Q1: How many AMS employees will be accepted into the first LEAD cohort?
A: 20.
Q2: When are the LEAD classes scheduled to be held?
A: The weeks of June 19, September 4, October 23 and December 4, 2017; and then the weeks of January 29, March 12 and April 9, 2018. The weeks in June, October and March will be taught at the Federal Executive Institute in Denver, Colorado. The weeks in September, December and January will be taught “virtually” and won’t require any travel. The final session (the week of April 9, 2018) will be when the participants deliver their presentations outlining their management project to AMS senior leadership in Washington, DC.
Q3: If I apply to LEAD and don’t get accepted into the program, will there be other opportunities?
A: Yes. The plan is that the next application period (to form the second cohort of 20 AMS employees) would be issued after the first cohort graduates in April 2018.
Q4: Is there a cost to participate in the training?
A: The cost per student is approximately $8,200, not including travel and per diem. Each Program area within AMS will cover the cost of training their participants.
Q5: Who will decide who gets accepted into LEAD?
A: Once the applications have been received, a selection committee will be formed consisting of AMS Deputy Administrators and Staff Directors. Selection will be made based on the quality of the applicants but is also dependent on the available resources of each Program area.
Q6: Are current managers given any priority over non-managers?
A: There is no priority given. The goal is to train and develop those who have strong potential for higher level positions.
Q7: How many slots of the twenty are reserved for each grade level?
A: None. To be eligible, you must currently be a GS-11, 12, or 13, but there is no preference given for a grade level as long as you are eligible to apply.
Q8: If I submit my application this round and don’t get selected, do I automatically get into the next cohort?
A: No. Because of the cost, the selection process is and remains competitive.
Q9: How will my management project be assigned?
A: LEAD participants will be asked to meet with their Deputy Administrator or Staff Director early in the program to agree on a project that will benefit the Agency as well as the participant.
Q10: What qualities are you looking for in an applicant?
A: Targeted participants are considered high performing employees who currently exhibit core leadership characteristics, including initiative, positive attitude, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Q11: Is AMS senior management supportive of LEAD?
A: Yes. AMS senior management is strongly supportive of LEAD and understands that participants will require time out of normal duties to participate in program activities.
Q12: In the event of an unscheduled absence from the formal training, is there some flexibility to make up material after the fact?
A: In the application, prospective participants must certify that they will attend all classes and complete all work assignments. However, unexpected events do occur, and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
Q13: I have a history of “superior” performance ratings, but I recently switched jobs and my last performance appraisal wasn’t “superior” or higher. Can I still apply for LEAD?
A: No. However, you can apply the next time if you have at least a “superior” rating.