DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
DATE
MEMORANDUM FOR
FROM:
SUBJECT: Notification of Unacceptable Performance/Opportunity to Improve
1. I am concerned by your performance in the position of Contract Specialist, GS-1102-XX. Your
performance is currently at an unacceptable level. Specifically, you are not performing list duties of your
Air Force Core Personnel Document (CPD) #XXXXX (atch 1) at an acceptable level. The deficiencies in
your performance have been discussed with you a number of times over the past ______________.
Despite the fact that errors and substandard performance have been pointed out to you, you have not been
able to consistently perform at an acceptable level in the below listed areas of your position. Copies of
your CPD and an out-of-cycle performance appraisal reflecting your unacceptable performance are
attached. This notice outlines your substandard performance and the level of performance you must attain
in order to receive an acceptable performance rating.
2. Give a description of inadequate work product(s).
3. Your CPD specifies your duties, responsibilities, and expectations as a Contract Specialist. As
detailed in this document, the primary purpose of this position is to provide business advice and to
perform all preaward and postaward functions for a wide variety of complex and/or specialized
acquisitions, using a wide range of contracting methods and types; and to procure commodities and/or
services for complex and/or diversified programs such as large weapon systems, command wide
procurements, environmental Architect and Engineering Services, and/or environmental construction.
Following are the specific areas in which your performance is unacceptable, the details of the
unacceptable performance, and an explanation of my expectations with regard to your performance.
a. Duty 1: As part of an Integrated Acquisition Team for a large multi-mission installation,
or for development or sustainment of a major system or smaller multiple systems within a Center
System Program Office (SPO), Direct Reporting Unit (DRU), Field Operating Agency (FOA),
specialized unit, etc., plans the overall approach to meet contracting program objectives for a
variety of requirements with multiple complexities. Analyzes difficult contracting issues; determines,
recommends and/or implements course of action which may depart from previous approaches for longterm contract performance or short-term contracts with extremely stringent time frames. Provides
business advice and assistance to technical personnel involved in the development of the performance
work statement/statement of work or data requirements. Reviews a diverse variety of requisition packages
for adequacy and compliance with administrative, regulatory, and procedural requirements and
consistency with current market practices and conditions. Serves as a contracting authority and advisor to
management, customers, and contractors in assignment area relative to the market, the industry,
specifications, socioeconomic concerns, and similar matters. Performs acquisition planning, along with
the program manager/ customer, technical, legal, finance and contract pricing personnel to develop
market research, acquisition strategy, milestones, evaluation/source selection criteria, and/or incentive or
award fee provisions, as applicable. Exercises experienced judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness to
identify regulations and laws which do or do not apply to the particular procurement, to devise new
contractual provisions or innovative financial arrangements and incentives, and to develop justifications
for adopting a contractual posture which includes new or modified contractual positions or which appears
to be at variance with established guidelines. Prepares all required documents to support solicitation
issuance. Determines appropriate method of procurement, contract type, and financing arrangements to
fit special circumstances. Reviews and evaluates requisitions for which previous experience and cost data
are not usually directly available or applicable such as complex services, architect and engineering
services or environmental related construction. Reviews procurement requests to determine whether,
based on market analysis, the requirement can be performed by and should be set aside for small
businesses; actively solicits Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small
Business, HubZone Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business participation.
If sole source, reviews and may sign justification for sole source procurements. Procurements usually
involve a variety of complexities such as socioeconomic considerations, major source selections, special
handling provisions or other specialized terms and conditions, unfavorable market conditions, complex
contracts, and limited competition or sole source, difficult-to-define scopes of work, legal conditions, and
rigid deadlines causing additional complications. Resolves problems which limit competition, and
modifies clauses which discourage potential offerors. Obtains required clearances. Conducts preproposal/pre-bid conferences. Serves as point of contact for assigned procurements.
STANDARDS:
A. Routinely conducts a thorough review of requirements packages, understands customer requirements
and market conditions, resulting in comprehensive acquisition plans, source selection plans, award fee
plans, and solicitation documents, and other required preaward documentation using a team approach.
B. Normally conducts successful acquisition planning, thoroughly analyzing contracting issues, and
selecting appropriate courses of action that reflect understanding of customer requirements in a timely
manner.
C. Acquisition approaches, assistance and advice provided are routinely in compliance with applicable
regulations, laws, policies, and procedures; major problems are usually addressed and an effective
mitigation strategy is imposed.
Your performance in this duty is deficient as follows:__Be specific here and reference
counselings___________
To demonstrate successful performance of this duty, you should be specific and detailed here
b. DUTY 2:
STANDARDS:
A.
B.
C.
Your performance in this duty is deficient as follows:__Be specific here and reference
counselings___________
To demonstrate successful performance of this duty, you should be specific and detailed here
2
c. DUTY 3: all modifications in accordance with warrant authority.
STANDARDS:
A.
B.
C.
Your performance in this duty is deficient as follows:__Be specific here and reference
counselings___________
To demonstrate successful performance of this duty, you should be specific and detailed here
4. This performance improvement period begins immediately and terminates 60 calendar days from
today on _____. If you believe that this is an inadequate period of time for you to demonstrate acceptable
performance, you should inform me immediately so that we may resolve this issue. During this time, I
will work closely with you to provide assistance whenever you need it (or I have assigned XXXX
XXXXX as your trainer for the above duties). I encourage you to discuss with me any issues that you
believe are relevant to your attainment of an acceptable level of performance. Beginning this
_____________(Day of Week) at ______ (Time) and every __________ throughout the opportunity
period, I will meet with you at least once a week to discuss the quality of your work, your progress, and
any questions or concerns you may have.
5. At the end of the improvement period, I will evaluate your performance and render a performance
rating. Failure to achieve an acceptable level of performance on the duties listed in paragraph 3 of this
memorandum during the opportunity period may result in your demotion, reassignment, or removal from
the position and Federal service without any further opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance.
6. If you believe that a personal, medical, or other problem is causing these performance deficiencies, I
encourage you to discuss it with me and seek assistance, if needed. Mrs. Donna Dempsey in the Civilian
Personnel Office can advise you of the requirements for acceptable medical documentation. You can
reach her at 4-8398.
7. If you have any questions concerning the contents of this notice, the performance standards involved,
or my expectations during the opportunity period, please let me know.
SIGNATURE BLOCK
6 Attachments:
3
CPD
AF Form 860A, dated _____
AF Form 860B, dated _____
Counselings, etc.
cc: 45 FSS/FSMCE
I ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS LETTER.
________________________
Signature
_________________
Date
4