DATE: Monday, December 8, 2025
FY 2026 Performance Period
December 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
The FY 2026 Performance Appraisal period will run from December 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Performance Guidance
FY2025 performance appraisals must be completed prior to establishing FY 2026 performance plans. FY 2026 EPAPs must be issued by January 9, 2026, in USA Performance (Part 1). FY 2026 Performance plans should set forth clear performance expectations and goals that align individual employee efforts with organizational goals, the agency’s mission, and the President’s policy priorities.
Supervisors and managers are strongly encouraged to define performance standards for each rating level (Fully Successful, Exceeds Expectations, and Outstanding). DOI’s performance program now requires a minimum of three progress reviews. The progress reviews should occur around March 15, 2026, May 15, 2026 (documented in USA Performance), and July 15, 2026.
Rating officials are encouraged to schedule progress reviews now, and employees are encouraged to remind their supervisors to schedule them.
Helpful Tips
To help rating officials and employees prepare for the next performance cycle, we have compiled a list of helpful tips.
Tips for Rating Officials
- Review current and past EPAPs for elements to include in FY 2026.
- Ensure existing EPAPs clearly define objectives and performance standards.
- Collaborate with peers to identify key performance areas for FY 2026.
- Align performance standards with organizational goals to show how employee work contributes to the success of the organization.
- Involve employees in setting performance standards to increase their commitment and understanding of what is expected.
Tips for Employees
- Provide feedback to your supervisor if any critical element or standard is unclear when given the opportunity.
- Ask your supervisor for clarification if expectations or standards are not clear.
- Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and colleagues.
- Set clear goals and take action, i.e., establish your IDP and track your progress.
- Keep open and ongoing communication with your supervisor about your performance standards.
Resources:
- USA Performance: Performance Plan Development
- Job Aids – Go to the Resources tab on USA Performance
- OPM Memo: Performance Management for Federal Employees
Questions:
- If you have any questions, please contact Employee & Labor Relations at IBC_HR_Operations_ERLR@ibc.doi.gov.