124 STAT. 4301 PUBLIC LAW 111–383—JAN. 7, 2011 acquisition workforce and supporting personnel assigned to work directly with the acquisition workforce; and ‘‘(B) the demonstration project commences before October 1, 2007. ‘‘(c) LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.—The total number of persons who may participate in the demonstration project under this section may not exceed 120,000. ‘‘(d) EFFECT OF REORGANIZATIONS.—The applicability of para- graph (2) of subsection (b) to an organization or team shall not terminate by reason that the organization or team, after having satisfied the conditions in paragraph (3) of such subsection when it began to participate in a demonstration project under this section, ceases to meet one or both of the conditions set forth in subpara- graph (A) of such paragraph (3) as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change. ‘‘(e) ASSESSMENTS.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of the acquisition workforce demonstration project described in subsection (a). ‘‘(2) Each such assessment shall include the following: ‘‘(A) A description of the workforce included in the project. ‘‘(B) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the acquisition workforce and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognize veteran’s preferences. ‘‘(C) An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improve- ment. ‘‘(D) The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project. ‘‘(E) How the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs. ‘‘(F) An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use. ‘‘(G) Whether there is a process for— ‘‘(i) ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dia- logue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and ‘‘(ii) setting timetables for performance appraisals. ‘‘(H) The project’s impact on career progression. ‘‘(I) The project’s appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected. ‘‘(J) The project’s sufficiency in terms of providing protec- tions for diversity in promotion and retention of personnel. ‘‘(K) The adequacy of the training, policy guidelines, and other preparations afforded in connection with using the project. ‘‘(L) Whether there is a process for ensuring employee involvement in the development and improvement of the project. ‘‘(3) The first assessment under this subsection shall be com- pleted not later than September 30, 2012. The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than September 30, 2016. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees Deadlines.
