Senior Executive Service (SES) Senior Executive

The Senior Executive Service (SES) sits above the General Schedule and encompasses the top leadership positions in the federal government. SES members serve just below presidential appointees, directing programs of national significance and leading thousands of employees. Federal contractors interact with SES officials as key decision-makers on major acquisitions, policy initiatives, and agency transformation efforts.

Federal service contracts (such as those under GSA Schedules and OASIS+) use GS-equivalent labor categories to define pricing tiers. When bidding on government contracts, understanding the Senior Executive Service (SES) grade level helps contractors price their labor categories competitively while meeting the experience and education requirements agencies expect.