Comment from Anonymous

I am in favor of eliminating time in grade requirements. I have been a federal employee since October 2022, starting as a GS 9 and currently a GS 12 step 2, with an undergraduate degree, graduate degree and professional leadership training to include Lean and Six Sigma. In that time I have consistently exceeded exceptional level requirements, became an instructor and mentor, and have consistently demonstrated and applied knowledge applicable to my position and positions of others within my agency. I have even received a quality step increase and three special contribution awards. Despite all of these accolades, I have consistently been deemed ineligible for higher GS level positions because of the time in grade requirements. Particularly when the position posting closes mere months, weeks, or days before the calendar rolls around for me to meet the 52 week requirement. If the time in grade requirements were to remain in place, agencies will continue in failing to promote qualified individuals, failing to promote individuals based on merit and skills, rather than how much time has passed since their last SF-50 has been issued. Failing to recognize the achievements of employees based on their skills while focusing strictly on how many calendar days have passed, despite candidates meeting the other KSIs required for the position reduce morale and promote distrust in the promotional system and the promotion of less qualified candidates.