U.S. Office of Personnel Management www.opm.gov - Recruiting, Retaining and Honoring a World-Class Workforce to Serve the American People

Department of Energy

The Fourth "R"

and

Other Pay Flexibilities

Recruitment & Relocation Bonuses

• Departmental Elements have delegated authority consistent with 5 CFR
• Utilized conservatively for hard-to-fill locations and special situations, e.g., part of Executive level compensation packages & critical technical positions

Retention Allowances

• Departmental Elements have delegated authority consistent with 5 CFR
• Utilized conservatively; primarily used at senior & executive levels
• Used effectively to retain Facility Reps in some locations; amount is based on the class of facility involved
• Used selectively by closure sites, including group allowances; special authority to 30% not used yet

Repayment of Student Loans

• Departmental Elements have delegated authority consistent with 5 CFR
• Elements must establish their own plans based on Departmental plan, guidance, and required service agreement
• 3 Elements have established plans
• 1 Element hired 5 of 8 technical interns using this authority Sep 01

Repayment of Student Loans

Factors for Selecting All Candidates

• Diversity needs (required criteria)
• Past recruitment problems
• Labor market conditions
• Special qualifications

Repayment of Student Loans

Factors for Selecting All Candidates

• Appropriateness of this incentive in lieu of, or in addition to, 3Rs
• Availability of funds
• Grade point average (GPA)

Repayment of Student Loans

Factors for Selecting Employed Candidates

• Demonstrated proficiency performing tasks & functions required
• Cost of training already provided vs what would be needed

Repayment of Student Loans

Factors for Determining Size of Payments

• Availability of funds
• Relative value of candidate; if equal value, then
  • Pay the same % of student’s total obligation;
  • Pay the same % of student’s monthly payment; or
  • Pay the same $ amount; may vary each year depending on budget up to the maximum allowable

Repayment of Student Loans

Options for Determining Service Period

• 3 years service for each year paid
• 3 years service plus 1 additional year for each year paid beginning year 4
• Based on the loan amount: up to $18,000 – 3 years; 1 additional year for each $6,000
• Convert the loan amount to years (3 methods) to determine period of service

Repayment of Student Loans

Documentation Needed

• Management’s justification
• Information on loan (employee provides for verification by HR or admin staff)
• FMS Form 2231 "Faststart Direct Deposit" for each loan
• Signed service agreement with employee & management certifications
• Annual re-certifications

Repayment of Student Loans

Payment Options

• Lump sum net annual payments
• Biweekly payroll deductions

Administrative Flexibilities Guide

• For managers & staff administrators
• Available at: http://www.ma.mbe.doe.gov/pol/adflex.pdf