The lifecycle of the DOD Senior Executive Service (SES) and Senior Professional (SP) performance management is broken into ten steps. Performance management is a commitment to continuous, proactive communication and partnership that informs the SES and SP performance management lifecycle and improves DCPAS processes and systems. DCPAS believes that by partnering with those who execute, inform, and communicate annual guidance, DCPAS is better postured to meet goals and requirements. DOD’s commitment to meaningful performance and its link to organizational goals is further emphasized by the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) in DOD’s opening and closeout documents as well as by the Chief Management Officer, which prepares and distributes DOD’s organizational goals.