Final answer:
Individuals at the GS-13 level or their equivalent can sign off on reports from personnel at or below the GS-12 paygrade, reflecting the hierarchy and required qualifications within the General Schedule system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Personnel at or below the GS-12 paygrade may have their reports signed by individuals at the GS-13 level or their equivalent. Employees within the U.S. Federal General Schedule (GS) system receive pay based on their designated grade and step, with grades GS-13 through GS-15 requiring specific, specialized experience and education. As GS-13 is a higher level requiring significant experience and specialized education, it stands that those in this grade can oversee and sign off on reports from personnel in lower grades, such as GS-12 and below, which require lower levels of education and skills.