks well, whether they require physical, technical, professional, supervisory or managerial skills, is considered very skillful on the job.

9. WORK MANAGEMENT:

Effectively plans and organizes work; properly follows or implements management procedures, directives, regulations, or technical orders; ability to direct or evaluate or substitute for absent supervisor.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 8013 and Executive Order 9397.

Purpose: The social security number is needed to correctly identify the employee.

Routine Use: This information may be disclosed to another agency if the employee transfers to another agency.

Disclosure is Voluntary: However, without it, it may affect the ability to accurately identify the employee and the records.

AF FORM 860A, 19990701, V3 (REVERSE)

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The AF 860A form is used to assess and document civilian employee performance in the Air Force, including rating critical elements and determining award eligibility.
Critical Elements Part A of the form typically includes one to seven critical elements that rate employee performance as either "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable."
Mission Impact For GS-14 and GS-15 employees, completion of Part B regarding "Impact on Mission Accomplishment" is mandatory.
Award Justification Part C allows for a justification of awards using bullet points, limited to nine lines, providing a clear rationale for recognition.
Legal Authority The AF 860A form is governed by 10 U.S.C. 8013 and Executive Order 9397, which outline its authority and purpose related to employee identification.

Guide to Using Af 860A

After gathering the required information, you are ready to fill out the AF 860A form. Completing this form is critical for assessing employee performance and for making decisions related to awards and promotions. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accuracy.

  1. Begin with the employee's full name in the "EMPLOYEE" section. Fill in the last name, followed by the first name and middle initial.
  2. Enter the employee's social security number (SSN) next to the name.
  3. Provide the name of the organization where the employee works.
  4. Complete the fields for pay plan, series, grade/step, and total base pay, locality, and other supplemental pay.
  5. Specify the appraisal period by entering the starting and ending dates in the format YYYYMMDD.
  6. Indicate the effective date of the appraisal by entering the date in the same format.

Next, move to Part A. Rate the critical elements by placing an “X” in the appropriate box for each element. Make a note if the overall performance is “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable.” If any critical element has a rating of "Does not meet," the overall performance will be unacceptable.

  1. If applicable, complete Part B for GS-14s and GS-15s. Use bullet points and limit it to 9 lines.
  2. For those recommended for an award, fill out Part C, using bullet format and keeping it to 9 lines.
  3. Enter the type of award in Part D. Indicate cash by entering “P” for Performance or “Q” for Quality Step Increase. Provide the percentage or dollar amount for awards and specify hours if it’s a Time-Off Award.

Proceed to Part E, where raters, reviewers, and approving officials need to sign and date the form. Ensure that the employee also acknowledges receipt by signing and dating the form.

  1. For those rating GS-15s, complete Part F, where you will evaluate the employee on various appraisal factors.
  2. Rate each factor on a scale from 1 to 9 and provide the relevant number in the designated block.

After completing all sections, review the form to ensure accuracy and completeness before submitting it.

Get Answers on Af 860A

What is the purpose of the AF 860A form?

The AF 860A form is used to evaluate civilian employee performance in the U.S. Air Force. It helps assess how well employees meet their job requirements, recognizes accomplishments, and informs decisions about promotions, awards, and other personnel actions.

Who needs to complete the AF 860A form?

This form should be completed by supervisors for their employees, particularly those in GS-14 and GS-15 positions. Employees also need to acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by signing the form. If an employee is not in these grade levels, certain parts of the form may be optional.

What are the main sections of the AF 860A form?

The AF 860A form consists of several key sections:

  • Part A: Position Requirements - Evaluates critical elements of performance.
  • Part B: Impact on Mission Accomplishment - Required for higher-graded employees.
  • Part C: Award Justification - Justifies nominations for awards.
  • Part D: Performance Award - Specifies the type and amount of award.
  • Part E: Certification - Signatures from the rater, reviewer, and employee.
  • Part F: Civilian Promotion Appraisal - Used for competitive placement actions.

How is overall performance rated on the AF 860A form?

Overall performance is rated based on critical elements in Part A. A rating of "Meets Standards" on all critical elements indicates an acceptable performance level. If any critical element is rated as "Does Not Meet," the employee's overall performance is deemed unacceptable.

What happens if an employee receives an unacceptable rating?

An unacceptable rating requires documentation and may lead to the development of a performance improvement plan. A supervisor should work closely with the Civilian Personnel Flight to ensure that proper procedures are followed in these situations.

Can any part of the AF 860A form be left blank?

Yes, certain sections may be left blank if they are not applicable. For instance, if a supervisor chooses not to nominate an employee for an award, Part C can be left blank. However, complete information must be provided wherever the form specifies requirements.

Is there a specific format for writing the "Impact on Mission Accomplishment" and "Award Justification" sections?

Yes, these sections should be completed in bullet format and are limited to a maximum of nine lines. This concise format allows for clear communication of key points regarding the employee's contributions and justification for awards.

What is the Privacy Act statement regarding the AF 860A form?

The Privacy Act statement outlines the authority, purpose, and routine uses of the information collected on the AF 860A form. It emphasizes the importance of the social security number for accurately identifying employees and specifies that disclosure is voluntary but may affect record identification.

Common mistakes

Completing the AF Form 860A accurately is essential for ensuring that performance reviews and awards are processed correctly. Many individuals make mistakes when filling out this form, which can affect their evaluations and potential benefits. Awareness of common errors can help mitigate these issues.

One frequent mistake is failing to provide complete information in the Employee Information section. It's vital to ensure that all requested details, such as the full name, Social Security Number, and organization, are filled out correctly. Omitting or misspelling any of this information can result in delays and complications during the evaluation process.

Another common error concerns the ratings in Part A. Some may misunderstand how to rate performance on the critical elements. A common error is assuming that all ratings can be "Meets Standards" without careful consideration. A rating of "Does Not Meet" in any category results in an overall unacceptable rating, impacting overall performance evaluations and subsequent actions that may be necessary.

Additionally, individuals often neglect to complete Part B, which requires providing the "Impact on Mission Accomplishment" for GS-14s and GS-15s. Skipping this section can hinder the ability to clearly outline the employee's contributions, particularly for those in higher positions. While this part is optional for other employees, taking the time to complete it could add significant value.

Completing Part C incorrectly is another frequent mistake. Employees may confuse this part with an award justification, failing to provide bullet points as required. It's crucial to limit the entries to nine lines in bullet format and to ensure that the information clearly articulates the reasons for the award. Leaving this portion blank when nominations are appropriate can result in missed opportunities for recognition.

Furthermore, errors can occur in Part D, specifically regarding award percentages or amounts. It is critical to ensure that the entered values accurately reflect the intended cash awards or time-off awards. Lack of accuracy here could lead to confusion or errors in processing awards.

Certification errors often happen in Part E. Each signatory must ensure their name, title, and date are correctly completed. Missing signatures or incorrect dates can jeopardize the integrity of the entire document. Therefore, confirming that all parties have signed and dated the form appropriately is essential.

Lastly, a lack of attention to Part F can be detrimental. Ratings on appraisal factors must accurately represent observed performance behaviors. Employees should be cautious to ensure their ratings reflect actual performance levels, as this section can affect competitive placements in cases such as promotions or reassignments.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, individuals can improve the accuracy of their completion of the AF Form 860A. This attention to detail ultimately supports fair evaluations and appropriate recognitions within the workforce.

Documents used along the form

The AF 860A form is essential for evaluating civilian employee performance. However, numerous other documents often accompany it to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process. Below is a list of forms typically used alongside the AF 860A, each serving a distinct purpose.

  • AF Form 910: This form is used for initial evaluations, primarily for GS employees. It assesses performance and ensures employees meet required competencies.
  • AF Form 1823: This document serves as a performance improvement plan. It outlines specific areas for enhancement when an employee’s performance falls short.
  • AF Form 1206: Used for award nominations, this form captures extraordinary achievements and contributions by employees, providing justification for awards.
  • AF Form 330: This is the Civilian Position Description Form. It outlines the duties, responsibilities, and required qualifications of a specific civilian position.
  • AF Form 2005: This form requests a personnel action. It is used to initiate actions related to appointments, separations, and other employment-related transactions.
  • AF Form 171: This document is utilized for employee's evaluation discussions. Managers and employees can refer to it to facilitate performance feedback and goal setting.
  • Standard Form 52: This request for personnel action form initiates staffing actions and can support changes related to employee evaluations.
  • AF Form 302: This form focuses on setting and reviewing employee performance objectives. It ensures alignment between individual goals and overall mission objectives.
  • Employee Development Plan (EDP): The EDP outlines professional development goals and plans for employees. It ensures that employees receive the necessary training and resources for advancement.

Using these forms together with the AF 860A bolsters the effectiveness of employee evaluations and ensures all aspects of performance and development are adequately addressed. The comprehensive approach allows for better support of both employees and organizational goals.

Similar forms

  • AF Form 910: Enlisted Performance Report - Similar to the AF 860A, the AF 910 evaluates performance based on measurable criteria but is specifically designed for enlisted personnel, focusing on different behavioral traits and duty performances.
  • AF Form 1266: Staff Performance Plan - This form outlines individual performance goals and objectives for specific job roles, much like the AF 860A, but emphasizes performance plans over results.
  • AF Form 899: Employee Performance Management System - The AF 899 assesses employee performance over a set period, paralleling the AF 860A's evaluation of critical elements and overall performance ratings.
  • DA Form 67-9: NCO Evaluation Report - This document evaluates non-commissioned officers in the Army, similar in structure to the AF 860A, rating performance on various job-related criteria.
  • NSPS Form 441: Performance Appraisal - The NSPS Form assesses individual performance based on objectives set at the beginning of the evaluation period, echoing the critical performance aspects noted in the AF 860A.
  • SF 50: Notification of Personnel Action - Although primarily an administrative document, the SF 50 can accompany performance ratings, summarizing employee responsibilities and achievements akin to the AF 860A.
  • AF Form 840: Performance Feedback Worksheet - This worksheet helps in documenting feedback on performance throughout the year, similar to the AF 860A's goal of tracking and recording employee performance.
  • DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty - While mainly a record for military separation, it includes sections summarizing duty performance and evaluations, somewhat comparable to the aggregated ratings in the AF 860A.
  • AF Form 707: Officer Performance Report - Designed for officers, this form evaluates performance but follows a structure that reflects the same critical evaluation principles as the AF 860A.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the AF 860A form, it's important to be thorough and accurate. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the Privacy Act Statement before starting.
  • Don’t leave required fields blank. Ensure all necessary information is filled out.
  • Do rate each critical element honestly, based on actual performance.
  • Don’t provide false or misleading ratings, as these can have serious consequences.
  • Do complete the "Impact on Mission Accomplishment" section for GS-14s and GS-15s.
  • Don’t exceed the line limit in the bullet format sections; stay concise.
  • Do certify the form with all required signatures at the end.
  • Don’t forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Do seek assistance from the Civilian Personnel Flight if you have questions.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the AF 860A form, which is important for performance evaluations in civilian roles. Understanding these can help clarify its purpose and use.

  • It is not necessary to complete the entire form. Some believe that completing all sections is optional. However, certain parts are mandatory depending on the employee's grade level, particularly for GS-14s and GS-15s.
  • All employees can receive a performance award. Many think that every employee is eligible for a performance award. In reality, this depends on the ratings provided in the critical elements of the evaluation.
  • An Unacceptable rating only affects pay. There is a belief that an Unacceptable rating has minimal consequences. In fact, it may trigger a performance improvement plan and necessitate documentation.
  • Critical elements do not influence overall ratings. Some individuals feel that the ratings of critical elements are not tied to the overall performance rating. This is incorrect; a rating of "Does not meet" in any critical element negatively impacts the overall evaluation.
  • Part B is required for all employees. It is a common thought that Part B, "Impact on Mission Accomplishment," must be filled out for all employees. However, it is only mandatory for GS-14s and GS-15s.
  • The form is only for promotions. Many assume that the AF 860A form is solely for promotion evaluations. However, it is also used for performance assessments across various situations, including reassignments and demotions.
  • Signing the form indicates agreement with the evaluation. Lastly, some believe that an employee's signature on the form means they agree with their evaluation. In truth, the signature is an acknowledgment of receipt, not an acceptance of the content.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the AF 860A form, it is important to understand its purpose and how to complete it accurately. Here are several key takeaways:

  • Clear Identification: Ensure that the employee's name, social security number (SSN), organization, pay plan, series, and grade/step are accurately filled out to avoid any identification issues.
  • Critical Elements: In Part A, assess the employee's performance against one to seven critical elements. Rate each one with an "X" in the appropriate block.
  • Overall Rating: Remember that a rating of "Does not meet" on any critical element leads to an overall performance rating of unacceptable.
  • Performance Improvement Plans: If the overall rating is unacceptable, this may initiate a performance improvement plan. Proper documentation is necessary in this case.
  • Impact Statements: GS-14s and GS-15s must complete Part B regarding the impact on mission accomplishment; this is optional for other employees.
  • Award Justification: For employees being recommended for an award, Part C should be populated. It should be concise and in bullet format, limited to nine lines.
  • Certifications Required: In Part E, ensure signatures from the rater, reviewer, and any award approving official are included. The employee must also acknowledge receipt.

Completing the AF 860A form correctly is crucial for performance evaluations and potential awards. Familiarizing oneself with its components can help facilitate a smoother process.