AF simplifies DCIPS classification submission process Published April 17, 2013 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System position managers are now able to track their classification requests in real time through a myPers knowledge article, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. Position classification begins when a position manager contacts the local civilian personnel section. The CPS creates the request for personnel action using the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System and submits the RPA to the AFPC classification team. Once the RPA is logged, classification specialists begin a multi-step classification process. "That process isn't very customer-friendly," said Jo Anne Dimitriou, AFPC classification chief. "Once we have the RPA, position managers have to call to find out the status, which is time-consuming and inconvenient for them. With the new process, managers or any other interested parties will be able to view the real-time status of classification requests online anytime." The new process is simpler, faster and more efficient, Dimitriou said. "With increasingly stringent budget constraints, this is a tool that will help make the classification review process more efficient, and it will save customers time and reduce man-hours spent looking up and inquiring on the status of RPAs," she explained. "Every man-hour saved will be time classification specialists can devote to classifying positions." Although AFPC plans to implement the new submission process Air Force-wide, at this time it is for DCIPS classification requests only. The existing RPA process will continue to be used for all other actions. "We are taking a phased approach on the process change, and we're starting with the DCIPS community because their positions are the most challenging," she said. Working with the DCIPS managers will enable us to perfect the process before we open it up Air Force wide." To begin the process, managers will go to the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil, and enter "DCIPS" in the search window. Select the link provided and read the knowledge article prior to beginning the request process. After completing the article, scroll down and follow the step-by-step instructions. Initiating a request through myPers will create an incident in the myPers system that will generate an incident number to the submitter. Submitters will be able to access their MyAccount in myPers to view status and submit documents or questions. In addition, when an incident changes status, the submitter will get an auto response via email. Other interested parties can access the Open Incident Tracker spreadsheet to view the status of an incident submitted through myPers. "This process is such an improvement for customers. They will be able to stay up-to-date on their classification requests using a simpler process. The open incident tracker and real-time status updates will improve communication between classification at AFPC and customers to make a significant difference for position managers," said Dimitriou. For information about civilian classification and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.