SD 360.1A Admin Chg 1, Federal Employee Training
To establish a process for federal employee training.1 This Supplemental Directive (SD) fulfills the requirements of 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Part 410, Training, complies with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Act and 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 41, Training; aligns with Department of Energy (DOE) Order 360.1C, Federal Employee Training; and supports DOE Order 426.1A, Federal Technical Capability Program.
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Section 1
NNSA SD 360.1A
SUPPLEMENTAL DIRECTIVE
Approved: 08-09-19
Certification Due: 07-21-30
Admin. Chg.1: 07-21-25
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Management and Budget
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST (OPI):
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: Learning and Career Management
https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov
printed copies are uncontrolled
https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/
Directive
Identification
Page # From To Date of Change
NNSA SD
360.1A
Appendix 6,
AP6-1 & AP6-2
Equal
Employment
Opportunity
(EEO). Federal
laws make it
illegal to
discriminate
against a job
applicant or an
employee
because of the
person’s race,
color, religion,
sex
Appendix 6
NNSA SD
360.1A
AP6-2
(including
pregnancy,
gender identity,
and sexual
orientation),
national origin,
age (40 or
older), disability
or genetic
information. It is
also illegal to
discriminate
against a person
because the
person
complained
about
discrimination,
filed a charge of
discrimination,
or
participated in
an employment
discrimination
investigation or
lawsuit.
Equal
Employment
Opportunity
(EEO). Federal
laws make it
illegal to
discriminate
against a job
applicant or an
employee
because of the
person’s race,
color, religion,
sex
Appendix 6
NNSA SD
360.1A
AP6-2
(Including
pregnancy,
gender identity,
and sexual
orientation),
national origin,
age (40 or
older), disability
or genetic
information. It is
also illegal to
discriminate
retaliate against
a person
because the
person
complained
about
discrimination,
filed a charge of
discrimination,
or
participated in
an employment
discrimination
July 21, 2025
investigation or
lawsuit.
NNSA SD 360.1A 1
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING
1. PURPOSE. To establish a process for federal employee training.1 This Supplemental
Directive (SD) fulfills the requirements of 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Part 410,
Training; complies with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Act and 5
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 41, Training; aligns with Department of
Energy (DOE) Order 360.1C, Federal Employee Training; and supports DOE Order
426.1A, Federal Technical Capability Program.
2. AUTHORITY. DOE Order 360.1C, Federal Employee Training.
3. CANCELLATIONS.
NNSA SD 360.1, Federal Employee Training, dated 5-16-14.
4. APPLICABILITY.
Federal. This policy applies to all NNSA federal employees.
Contractors. Does not apply to contractors.
Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by
Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511, and to
ensure consistency throughout the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Program, the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will implement
and oversee requirements and practices pertaining to this Directive for activities
under the Director's cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
5. SUMMARY OF CHANGES. This SD replaces the prior version. It updates
requirements, responsibilities, and processes. The role of the NNSA Chief Learning
Officer is codified.
6. BACKGROUND. Both 5 U.S.C. and 5 CFR provide criteria for federal agencies to use
regarding workforce development. The policies and procedures referenced in this SD are
intended to promote consistency, transparency, and fairness regarding NNSA’s
management of workforce development.
Section 2
NNSA is a learning organization and, as such, values developing the federal workforce.
Learning interventions can focus at the individual, group, collective, organization, and
agency level. Through an array of professional, leadership, functional, and technical
learning activities, competency models, and career paths, NNSA’s workforce is provided
many opportunities to bolster competence, improve performance, and sustain mission
excellence. Talent development is an important recruitment, retention, and succession
planning tool.
1 The term training is used to align with the corresponding titles in 5 U.S.C. However, this document
covers training, development, education, and learning, as defined in Appendix 6.
2 NNSA SD 360.1A
7. REQUIREMENTS.
NNSA Learning Process. All training requests for NNSA federal employees to
attend learning activities, conferences, seminars, symposia, and academic courses
must be submitted prior to the scheduled event using the approved NNSA training
request process. The training request must be approved and authorized in
accordance with this SD. The primary purpose of a training request is to
document and outline the process to submit, approve, authorize, register, and
complete or cancel training requests for NNSA federal employees, as well as,
certify that the training meets legal and administrative requirements using
appropriate funds. The Office of Secure Transportation has a separate internal
procurement process once the training request is received.
Announcements.
(1) Announcements must be made using a variety of methods, including
NNSA Connect messages, One Learning Initiative Casts, One Learning
Website postings, Outlook calendar invitations, direct emails, or other
methods as may be appropriate.
(2) In the event of a course cancellation, new enrollments must cease and all
personnel already enrolled in the affected event must be notified, allowing
for travel cancellations and schedule adjustments. Cancellation notices
must be given to participants and their supervisors as far in advance as
practical.
Denial, Substitution, Cancellation, and No-Show of Individual Training Requests.
(1) Denial — Training denials may occur for a variety of reasons, ranging
from mission requirements, limited availability of funding, or scheduling
conflicts.
(a) When a training activity is denied, the person denying the activity
must clearly communicate the justification to the requester.
(b) If the training is denied within the organization’s routing queue,
the requester must be notified that the training is denied.
(c) The requester must coordinate with the approver(s) for further
consideration or to determine if it is possible to reapply for the
training at a later date.
(2) Substitution — As stated below, substitutions are preferred over
cancellations, and must be pursued in lieu of a cancellation whenever
possible. The substitute must be qualified to attend the training and must
follow the process in Appendix 3 to register for the training.
NNSA SD 360.1A 3
(3) Cancellation — Cancellations may occur and be initiated at different
levels.
(a) Cancellations must be sent to LCM 1 week prior to deadlines
established by the vendor, to avoid penalties or fees, unless
specified otherwise in the training announcement/schedule, or an
emergency occurs.
(b) Exceptions must be made on a case-by-case basis for
circumstances that are out of the participant’s control, as
determined by the employee’s leadership, such as an unavoidable
business conflict or illness.
Section 3
(c) Employees and supervisors must make every attempt to provide a
replacement student prior to sending a cancellation. Failure to
send a cancellation to LCM with enough time to withdraw the
employee from the activity may result in a charge to the
employee’s organizational training funds to cover the associated
penalty assessed by the vendor, up to and including the full tuition
fee.
(4) No-show — Any incurred costs for penalties, fees, or travel must be
charged to the organization’s account when the employee fails to attend an
approved training activity and fails to provide prior cancellation notice to
LCM. An employee may be financially liable if failure to show was a
result of personal reasons, outside of extenuating circumstances. Any
waiver requests must be submitted to the NNSA Chief Learning Officer
for approval within 30 days of the no-show.
(5) Process training transactions in accordance with Appendix 3 procedures.
Annual Training Assessment (ATA). The ATA is used by LCM to identify a
variety of learning events and training activities to close existing skill gaps across
NNSA and formulate organization-specific training budget targets to meet the
training needs of the agency. NNSA senior leadership assists LCM in gathering
this data so as to make a fully informed assessment of learning’s role in solving
the problem or addressing the need. The Office of Secure Transportation has a
separate ATA and budgeting process.
Training Completion. Per 5 CFR 410.405 and DOE Order 360.1C, 4.h,
participants who fail to start, complete, or withdraw from scheduled training must
reimburse NNSA for any training or travel costs incurred, unless completion
requirements are waived by the NNSA Chief Learning Officer.
(1) As part of completing the learning activity, participants must evaluate any
LCM-sponsored learning activity that they attended. To the extent
4 NNSA SD 360.1A
possible, evaluations will be done electronically, with the participant being
provided instructions on completing the evaluation.
(2) Completing training assignment requirements must include, among others:
(a) Completing all assignments required by the learning activity;
(b) Attending at least 80 percent of the learning event; unless the
requirements imposed by the learning provider require a higher
standard;
(c) For academic courses outside of the Academic Degree Program
(ADP), employees must provide term-end grades to LCM and be
in good and active academic standing. For undergraduate courses,
employees must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA)
of no lower than 2.0, and no course grade lower than C-. For a
course grade lower than C-, the employee must reimburse NNSA
for the tuition and any related expenses for that course. For
graduate courses, employees must maintain a cumulative GPA of
no lower than 3.0, and no course grade lower than B-. For a course
grade lower than B-, the employee must reimburse NNSA for the
tuition and any related expenses for that course.
(d) Completing the participant evaluation;
(e) Completing requirements covered in Appendixes 1 and 2; or
(f) Achieving a “pass” where pass/fail is used, or receiving a “credit”
where credit/no credit is used.
(3) NNSA’s Waiver Procedures. Training completion requirements may only
be waived by the NNSA Chief Learning Officer (CLO), based on a written
request submitted by the employee, endorsed by the supervisor, and based
on the LCM Learning Consultant’s recommendation to the CLO.
Section 4
Evaluation. Learning activities sponsored by NNSA and attended by employees
must be evaluated to determine return on investment and the value-added impact
the activity had on the employee and organization. The evaluation must convey
whether the learning activity met the intended need (e.g., closing a competency
gap, improving performance). Evaluations also determine how the activity could
be improved, so that future participants benefit. Evaluations must come in the
form of:
(1) Surveys to gauge the learner’s reaction to the event;
(2) Assessments or other activities to determine what was learned;
NNSA SD 360.1A 5
(3) Assessments or other activities with the learner and supervisor to gauge
how the learning made a difference on the job; or
(4) Techniques (interviews, focus groups, etc.) to determine the effect that the
learning had on organizational and mission success.
Funding. NNSA maintains two types of training funds: corporate and
organizational, supplemented by a separate allocation for travel-for-training.
Corporate learning events sponsored by LCM include courses, developmental
programs, on-boarding, rotations, and supervisory framework. Each organization
controls allocated training and travel-for-training funds (not covered by corporate)
that are determined to best meet its mission and employee development
objectives. Specialized training includes certifications, technical skills, and site-
specific training. The Office of Secure Transportation and Naval Reactors have
separate appropriations for training and travel-for-training funds and controls
allocations internally.
(1) Training funds must be used to support employee or organizational travel
directly related to training. Organizations may request a transfer of funds
from their organizational training allocation to their travel-for-training
allocation. Reallocation requests should be sent to LCM at least 3 weeks
prior to the travel start date. For more information related to this process,
organizations must contact their LCM Learning Consultant for guidance
and the necessary forms.
(2) When planning and forecasting training requirements, or requesting
additional funds, during the development or revision of a training plan,
LCM will base decisions according to the four priorities of training: (1)
federally mandated, (2) DOE/NNSA mandated, (3) position-specific, (4)
developmental. Federally mandated training requirements may be found
here: https://www.opm.gov/wiki/training/Federally-Mandated-
Training/Print.aspx. LCM will use best value determination or the most
cost-effective method of delivering training and make recommendations
accordingly.
(3) Corporate Travel. NNSA maintains a Corporate Travel account to fund
necessary and appropriate travel costs for federal employees who have
been selected to attend and who are enrolled in any of the LCM’s
Corporate Training, Leadership Development Programs, Rotation
Programs, Supervisory Training, NNSA First Year, and other corporately-
funded activities as identified in Learning Nucleus. Travel costs for
specific Safety Basis courses must be corporately funded only for NNSA
Nuclear Safety Specialists. LCM approval to use the Corporate Travel
account and instructions to submit a corporate travel authorization must be
provided to the employee at the time the employee has been enrolled and
confirmed to attend a corporate training course. Federal Travel
Regulations must be followed for employees who travel to attend training.
Section 5
https://www.opm.gov/wiki/training/Federally-Mandated-Training/Print.aspx
https://www.opm.gov/wiki/training/Federally-Mandated-Training/Print.aspx
6 NNSA SD 360.1A
(4) Cost Consideration. Cost considerations must be followed as
described in Appendix 5.
Individual Development Plans (IDPs). All NNSA employees must complete an
IDP no later than 60 days after they have been hired or upon reassignment to a
new position. IDPs must be prepared according to NNSA’s Annual Training
Assessment timelines using the current IDP tool. Annually, and on an as needed
basis, supervisors must discuss with employees what learning activities are
needed to meet each employee’s development needs. IDPs may reflect learning
events in order to improve employee performance. Employees whose positions
are covered by the Technical Qualification Program (TQP), should have at least
one IDP goal for an overall TQP requirement. Supervisors must have one
supervisory-related activity on each year’s IDP. Employees must have at least
one foundational competency-related activity on each year’s IDP. Military and
other federal agency employees assigned to NNSA organizations are encouraged
to complete an IDP with their home organization.
(1) The IDP must focus on short- and long-term training and development
needs to describe reasonable and appropriate employee training objectives
and activities that meet the employee’s mandatory, job-specific and
technical acumen, foundational competence, leadership skills, and future
career development needs. IDPs may also reflect developmental needs for
all employees of the work unit, as determined by supervisors or
organizational leaders. IDPs require a meaningful conversation between
the supervisor and the employee to reflect learning events needed to
improve employee performance and the skills anticipated for future
organizational mission requirements. IDPs are living documents and can
change at any time once training details are known. In addition to
traditional classroom training, employees are encouraged to consider
alternative methods for obtaining new skills, such as mentoring, coaching,
action learning teams, developmental assignments, rotations, job
exchanges, shadowing, conferences and seminars, on-the-job training,
online learning, self-directed learning, and site visits. Tuition and travel
costs must be estimated and included on IDPs for all learning activities in
order to develop an accurate budget. Learning activities listed on an
approved IDP do not guarantee supervisory approval on a submitted
training request. Supervisory approval to attend training is contingent on
available training and travel-for-training funds and other factors, as
outlined in Appendix 3.
(2) Annual mandatory training events will be uploaded automatically into the
employee’s IDP through Learning Nucleus.
Executive Development Plans (EDP). Executive Development Plans must be
prepared by each senior executive, EN-V executive, and SL/ST executive using
the current EDP tool.
NNSA SD 360.1A 7
Academic Courses outside of the Academic Degree Program. NNSA may pay
necessary expenses for up to six academic courses for an employee in any given
3-year period as part of tuition assistance — more than six courses will be
considered as counting towards an academic degree program, in which case
Appendix 1 pertains.
Academic Degree Programs (ADP). ADP requirements must be followed as
described in Appendix 1.
Continued Service Agreement (CSA). CSA requirements must be followed as
described in Appendix 2.
Section 6
Training Records. The NNSA learning management system, Learning Nucleus, is
the official system of record for NNSA employee training and all other learning
activities sponsored by NNSA. Site-specific training required by the local
laboratory, site, or plant may be excluded from Learning Nucleus.
(1) To ensure an employee’s record includes all training, the employee must
process all training requests through the NNSA Learning Nucleus, unless
LCM announces that training requests may be processed elsewhere.
(2) If the training event was not processed through the NNSA Learning
Nucleus, employees must provide proof of the training, such as a
certificate of completion, an official roster, etc., to the LCM Learning
Consultant in order to receive credit.
(3) TQP Records. LCM shall maintain an electronic copy of each TQP
participant’s TQP record in the electronic (e)TQP system of record in
accordance with DOE O 426.1A, Federal Technical Capability Program,
or related policy. This record is limited to the documents issued through
LCM or received from the organizational TQP training coordinator. An
eTQP record should include the following documents:
(a) The issuance memo signed by the NNSA TQP Manager,
(b) The Functional Area Qualification Standard and qualification card
issued to the participant,
(c) Office Site Facility Standard and qualification card (if applicable),
(d) Completed, signed qualification card(s),
(e) Signed qualification completion certificate(s),
(f) Annual Continuing Training Program (CTP) progress trackers
(may be completed or not),
(g) Continuing training completion certificates, if issued by LCM,
8 NNSA SD 360.1A
(h) TQP extension request forms,
(i) Interim Limitation Compensatory Measure forms,
(j) Qualifying Official attestation forms,
(k) NNSA Position Evaluation Questionnaire forms, and
(l) TQP Competency Equivalency Evaluation forms.
8. RESPONSIBILITIES.
Administrator.
(1) Establishes NNSA federal employee training policy.
(2) Communicates senior leadership’s commitment to workforce
development.
Heads of NNSA Elements (Deputy Administrators, Associate Administrators,
General Counsel, and Field Office Managers).
(1) Promote a culture of learning throughout the organization.
(2) Identify critical training needs through workforce planning,
organizational, occupational, and individual assessment tools provided by
LCM.
(3) Review the organization’s portion of the annual training assessment and
annual training cost report developed by LCM.
(4) Evaluate the effect of learning at the organizational level.
(5) Identify critical skills necessary for the safe and secure operation of
defense nuclear facilities as defined within the context of the Federal
Technical Capability Panel.
(6) Administer the Technical Qualification and Senior Technical Safety
Manager programs for the element with support of the LCM.
(7) Sponsor informal learning initiatives including mentoring, coaching,
internal rotations, and other non-classroom based activities.
(8) Prioritize critical learning-related needs; identify adequate resources to
plan and assess needs, in consultation with LCM Learning Consultants;
and promote learning that is aligned with strategic goals, budget,
succession planning, and LCM processes.
NNSA SD 360.1A 9
(9) Confirm that selected training and development is mission-oriented,
appropriate, and cost-effective.
(10) Perform duties provided in Appendixes 1 and 2 of this Directive.
NNSA Chief Learning Officer (CLO).
Section 7
(1) Manages the NNSA federal employee training program, including
strategies, processes, programs, products, and services.
(2) Serves as the senior strategic advisor to the Administrator, and Heads of
NNSA Elements on the scope identified in 8.c.(1) above.
(3) Serves as the Director, Learning and Career Management (LCM, NA-MB-
40).
(4) Serves as lead representative for NNSA in talent development forums.
(5) Issues policies, strategic documents, and guidance that are aligned with the
Administrator’s vision and SD 360.1A.
(6) Serves as senior administrator for the NNSA domain within Learning
Nucleus.
(7) Reviews and approves all learning activities to be housed in Learning
Nucleus (this may be delegated to the Division Director for NA-MB-42).
(8) Conducts or approves research designed to improve NNSA’s learning
programs, products, and services.
(9) Evaluates the efficacy of NNSA-sponsored learning activities and, as
appropriate, engages with the Director of Human Resources to determine
the effect on recruitment, retention, and succession planning. Reviews
learning activity evaluation survey findings, identifies themes, and makes
recommendations based on results.
(10) Offers consulting services to employees, supervisors, and organizations
regarding employee/workforce development, both directly and through the
LCM Learning Consultants.
(11) Issues accurate and current One Learning Initiatives and other broadcasts
announcing upcoming classes, seminars, workshops, developmental
programs, rotations, and other learning opportunities.
(12) Organizes and coordinates (and, when delegated, chairs) the work of the
Leadership and Career Management Board.
10 NNSA SD 360.1A
(13) Manages the Academic Degree Program and Continued Service
Agreement process for NNSA and performs related duties as prescribed in
Appendixes 1 and 2 of this Directive.
(14) Possesses waiver approval authority related to training completion
requirements as addressed in this Directive.
(15) Approves acceptance of training-related awards, honorariums, or other
contributions toward costs of training from Internal Revenue Service
recognized 501(c) (3) organizations, with advice from the Office of
General Counsel, as required.
(16) Prepares the annual NNSA LCM report.
(17) Determines the amount of training funds allocated to organizations based
on training needs and associated costs identified in the ATA, contingent
upon the availability of funds. Publishes the ATA report.
(18) Formulates training budgets pursuant to Planning, Programming,
Budgeting, and Evaluation (PPBE) guidance. Manages all NNSA training
funds from the Federal Salaries and Expense Account in accordance with
statute, regulation, and policy. Coordinates and monitors optimal funds
usage with clients.
(19) Coordinates with the Office of PPBE and iPortal Business Intelligence to
track and monitor corporate and organizational training and travel-for-
training funding execution data. Provides various levels of financial
reporting to senior leadership and each organization’s designated points of
contact.
(20) Administers processes to assist organizations in using, redistributing, or
supplementing training and travel-for-training funds.
(21) Recommends updates to this Directive as needed.
Leadership and Career Management Board.
(1) Reviews and makes final decisions on approval or rejection of applications
for competitive internal and external NNSA-wide leadership development
programs.
Section 8
(2) Assesses applicants in accordance with merit system principles.
(3) Notifies Heads of NNSA Elements or their deputies of final decisions.
NNSA SD 360.1A 11
Director, Leadership and Workforce Development [(LWD), NA-MB-41].
(1) Oversees the management, execution, administration, and evaluation of
NNSA-wide leadership development programs, including the NNSA
Leadership Development Program, Rotation and Accession Program(s),
Supervisory Training Programs, NNSA First Year, Minority Servicing
Institutions Program, NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program, Executive
Enrichment Program, Mid-Level Leadership Development Program,
Mentoring Program, and mandatory training.
(2) Oversees and develops NNSA training policies, manuals, and guidebooks
for LWD programs.
(3) Verifies LWD programs comply with NNSA policies, standards, strategic
plans, senior leadership direction, corporate development goals, program
initiatives, and other applicable governance.
(4) Monitors LWD program cost estimation, program budget execution, and
implementation.
(5) Provides leadership in the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of
developmental programs. This includes training planning, resource
management, needs analysis, needs assessment, design, development,
delivery, and assessment responsibilities.
(6) Serves as key advisor to councils, committees, boards, and other entities to
include the Leadership and Career Management Board.
(7) Supports the CLO in establishing and maintaining relationships with
military institutions, State Department or other federal agencies, higher
educational entities, and learning vendors.
(8) Provides customer service to supervisors, management officials, and
NNSA employees regarding leadership and workforce development
programs, products, and services. Customer services include
communications on classes, seminars, workshops, program schedules,
class cancellations and rescheduling, enrollment procedures, course
prerequisites, classroom assignments, and course locations.
(9) Uses the annual training assessment to identify critical leadership and
workforce development needs for NNSA.
(10) Obtains market surveys, drafts work statements, evaluation criteria, and
solicitation documentation, as well as evaluates proposals for learning
programs, products, services, courses, and support services.
12 NNSA SD 360.1A
(11) Collects participant, employee, and supervisor feedback on LWD
programs, products, and services. Uses the feedback to make informed
product enhancements.
(12) Maintains requisite training records, associated documentation, and
prepares required essential training reports and statistics as required by
law and regulation.
(13) Provides subject matter expertise on training products, programs, services,
and processes.
Director, Consulting and Functional Training Division [(CFTD), NA-MB-42].
(1) Procures learning activities for NNSA.
(2) Develops functional training policy and provides leadership in the
coordination, implementation, and evaluation of that training.
Responsibilities include training planning, resource management, needs
analysis, needs assessment, design, development, delivery, and assessment
responsibilities.
(3) Develops, in partnership with NNSA organizations, occupational
competency models and career paths.
(4) Reviews all training needs, and plans for training, to meet critical mission
drivers and employee competency needs annually.
Section 9
(5) Provides training policy guidance, professional advice, and consulting
assistance to NNSA element’s leadership, training liaison personnel, and
NNSA employees.
(6) Assigns responsibilities to CFTD staff for training requirements and
functions, including designation of responsible LCM training official(s)
for managing specific NNSA training program activities.
(7) Provides support, guidance, administration, and coordination of the NNSA
TQP for all NNSA elements and TQP participants.
(8) Manages, operates, and supports the NNSA Learning Nucleus, in
consultation with the NNSA CLO, when needed.
(9) Provides customer service to supervisors, management officials, and
NNSA employees regarding classes, seminars, workshops, and special
programs, as well as schedules, cancellations, rescheduling, enrollment
procedures, prerequisites, waivers, classroom assignments, and activity
locations.
NNSA SD 360.1A 13
(10) Provides support to each element in the preparation of an annual training
plan that identifies critical training needs for organizations and individuals
within those organizations, and estimates costs for that training.
(11) Works with Contracting Officers and specialists to provide all necessary
documentation for procurements, such as market surveys, draft work
statements, evaluation criteria, and solicitation documentation as well as
evaluates proposals for training courses, seminars, general training, and
support service procurements.
(12) Collects employee and supervisor feedback on learning activity, and
analyzes the information collected to improve learning activity and
programs.
(13) Leads Learning Consultants in fulfillment of their roles and
responsibilities as outlined in the roles and responsibilities guidebook
located at http://oneleadership.na.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2012/02/Learning-Consultant-Roles-Responsibilities.pdf.
(14) Maintains requisite training records, and associated documentation, and
prepares required reports and statistics as required by law, regulation,
DOE Order, or as directed by leadership.
(15) Provides subject matter expertise on training products, processes, and
training related systems and issues. Learning Consultants add strategic
value by working with an organization’s leadership, or Training Liaison,
to provide consultation for identification of learning solutions to meet
mission goals and objectives.
(16) Supports the CLO in establishing and maintaining relationships with
military institutions, State Department or other federal agencies, higher
educational entities, and learning vendors.
NNSA TQP Manager.
(1) Assists sites with the TQP position evaluation process.
(2) Provides consistency reviews on vacancy announcements and position
descriptions for positions with significant safety responsibilities at defense
nuclear facilities.
(3) Manages and maintains the comprehensive examination database,
protecting its integrity and maintaining content currency.
(4) Maintains all necessary TQP documents, including databases of all
positions in the NNSA TQP and a current official list of approved
Qualifying Officials.
http://oneleadership.na.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Learning-Consultant-Roles-Responsibilities.pdf
http://oneleadership.na.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Learning-Consultant-Roles-Responsibilities.pdf
14 NNSA SD 360.1A
(5) Develops and implements continuing training program tools such as
training materials and annual CTP progress trackers, and issues certificates
of completion for annual trackers.
Section 10
(6) Provides status reports to supervisors, TQP participants, and TQP Federal
Technical Capability Program agents and coordinators.
(7) Provides enterprise training support to TQP participants to meet
programmatic requirements through development of qualification cards,
reference guides, exams, and TQP forms and tools.
(8) Coordinates TQP feedback and improvement efforts.
(9) Provides independent assessment services to NNSA Headquarters (HQ)
and field program offices, as needed.
(10) Aids NNSA HQ and field program offices, as requested, in TQP
accreditation efforts.
(11) Advises and supports NNSA sites with implementing TQP initiatives.
(12) Develops TQP products for NNSA HQ program and field offices.
Supervisors and Managers.
(1) Promote employee’s compliance with applicable workforce training
requirements and agreements.
(2) Participate in performance and training needs assessments to identify
training opportunities for themselves and their employees.
(3) Participate in the development and maintenance of the IDPs for
themselves and for their employees.
(4) Review and, as appropriate, approve IDPs for direct reports.
(5) Emphasize and approve training and development that is mission-oriented,
appropriate, and cost-effective.
(6) Provide employee with on-the-job assignments in order to promote growth
and application of new knowledge.
(7) Enable employees to meet their training needs that are in the NNSA’s and
the employee’s best interests.
(8) Nominate employees for long-term and extended training opportunities,
where practical.
NNSA SD 360.1A 15
(9) Participate in evaluating employee’s application of knowledge gained
through completed NNSA-sponsored learning events.
(10) Comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, requirements, and
provisions of workforce training agreements.
(11) Partner with LCM to provide a uniform and systematic approach to
training in order to verify critical training needs are being met, including
mentoring and other non-classroom based activities.
(12) Identify proper and well-defined training needs that are clearly intended to
meet critical gap requirements, and current and future workforce
development needs.
(13) Approve training requests within 5 business days of receipt.
(14) Confirm training requests are captured on the employee’s IDP prior to
approval, or confirm that the IDP will be updated.
(15) Verify compliance with, and completion of, supervisory training
requirements set forth by the NNSA Supervisory Training Program
Manager or CLO.
(16) Identify on each annual IDP, and complete, at least one supervisory-
related learning activity each year.
(17) Confirm conference tool reporting requirement has been met before
approving training request.
(18) Confirm availability of training funds, and travel-for-training funds if
applicable, prior to approving training request.
Employees.
(1) Manage career, including career development.
(2) Send requests for training so requests are received by LCM at least 30
business days in advance of the learning event.
(3) Cancellations must be sent to LCM one week prior to deadlines
established by the vendor, to avoid penalties for fees, unless specified
otherwise in the training announcement/schedule, an emergency occurs, or
a valid business conflict as determined by leadership.
(4) Verify that training requests include all necessary information, including
costs, to enroll and register in training.
16 NNSA SD 360.lA
Section 11
(5) Obtain Head ofNNSA Element, deputy, or supervisor approval before any
NNSA expenses for learning activities are incurred.
(6) Perform responsibilities for ADPs and CSAs, as and when applicable, as
noted in Appendixes 1 and 2, respectively, to this Directive.
(7) Certify completion of the IDP by due dates established by LCM.
(8) Identify on each annual IDP, and complete, at least one foundational
competency-related learning activity each year.
(9) Complete all mandatory training and, to the greatest extent possible, all
learning activities codified in the IDP.
(10) Send notification to Conference Tool reporting, as appropriate.
J. Planning, Programming, Budget and Evaluation {NA-MB-50).
(1) Records learning -related commitments and obligations in NA-MB-50
accounting systems.
(2) Consults with Heads of NNSA Elements on any budgetary issues.
9. DEFINITIONS. See Appendix 6.
10. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS. See Appendix 7.
11. REFERENCES. See Appendix 8.
12. CONTACT. Learning and Career Management, at 202-586-0349.
BY ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
Administrator
Appendixes:
1. Academic Degree Program
2. Continued Service Agreements
3. NNSA Learning Process
4. LCM Programs, Products, and Services
5. Cost Considerations
Administrative Change approved:07-21-2025
NNSA SD 360.1A 17
7. Acronyms and Abbreviations
8. References
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NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 1
AP1-1
APPENDIX 1: ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRAMS
1. PURPOSE. This appendix provides requirements, responsibilities, and documentation
needed to review and approve requests from National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) federal employees for NNSA-funded Academic Degree Programs (ADPs).
2. BACKGROUND. Both Title 5 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 41, Training,
and Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 410, Training, provide criteria for
federal agencies regarding ADPs. The policies and procedures referenced in this
appendix promote consistency, transparency, and fairness regarding NNSA sponsorship
of ADPs.
NNSA values sponsoring ADPs for members of its federal workforce. Sponsoring
academic degrees can be important recruitment and retention tools. In addition, academic
degrees further employees’ professional education and development, making them more
proficient in their current positions and more competitive for future positions. NNSA’s
ability to sponsor and fund academic degrees is subject to laws and regulations.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
All of the following conditions must be met to select and assign employees to an
ADP, and pay or reimburse employees for all or part of the necessary direct and
indirect costs of such training from appropriated funds or other available funds:
(1) The ADP contributes to meeting an identified training need, resolving an
identified agency staffing problem, or accomplishing goals in the NNSA
strategic plan.
(2) The ADP is part of a planned, systematic, and coordinated employee
development program linked to accomplishing NNSA’s strategic goals.
(3) The ADP is provided by a college, university, or other institution or
program that is accredited by a regional, national, or international
accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.2
(4) The employee meets all of the following eligibility criteria:
(a) Is a permanent, full-time federal employee.
(b) Is not under a probationary period.
(c) Is not currently participating in or, within the past 12 months,
graduated from an NNSA-funded career development program.
Section 12
2 Current Department of Education database is found at: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
Appendix 1
AP1-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
(d) Was rated as Fully Meets Expectations (FME) or equivalent (or
higher) in the most recent annual performance appraisal, with no
performance objective rated below FME.
(5) In order for the ADP to remain NNSA-sponsored, the employee must also:
(a) Provide term-end grades to Learning and Career Management
(LCM).
(b) Be in good and active academic standing.
(c) For undergraduate ADPs – maintain a cumulative grade point
average (GPA) of no lower than 2.0, and no course grade lower
than C-. For a course grade lower than C-, the employee must
reimburse NNSA for the tuition and any related expenses for that
course.
(d) For graduate ADPs – maintain a cumulative GPA of no lower than
3.0, and no course grade lower than B-. For a course grade lower
than B-, the employee must reimburse NNSA for the tuition and
any related expenses for that course.
(e) For cumulative GPAs (no lower than 2.0 for undergraduate and 3.0
for graduate), the employee must raise the cumulative GPA to that
minimum. If the employee does not meet the minimum after one
academic term, the employee must reimburse NNSA for the tuition
and any related expenses for that portion of the ADP.
(6) The conditions under which NNSA will not sponsor an ADP are:
(a) An employee occupies or seeks to qualify for a non-career
appointment in the Senior Executive Service.
(b) An employee occupies or seeks to qualify for an appointment in
any position that is exempted from the competitive service because
of its confidential policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-
advocating character.
(c) The ADP is for the sole purpose of providing an employee an
opportunity to obtain an academic degree or qualify for
appointment to a particular position for which the academic degree
is a basic requirement.
(d) The degree-granting institution does not meet criteria established
in laws, as specified in 3.h.
(e) The ADP is related to a condition of employment, i.e., a positive
education requirement exists.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 1
AP1-3
All ADP applications must be vetted by the executive-level Leadership and
Career Management Board (LCMB), in order to promote fairness, consistency,
Equal Employment Opportunity principles, and transparency in the ADP selection
process.
ADPs are funded by the employee’s organization and, as such, must be forecasted
in the organization’s Annual Training Assessment and in the employee’s
Individual Development Plan (IDP).
ADPs require senior leadership approval, as described in Section 5,
Responsibilities.
If the ADP involves learning activities that equal or exceed 160 training hours, or
the learning activity’s tuition cost equals or exceeds $7,500, or the learning
activity has a combined tuition and travel cost that equals or exceeds $10,000,
then a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) must be completed and signed before
the program begins. Refer to Appendix 2 of this Supplemental Directive (SD) for
additional guidance on CSAs. Also refer to the LCM’s web page for CSA
computation worksheets.
For ADP events during an employee’s normal work schedule, refer to NNSA
BOP-002.06, NNSA Leave Administration and Hours of Duty, for guidance.
Section 13
All payments or reimbursements for expenses are discretionary (i.e., not an
employee entitlement) and must be based on organizational need, talent
availability, budget availability, and other mission-related criteria and standards
established by the sponsoring Head of NNSA Element or Deputy. Payment or
reimbursement for an ADP may include such necessary expenses as application
fees, registration fees, tuition, books, supplies, parking and travel fees to attend
mandatory required courses. Meals are not an authorized expense unless it is a
non-severable element of the ADP. The organization’s commitment to pay for
any of these expenses must be specified in the ADP application. The employee’s
participation in the ADP is dependent on funds availability and could be
terminated if funds are no longer available.
The degree-granting institution or program must meet all of the following
conditions for NNSA to pay or reimburse employees for authorized expenses for
academic degrees:
(1) The ADP is accredited and provided by an institution or program
described in 3.a.(3) above.
(2) The institution or program facility and curriculum are accessible to
employees with disabilities in accordance with 29 U.S.C. 701-718,
General Provisions, and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 126, Equal Opportunity for
Individuals with Disabilities, as applicable.
Appendix 1
AP1-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
(3) Employees are selected for ADPs without regard for political preference,
age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion,
sex, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a parent, or any other non-
merit-based factor, and with regard for their constitutional and privacy
rights.
(4) The program or facility must not be listed as actively excluded in the
General Services Administration’s System for Award Management3 in
accordance with 10 U.S.C. 983 and 32 CFR Part 216.
(5) The institution or program (including any sub-element) does not prohibit,
or prevent military recruiter access to campuses, students, or authorized
student information.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
Administrator.
(1) Establishes ADP policy.
(2) Communicates senior leadership’s commitment to workforce
development.
Heads of NNSA Elements (Deputy Administrators, Associate Administrators,
General Counsel, and Field Office Managers).
(1) Consider ADP requests in the context of organizational needs.
(2) Approve ADP-related costs and allocate those costs within the
organization’s budget. Approve the use of appropriated funds to pay for
ADP expenses.
(3) Submit expected ADP-related costs during the Annual Training
Assessment process, in order to provide sufficient resources to support
implementation and ongoing management of ADPs.
(4) Determine the scope of the ADP that the organization plans to fund (i.e.,
the entire ADP, which courses, and which expenses). Review, approve,
and submit the employees’ ADP application package. Provide written
endorsement of the ADP application and identify which ADP expenses are
authorized.
(5) Submit ADP applications to the LCMB for approval.
3 https://www.sam.gov.
https://www.sam.gov/
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 1
AP1-5
(6) Respond to surveys soliciting organizational leadership feedback on the
value that ADPs are adding to the organization’s performance.
Chief Learning Officer (CLO).
(1) Manages the ADP process.
(2) Conducts periodic reviews to identify the efficacy of NNSA-sponsored
ADPs.
(3) Offers consulting services to employees and supervisors regarding ADPs.
Section 14
(4) Issues semi-annual One Learning Initiative announcements soliciting ADP
applications for LCMB review.
(5) Administers surveys to supervisors and organizational leaders to discern
value-added impact of ADPs. Reviews survey findings, identifies themes,
and makes recommendations based on results.
(6) Monitors effectiveness of the ADP process in regard to recruitment and
retention strategies.
(7) Validates that the degree-granting institution meets the conditions
identified in 3.h.
(8) Reviews documentation provided by employee to verify good and active
academic standing.
(9) Recommends updates to this Directive as needed.
Leadership and Career Management Board (LCMB).
(1) Reviews and makes final decisions on approval or rejection of ADP
applications.
(2) Interviews ADP applicants during the review process, as needed.
(3) Notifies Heads of NNSA Elements or Deputies of final ADP decisions.
Supervisors.
(1) Discuss career aspirations with the employee, including how an ADP and
mission needs align with those goals.
(2) Review and, as appropriate, approve IDPs, which must contain any ADPs
proposed by employees.
Appendix 1
AP1-6
NNSA SD 360.1A
(3) Review the employees’ ADP application and, if supported, provide a
written endorsement of the application. If not supported, consult with the
employee.
(4) Periodically check in with the employee to ensure appropriate work-life-
school balance.
(5) Respond to surveys soliciting supervisory feedback on the value that the
ADP adds to the employee’s development and work unit mission.
Employees.
(1) Manage career, including career development.
(2) Consider whether an ADP would provide career opportunities and
carefully review ADP options. In this regard, employees are encouraged
to consult with the Learning Consultant for their organization, their first-
level supervisor, and a mentor or coach.
(3) Include the desired ADP on proposed IDP, if the employee proposes that
NNSA fund all or part of that ADP.
(4) Prepare and submit the ADP application (found in LCM’s web site) to the
supervisor for endorsement, and obtain Head of NNSA Element or Deputy
approval.
(5) Submit approved ADP package to LCM and participate in ADP
nomination events. The employee must not incur any expenses intended
for NNSA to fund until they have been notified by LCM that they have
been accepted into the ADP or that NNSA has agreed to fund the
remaining portion of the ADP.
(6) Submit approved ADPs through the Learning Management System so that
the employee is enrolled and university invoices are paid.
(7) Commit to the ADP’s academic requirements, such as maintaining the
appropriate GPA.
(8) Provide to LCM course grades, transcripts, and verification of academic
standing (if not on transcript). LCM’s Learning Consultants will follow-
up with the employee if this data is not provided. NNSA will not fund
future ADP-related courses (or other learning activities) until this data is
received.
(9) Keep supervisors and LCM informed of any changes during the ADP
journey, including any extenuating and extraordinary circumstances.
(10) Reimburse NNSA if conditions warrant.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 1
AP1-7
Planning, Programming, Budget and Evaluation (NA-MB-50).
(1) Records ADP commitments and obligations in accounting systems.
(2) Pays university invoices for approved ADPs.
(3) Consults with Heads of NNSA Elements on any budgetary issues.
5. PROCESS.
A One Learning Initiative announcement is issued semi-annually regarding the
ADP application window.
Section 15
The employee researches and identifies the desired ADP.
The employee discusses the ADP with the first-level supervisor, focusing on the
ADP features related to the employee’s career and professional development, as
well as alignment to the NNSA mission.
The supervisor consults with the organization’s training liaison to determine
availability of funding for the ADP. If the ADP would begin in a later fiscal year,
the desired ADP must be included in the next year’s IDP. The IDP can be revised
at any time.
The IDP containing the ADP is initiated by the employee and endorsed by the
supervisor.
A standard application template must be used for all ADP-related applications.
The template is located on the LCM site on NNSA’s portal.
Once the IDP is endorsed, the employee completes the ADP application package.
A CSA must accompany the ADP application package, if the requirements in 3.e.
are met.
The supervisor reviews and, as applicable, endorses the ADP application package.
Endorsed ADP packages are forwarded through the organization’s leadership,
culminating with Head or Deputy Head of NNSA Element4 endorsement.
Upon Head of NNSA Element or Deputy-level endorsement5, the ADP package
will be sent to LCM’s ADP manager for review and to schedule the LCMB
meeting during which the application will be discussed.
4 These roles are referred to as Dash-1 and Dash-2, respectively, in the ADP flowchart that
follows.
5 Same as footnote 4, above.
Appendix 1
AP1-8
NNSA SD 360.1A
The LCMB is an executive-level body chaired by the CLO or, in the CLO’s
absence, by the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management. Although
ADPs are sponsored and funded by the employee’s organization, the LCMB
exists to ensure equity and fairness of the ADP process across NNSA and, as
such, is the body that reviews and approves ADPs. The LCMB uses an objective
process to ensure that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles are used
throughout all LCMB deliberations. The ADP approval process can involve an
interview with each applicant.
If the LCMB approves the ADP, the package is forwarded to the CLO for
processing, validating the CSA provisions, and to retain a copy of the signed
CSA.
The CLO forwards the processed ADP and CSA package to the supervisor and
employee, who will then submit the documentation into the NNSA Learning
Management System in order for the academic institution to be paid and for the
employee to be enrolled into the ADP.
Once the ADP commences, the CSA obligation begins.
If the LCMB does not approve the ADP application, the package is returned to the
Head of NNSA Element or Deputy with feedback.
A flowchart depicting the ADP process is provided below.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 1
AP1-9
Start
OLI announces semi-
annual ADP
Upon IDP approval,
employee completes
NNSA ADP
application package
including CSA
If LCM Board
approves, forwards
to NNSA CLO for
processing
If LCM Board does
not approve, returns
to Dash-1/Dash-2
If supervisor agrees,
desired ADP is
entered into IDP for
supervisor approval
Supervisor reviews
ADP application LCM Board
Decision
NNSA CLO forwards
to supervisor and
employee
Initial IDPs are sent
to Dash-2s during
Annual Training
Assessment process
for review
Application Review
Applicant(s) Interviews
If supervisor
endorses, forwards
for Dash-1/Dash-2
endorsement
If funds are not
available, process
stops until funds are
available
If Dash-1/Dash-2
endorses, package
forwarded to LCM
Section 16
LCM confirms applicant
eligibility and forwards
to LCM Board for
approval
Academic institution
paid; employee begins
ADP; records updated
Provide academic standing
documentation to LCM and
supervisor (end of term grades,
transcripts, status)
End
Once ADP is completed,
employee CSA is
recalculated and
employee is notified of
service obligation
Employee
submits
request in
Learning Mgmt
System
Consult with
organization
Training
Liaison for
funding
Employee discusses
ADP with first-level
supervisor
Employee identifies
desired Academic
Degree Program
(ADP)
CLO retains copy of
signed CSA
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NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 2
AP2-1
APPENDIX 2: CONTINUED SERVICE AGREEMENTS
1. PURPOSE. This appendix provides requirements, responsibilities, and documentation
needed to complete, review, and approve National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) Continued Service Agreements (CSAs) for federal employees.
2. BACKGROUND. Both Title 5 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), 4108, and Title 5 of
the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 410, Training, provide criteria for federal agencies
to use regarding CSAs. The policies and procedures referenced in this appendix are
intended to promote consistency, transparency, and fairness regarding the applicability
and enforcement of CSAs.
NNSA values providing meaningful professional development opportunities for members
of its federal workforce. Development promotes employee competence, drives
motivation, fosters mission success, and aids succession planning efforts. The use of
CSAs promotes NNSA’s return on substantive developmental investments. CSAs are
used to document the employee’s continued obligation of federal service for learning
activities that exceed 160 hours in duration or which equal or exceed $7,500 in tuition,
regardless of duration of the learning activity, or which equal or exceed $10,000 in
combined tuition and travel cost, regardless of duration of the learning activity.
The categories6 of learning that require a CSA (subject to the duration and cost criteria
noted above) include:
Academic degree programs or multiple academic courses;
NNSA-sponsored and external leadership development programs;
Certificate or certification programs; or
Rotations or details that are primarily for developmental purposes.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
The length of the CSA must be determined pursuant to 5 CFR 410.309(b)(2) and
5 CFR 410.310, Computing time in training.
A CSA must be completed and signed before an employee begins any learning
activity that equals or exceeds 160 training hours, or the learning activity’s tuition
cost equals or exceeds $7,500, or the learning activity has a combined tuition and
travel cost that equals or exceeds $10,000. If the employee refuses to sign a CSA,
NNSA’s funding of the learning activity must be terminated.
6 This list is not all-inclusive; consult Learning and Career Management for further assistance, as needed.
Appendix 2
AP2-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
(1) For a learning activity that equals or exceeds 160 training hours, the
period of obligated service is the length of the training instance plus a
post-training period equal to three times the length of the training7; or
(2) For a learning activity that has a tuition cost that equals or exceeds $7,500,
the period of obligated service is 1 year. The period of obligated service is
2 years for a tuition cost that equals or exceeds $25,000. The period of
obligated service is 3 years for a tuition cost that equals or exceeds
$50,000; or
Section 17
(3) For a learning activity that has a combined tuition and travel-for-training
cost that equals or exceeds $10,000, the period of obligated service is 1
year. The period of obligated service ( is 2 years for a combined tuition
and travel cost that equals or exceeds $25,000. The period of obligated
service is 3 years for a combined tuition and travel cost that equals or
exceeds $50,000.
(4) The period of obligated service begins when the learning activity has
reached 160 training hours or when the tuition (and, as applicable, travel)
costs paid have equaled or exceeded the dollar thresholds in 3.b.(2) and
3.b.(3) above.
The conditions under which a CSA will not apply are:
(1) A single work assignment that is not part of a formal training program, or
an assignment for which only one of the objectives is to develop or assess
employee competency levels;
(2) Coaching, mentoring, on-the-job or similar training, unless these events
are non-severable elements of a comprehensive development program;
(3) Training provided by manufacturers, suppliers, or contractors for the
purpose of equipment or operating systems installation, use, or
maintenance;
(4) Training performed under a performance improvement plan;
(5) Learning that is paid for by the employee; or
(6) Any other learning activity that totals less than 160 training hours,
provided the total costs are less than $7,500.
NNSA will seek repayment from the employee when an employee fails to meet or
fulfill the training completion requirements, or who is under a CSA obligation and
leaves NNSA, or fails to meet or fulfill the terms and conditions of the CSA. The
7 Refer to CSA calculation worksheets provided in LCM’s web page.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 2
AP2-3
waiver process in 5.b. must be observed in order for an employee to seek
reconsideration or a waiver of NNSA’s recovery rights.
For a CSA for an employee who transfers from one NNSA organization to
another:
(1) For training subject to the CSA that has been completed, the gaining
NNSA organization must accept the CSA.
(2) For training subject to the CSA that has not been completed, the gaining
NNSA organization may choose whether to fund any remaining activities
covered by the CSA.
For employees subject to a CSA who transfer from NNSA to another federal
agency, refer to 5.c. below.
Voluntary separations from the NNSA for employment with an international
organization of which the United States is a member8 are considered grounds for
waiving the right to recover NNSA funds if such employment is deemed to be in
the interest of NNSA and the public9.
Involuntary Separations: If an employee resigns under circumstances that clearly
show that the resignation is an election to resign rather than to undergo separation
procedures, or there is a record of reduction-in-force announcement or notice, the
resignation must be considered an involuntary separation, provided that the reason
for the separation is not due to misconduct, performance, or personal delinquency.
Provided these conditions are met, the CSA repayment obligation is waived.
Military orders to report for service is sufficient reason for waiving the CSA
during the training, or the post-training, obligated service period.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
Administrator.
(1) Establishes CSA policy.
(2) Communicates senior leadership’s commitment to workforce
development.
Heads of NNSA Elements (Deputy Administrators, Associate Administrators,
General Counsel, and Field Office Managers). Conduct periodic reviews to
monitor CSAs for employees in their organization.
Section 18
8 Refer to https://iocareers.state.gov/Main/Content/Page/approved-international-
organizations
9 Sources: 5 CFR 410.309(a) and Section 4.(f) of DOE O 360.1C
https://iocareers.state.gov/Main/Content/Page/approved-international-organizations
https://iocareers.state.gov/Main/Content/Page/approved-international-organizations
Appendix 2
AP2-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
Chief Learning Officer (CLO).
(1) Manages the CSA process.
(2) Independently computes and verifies the CSA obligation period. If the
employee with an active CSA is selected for a DOE/NNSA Leadership
and Career Developmental Program with a continued service requirement
prior to completing this obligation, determines the amount remaining on
this CSA and adds any remaining obligated service time to the new CSA
obligation.
(3) Reviews and, as necessary, coordinates amendment of CSAs. Maintains
master repository of CSAs. Promotes compliance with CSAs.
(4) Provides information to employees regarding CSA waiver application
process.
(5) Through the CLO’s Learning Consultants, engages with employees
covered by an active CSA when notified of planned transfers to another
agency.
(6) Reviews and makes decisions on CSA waiver requests.
(7) Requests from Human Resources, on a periodic basis, documentation on
separations and transfers.
(8) Recommends updates to this appendix as needed.
Supervisors.
(1) Review and endorse CSAs for direct reports.
(2) Monitor employees’ CSAs and verify compliance.
Employees.
(1) Manage career, including career development.
(2) Initiate and complete the appropriate sections of the CSA.
(3) Adhere to signed CSA provisions.
(4) Keep supervisors and the CLO’s Learning Consultant informed of any
requested changes to the CSA.
(5) Notify NNSA’s Learning and Career Management (LCM) Learning
Consultant no later than 10 working days before the transfer to another
agency takes effect.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 2
AP2-5
5. PROCESS.
A standard template must be used for the CSA. The template is located on the
LCM site on NNSA’s portal.
When an employee fails to meet or fulfill the training completion requirements, or
who is under a CSA obligation and leaves NNSA, or fails to meet or fulfill the
terms and conditions of the CSA, the process below must be followed:
(1) The employee is notified of the amount that must be repaid to NNSA;
(2) The employee is advised of the right to request reconsideration of the
amount to be repaid, or to pursue a waiver of the Government’s right to
recover funds;
(3) The employee is advised on how to submit a written waiver request before
the effective date of separation from NNSA when the employee provides
notice of at least 10 working days;
(4) The employee’s waiver request states the grounds on which the
determination to reconsider, or waive, recovery rights should be based;
and
(5) The employee is given the opportunity to respond to NNSA’s findings
before NNSA may recover training expenses.
Note: NNSA will follow prescribed debt collection procedures in the
event the reconsideration or waiver is denied.
When an employee subject to a continued service agreement is to be transferred to
another federal agency, the following must occur:
(1) The employee must notify NNSA’s LCM Learning Consultant no later
than 10 working days before the transfer takes effect.
(2) When NNSA receives the employee’s notice, NNSA must notify the
gaining agency that the employee is subject to a continued service
agreement.
Section 19
(3) Upon receiving a tentative job offer from the gaining agency, the
employee must secure the gaining agency’s acceptance of the CSA in
order for the NNSA separation to not invoke repayment obligations.
Acceptance is at the gaining agency’s discretion.
(4) If the gaining agency accepts the CSA, the CSA is transferred to the
gaining agency. If the gaining agency determines that it will not accept
the CSA, the employee must be notified in writing before the effective
date of the transfer.
Appendix 2
AP2-6
NNSA SD 360.1A
(5) Upon notification of the gaining agency’s decision to deny acceptance of
the CSA, NNSA will inform the employee that NNSA intends to recover
training costs, unless NNSA waives its right of recovery.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 3
AP3-1
APPENDIX 3: NNSA LEARNING PROCESS
1. INTRODUCTION.
The primary purpose of a training request is to document and outline the process to
submit, approve, authorize, register, and complete or cancel training requests for
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) federal employees, as well as,
certify that training meets legal and administrative requirements using appropriate
funds and using the process in this Appendix. Other non-NNSA federal, military, or
contractor employees may attend certain NNSA-sponsored training on a space
available basis and will follow this Supplemental Directive (SD) to the maximum
extent possible.
2. PROCESS.
Learning Activity Request and Approval Process.
(1) When a training request is entered in the NNSA Learning Nucleus, it is
reviewed by the requester’s approver(s) at the organization level, who
gives permission (official approval) to attend the training and also verifies
that there is funding available for the organization to pay for the requested
training. All requests must be entered through the Learning Nucleus and
routed through the respective approver (supervisor) and authorizer
(Learning and Career Management [LCM]) to verify that the employee is
registered, to the maximum extent possible, at least 21 calendar days
before the start of the event. The LCM training processor is the final step
of the routing process for costed activities; thus, employees and
supervisors are advised to start the request at least 30 calendar days prior
to the learning activity start date. When entering a request, the requester is
responsible for completing all fields such as vendor name, vender contact
information, course title, dates, tuition costs, travel costs, etc. Any request
with missing or erroneous information may be returned to the employee
for corrections, potentially delaying enrollment or registration. If the
requester has questions or needs help completing the request, the requester
should contact their respective Training Liaison, LCM Training Processor,
or Learning Consultant.
(2) Training approval, i.e., certification that training is an appropriate expense
related to improving mission-related performance, is a supervisory
function; however, responsibility for approval may be delegated to a non-
supervisory official, such as a team leader or senior employee. No
employee may approve their own training request, and no subordinate may
approve training for a superior. When approved, the approving official
(supervisor or delegated representative) is also certifying that the
organization has adequate funds to cover the cost of the training and any
related travel. Depending on the organization’s leadership, these
approvals and funds verification could be accomplished by one or multiple
Section 20
Appendix 3
AP3-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
personnel, such as the supervisor, a training liaison, or budget approver. If
the training is denied within the organization’s routing queue, the
requester must receive notification that the training is denied. If the
training request is approved by the organization’s internal routing, the
training request is forwarded to LCM for further processing.
(3) Training review and vendor registration is the responsibility of the LCM
Training Processor or Learning Consultant, who is charged with verifying
all legal and administrative requirements are met, and that the appropriate
training funds are available. Once training has been reviewed, and
registration has been completed, the employee requesting training will
receive an electronic confirmation. Employees must confirm receipt of
LCM’s notification prior to the beginning of the course.
(4) All training cancellations must be sent prior to deadlines established by
the vendor sponsoring the learning activity. Failure to send a cancellation
to LCM with enough time to withdraw the employee from the activity may
result in a charge to the employee’s organizational training funds to cover
the penalty assessed by the vendor. NNSA corporately sponsored learning
activities may be cancelled based on insufficient enrollment; those who
have been registered for a corporately sponsored course that is cancelled
will be notified approximately 2 weeks prior to the event’s scheduled start
date. Additional information regarding cancellations, denials, and
substitutions of training can be found in paragraph 7.b.
(5) The employee or supervisor must not pay for training by means other than
those established in this process, e.g., training expenses must not be
included as a miscellaneous expense on a travel voucher, or paid for using
an employee's personal resources (credit card, check, etc.). NNSA will
not reimburse employees for professional development training costs
incurred via methods other than those outlined in this Supplemental
Directive.
Cancellation.
(1) The participant may cancel their own training by accessing the request in
the Learning Nucleus and initiating a cancellation. If they are unable to
process their cancellation in the Learning Nucleus they must contact the
LCM Training Processor or Learning Consultant and their respective
supervisor for LCM to manually process the cancellation. Cancellations
may also be initiated by an employee’s supervisor, management, or LCM
if necessary.
(2) If no costs will be incurred, the LCM Training Processor or Learning
Consultant will notify the employee and their supervisor that the training
instance has been cancelled.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 3
AP3-3
(3) If costs will be incurred, the Learning Consultant will discuss the impact
with the supervisor or the organization’s training liaison. If the learning
activity is corporately sponsored (paid by LCM funds) any incurred costs
for penalties, fees, or travel-for-training will be charged to the
organization’s account. If the learning activity is sponsored by the
participant’s organization (paid by the organization’s funds) any incurred
costs for penalties, fees, or travel-for-training will be charged to the
organization’s account. Once a decision has been made on how to
proceed, the Learning Consultant will confirm the employee, their
supervisor, and the training liaison are aware of the outcome.
Substitutions.
Section 21
(1) If the learning activity is corporately sponsored, and has a waitlist of
NNSA personnel who are available to attend the activity, substitutions
from the waitlist may be made to fill the vacancy. Notifications to
withdraw must be received 1 week prior to the event start date to allow
LCM time to process the action and coordinate the change with the
vendor. Substitutions will be made from the waitlist on a first-listed first-
considered basis. Personnel will be contacted in the order of request date
until a candidate accepts and is registered to fill the vacancy. If a
substitution is not identified, withdrawal will be considered a cancellation
and all associated fees will be charged to the organization’s funds.
(2) If the learning activity is sponsored by the participant’s organization (paid
by the organization’s training funds), the organization’s leadership has the
option of providing a substitute participant, or opening the vacancy to
other NNSA personnel. If a substitute is not identified by the
organization, and there is no one on a waitlist for the activity, LCM may
coordinate notifications or announcements to NNSA personnel to solicit
interest. All substitutions must be accomplished at least 1 week prior to
the event start date to allow LCM time to process the action and
coordinate the change with the vendor. If a substitution is not provided, or
identified through a waitlist or announcement, withdrawal will be
considered a cancellation and all associated fees will be charged to the
organization’s funds.
Annual Training Assessments.
The NNSA Chief Learning Officer, through the LCM Learning Consultants,
may conduct an Annual Training Assessment (ATA) using the NNSA
Learning Nucleus to understand, propose, and validate suitable learning
solution(s). The ATA begins during the 3rd FY quarter with an agency-wide
announcement that requests NNSA federal employees complete IDPs for the
next fiscal year. The ATA concludes in the 4th quarter once employee IDPs
have been completed and approved by the first line supervisor. Using
approved IDPs, LCM examines identified learning/training needs to
Appendix 3
AP3-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
determine what training activities to corporately fund (activities not
corporately funded are instead organizationally funded and are subject to
organizational training funds availability) and determine the demand for
Leadership Development Programs supported by NNSA.
Organization funding requests sent to the ATA are analyzed and included in
the final ATA Summary Report to the Associate Administrator for
Management and Budget, and senior leadership.
NNSA Waiver Procedures.
A waiver may reduce or eliminate the requirement to repay NNSA for
learning activities covered under a CSA. NNSA’s waiver procedures are
imposed when an employee fails to meet or fulfill the training completion
requirements, or who is under a Continued Service Agreement (CSA)
obligation and leaves NNSA, or fails to meet or fulfill the terms and
conditions of the CSA.
Acceptable reasons for waiving training completion or CSA completion
requirements include a new work assignment that prevents an employee’s
satisfactory completion, employee’s personal circumstances, conflict with
DOE/NNSA interests or legal requirements, the amount or nature of the costs
to be recovered, benefit to NNSA (such as under reduction-in-force
circumstances), medical or psychological circumstances, or undue hardship
or inequity.
Section 22
Waiver requests must be provided in writing by the employee and endorsed
by the supervisor before sending them to the LCM Learning Consultant.
Once approved by the NNSA Chief Learning Officer, the responsible
Learning Consultant/Program Manager must provide a copy of the signed
waiver to the employee and to the supervisor and include a copy in the
employee’s training and official personnel file.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 4
AP4-1
APPENDIX 4: LEARNING AND CAREER MANAGEMENT (LCM) PROGRAMS,
PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES
LCM’s Programs, Products, and Services. The National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) is a learning organization that promotes value-added learning programs, products, and
services that benefit the NNSA workforce through increased employee and organizational
performance. LCM may work with employees and organizational leadership to understand the
development needs and determine how best to address them. LCM offers a wide range of
programs, products, and services to meet the development needs of the NNSA federal workforce.
Other (non-NNSA) employees may participate on a space available basis — consult with the
LCM Learning Consultant.
Aspiring Leader Certificate Program (ALCP). This program offers a unique opportunity
for staff that have acknowledged a desire in potential leadership positions to take action.
The Aspiring Leaders Certificate Program provides foundational exposure to leadership
skills and competencies essential for individual and organizational success. The program
consists of eight developmental tracks that prepare participants for future leadership roles
within NNSA. Alongside all the tools gained, ALCP is a 12-24 month certificate
program that gives participants a competitive edge when applying for future leadership
positions.
Competencies. NNSA Competencies consist of both foundational competencies that
apply to all employees across the NNSA enterprise – and are aligned with NNSA’s
mission and culture – and competencies for specific job series. NNSA-sponsored
learning and development programs, products, and services are available to help improve
or achieve proficiency in competencies, and to help advance an employee’s performance
and growth. This not only contributes to the success of the agency’s mission, but is
instrumental in promoting a learning culture and strengthening all employees’
knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors. LCM works with subject matter experts and
organizational leaders to develop competencies and link them to appropriate learning
activities and resources.
Career Paths. NNSA career paths are designed to provide a road map for employees who
are either in, or aspire to be part of, a specific career field. A significant body of research
showcases that career paths are an important recruitment and retention enabler. Critical
elements for each career path to guide employees include: list of potential positions,
qualifications for the positions, critical developmental experiences, competencies, and
important career success factors. LCM works with subject matter experts and
organizational leaders to develop career paths for occupations across NNSA.
Coaching. Working with a coach in a thought-provoking and creative process can
maximize your personal and professional potential. Coaching takes into account the
whole person by focusing on improvements in behavior and performance to resolve
present work issues, handle specific aspects of the job, and continue to grow
professionally. Federal coaches from the Federal Coaching Network, a community of
government employees who are invested in the practice of coaching, are available to all
Section 23
Appendix 4
AP4-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
NNSA federal employees to help them achieve their career goals. Coaching services can
be requested at any time.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and NNSA share three training slots with the Federal
Internal Coaching Training Program, a 7-month program that is certified by the
International Coach Federation to provide professional-level coach training to federal
employees. Federal internal coaches foster a culture across the U.S. Government that
encourages candid and respectful communications between managers and employees,
encourages self-reflection, and promotes creativity in problem solving and performance
improvement. DOE and NNSA announce the availability of the program in the 3rd
quarter of each fiscal year.
Consulting. LCM provides a range of consulting services to all NNSA employees to
identify solutions that meet a performance need. Solutions can include learning
programs, products, or services.
Executive Enrichment Program. Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are crucial
to guiding NNSA so it can fulfill its critical missions and keep our nation safe. They face
constant challenges, from changing technologies to the Federal Government’s fluid
environment. To aid SES employees in meeting these demands and positively
contributing to the workforce, the Executive Enrichment Program (EEP) was
developed. The program fosters a learning environment allowing executives to refine
and further strengthen their Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). The program has
resulted in bolstering career development, broadening leadership experience, and
building the next generation of leaders.
Instructional Systems Design. LCM provides comprehensive needs assessment, design,
delivery, implementation, and evaluation for all learning modalities and activities. LCM
works with NNSA clients to promote an optimal learning experience, to include assessing
proposed learning activities for compliance with standards of quality and performance
impact.
Leadership Development Programs. Each year, LCM identifies and funds external
Leadership Development Programs (LDPs) selected for their applicability to NNSA’s
mission and positive feedback received from past attendees. The NNSA-wide
OneLearning or Connect announcement is the mechanism used to inform NNSA
employees of an NNSA-sponsored Leadership Development Program to include program
information, eligibility to apply, program dates, location, the application procedure, due
date, number of training opportunities, cost, CSA, withdrawal procedures, and NNSA
point-of-contact. Eligibility for LDPs ranges from the entry-level through the executive-
level. To be considered for participation in any of the NNSA-sponsored LDPs,
employees meeting the program requirements must submit a complete application for
consideration by the LCMB. Surveys are administered to every LDP participant to obtain
feedback and gauge success of each LDP.
Leadership and Career Management Board. The NNSA Leadership and Career
Management Board (LCMB) charter codifies a formal body that promotes cohesive and
http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 4
AP4-3
Section 24
robust learning; leadership and career development strategic programs that are cost
effective, progressive, and well integrated; is aligned with the NNSA mission; and
supports the diverse and critical learning and developmental needs of NNSA. The
LCMB is the decision-making authority for reviewing and nominating or selecting
applicants into specific competitive leadership and career development programs. The
LCMB uses an objective process to ensure that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
principles are used throughout all LCMB deliberations. The LCMB also advises the
NNSA’s Chief Learning Officer (CLO) on policy, corporate priorities, and direction for
NNSA’s learning, succession management, workforce retention, and related matters.
Mandatory Training. Mandatory training may be mandated by federal statute or
regulation, DOE, NNSA, or other federal agencies (such as Department of State for
foreign travel training requirements). Mandatory training announcements are issued for
specific topical areas. In general, links to mandatory on-line training are uploaded into
the employee’s Learning Nucleus account.
Mentoring Program. This program is a formalized mentoring program that provides
enriching experiences through relationships and growth opportunities for personal and
professional growth, focusing on knowledge sharing and cultivating talents. This
program is facilitated online via NNSA’s new learning management system, the Learning
Nucleus. NNSA’s mentoring program is a 12-month guided experience that features
traditional one-on-one mentoring, peer-to-peer mentoring, group mentoring, and much
more. This program is open to all NNSA federal employees and can be started at any
time. By using the Learning Nucleus, participants will be able to connect across the
complex.
Mid-Level Leadership Development Program (MLDP). The MLDP is a year-long
program designed to develop high potential participants’ proficiency in leadership
competencies. The MLDP develops a pool of diverse and qualified employees that are
ready to assume leadership roles within the NNSA. Major program components include
360-assessments, 60-day rotational assignments, capstone projects, mentoring, core
certification training, and various other components. Successful graduates of this
program also receive a certificate from the Office of Personnel Management in
Leadership Education and Development. Upon completion of the program, participants
are expected to apply what they have learned to further the mission of NNSA.
Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP). MSIPP is designed to build
a sustainable pipeline between DOE’s sites, plants, and laboratories and minority serving
institutions (MSIs) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
disciplines. The MSIPP also serves to bring a heightened awareness of STEM careers at
NNSA sites, plants, and laboratories to MSIs with a common interest in STEM research
fields.
The MSIPP enhances diversity and facilitates development of DOE/NNSA’s future
STEM workforce by:
(1) Increasing research and professional opportunities for under-served populations.
Appendix 4
AP4-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
(2) Merging academic study with practical work experience for students majoring in
relevant STEM fields and related disciplines.
(3) Creating a pool of talented students to explore and understand professional
practices within DOE, NNSA, and the Federal Government.
(4) Providing exposure to research and development, technology, and administration.
Section 25
NNSA 1st Year. The NNSA 1st Year program is an onboarding training program
designed for employees new to NNSA. The program is a year-long, mandatory
onboarding effort to acclimate new hires to NNSA’s day-to-day operations, connect them
with senior leaders, mentors, and colleagues; and to introduce the fundamentals of
NNSA. NNSA 1st Year has three components: New Hire Orientation; Building Your
Foundation; and Monthly Information Sessions.
NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program. NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP),
administered by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, provides opportunities for
graduate-level students to gain hands-on experience and explore careers in NNSA’s
nuclear security enterprise. Yearly evaluations are conducted by the NGFP community
to gauge success and determine opportunities for improvement.
Organizational Development (OD). Organizational development is a system-wide
framework for planning, developing, improving, and reinforcing strategies, structures,
and processes that lead to increased organizational effectiveness. LCM provides OD
consultation, facilitation, and expertise to aid NNSA organizations in improving cultural
health and mission performance.
Rotation Programs. Rotations provide employees at all levels the opportunity to engage
in meaningful, immersive, developmental opportunities to further develop knowledge and
skillsets. Rotational opportunities available for employees include: NNSA Rotations
Program, White House Leadership Development Program, DOE Leadership
Development Rotations Program, and Presidential Management Council Interagency
Rotation Program. Program evaluations and end of program presentations are completed
by participants to obtain feedback.
Supervisory Training Program. The Supervisory Training Program provides supervisors
with the guidance, tools, and skills needed to lead people and be competent in leadership
and mission-related performance. The training framework identifies mandatory training
and developmental tracks based on supervisory experience and assessed knowledge.
New supervisors must complete training within their first year of appointment. Failure to
complete training jeopardizes satisfactory completion of the probationary period.
Tenured supervisors must take refresher training at least every 3 years. All supervisors
must complete at least one supervisory or leadership-related developmental activity every
year. If an employee has prior supervisory experience and has received supervisory
training within the past 3 years from another Agency, LCM will consider that supervisor
as tenured for training purposes. Those supervisors may still require training to acclimate
them to the NNSA environment (for example, performance management). Course and
program evaluations are completed by participants.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 4
AP4-5
Team Leader and Aspiring Supervisor Certificate Program (TLASCP). TLASCP is a 12-
36 month certificate program for individuals looking to increase awareness of personal
leadership styles, reinforce strengths, and build on technical skills as well as practical
supervisory knowledge. This dynamic opportunity allows individuals to focus on the
supervisory and management field within NNSA using competency-based development
training.
Section 26
Technical Qualification Program (TQP). The TQP establishes the process by which
NNSA confirms that its federal technical employees possess the necessary knowledge,
skills, and abilities to perform assigned duties and responsibilities. TQP specifically
applies to individuals whose duties and responsibilities require providing assistance,
guidance, direction, or oversight that could affect the safe operation of a defense nuclear
facility, including evaluation of contractor activities at those facilities. Additional
information is available at the LCM website via this URL:
https://nnsaportal.energy.gov/collab/na-mb/na-mb-40-lcm/na-mb-42-
tqp/SitePages/Home.aspx.
https://nnsaportal.energy.gov/collab/na-mb/na-mb-40-lcm/na-mb-42-tqp/SitePages/Home.aspx
https://nnsaportal.energy.gov/collab/na-mb/na-mb-40-lcm/na-mb-42-tqp/SitePages/Home.aspx
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NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 5
AP5-1
APPENDIX 5: COST CONSIDERATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION.
Payment of costs related to training is discretionary and made in accordance with 5
United States Code (U.S.C.) 4109, DOE Order 360.1C, Federal Employee Training,
and this Supplemental Directive (SD). This appendix serves to promote consistency,
transparency, and documents the costs the National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) deems allowable as necessary expenses for training that relates to an
employee’s job duties, improves individual and organizational performance, and
assists in achieving the agency’s mission and performance goals, while complying
with laws and regulations, and budget availability. This appendix also includes costs
for learning activities NNSA will not fund.
2. COSTS FUNDED BY NNSA.
In addition to the Academic Degree Program (ADP) policy covered in Appendix 1,
NNSA may also pay, or reimburse employees, for all or part of the necessary
expenses of training, including the costs for tuition, fees, books, materials , travel,
per diem, and other services or facilities directly related to the training of the
employee in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4109 and DOE Order 360.1C.
Travel-for-Training. In order to accommodate as many learning activities as
possible, employees and their supervisors must attend training in their duty
location whenever possible. Employees and their supervisors should work with
the LCM’s Learning Consultant to identify the optimal learning solution and
identify the most cost effective location to attend training. Corporate training
must be used when possible to meet training needs and to preserve organization-
specific travel-for-training funds. Economizing the need for travel optimizes
funds available for training.
Professional Credentials. NNSA may use appropriated funds for expenses to
obtain professional credentials, including expenses for professional accreditation,
state-imposed and professional licenses, and professional certifications; and
examinations to obtain such credentials in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5757 and the
September 7, 2010, Policy Memorandum #12: Payment of Expenses for
Professional Credentials. Reimbursement will come from other program
direction accounts. Reimbursement will not come from training funds. In order
to be reimbursed, employees should request an SF 1034, Claim for
Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business, from Planning,
Programming, Budget and Evaluation (NA-MB-50), and send the completed form
to their first and second-level supervisors for approval. Employees must send the
approved form to NA-MB-50 for payment, with proof of payment, documentation
of dates of certification, and a signed CSA, if warranted, for the period of time
Section 27
Appendix 5
AP5-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
covered by the credentials. Presidential appointees, non-career members of the
Senior Executive Service, and Excepted Service employees appointed under
Schedule C are not eligible for reimbursement. NNSA may use training funds to
pay the necessary costs for an examination in a preparatory class if the class
qualifies as training and if the examination fee is a condition of participating in
the training.
Memberships in Professional Organizations. Employees may find value in
joining professional organizations. NNSA may not pay for individual
membership fees of professional organizations. Payment or reimbursement for
initiation fees or periodic dues for membership in a professional organization, or
expenses for attendance at meetings or conventions of the organization is
prohibited unless:
(1) Membership or attendance is a prerequisite to acquiring or maintaining a
required professional credential.
(2) NNSA pays for an employee to acquire or maintain a professional
credential and the employee maintains membership in the organization as
an incidental by-product of acquiring or maintaining the credential, which
includes attending meetings or conventions.
Payment or reimbursement for expenses of voluntary memberships in
professional organizations of already credentialed employees is prohibited.
Tuition Assistance and other Training Expenses. NNSA may also pay, or
reimburse employees for, all or part of the necessary expenses of training without
regard to section 3324 (a) and (b) of Title 31, including among the expenses the
necessary costs of:
(1) Travel and per diem;
(2) Transportation of immediate family, household goods, and personal
effects;
(3) Tuition and matriculation fees;
(4) Library and laboratory services;
(5) Purchase or rental of books, materials, and supplies; and
(6) Other services or facilities directly related to the training of the employee.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 5
AP5-3
Tuition assistance for an individual academic course is not considered part of
NNSA’s ADP. NNSA may pay necessary expenses for up to six individual
courses in any given 3-year period as part of tuition assistance. (For more
than six courses, in any given 3-year period, the employee must apply to and
be selected to participate in the ADP before additional courses will be paid.)
Employees are not required to undergo a competitive process like the ADP.
Supervisors should adhere to the definition of training when approving
courses.
NNSA may select and assign employees to an ADP and pay or reimburse
employees for all or part of the necessary direct and indirect costs of such
training from appropriated funds or other available funds if all program
conditions are met. Refer to Appendix 1 for more information.
Training for Promotion. NNSA may provide training to permanent employees
that, in certain instances, may lead to promotion, consistent with merit system
principles (5 CFR 410.307(b); see also 5 U.S.C. 4103); however, NNSA must
follow competitive procedures (5 CFR 335) when selecting a permanent
employee for training that permits non-competitive promotion after successful
completion of the training. (5 CFR 410.307(b); see also 5 U.S.C. 4103.)
3. COSTS NOT FUNDED BY NNSA.
NNSA will not pay for costs imposed by a vendor for inappropriate or offensive
training, as outlined in Public Law 105-277.
(1) NNSA will not pay for training that does not meet the identified needs for
knowledge, skills, and abilities directly related to the employees’ official
duties or NNSA’s missions.
Section 28
(2) NNSA will not pay for training that contains elements likely to induce
high levels of emotional response or psychological stress in some
participants, except when the goal of the training is to learn and practice
methods to mitigate stressors likely to occur during assigned duties.
Based on the mission of the Office of Secure Transportation, training
funds may be used to pay for position-specific training to ensure
performance of assigned functions and tasks under both normal and
emergency conditions in situations that induce high levels of emotional
response or psychological stress. Examples include training needed when
carrying firearms, use of physical or deadly force, and making an arrest.
(3) NNSA will not pay for training that does not require prior employee
notification of the content and methods to be used in the training course
and course evaluations.
(4) NNSA will not pay for training that contains any method or content
associated with religious, quasi-religious, or new age belief systems as
Appendix 5
AP5-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
defined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Notice N-
915.022.
(5) NNSA will not pay for training that is offensive to, or designed to change,
participants’ values outside the workplace.
NNSA will not pay for the cost of meals or lodging at an employee’s official duty
station unless the training program requires extended training hours or
participation in specific group events, the safety or health of the employee may be
jeopardized, or these costs are included in a single fee and cannot be separated
from other costs.
NNSA will not retroactively pay costs incurred . All training requests must be
approved and processed in advance of the learning activity. .
Meetings or Conferences. Meetings or conferences may or may not be considered
as training (learning) activities. If a meeting or conference is considered training,
registration costs will be paid with training funds. In order to be considered as a
training (learning) activity, the meeting or conference must meet all criteria in 5
CFR 410.404:
(1) The announced purpose of the conference is educational or instructional;
(2) More than half of the time is scheduled for a planned, organized exchange
of information between presenters and audience which meets the
definition of training in section 4101 of Title 5 U.S.C.;
(3) The content of the conference is germane to improving individual or
organizational performance; and
(4) Development benefits will be derived through the employee’s attendance.
The Learning and Career Management (LCM) Learning Consultant will validate
whether a meeting or conference is considered training, based on the information
received in the training request.
If any of these criteria are not met, the meeting or conference is not a training
(learning) activity. In that instance, the organization would need to consider
whether to sponsor the meeting or conference using mission funds. Questions on
conference guidelines should be directed to the organization’s conference point of
contact. Questions on payment of non-training conference fees should be directed
to the organization’s travel coordinator. All conferences, whether they qualify as
mission or as a training activity, must be submitted by the employee or employee’s
organizational point of contact in accordance with the conference management
approval process.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 5
AP5-5
Section 29
Personal Liability Policy for Self-Registration for Training. Employees should
never self-register for training directly with any vendor. By self-registering for
training directly with a vendor, directing the development of organizational
training, or procuring any training activities or materials, without benefit of
appropriate advance coordination and approval, employees risk being personally
liable for payment or reimbursing the government if government funds were
committed, obligated, or costed without prior approval. If an employee registers
for training or directs the development of organizational training, the employee
will be considered to be acting on the employee’s behalf and will be held
financially responsible for the costs incurred. The employee may even be charged
leave or be required to reimburse the government for any time away from official
duties or expenses paid by the government. A training request that has been
approved by the employee’s supervisor does not confirm course registration. The
request must first be validated and processed by LCM and receive proper
approvals. This will verify that training funds are available and that the requested
training meets legal and administrative requirements prior to procurement. Once
approved, the employee will receive notification of enrollment, along with logistic
information (time, date, location, etc.). The employee bears ultimate
responsibility to check with the Learning Consultant for confirmation if the
employee has not received notification of enrollment; this is especially important
if the training involves travel or payment for attending the training.
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NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 6
AP6-1
APPENDIX 6: DEFINITIONS
Academic Degree Program (ADP). A post-secondary education including an associate’s,
a bachelor’s, a master’s, or a doctoral degree, or a specialist degree resulting in a distinct
education (e.g., not a certificate program). Institutions granting this type of degree must
meet standards and accreditation criteria from an entity recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education. Courses may be classroom-based, web-based, or a hybrid.
Accreditation. The voluntary process of evaluating institutions or programs to guarantee
acceptable levels of quality, including recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Accredited Education. Developing an employee’s general knowledge, capabilities, and
character through exposure to, and learning of, theories, concepts, and information. This
education above the high school level completed in a U.S. college, university, or other
educational institution that has been accredited by one of the accrediting agencies or
associations recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
Annual Training Assessment (ATA). The ATA identifies the training and development
needs of the workforce. The ATA is developed from data acquired through approved
Individual Development Plans to assess the individual, role-based, occupational, and
organizational training needs.
Competency. A measurable pattern of knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and other
characteristics that an employee needs to successfully perform work roles and
occupational functions.
Conference Management Tool. An application in iPortal that is being used to collect
estimated and actual conference expenditures for all Department of Energy conferences.
Section 30
Continued Service Agreement (CSA). A CSA is a written, binding agreement between
an employee and NNSA, signed prior to beginning learning activities that equal or exceed
specific criteria, to continue working for NNSA for a specific period of time after
completion of training or repay expenses incurred.
Continuing Training Program (CTP). CTPs are established to maintain and enhance the
knowledge and skills of operating personnel who perform functions associated with
engineered safety features as identified in the facility Documented Safety Analysis and
that are required in a Technical Qualification Program (TQP) Functional Area
Qualification Standard (FAQS). Continuing training includes, at a minimum, training in
significant facility system and component changes, applicable procedure changes,
applicable industry operating experience, selected fundamentals with emphasis on seldom
used knowledge and skills necessary to provide safety, and other training as needed to
correct identified performance problems.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Federal laws make it illegal to discriminate
against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex
Appendix 6
AP6-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
(including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic
information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained
about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment
discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
Electronic Technical Qualification Program (eTOP). The system of record for TQP
which records validation of TQP qualification. The eTQP system has been identified by
the National Training Center and concurred on by the Office of Information Management
(IM-23), as a System of Record (Federal Register, DOE-27, General Training Records).
Development. The gradual or incremental growth of a person that leads to increased
competence related to the employee’s current position or future career opportunities. Is
typically longer-term in nature, e.g., a leadership development program.
Developmental Assignment. Work assignment designed to provide exposure to different
leadership experiences and perspectives. Developmental assignments include rotations,
shadowing, and projects that provide critical knowledge and skills needed for long-term
career development.
DOE-Info. The Department of Energy (DOE) repository of training and human resource
data for DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) employees.
Education. The process of receiving systematic instruction, usually through an academic
institution, and the knowledge from that experience.
Executive Development Plan (EDP). The EDP outlines a senior executive’s short-term
and long-term development activities that will enhance the executive’s performance to
meet organizational needs for leadership, managerial improvement, and results. Newly
appointed Senior Executive Service (SES) members have specific executive development
requirements.
Federal Internal Coach Training Program. A rigorous, 7-month training program that is
certified by the International Coach Federation to provide professional-level coach
training to federal employees.
Federal Technical Capability Program (FTCP). The FTCP provides for the recruitment,
deployment, development, and retention of federal personnel with the demonstrated
technical capability to safely accomplish DOE and NNSA’s missions and responsibilities.
Section 31
Functional Area Qualification Standard (FAQS). Standards developed for various
functional areas of responsibility in DOE, including oversight of safety management
programs identified as hazard controls in Documented Safety Analyses. For each
functional area, the FAQS identifies the performance competencies, supporting
knowledge requirements, and mandatory performance activities for a typical qualified
individual working in the area.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 6
AP6-3
Functional Training. Technical training needed to perform a specific function, position,
or job.
Individual Development Plans (IDPs). A planning document used to identify short- and
long-range career goals, specific competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary
to meet current objectives, training, education, and other professional development
strategies needed from year to year as an employee’s career goals and mission of the
organization evolve.
Learning Activity/Learning Event. Any training, developmental, educational, or learning
intervention attended by an employee.
Learning Nucleus. The Learning Nucleus is NNSA’s learning management system and
official repository for employee records on registering for, attending, completing, and
evaluating learning activities; IDPs; competency models; career paths; course catalogues;
and organizational and NNSA-wide records on related data.
Learning and Career Management (LCM). LCM is the strategic business partner,
architect, implementer, and evaluator of value-added learning programs, products, and
services that benefit the NNSA workforce through increased employee and organizational
performance.
Leadership and Career Management Board (LCMB). The NNSA LCMB, codified in a
formal charter, promotes cohesive and robust learning; leadership and career
development strategic programs that are cost effective, progressive, and well integrated;
is aligned with the NNSA mission; and supports the diverse and critical learning and
developmental needs of NNSA. The LCMB is the decision-making authority for
reviewing, nominating, or selecting applicants into specific competitive leadership and
career development programs. The LCMB also advises the Chief Learning Officer
(CLO) on policy, corporate priorities, and direction for NNSA’s learning, succession
management, workforce retention, and related matters.
Leadership Development Program (LDP). NNSA’s LDPs cover a broad range of
leadership development opportunities from entry to executive level. Each year, NNSA
identifies a range of government and non-government external LDPs of various durations
that are funded by LCM. These programs are selected and announced for their
applicability to NNSA’s mission and positive feedback received from past attendees.
LCM Learning Consultant. An employee of LCM tasked with providing advice and
assistance on learning and development to specific elements of NNSA.
LCM Training Processor. Contractor support for LCM tasked with processing training
requests and providing logistical support for NNSA learning activities.
Period of Obligated Service. A predetermined amount of time in which the employee is
required to continue to work for NNSA for learning activities paid by NNSA that equal
or exceed a specific number of training hours, or which equal or exceed a specific amount
Appendix 6
AP6-4
NNSA SD 360.1A
of tuition, or a specific amount of combined tuition and travel costs. The obligation
period begins upon completion of the corresponding learning activity.
Section 32
Position Evaluation Questionnaire. The Position Evaluation Questionnaire is a form that
is submitted to the NNSA TQP Manager to request that an employee be added to the
TQP, or can indicate why an employee is excluded from the TQP. It includes the site, the
assigned functional areas, and the employee’s start date. It is signed by the field element
manager, the supervisor, and the Federal Technical Capability Panel Agent.
Qualifying Official (QO). A QO is an individual who has the technical experience or
education in a particular technical area and who, with the necessary training, is
authorized to sign qualification cards for designated competencies in the TQP.
Training. The process of providing for, and making available to, an employee, and
placing or enrolling the employee in a planned, prepared, and coordinated program,
course, curriculum, subject, system, or routine of instruction or education, in scientific,
professional, technical, mechanical, trade, clerical, fiscal, administrative, or other field
that will improve individual and organizational performance and assist in achieving the
agency’s mission and performance goals. Training is typically skills-focused.
Training Hours. The number of hours spent in a learning event, to include activities
required by the learning event (such as time spent in group projects or capstone
assignments). These hours are determined by the learning event’s host or, if not
otherwise computed by the host, are determined by LCM.
Training Liaison. An individual in a program or field office who acts as point of contact
on training issues for his or her organization and works closely with the Learning
Consultant or LCM in general.
Technical Qualification Program. A program within NNSA designed to verify that
NNSA technical employees whose duties and responsibilities require them to provide
assistance, guidance, direction, or oversight that could affect the safe operation of a
defense nuclear facility, including evaluation of contractor activities at those facilities,
have the necessary skills and abilities.
Vendor. A government or non-government organization that provides goods or services
for sale.
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 7
AP7-1
APPENDIX 7: ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
a. ADP Academic Degree Program
b. ALCP Aspiring Leader Certificate Program
c. ATA Annual Training Assessment
d. CFR Code of Federal Regulations
e. CFTD Consulting and Functional Training Division, NA-MB-42
f. CLO Chief Learning Officer
g. CSA Continued Service Agreement
h. CTP Continuing Training Program
i. DOE Department of Energy
j. DOE-Info The Department of Energy repository of training and human resource
data for DOE and NNSA employees
k. ECQ Executive Core Qualifications
l. EDP Executive Development Plan
m. EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
n. EEP Executive Enrichment Program
o. eTQP electronic Technical Qualification Program
p. FAQS Functional Area Qualification Standard
q. FTCP DOE Federal Technical Capability Program
r. GPA Grade Point Average
s. HQ Headquarters
t. IDP Individual Development Plan
u. LCM Learning and Career Management, NA-MB-40
v. LCMB Leadership and Career Management Board
w. LDP Leadership Development Programs
Appendix 7
AP7-2
NNSA SD 360.1A
x. LWD Leadership and Workforce Development, NA-MB-41
y. MLDP Mid-Level Leadership Development Program
z. MSIPP Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program
aa. NGFP NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program
bb. NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
Section 33
cc. QO Qualifying Official
dd. SD Supplemental Directive
ee. SES Senior Executive Service
ff. STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (fields of study)
gg. TLASCP Team Leader and Aspiring Supervisor Certificate Program
hh. TQP Technical Qualification Program
ii. U.S.C. United States Code
NNSA SD 360.1A Appendix 8
AP8-1
APPENDIX 8: REFERENCES
5 U.S.C. Chapter 41, Training
5 U.S.C. Chapter 1, Section 105, Executive Agency
5 CFR 410, Training
5 CFR 412, Supervisory, Management, and Executive Development
Executive Order 11348, Providing for the Further Training of Government Employees by
Public Law 106-398 and Public Law 108-123
DOE Order 360.1C, Federal Employee Training, dated 7-6-11, or successor document
DOE Order 426.1A, Federal Technical Capability, dated 1-17-17, or successor document
h. SD 426.1 Technical Qualification Program, dated 2-13-19, or successor document
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=2649e05c5634619a259022087dcf3802&ty=HTML&h=L&n=5y1.0.1.2.58&r=PART
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3cd294c9665c272d2674a8006bec7e18&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title05/5cfr412_main_02.tpl
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/300-series/0360.1-BOrder-c/%40%40images/file
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0426.1-BOrder-a/%40%40images/file
https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/0426-001-sdo
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST (OPI):
printed copies are uncontrolled
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING
APPENDIX 1: ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRAMS
APPENDIX 2: CONTINUED SERVICE AGREEMENTS
APPENDIX 3: NNSA LEARNING PROCESS
APPENDIX 4: LEARNING AND CAREER MANAGEMENT (LCM) PROGRAMS, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES
APPENDIX 5: COST CONSIDERATIONS
APPENDIX 6: DEFINITIONS
APPENDIX 7: ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS