DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

• Citation: 5 CFR Part 9701
• Sections: 120

§ 9701.101 Purpose.

(a) This part contains regulations governing the establishment of a new human resources management system within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 9701. As permitted by section 9701, these regulations waive and replace various statutory provisions that would otherwise be applicable to affected DHS employees. These regulations are issued jointly by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

(b) The system established under this part is designed to be mission-centered, performance-focused, flexible, contemporary, and excellent; to generate respect and trust through employee involvement; to be based on the principles of merit and fairness embodied in the statutory merit system principles; and to comply with all other applicable provisions of law.

§ 9701.102 Eligibility and coverage.

(a) All civilian employees of the Department are eligible for coverage under one or more subparts of this part except those covered by a provision of law outside the waivable chapters of title 5, U.S. Code, identified in § 9701.104. For example, Transportation Security Administration employees, employees appointed under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Secret Service Uniformed Division members, Coast Guard Academy faculty members, and Coast Guard military members are not eligible for coverage under any classification or pay system established under subpart B or C of this part. Refer to subparts B through G of this part for specific information regarding the coverage of each subpart.

(b)(1) Subpart A of this part becomes applicable to all eligible employees on March 3, 2005.

(2) The Secretary or designee may, at his or her sole and exclusive discretion and after coordination with OPM, establish the effective date for applying subparts E, F, and G of this part to all eligible employees. Unless otherwise determined by the Secretary and the Director, subparts E, F, and G of this part will become applicable to all eligible employees no later than August 1, 2005.

(3) With respect to subparts B, C, and D of this part, the Secretary or designee may, at his or her sole and exclusive discretion and after coordination with OPM, apply one or more of these subparts to a specific category or categories of eligible civilian employees at any time. With respect to any given category of civilian employees, the Secretary or designee may apply some of these subparts, but not others, and such coverage determinations may be made effective on different dates (e.g., in order to phase in coverage under a new classification, pay, and performance management system).

(4) DHS will notify affected employees and labor organizations in advance of the application of one or more subparts of this part to them.

(c) Until the Secretary or designee makes a determination under paragraph (b) of this section to apply the provisions of one or more subparts of this part to a particular category or categories of eligible DHS employees, those DHS employees will continue to be covered by the applicable Federal laws and regulations that would apply to them in the absence of this part. All personnel actions affecting DHS employees must be based on the Federal laws and regulations applicable to them on the effective date of the action.

(d) Any new DHS classification, pay, or performance management system covering Senior Executive Service (SES) members must be consistent with the policies and procedures established by the Governmentwide SES pay-for-performance system authorized by 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter VIII, and applicable implementing regulations issued by OPM. If the Secretary determines that SES members employed by DHS should be covered by classification, pay, or performance management provisions that differ substantially from the Governmentwide SES pay-for-performance system, the Secretary and the Director must issue joint regulations consistent with all of the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 9701.

(e) At his or her sole and exclusive discretion, the Secretary or designee may, after coordination with OPM, rescind the application under paragraph (b) of this section of one or more subparts of this part to a particular category of employees and prescribe implementing directives for converting that category of employees to coverage under applicable title 5 provisions. DHS will notify affected employees and labor organizations in advance of a decision to rescind the application of one or more subparts of this part to them.

(f) The Secretary or other authorized DHS official may exercise an independent legal authority to establish a parallel system that follows some or all of the requirements in this part for a category of employees who are not eligible for coverage under this part.

§ 9701.103 Definitions.

In this part:

Authorized agency official means the Secretary or an official who is authorized to act for the Secretary in the matter concerned.

Coordination means the process by which DHS, after appropriate staff-level consultation, officially provides OPM with notice of a proposed action and intended effective date. If OPM concurs, or does not respond to that notice within 30 calendar days, DHS may proceed with the proposed action. However, if OPM indicates the matter has Governmentwide implications or consequences, DHS will not proceed until the matter is resolved. The coordination process is intended to give due deference to the flexibilities afforded DHS by the Homeland Security Act and the regulations in this part, without compromising OPM's institutional responsibility, as codified in 5 U.S.C. chapter 11 and Executive Order 13197 of January 18, 2001, to provide Governmentwide oversight in human resources management programs and practices.

Department or DHS means the Department of Homeland Security.

Director means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.

Employee means an employee within the meaning of that term in 5 U.S.C. 2105.

General Schedule or GS means the General Schedule classification and pay system established under chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, U.S. Code.

Implementing directives means directives issued at the Departmental level by the Secretary or designee to carry out any policy or procedure established in accordance with this part. These directives may apply Departmentwide or to any part of the Department as determined by the Secretary at his or her sole and exclusive discretion.

OPM means the Office of Personnel Management.

Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security or, as authorized, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

Secretary or designee means the Secretary or a DHS official authorized to act for the Secretary in the matter concerned who serves as—

(1) The Undersecretary for Management; or

(2) The Chief Human Capital Officer for DHS.

§ 9701.104 Scope of authority.

Subject to the requirements and limitations in 5 U.S.C. 9701, the provisions in the following chapters of title 5, U.S. Code, and any related regulations, may be waived or modified in exercising the authority in 5 U.S.C. 9701:

(a) Chapter 43, dealing with performance appraisal systems;

(b) Chapter 51, dealing with General Schedule job classification;

(c) Chapter 53, dealing with pay for General Schedule employees, pay and job grading for Federal Wage System employees, and pay for certain other employees;

(d) Chapter 71, dealing with labor relations;

(e) Chapter 75, dealing with adverse actions and certain other actions; and

(f) Chapter 77, dealing with the appeal of adverse actions and certain other actions.

§ 9701.105 Continuing collaboration.

(a) In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 9701(e)(1)(D), this section provides employee representatives with an opportunity to participate in the development of implementing directives. This process is not subject to the requirements established by subpart E of this part, including but not limited to §§ 9701.512 (regarding conferring on procedures for the exercise of management rights), 9701.517(a)(5) (regarding enforcement of the duty to consult or negotiate), 9701.518 (regarding the duty to bargain, confer, and consult), or 9701.519 (regarding impasse procedures).

(b)(1) For the purpose of this section, the term “employee representatives” includes representatives of labor organizations with exclusive recognition rights for units of DHS employees, as well as representatives of employees who are not within a unit for which a labor organization has exclusive recognition.

(2) Consistent with 5 U.S.C. 9701(e)(2)(A), (B), and (D), DHS will determine the number of employee representatives to be engaged in the continuing collaboration process.

(3) Each national labor organization with multiple collective bargaining units accorded exclusive recognition will determine how its units will be represented within the limitations imposed by DHS.

(c)(1) Within timeframes specified by DHS, employee representatives will be provided with an opportunity to submit written comments and/or to discuss their views with DHS officials on proposed final draft implementing directives.

(2) As the Department determines necessary, employee representatives will be provided with an opportunity to discuss their views with DHS officials and/or to submit written comments at initial identification of implementation issues and conceptual design and/or at review of draft recommendations or alternatives.

(d) Employee representatives will be provided with access to information, including research, to make their participation in the continuing collaboration process productive.

(e) Any written comments submitted by employee representatives regarding proposed final draft implementing directives will become part of the record and will be forwarded to the Secretary or designee for consideration in making a final decision.

(f) Nothing in the continuing collaboration process affects the right of the Secretary to determine the content of implementing directives and to make them effective at any time.

(g) In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 9701(e)(2), any procedures necessary to carry out this section will be established by the Secretary and the Director jointly as internal rules of Departmental procedure which will not be subject to review.

§ 9701.106 Relationship to other provisions.

(a)(1) The provisions of title 5, U.S. Code, are waived or modified to the extent authorized by 5 U.S.C. 9701 to conform to the provisions of this part.

(2) This part must be interpreted in a way that recognizes the critical mission of the Department. Each provision of this part must be construed to promote the swift, flexible, effective day-to-day accomplishment of this mission, as defined by the Secretary or designee. The interpretation of the regulations in this part by DHS and OPM must be accorded great deference.

(b) For the purpose of applying other provisions of law or Governmentwide regulations that reference provisions under chapters 43, 51, 53, 71, 75, and 77 of title 5, U.S. Code, the referenced provisions are not waived but are modified consistent with the corresponding regulations in this part, except as otherwise provided in this part (including paragraph (c) of this section) or in DHS implementing directives. Applications of this rule include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) If another provision of law or Governmentwide regulations requires coverage under one of the chapters modified or waived under this part ( i.e. , chapters 43, 51, 53, 71, 75, and 77 of title 5, U.S. Code), DHS employees are deemed to be covered by the applicable chapter notwithstanding coverage under a system established under this part. Selected examples of provisions that continue to apply to any DHS employees (notwithstanding coverage under subparts B through G of this part) include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Foreign language awards for law enforcement officers under 5 U.S.C. 4521-4523;

(ii) Pay for firefighters under 5 U.S.C. 5545b;

(iii) Differentials for duty involving physical hardship or hazard under 5 U.S.C. 5545(d);

(iv) Recruitment, relocation, and retention payments under 5 U.S.C. 5753-5754;

(v) Physicians' comparability allowances under 5 U.S.C. 5948; and

(vi) The higher cap on relocation bonuses for law enforcement officers established by section 407 of the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (section 529 of Pub. L. 101-509).

(2) In applying the back pay law in 5 U.S.C. 5596 to DHS employees covered by subpart G of this part (dealing with appeals), the reference in section 5596(b)(1)(A)(ii) to 5 U.S.C. 7701(g) (dealing with attorney fees) is considered to be a reference to a modified section 7701(g) that is consistent with § 9701.706(h).

(3) In applying the back pay law in 5 U.S.C. 5596 to DHS employees covered by subpart E of this part (dealing with labor relations), the reference in section 5596(b)(5) to section 7116 (dealing with unfair labor practices) is considered to be a reference to a modified section 7116 that is consistent with § 9701.517.

(c) When a specified category of employees is covered by a classification and pay system established under subparts B and C of this part, the following provisions do not apply:

(1) Time-in-grade restrictions that apply to competitive service GS positions under 5 CFR part 300, subpart F;

(2) Supervisory differentials under 5 U.S.C. 5755; and

(3) Law enforcement officer special rates and geographic adjustments under sections 403 and 404 of the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (section 529 of Pub. L. 101-509).

(d) Nothing in this part waives, modifies or otherwise affects the employment discrimination laws that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces under 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq., 29 U.S.C. 791 et seq., and 29 U.S.C. 206(d). Employees and applicants for employment in DHS will continue to be covered by EEOC's Federal sector regulations found at 29 CFR part 1614.

§ 9701.107 Program evaluation.

(a) DHS will establish procedures for evaluating the regulations in this part and their implementation. DHS will provide designated employee representatives with an opportunity to be briefed and a specified timeframe to provide comments on the design and results of program evaluations.

(b) Involvement of employee representatives under this section will occur at the following stages:

(1) Identification of the scope, objectives, and methodology to be used in program evaluation; and

(2) Review of draft findings and recommendations.

(c) Involvement in the evaluation process does not waive the rights of any party under applicable law or regulations.

§ 9701.201 Purpose.

(a) This subpart contains regulations establishing a classification structure and rules for covered DHS employees and positions to replace the classification structure and rules in 5 U.S.C. chapter 51 and the job grading system in 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter IV, in accordance with the merit principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

(b) Any classification system prescribed under this subpart must be established in conjunction with the pay system described in subpart C of this part.

§ 9701.202 Coverage.

(a) This subpart applies to eligible DHS employees and positions listed in paragraph (b) of this section, subject to a determination by the Secretary or designee under § 9701.102(b).

(b) The following employees and positions are eligible for coverage under this subpart:

(1) Employees and positions that would otherwise be covered by the General Schedule classification system established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 51;

(2) Employees and positions that would otherwise be covered by a prevailing rate system established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter IV;

(3) Employees in senior-level (SL) and scientific or professional (ST) positions who would otherwise be covered by 5 U.S.C. 5376; and

(4) Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) who would otherwise be covered by 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter VIII, subject to § 9701.102(d).

§ 9701.203 Waivers.

(a) When a specified category of employees is covered by a classification system established under this subpart, the provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 51 and 5 U.S.C. 5346, and related regulations, are waived with respect to that category of employees, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, § 9701.106, and § 9701.222(d) (with respect to OPM's authority under 5 U.S.C. 5112(b) and 5346(c) to act on requests for review of classification decisions).

(b) Section 5108 of title 5, U.S. Code, dealing with the classification of positions above GS-15, is not waived.

§ 9701.204 Definitions.

In this subpart:

Band means a work level or pay range within an occupational cluster.

Basic pay means an employee's rate of pay before any deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any kind, except as expressly provided by law or regulation. For the specific purposes prescribed in §§ 9701.332(c) and 9701.333, respectively, basic pay includes locality and special rate supplements.

Classification, also referred to as job evaluation, means the process of analyzing and assigning a job or position to an occupational series, cluster, and band for pay and other related purposes.

Competencies means the measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and other characteristics required by a position.

Occupational cluster means a grouping of one or more associated or related occupations or positions. An occupational cluster may include one or more occupational series.

Occupational series means the number OPM or DHS assigns to a group or family of similar positions for identification purposes (for example: 0110, Economist Series; 1410, Librarian Series).

Position or Job means the duties, responsibilities, and related competency requirements that are assigned to an employee whom the Secretary or designee approves for coverage under § 9701.202(a).

§ 9701.205 Bar on collective bargaining.

As provided in the definition of conditions of employment in § 9701.504, any classification system established under this subpart is not subject to collective bargaining. This bar on collective bargaining applies to all aspects of the classification system, including but not limited to coverage determinations, the design of the classification structure, and classification methods, criteria, and administrative procedures and arrangements.

§ 9701.211 Occupational clusters.

For the purpose of classifying positions, DHS may, after coordination with OPM, establish occupational clusters based on factors such as mission or function; nature of work; qualifications or competencies; career or pay progression patterns; relevant labor-market features; and other characteristics of those occupations or positions. DHS must document in implementing directives the criteria and rationale for grouping occupations or positions into occupational clusters.

§ 9701.212 Bands.

(a) For purposes of identifying relative levels of work and corresponding pay ranges, DHS may, after coordination with OPM, establish one or more bands within each occupational cluster.

(b) Each occupational cluster may include, but is not limited to, the following bands:

(1) Entry/Developmental—work that involves gaining the competencies needed to perform successfully in a Full Performance band through appropriate formal training and/or on-the-job experience.

(2) Full Performance—work that involves the successful completion of any required entry-level training and/or developmental activities necessary to independently perform the full range of non-supervisory duties of a position in an occupational cluster.

(3) Senior Expert—work that involves an extraordinary level of specialized knowledge or expertise upon which DHS relies for the accomplishment of critical mission goals and objectives; reserved for a limited number of non-supervisory employees.

(4) Supervisory—work that may involve hiring or selecting employees, assigning work, managing performance, recognizing and rewarding employees, and other associated duties.

(c) DHS must document in implementing directives the definitions for each band which specify the type and range of difficulty and responsibility, qualifications, competencies, or other characteristics of the work encompassed by the band.

(d) DHS must, after coordination with OPM, establish qualification standards and requirements for each occupational cluster, occupational series, and/or band. DHS may use the qualification standards established by OPM or, after coordination with OPM, may establish different qualification standards. This paragraph does not waive or modify any DHS authority to establish qualification standards or requirements under 5 U.S.C. chapters 31 and 33 and OPM implementing regulations.

§ 9701.221 Classification requirements.

(a) DHS must develop a methodology for describing and documenting the duties, qualifications, and other requirements of categories of jobs, and DHS must make such descriptions and documentation available to affected employees.

(b) An authorized agency official must—

(1) Assign occupational series to jobs consistent with occupational series definitions established by OPM under 5 U.S.C. 5105 and 5346 or by DHS, after coordination with OPM; and

(2) Apply the criteria and definitions required by § 9701.211 and § 9701.212 to assign jobs to an appropriate occupational cluster and band.

(c) DHS must establish procedures for classifying jobs and may make such inquiries or investigations of the duties, responsibilities, and qualification requirements of jobs as it considers necessary for the purpose of this section.

(d) Classification decisions become effective on the date designated by the authorized agency official who makes the decision.

(e) DHS must establish a plan to periodically review the accuracy of classification decisions.

§ 9701.222 Reconsideration of classification decisions.

(a) An individual employee may request that DHS or OPM reconsider the pay system, occupational cluster, occupational series, or band assigned to his or her current official position of record at any time.

(b) DHS will, after coordination with OPM, establish implementing directives for reviewing requests for reconsideration, including nonreviewable issues, rights of representation, and the effective date of any corrective actions. OPM will, after consulting with DHS, establish separate policies and procedures for reviewing reconsideration requests.

(c) An employee may request OPM to review a DHS determination made under paragraph (a) of this section. If an employee does not request an OPM reconsideration decision, DHS's classification determination is final and not subject to further review or appeal.

(d) OPM's final determination on a request made under this section is not subject to further review or appeal.

§ 9701.231 Conversion of positions and employees to the DHS classification system.

(a) This section describes the transitional provisions that apply when DHS positions and employees are converted to a classification system established under this subpart. Affected positions and employees may convert from the GS system, a prevailing rate system, the SL/ST system, or the SES system, as provided in § 9701.202. For the purpose of this section, the terms “convert,” “converted,” “converting,” and “conversion” refer to positions and employees that become covered by the classification system as a result of a coverage determination made under § 9701.102(b) and exclude employees who are reassigned or transferred from a noncovered position to a position already covered by the DHS system.

(b) DHS will issue implementing directives prescribing policies and procedures for converting the GS or prevailing rate grade of a position to a band and for converting SL/ST and SES positions to a band upon initial implementation of the DHS classification system. Such procedures must include provisions for converting an employee who is retaining a grade under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter VI, immediately prior to conversion. As provided in § 9701.373, DHS must convert employees to the system without a reduction in their rate of pay (including basic pay and any applicable locality payment under 5 U.S.C. 5304, special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305, locality rate supplement under § 9701.332, or special rate supplement under § 9701.333).

§ 9701.232 Special transition rules for Federal Air Marshal Service.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this subpart, if DHS transfers Federal Air Marshal Service positions from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to another organization within DHS, DHS may cover those positions under a classification system that is parallel to the classification system that was applicable to the Federal Air Marshal Service within TSA. DHS may, after coordination with OPM, modify that system. DHS will issue implementing directives on converting Federal Air Marshal Service employees to any new classification system that may subsequently be established under this subpart, consistent with the conversion rules in § 9701.231.

§ 9701.301 Purpose.

(a) This subpart contains regulations establishing pay structures and pay administration rules for covered DHS employees to replace the pay structures and pay administration rules established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 9701. These regulations are designed to provide DHS with the flexibility to allocate available funds strategically in support of DHS mission priorities and objectives. Various features that link pay to employees' performance ratings are designed to promote a high-performance culture within DHS.

(b) Any pay system prescribed under this subpart must be established in conjunction with the classification system described in subpart B of this part.

(c) The pay system established under this subpart, working in conjunction with the performance management system established under subpart D of this part, is designed to incorporate the following features:

(1) Adherence to merit principles set forth in 5 U.S.C. 2301;

(2) A fair, credible, and transparent employee performance appraisal system;

(3) A link between elements of the pay system established in this subpart, the employee performance appraisal system, and the Department's strategic plan;

(4) Employee involvement in the design and implementation of the system (as specified in § 9701.105);

(5) Adequate training and retraining for supervisors, managers, and employees in the implementation and operation of the pay system established in this subpart;

(6) Periodic performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the appraisal period, and setting timetables for review;

(7) Effective safeguards so that the management of the system is fair and equitable and based on employee performance; and

(8) A means for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for the design, implementation, and administration of the performance management system that supports the pay system established under this subpart.

§ 9701.302 Coverage.

(a) This subpart applies to eligible DHS employees in the categories listed in paragraph (b) of this section, subject to a determination by the Secretary or designee under § 9701.102(b).

(b) The following employees are eligible for coverage under this subpart:

(1) Employees who would otherwise be covered by the General Schedule pay system established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter III;

(2) Employees who would otherwise be covered by a prevailing rate system established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter IV;

(3) Employees in senior-level (SL) and scientific or professional (ST) positions who would otherwise be covered by 5 U.S.C. 5376; and

(4) Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) who would otherwise be covered by 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter VIII, subject to § 9701.102(d).

§ 9701.303 Waivers.

(a) When a specified category of employees is covered by the pay system established under this subpart, the provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, and related regulations, are waived with respect to that category of employees, except as provided in § 9701.106 and paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.

(b) The following provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 53 are not waived:

(1) Section 5307, dealing with the aggregate limitation on pay;

(2) Sections 5311 through 5318, dealing with Executive Schedule positions;

(3) Section 5371, insofar as it authorizes OPM to apply the provisions of 38 U.S.C. chapter 74 to DHS employees in health care positions covered by section 5371 in lieu of any DHS pay system established under this subpart or the following provisions of title 5, U.S. Code: Chapters 51, 53, and 61, and subchapter V of chapter 55. The reference to “chapter 51” in section 5371 is deemed to include a classification system established under subpart B of this part; and

(4) Section 5377, dealing with the critical pay authority.

(c) Section 5373 is modified. The limit on rates of basic pay, including any applicable locality payment or supplement, for DHS employees who are not covered by this subpart and whose pay is set by administrative action (e.g., Coast Guard Academy faculty) is increased to the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule.

(d) Section 5379 is modified. DHS may, after coordination with OPM, establish and administer a student loan repayment program for DHS employees, except that DHS may not make loan payments for any noncareer appointees to the SES (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 3132(a)(7)) or for any employee occupying a position that is excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character. Notwithstanding § 9701.302(a), any DHS employee otherwise covered by section 5379 is eligible for coverage under the provisions established under this paragraph, subject to a determination by the Secretary or designee under § 9701.102(b).

(e) In approving the coverage of employees who would otherwise be covered by a prevailing rate system established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 53, subchapter IV, DHS may limit the waiver so that affected employees remain entitled to environmental or other differentials established under 5 U.S.C. 5343(c)(4) and night shift differentials established under 5 U.S.C. 5343(f) if such employees are grouped in separate occupational clusters (established under subpart B of this part) that are limited to employees who would otherwise be covered by a prevailing rate system.

(f) Employees in SL/ST positions and SES members who are covered by a basic pay system established under this subpart are considered to be paid under 5 U.S.C. 5376 and 5382, respectively, for the purpose of applying 5 U.S.C. 5307(d).

§ 9701.304 Definitions.

In this part:

48 contiguous States means the States of the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, but including the District of Columbia.

Band means a work level or pay range within an occupational cluster.

Band rate range means the range of rates of basic pay (excluding any locality or special rate supplements) applicable to employees in a particular band, as described in § 9701.321. Each band rate range is defined by a minimum and maximum rate.

Basic pay means an employee's rate of pay before any deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any kind, except as expressly provided by law or regulation. For the specific purposes prescribed in §§ 9701.332(c) and 9701.333, respectively, basic pay includes locality and special rate supplements.

Competencies means the measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and other characteristics required by a position.

Day means a calendar day.

Demotion means a reduction to a lower band within the same occupational cluster or a reduction to a lower band in a different occupational cluster under implementing directives issued by DHS pursuant to § 9701.355.

Locality rate supplement means a geographic-based addition to basic pay, as described in § 9701.332.

Modal rating means the rating of record that occurs most frequently in a particular pay pool.

Occupational cluster means a grouping of one or more associated or related occupations or positions. An occupational cluster may include one or more occupational series.

Promotion means an increase to a higher band within the same occupational cluster or an increase to a higher band in a different occupational cluster under implementing directives issued by DHS pursuant to § 9701.355.

Rating of record means a performance appraisal prepared—

(1) At the end of an appraisal period covering an employee's performance of assigned duties against performance expectations (as defined in § 9701.404) over the applicable period; or

(2) To support a pay determination, including one granted in accordance with subpart C of this part, a within-grade increase granted under 5 CFR 531.404, or a pay determination granted under other applicable rules.

SES means the Senior Executive Service established under 5 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter II.

SL/ST refers to an employee serving in a senior-level position paid under 5 U.S.C. 5376. The term “SL” identifies a senior-level employee covered by 5 U.S.C. 3324 and 5108. The term “ST” identifies an employee who is appointed under the special authority in 5 U.S.C. 3325 to a scientific or professional position established under 5 U.S.C. 3104.

Special rate supplement means an addition to basic pay for a particular category of employees to address staffing problems, as described in § 9701.333. A special rate supplement is paid in place of any lesser locality rate supplement that would otherwise apply.

Unacceptable performance means the failure to meet one or more performance expectations, as described in § 9701.406.

§ 9701.305 Bar on collective bargaining.

As provided in the definition of conditions of employment in § 9701.504, any pay program established under authority of this subpart is not subject to collective bargaining. This bar on collective bargaining applies to all aspects of the pay program, including but not limited to coverage decisions, the design of pay structures, the setting and adjustment of pay levels, pay administration rules and policies, and administrative procedures and arrangements.

§ 9701.311 Major features.

Through the issuance of implementing directives, DHS will establish a pay system that governs the setting and adjusting of covered employees' rates of pay. The DHS pay system will include the following features:

(a) A structure of rate ranges linked to various bands for each occupational cluster, in alignment with the classification structure described in subpart B of this part;

(b) Policies regarding the setting and adjusting of basic pay rate ranges based on mission requirements, labor market conditions, and other factors, as described in §§ 9701.321 and 9701.322;

(c) Policies regarding the setting and adjusting of supplements to basic pay based on local labor market conditions and other factors, as described in §§ 9701.331 through 9701.334;

(d) Policies regarding employees' eligibility for pay increases based on adjustments in rate ranges and supplements, as described in §§ 9701.323 through 9701.325 and 9701.335 through 9701.337;

(e) Policies regarding performance-based pay adjustments, as described in §§ 9701.341 through 9701.346;

(f) Policies on basic pay administration, including movement between occupational clusters, as described in §§ 9701.351 through 9701.356;

(g) Policies regarding special payments that are not basic pay, as described in §§ 9701.361 through 9701.363; and

(h) Linkages to employees' performance ratings of records, as described in subpart D of this part.

§ 9701.312 Maximum rates.

(a) DHS may not pay any employee an annual rate of basic pay in excess of the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) DHS may establish the maximum annual rate of basic pay for members of the SES at the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule if DHS obtains the certification specified in 5 U.S.C. 5307(d).

§ 9701.313 Homeland Security Compensation Committee.

(a) DHS will establish a Homeland Security Compensation Committee to provide options and/or recommendations for consideration by the Secretary or designee on strategic compensation matters such as Departmental compensation policies and principles, the annual allocation of funds between market and performance pay adjustments, and the annual adjustment of rate ranges and locality and special rate supplements. The Compensation Committee will consider factors such as turnover, recruitment, and local labor market conditions in providing options and recommendations for consideration by the Secretary. The Secretary's or designee's determination with regard to those options and/or recommendations is final and not subject to further review.

(b) The Compensation Committee will be chaired by the DHS Undersecretary for Management. The Compensation Committee has 14 members, including 4 officials of labor organizations granted national consultation rights (NCR) in accordance with § 9701.518(d)(2). An OPM official will serve as an ex officio member of the Compensation Committee. DHS will provide technical staff to support the Compensation Committee.

(c) DHS will establish procedures governing the membership and operation of the Compensation Committee.

(d) An individual will be selected by the Chair to facilitate Compensation Committee meetings. The facilitator will be selected from a list of nominees developed jointly by representatives of the Department and NCR labor organizations, the latter acting as a single party, according to procedures and time limits established by implementing directives. Nominees must be known for their integrity, impartiality, and expertise in facilitation and compensation. If the Department and the labor organizations are unable to reach agreement on a joint list of nominees, they will enlist the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to assist them. If the parties are unable to reach agreement with FMCS assistance, each party will prepare a list of up to three nominees and provide those separate lists to FMCS; FMCS may add up to three additional nominees. From that combined list of nominees, the Department and the labor organizations, the latter acting as a single party, will alternately strike names from the list until five names remain; those five nominees will be submitted to the Chair for consideration. The Chair may request that the parties develop an additional list of nominees. If the representatives of the Department's NCR labor organizations, acting as a single party, do not participate in developing the list of nominees in accordance with this section, the Chair will select the facilitator.

(e) After considering the views of all Compensation Committee members, the Chair prepares and provides options and/or recommendations to the Secretary or designee. Members may present their views on the final recommendations in writing as part of the final recommendation package. The Secretary or designee will make the final decision and notify the Compensation Committee. This process is not subject to the requirements established by §§ 9701.512 (regarding conferring on procedures for the exercise of management rights), 9701.517(a)(5) (regarding enforcement of the duty to consult or negotiate), 9701.518 (regarding the duty to bargain, confer, and consult), or 9701.519 (regarding impasse procedures).

(f) The Secretary retains the right to make determinations regarding the annual allocation of funds between market and performance pay adjustments, the annual adjustment of rate ranges and locality and special rate supplements, or any other matter recommended by the Compensation Committee, and to make such determinations effective at any time.

§ 9701.314 DHS responsibilities.

DHS responsibilities in implementing this subpart include the following:

(a) Providing OPM with information regarding the implementation of the programs authorized under this subpart at OPM's request;

(b) Participating in any interagency pay coordination council or group established by OPM to ensure that DHS pay policies and plans are coordinated with other agencies; and

(c) Fulfilling all other responsibilities prescribed in this subpart.

§ 9701.321 Structure of bands.

(a) DHS may, after coordination with OPM, establish ranges of basic pay for bands, with minimum and maximum rates set and adjusted as provided in § 9701.322. Rates must be expressed as annual rates.

(b) For each band within an occupational cluster, DHS will establish a common rate range that applies in all locations.

§ 9701.322 Setting and adjusting rate ranges.

(a) Within its sole and exclusive discretion, DHS may, after coordination with OPM, set and adjust the rate ranges established under § 9701.321 on an annual basis. In determining the rate ranges, DHS and OPM may consider mission requirements, labor market conditions, availability of funds, pay adjustments received by employees of other Federal agencies, and any other relevant factors.

(b) DHS may, after coordination with OPM, determine the effective date of newly set or adjusted band rate ranges. Unless DHS determines that a different effective date is needed for operational reasons, these adjustments will become effective on or about the date of the annual General Schedule pay adjustment authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5303.

(c) DHS may establish different rate ranges and provide different rate range adjustments for different bands.

(d) DHS may adjust the minimum and maximum rates of a band by different percentages.

§ 9701.323 Eligibility for pay increase associated with a rate range adjustment.

(a) When a band rate range is adjusted under § 9701.322, employees covered by that band are eligible for an individual pay increase. An employee who meets or exceeds performance expectations ( i.e., has a rating of record above the unacceptable performance level for the most recently completed appraisal period) must receive an increase in basic pay equal to the percentage value of any increase in the minimum rate of the employee's band resulting from a rate range adjustment under § 9701.322. The pay increase takes effect at the same time as the corresponding rate range adjustment, except as provided in §§ 9701.324 and 9701.325. For an employee receiving a retained rate, the amount of the increase under this paragraph is determined under § 9701.356.

(b) If an employee does not have a rating of record for the most recently completed appraisal period, he or she must be treated in the same manner as an employee who meets or exceeds performance expectations and is entitled to receive an increase based on the rate range adjustment, as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) An employee whose rating of record is unacceptable is prohibited from receiving a pay increase as a result of a rate range adjustment, except as provided by §§ 9701.324 and 9701.325. Because the employee's pay remains unchanged, failure to receive a pay increase is not considered an adverse action under subpart F of this part.

§ 9701.324 Treatment of employees whose rate of basic pay does not fall below the minimum rate of their band.

An employee who does not receive a pay increase under § 9701.323 because of an unacceptable rating of record and whose rate of basic pay does not fall below the minimum rate of his or her band as a result of that rating will receive such an increase if he or she demonstrates performance that meets or exceeds performance expectations, as reflected by a new rating of record issued under § 9701.409(b). Such an increase will be made effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date the new rating of record is issued.

§ 9701.325 Treatment of employees whose rate of basic pay falls below the minimum rate of their band.

(a) In the case of an employee who does not receive a pay increase under § 9701.323 because of an unacceptable rating of record and whose rate of basic pay falls below the minimum rate of his or her band as a result of that rating, DHS must—

(1) If the employee demonstrates performance that meets or exceeds performance expectations within 90 days after the date of the rate range adjustment, issue a new rating of record under § 9701.409(b) and adjust the employee's pay prospectively by making the increase effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date the new rating of record is issued; or

(2) Initiate action within 90 days after the date of the rate range adjustment to demote or remove the employee in accordance with the adverse action procedures established in subpart F of this part.

(b) If DHS fails to initiate a removal or demotion action under paragraph (a)(2) of this section within 90 days after the date of a rate range adjustment, the employee becomes entitled to the minimum rate of his or her band rate range on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the 90th day following the date of the rate range adjustment.

§ 9701.331 General.

The basic pay ranges established under §§ 9701.321 through 9701.323 may be supplemented in appropriate circumstances by locality or special rate supplements, as described in §§ 9701.332 through 9701.335. These supplements are expressed as a percentage of basic pay and are set and adjusted as described in § 9701.334. As authorized by § 9701.356, DHS implementing directives will determine the extent to which §§ 9701.331 through 9701.337 apply to employees receiving a retained rate.

§ 9701.332 Locality rate supplements.

(a) For each band rate range, DHS may, after coordination with OPM, establish locality rate supplements that apply in specified locality pay areas. Locality rate supplements apply to employees whose official duty station is located in the given area. DHS may provide different locality rate supplements for different occupational clusters or for different bands within the same occupational cluster in the same locality pay area.

(b) For the purpose of establishing and modifying locality pay areas, 5 U.S.C. 5304 is not waived. A DHS decision to use the locality pay area boundaries established under 5 U.S.C. 5304 does not require separate DHS regulations. DHS may, after coordination with OPM and in accordance with the public notice and comment provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553, publish Departmental regulations (6 CFR Chapter I) in the Federal Register that establish and adjust different locality pay areas within the 48 contiguous States or establish and adjust new locality pay areas outside the 48 contiguous States. These regulations are subject to the continuing collaboration process described in § 9701.105. As provided by 5 U.S.C. 5304(f)(2)(B), judicial review of any DHS regulation regarding the establishment or adjustment of locality pay areas is limited to whether or not the regulation was promulgated in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553.

(c) Locality rate supplements are considered basic pay for only the following purposes:

(1) Retirement under 5 U.S.C. chapter 83 or 84;

(2) Life insurance under 5 U.S.C. chapter 87;

(3) Premium pay under 5 U.S.C. chapter 55, subchapter V, or similar payments under other legal authority;

(4) Severance pay under 5 U.S.C. 5595;

(5) Application of the maximum rate limitation set forth in § 9701.312;

(6) Determining the rate of basic pay upon conversion to the DHS pay system established under this subpart, consistent with § 9701.373(b);

(7) Other payments and adjustments authorized under this subpart as specified by DHS implementing directives;

(8) Other payments and adjustments under other statutory or regulatory authority that are basic pay for the purpose of locality-based comparability payments under 5 U.S.C. 5304; and

(9) Any provisions for which DHS locality rate supplements must be treated as basic pay by law.

§ 9701.333 Special rate supplements.

DHS will, after coordination with OPM, establish special rate supplements that provide higher pay levels for subcategories of employees within an occupational cluster if DHS determines that such supplements are warranted by current or anticipated recruitment and/or retention needs. In exercising this authority, DHS will issue necessary implementing directives. Any special rate supplement must be treated as basic pay for the same purposes as locality rate supplements, as described in § 9701.332(c), and for the purpose of computing cost-of-living allowances and post differentials in nonforeign areas under 5 U.S.C. 5941.

§ 9701.334 Setting and adjusting locality and special rate supplements.

(a) Within its sole and exclusive discretion, DHS may, after coordination with OPM, set and adjust locality and special rate supplements. In determining the amounts of the supplements, DHS and OPM may consider mission requirements, labor market conditions, availability of funds, pay adjustments received by employees of other Federal agencies, and any other relevant factors.

(b) DHS may, after coordination with OPM, determine the effective date of newly set or adjusted locality and special rate supplements. Established supplements will be reviewed for possible adjustment on an annual basis in conjunction with rate range adjustments under § 9701.322.

§ 9701.335 Eligibility for pay increase associated with a supplement adjustment.

(a) When a locality or special rate supplement is adjusted under § 9701.334, an employee to whom the supplement applies is entitled to the pay increase resulting from that adjustment if the employee meets or exceeds performance expectations ( i.e. , has a rating of record above the unacceptable performance level for the most recently completed appraisal period). This includes an increase resulting from the initial establishment and setting of a special rate supplement. The pay increase takes effect at the same time as the applicable supplement is set or adjusted, except as provided in §§ 9701.336 and 9701.337.

(b) If an employee does not have a rating of record for the most recently completed appraisal period, he or she must be treated in the same manner as an employee who meets or exceeds performance expectations and is entitled to any pay increase associated with a supplement adjustment, as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) An employee who has an unacceptable rating of record is prohibited from receiving a pay increase as a result of an increase in an applicable locality or special rate supplement, except as provided by §§ 9701.336 and 9701.337. Because the employee's pay remains unchanged, failure to receive a pay increase is not considered an adverse action under subpart F of this part.

§ 9701.336 Treatment of employees whose pay does not fall below the minimum adjusted rate of their band.

An employee who does not receive a pay increase under § 9701.335 because of an unacceptable rating of record and whose rate of basic pay (including a locality or special rate supplement) does not fall below the minimum adjusted rate of his or her band as a result of that rating will receive such an increase if he or she demonstrates performance that meets or exceeds performance expectations, as reflected by a new rating of record issued under § 9701.409(b). Such an increase will be made effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date the new rating of record is issued.

§ 9701.337 Treatment of employees whose rate of pay falls below the minimum adjusted rate of their band.

(a) In the case of an employee who does not receive a pay increase under § 9701.335 because of an unacceptable rating of record and whose rate of basic pay (including a locality or special rate supplement) falls below the minimum adjusted rate of his or her band as a result of that rating, DHS must—

(1) If the employee demonstrates performance that meets or exceeds performance expectations within 90 days after the date of the locality or special rate supplement adjustment, issue a new rating of record under § 9701.409(b) and adjust the employee's pay prospectively by making the increase effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the date the new rating of record is issued; or

(2) Initiate action within 90 days after the date of the locality or special rate supplement adjustment to demote or remove the employee in accordance with the adverse action procedures established in subpart F of this part.

(b) If DHS fails to initiate a removal or demotion action under paragraph (a)(2) of this section within 90 days after the date of a locality or special rate supplement adjustment, the employee becomes entitled to the minimum adjusted rate of his or her band rate range on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after the 90th day following the date of the locality or special rate supplement adjustment.

§ 9701.341 General.

Sections 9701.342 through 9701.346 describe various types of performance-based pay adjustments that are part of the pay system established under this subpart. Generally, these within-band pay increases are directly linked to an employee's rating of record (as assigned under the performance management system described in subpart D of this part). These provisions are designed to provide DHS with the flexibility to allocate available funds based on performance as a means of fostering a high-performance culture that supports mission accomplishment. While performance measures primarily focus on an employee's contributions (as an individual or as part of a team) in accomplishing work assignments and achieving mission results, performance also may be reflected in the acquisition and demonstration of required competencies.

§ 9701.342 Performance pay increases.

(a) Overview. (1) The DHS pay system provides employees in a Full Performance or higher band with increases in basic pay based on individual performance ratings of record as assigned under a performance management system established under subpart D of this part. The DHS pay system uses pay pool controls to allocate pay increases based on performance points that are directly linked to the employee's rating of record, as described in this section. Performance pay increases are a function of the amount of money in the performance pay pool, the relative point value placed on ratings, and the distribution of ratings within that performance pay pool.

(2) The rating of record used as the basis for a performance pay increase is the one assigned for the most recently completed appraisal period (subject to the requirements of subpart D of this part), except that if the supervisor or other rating official determines that an employee's current performance is inconsistent with that rating, the supervisor or other rating official may prepare a more current rating of record, consistent with § 9701.409(b). If an employee does not have a rating of record, DHS will use the modal rating received by other employees covered by the same pay pool during the most recent rating cycle for the purpose of determining the employee's performance pay increase.

(b) Performance pay pools. (1) DHS will establish pay pools for performance pay increases.

(2) Each pay pool covers a defined group of DHS employees, as determined by DHS.

(3) An authorized agency official(s) may determine the distribution of funds among pay pools and may adjust those amounts based on overall levels of organizational performance or contribution to the Department's mission.

(4) In allocating the monies to be budgeted for performance pay increases, the Secretary or designee must take into account the average value of within-grade and quality step increases under the General Schedule, as well as amounts that otherwise would have been spent on promotions among positions placed in the same band.

(c) Performance point values. (1) DHS will establish point values that correspond to the performance rating levels established under subpart D of this part, so that a point value is attached to each rating level. For example, in a four-level rating program, the point value pattern could be 4-2-1-0, where 4 points are assigned to the highest (outstanding) rating and 0 points to an unacceptable rating. Performance point values will determine performance pay increases.

(2) DHS will establish a point value pattern for each pay pool. Different pay pools may have different point value patterns.

(3) DHS must assign zero performance points to an unacceptable rating of record.

(d) Performance payout. (1) DHS will determine the value of a performance point, expressed as a percentage of an employee's rate of basic pay (exclusive of locality or special rate supplements under §§ 9701.332 and 9701.333) or as a fixed dollar amount.

(2) To determine an individual employee's performance payout, DHS will multiply the point value determined under paragraph (d)(1) of this section by the number of performance points assigned to the rating.

(3) To the extent that the adjustment does not cause the employee's rate of basic pay to exceed the maximum rate of the employee's band rate range, DHS will pay the performance payout as an adjustment in the employee's annual rate of basic pay. Any excess amount may be granted as a lump-sum payment, which may not be considered basic pay for any purpose.

(4) DHS may, after coordination with OPM, determine the effective date of adjustments in basic pay made under paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(5) For an employee receiving a retained rate under § 9701.356, DHS will issue implementing directives to provide for granting a lump-sum performance payout that may not exceed the amount that may be received by an employee in the same pay pool with the same rating of record whose rate of pay is at the maximum rate of the same band.

(e) Proration of performance payouts. DHS will issue implementing directives regarding the proration of performance payouts for employees who, during the period between performance pay adjustments, are—

(1) Hired or promoted;

(2) In a leave-without-pay status (except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section); or

(3) In other circumstances where proration is considered appropriate.

(f) Adjustments for employees returning after performing honorable service in the uniformed services. DHS will issue implementing directives regarding how it sets the rate of basic pay prospectively for an employee who leaves a DHS position to perform service in the uniformed services (as defined in 38 U.S.C. 4303 and 5 CFR 353.102) and returns through the exercise of a reemployment right provided by law, Executive order, or regulation under which accrual of service for seniority-related benefits is protected (e.g., 38 U.S.C. 4316). DHS will credit the employee with intervening rate range adjustments under § 9701.323(a), as well as developmental pay adjustments under § 9701.345 (as determined by DHS in accordance with its implementing directives), and performance pay adjustments under this section based on the employee's last DHS rating of record. For employees who have no such rating of record, DHS will use the modal rating received by other employees covered by the same pay pool during the most recent rating cycle. An employee returning from qualifying service in the uniformed services will receive the full amount of the performance pay increase associated with his or her rating of record.

(g) Adjustments for employees returning to duty after being in workers' compensation status. DHS will issue implementing directives regarding how it sets the rate of basic pay prospectively for an employee who returns to duty after a period of receiving injury compensation under 5 U.S.C. chapter 81, subchapter I (in a leave-without-pay status or as a separated employee). DHS will credit the employee with intervening rate range adjustments under § 9701.323(a), as well as developmental pay adjustments under § 9701.345 (as determined by DHS in accordance with its implementing directives), and performance pay adjustments under this section based on the employee's last DHS rating of record. For employees who have no such rating of record, DHS will use the modal rating received by other employees covered by the same pay pool during the most recent rating cycle. An employee returning to duty after receiving injury compensation will receive the full amount of the performance pay increase associated with his or her rating of record.

§ 9701.343 Within-band reductions.

Subject to the adverse action procedures set forth in subpart F of this part, DHS may reduce an employee's rate of basic pay within a band for unacceptable performance or conduct. A reduction under this section may not be more than 10 percent or cause an employee's rate of basic pay to fall below the minimum rate of the employee's band rate range. Such a reduction may be made effective at any time.

§ 9701.344 Special within-band increases.

DHS may issue implementing directives regarding special within-band basic pay increases for employees within a Full Performance or higher band established under § 9701.212 who possess exceptional skills in critical areas or who make exceptional contributions to mission accomplishment or in other circumstances determined by DHS. Increases under this section are in addition to any performance pay increases made under § 9701.342 and may be made effective at any time. Special within-band increases may not be based on length of service.

§ 9701.345 Developmental pay adjustments.

DHS will issue implementing directives regarding pay adjustments within the Entry/Developmental band. These directives may require employees to meet certain standardized assessment or certification points as part of a formal training/developmental program. In administering Entry/Developmental band pay progression plans, DHS may link pay progression to the demonstration of required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)/competencies. DHS may set standard timeframes for progression through an Entry/Developmental band while allowing an employee to progress at a slower or faster rate based on his or her performance, demonstration of required competencies, and/or other factors.

§ 9701.346 Pay progression for new supervisors.

DHS will issue implementing directives requiring an employee newly appointed to or selected for a supervisory position to meet certain assessment or certification points as part of a formal training/developmental program. In administering performance pay increases for these employees under § 9701.342, DHS may take into account the employee's success in completing a formal training/developmental program, as well as his or her performance.

§ 9701.351 Setting an employee's starting pay.

DHS will, after coordination with OPM, issue implementing directives regarding the starting rate of pay for an employee, including—

(a) An individual who is newly appointed or reappointed to the Federal service;

(b) An employee transferring to DHS from another Federal agency; and

(c) A DHS employee who moves from a noncovered position to a position already covered by this subpart.

§ 9701.352 Use of highest previous rate.

DHS will issue implementing directives regarding the discretionary use of an individual's highest previous rate of basic pay received as a Federal employee or as an employee of a Coast Guard nonappropriated fund instrumentality (NAFI) in setting pay upon reemployment, transfer, reassignment, promotion, demotion, placement in a different occupational cluster, or change in type of appointment. For this purpose, basic pay may include a locality-based payment or supplement under circumstances approved by DHS. If an employee in a Coast Guard NAFI position is converted to an appropriated fund position under the pay system established under this subpart, DHS must use the existing NAFI rate to set pay upon conversion.

§ 9701.353 Setting pay upon promotion.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, upon an employee's promotion, DHS must provide an increase in the employee's rate of basic pay equal to at least 8 percent. The rate of basic pay after promotion may not be less than the minimum rate of the higher band.

(b) DHS will issue implementing directives providing for an increase other than the amount specified in paragraph (a) of this section in the case of—

(1) An employee promoted from an Entry/Developmental band to a Full Performance band (consistent with the pay progression plan established for the Entry/Developmental band);

(2) An employee who was demoted and is then repromoted back to the higher band; or

(3) Employees in other circumstances specified by DHS implementing directives.

(c) An employee receiving a retained rate ( i.e., a rate above the maximum of the band) before promotion is entitled to a rate of basic pay after promotion that is at least 8 percent higher than the maximum rate of the employee's current band (except in circumstances specified by DHS implementing directives). The rate of basic pay after promotion may not be less than the minimum rate of the employee's new band rate range or the employee's existing retained rate of basic pay. If the maximum rate of the employee's new band rate range is less than the employee's existing rate of basic pay, the employee will continue to be entitled to the existing rate as a retained rate.

(d) DHS may determine the circumstances under which and the extent to which any locality or special rate supplements are treated as basic pay in applying the promotion increase rules in this section.

§ 9701.354 Setting pay upon demotion.

DHS will issue implementing directives regarding how to set an employee's pay when he or she is demoted. The directives must distinguish between demotions under adverse action procedures (as defined in subpart F of this part) and other demotions (e.g., due to expiration of a temporary promotion or canceling of a promotion during a new supervisor's probationary period). A reduction in basic pay upon demotion under adverse action procedures may not exceed 10 percent unless a larger reduction is needed to place the employee at the maximum rate of the lower band.

§ 9701.355 Setting pay upon movement to a different occupational cluster.

DHS will issue implementing directives regarding how to set an employee's pay when he or she moves voluntarily or involuntarily to a position in a different occupational cluster, including rules for determining whether such a movement is to a higher or lower band for the purpose of setting pay upon promotion or demotion under §§ 9701.353 and 9701.354, respectively.