In response with the standardized rating score (SRS) used to calculate Performance Based Compensation (PBC), a team of ARM specialists, including GAO Union members, developed some alternatives to the SRS for consideration by GAO management.  One alternative was developed and presented to the Union Interim Council as an option for 2009 after review by HCO and the GAO Executive Committee.  The objective of the alternative is to minimize the problem of creating big differences in PBC payouts when they are only small differences in performance ratings.  The IC voted unanimously to accept this alternative to the SRS for 2009.  GAO management will send it out for employee comment when the PBC negotiations are completed.  If GAO management decides to propose a different alternative, the Union will have a chance to negotiate further.