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Performance Closeout for FY 2026

DATE: Thursday, October 1, 2026

OPM recently issued FY 2026 Standardized Distribution of Rating Levels and FY 2026 Performance Awards Guidance for Federal Employees. As your shared service provider, we are available to support your agency with implementation and to assist with questions regarding the guidance and associated closeout activities.

To ensure responsibilities are clear, each client agency is responsible for completing and submitting the required agency-level actions outlined in Section V, Compliance and Reporting, of OPM’s guidance. Specifically, agencies must submit their FY 2026 closeout parameters to OPM no later than October 30, 2026. The submission includes:

  • FY 2026 ratings distribution caps by population, demonstrating adherence to the applicable caps in Section II;
  • FY 2026 award structure by rating level and award pool amount by population, demonstrating alignment with Section III; and
  • Calibration factors, as defined in OPM’s July 24, 2026, guidance.

OPM will provide agencies with the data call template and accompanying instructions. OPM’s guidance also specifies that each agency should submit one report for the agency.

Please see this sample communication: FY 2026 Performance Appraisal Due Dates and Responsibilities that can be used and adjusted to meet your agency needs with regards to close out timelines and guidance.

Section II – Applicability of Distribution Caps

Please review Section II of OPM’s guidance to determine whether the standardized distribution caps apply to your agency and applicable employee populations. Section II identifies specific populations and circumstances that are not subject to the OPM-established distribution caps.

Your servicing HR Operations Branch Chief will email you a separate report to support your review and determination. If your agency believes that it is not subject to the distribution caps, or that an applicable employee population is excluded from the caps, please reply to the HR Operations Branch Chief with the basis for that determination, including the applicable provision of Section II. This will allow us to ensure that our support and any related closeout activities are aligned with your agency’s applicability determination.

Request for Copy of OPM Submission

Once your agency submits its FY 2026 closeout parameters to OPM, please provide us with a copy of the submission and any associated documentation provided to OPM at IBC_HROD_Performance_Management@ibc.doi.gov. This will help us maintain a complete record of your agency’s closeout requirements and support any subsequent implementation, reporting, or follow-up activities.

We are available to assist with questions, interpretation of the guidance, or other technical support as your agency prepares its submission. Please keep in mind, however, that the agency remains responsible for making its applicability determinations and for completing and submitting the required information to OPM.

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