PMCD PROPOSED EVALUATION GUIDES FOR SPS, SUPERGRADE, AND CERTAIN GS-15 POSITIONS WITHIN THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00357R000600080024-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 5, 2000
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: May 15, 1974
• Content Type: REGULATION

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Intexnn. U O", onlY EO/DDS&T 15 May 74
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PMCD PROPOSED
EVALUATION GUIDES FOR
SPS, SUPERGRADE, AND CERTAIN GS-15 POSITIONS
.. WITHIN THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
1. The kinds of functional responsibilities for SPS positions
research of a high order in a scientific field; and (c) consultative
and advisory responsibility to senior management in connection with one
or more scientific fields.
2. A review of SPS, SG and certain GS-15 positions currently
established reveals a substantial overlap in the kind and scope of work
contained in such positions. Therefore, a need exists for the develop-
ment of an evaluation guide that clearly distinguishes the nature and
scope of work and qualification requirements for SPS positions in re-
lation to SG and certain GS-15 positions.
3. Accordingly, the following work situations and representative
functt)ns are outlined for use as guidelines in establishing these types
of positions:
A.'-SPS POSITIONS
are broadly described in as follows: (a) managerial responsibility
for a major scientific research program; (b) execution of productive
`Work Situation A
Serves in a staff capacity as a scientific advisor to line
management of a scientific research and/or development: organization at
Directorate, Office or Division level. The mission of these orga.ni-
zations involves either (a) the pursuit of exploratory research covering
a wide spectrum of scientific fields resulting in the discovery of now
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development.of new?technalogies applicable to the intell.i.gence process;
(b).tlre application-of new technological advances at the state of the
art.in the design, development and fabrication of prototype hardware/
software systems, equipment, devices, materials and techniques for use
in the collection, processing, analysis, evaluation and production of
intelligence; or (c) the analysis, evaluation and interpretation of
scientific intelligence as it relates to the research and development
accomplishments, discoveries, capabilities and limitations of foreign
powers.
The following functions in the aggregate are representative of work
Situation A.
(a) Evaluates technical aspects of research proposals in consideration-
of -the current state of the art, approach to be taken, responsiveness to
current and projected requirements; and possible duplication of research
efforts undertaken by other Federal agencies, private industry and the
academic community;
.(b) Guides senior management in the formulation of research goals
objectives and specific programs;
(c):As the authority and specialist in his scientific field, repre-
sents senior management in contacts with caut.erparts in`the Agency, USIB,
private industry, ac?:demic community, etc, Purposes of these contacts are
to:. (1) maintain awareness pf new concepts,-techniques and devices
applicable to developmental programs; (2) discuss the merits of proposed
research. programs; .(3) elicit aid and cooperation in the conduct of joint
research undertakings.
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(d) Assesses: the validity, rel izkbil ity, .ef fecti.vene.ss and quan-
.titative appropriateness of research findings as they relate to such
matters as conceptual feasibility of esoteric technical collection
systems; or finished intelligence on the current and future R&D
capabilities of foreign powers in his cognizant scientific fields.
Recommends continuance, redirection or termination of research efforts
based on the foregoing assessment;
!(e) Recommends the extent to which in-house research capabilities
should be developed in terms'of organization structure, and manpower
requirements to supplement research efforts undertaken by external
contractors;
(f) Conceives unique and unprecedented applications of scientific
.--principles to intelligence needs.
II.'-Work Situation B
Serves as Research Team Leader, Project l pager or first
line supervisor at Division, Branch or Section level responsible for the
technical management of one or more research projects which are typically
within the framework and totality of an'office-wide research program.
Such projects involve either the (a) conceptual feasibility, development
and fabrication through the prototype stage of equipment, devices
analytic techniques, etc. for use in the collection, processing and
analysis of intelligence data, or (b) the analysis, evaluation and
production of finished intelligence on the'R&D advancements, intentions
and capabilities of foreign powers in the'scie'ntific fields over which
incumbent has expert cognizance..
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The span. of control exercised byeincumbents of positions i.n -this
work situation typically range from 3`to-'-15 professional employees,
and total project funding normally does'not exceed $1,000,000., The
administrative responsibilities including resources management are
secondary to the incumbent's responsibility for applying his expertise
in one or more scientific disciplines to the resolution of -day-to-day
technical management problems, and to the exercise of technical guidance
and assistance to subordinates in performing their assigned tasks.
lie following functions ih"the aggregate are representative of work
'Situation B.
(a) Formulates and recommends adoption of research projects
consistent with current and projected intelligence requirements,,
assessment of current technology to meet such requirements, and
manpower and finding constraints imposed by higher management.
(b) Establishes internal priorities of approved research projects
based upon the complexity of the technological gaps, urgency of require-
ments and estimated time of completion.
(c) Determines whether research projects should be contracted,out
on a- sole source or compet vice bid based upon the level of technological
competence required to meet research objectives,
(d) Reviews and approves RFPEs for technical adequacy of work
statements and specifications prior to transmittal to contractors.
(e) Reviews and assesses the technical aspects of contractor pro-
posals-in terms of research approvals to--betaken, solution of problem
areas, and adequacy of specifications.
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outside consultants and contractors in terms of soundness of approaches,
methods and practices employed, level of attainment, technical difficulties
encountered, unforeseen developments and new phenomena. Based on such
assessment, recommends or authorize-changes in direction, scope or approach.
(i) As the scientific expert in his cognizant field defends, justifies
and clarifies proposed research projects and the funding support necessary
to launch and sustain such projects.
(j) May represent office head on intra and inter Agency committees,
panels,. task forces, etc. concerned with *such matters as discussing and
formulation of research and exploratory development objectives concepts
and programs in the physical, engineering or be.havorial sciences; assess-
ment of scientific research results as they impact upon the state of the
art, and the, application of'such results to the.intelligence process, and
to current and future intelligence ' requirements:
to determine the validity of conclusions, assumptions, and predictions
reached.
(h)i;?;nitors and assesses research efforts of in-house personnel,
engaged In the'anralysiis, evaluation and production of Intelligence of a
basic-descriptive, current - reportorial or speculative - estimative
nature as it relates to the research and development activities and
accoaipl i shments of foreign powers in one or more scientific fields.
(g) Reviews and evaluates finished foreign intelligence on
scientific and technical matters bearing on his area of specialization
() Deyelops new concepts a,nd teeth-odol ogies f Qr use by subordinates
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I.ii._ General Eva,luatipn Comments Applicable to Both Work
Situations for SPS Positions,
(a) The areas of scientific research and/or development
are critical to. the fulfillment of high-priority national intelligence
requirements, and to the shaping of U.S. foreign policy. Furthermore,
the scientific discipline(s) involved are dynamic and evolutionary as
evidenced by a rapidly expanding and changing body of knowledge and
emerging tec)'nologies at and beyond the state of the art, e.g., application
of eiectro-.;p~-ilics concepts to intelligence collection and processing.
(b) The salary levels are established within the GS-16-18
pay range and are based primarily on the extent to which the incumbent's
qualifications, achievements and professional stature impact upon the
position.
(c) The nature, scope,`utility and consequences of work
performed is largely governed by and is measured in terms of the application
of qualifications and professional stature possessed by the incumbent to
the research mission in which position is located.
(d) SPS positions may involve a combination of functions
characteristic of both Work. situations.
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a, .$UPERCRADE POSITIONS (In Agency'Scientific Research and/or
Development Components);
(a) in contrast to SPS positions, executive positions that
involve extensive management or program responsibility are grade
oriented, and are classified in the supergrade range based on the nature
and magnitude of scientific program responsibilities and authority.
(b) Incumbents of these positions serve as Directors at Office
or Program level, and as Division Chiefs. The total workforce typically
ranges from 50 to 500 employees. Total project funding for exploratory-
.research and development of hardware/software systems associated with
the intelligence process typically is in the multi-million dollar range..
(c) Policy formulation, program planning and direction, in
addition to the allocation and control of management resources (i.e.,
personnel, facilities and funds),ar,e the paramount responsibilities,
and require the exercise of leadership and top flight executive abilities.
(d) Incumbents of these positions usually rely substantially on
the professional expertise of scientific advisors in the decision making
process as it relates to the establishment of research. goals, the
direction,, priorities and thrust of programs and specific projects in
accomplishing such goals. The day-to-day technical management of in-house
and contractor-supported research programs is delegated to middle manage-
ment supervisory positions: The latter positions may be classified as
GS or SPS depending upon the level of expertise..in one or more scientific
fields required of the incumbent.
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.Work Situation A
6S-15 P SITIONS (In, Agency Components Engagedin the production
of'Scientific Intell.igence).
.Serves as an independent research specialist responsible for
the analysis, evaluation and production of finished intelligence on the
research and development achievements, capabilities and vulnerabilities
of foreign powers in a highly specialized scientific fields. Such fields
normally involve rapidly changing technology, unforeseen developments,
and new phenomena. Incumbent is re~quirel.-to initiate research projects,
and collection requirements to fill intelligence gaps. Incumbent is
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recognized as an authority throughout the intelligence community. In
this regard, furnishes consultation and advice on such matters as scope
of problems to be investigated, issues involved, research approach,
objectives to be sought, security considerations to be observed, and
required liaison with other Federal Agencies. Ttie-4n(?imbent'-s--observatiOn s,
conoi-usions nd assess.}eats s a e =- r3.-f i hed-~i ~te1' i gene -..x-opens-and
required-arson=w.ilthe~=-Federal--Ageres, .The incumbent's observations,
conclusions and assessments as stated in.finished intelligence reports and
.special studies are generally accepted by superiors, and strongly influence
policy decisions on significant' intell.i.gence matters,
The functional characteristics of this position are distin-
guished from SPS positions by the preponderance of time spent in productive
research of a high order which does not involve technical management
responsibility, nor serving in a staff capacity on a substantially
full-time basis as a consultant and scientific advisor.
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t prk. Situation B
Serves as Research Team Leader or first line supervisor at
Branch or Section level responsible for the technical management of one
or more research projects that involve the analysis, evaluation, and
production of finished intelligence on the-R&D advancements, intentions
and capabilities of foreign powers in one or more scientific fields. The
span of control, project funding, level of expertise required and func-
tional responsibilities are equivalent to those contained in Work SitL'_tion B
for SPS positions. However, GS-15 positions characterized in Work Situation p
are distinguished from counterpart SPS positions in that the fields of
scientific research are of lesser significance and criticality in terms
of the impact on U.S. foreign policy and fulfillment of national intelligence
requirements. The scientific fields in which finished foreign intelligence
is produced are further characterized by their relatively static nature
in terms of opportunities for further exploratory research in new
phenomena, hypothesis, principles and theories, and for the development
of new technologies associated with such scientific disciplines, e.g.,
aero dynamics as it applies, to fixed wing aircraft,
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