There is considerable discretionary authority to provide additional direct compensation in certain circumstances to support recruitment, relocation, and retention efforts. The following summarizes compensation flexibilities:

Advanced Payments for New Appointees

NASA may advance a new hire up to 4 weeks pay (two pay periods) to meet living and other expenses.

Highest Previous Rate of Pay

Within certain parameters, NASA has discretionary authority to set the rate of basic pay of an employee by taking into account a rate previously received while employed in another civilian Federal position, not to exceed the maximum rate of the employee’s grade.

Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses

NASA has discretionary authority to make a lump-sum payment of up to 25 percent of basic pay to a newly appointed employee (in the case of a recruitment bonus) or to an employee who must relocate (in the case of a relocation bonus) to fill a position that would otherwise be difficult to fill. In return, the employee must sign a service agreement. A recruitment bonus may be used in combination with superior qualifications appointments (see below). Recruitment and relocation bonuses are subject to the aggregate limitation on total pay.

Retention Allowances

NASA has discretionary authority to make continuing (i.e., biweekly) payments of up to 25 percent of basic pay based upon a determination that (1) the unusual high or unique qualification of the employee or a special need of the agency for the employee’s services makes it essential to retain the employee, and (2) the employee would be likely to leave the Federal Government (for any reason, including retirement) in the absence of a retention allowance. Retention allowances are subject to the aggregate limitation on total pay.

Superior Qualifications Appointments

NASA has the authority to set pay for new appointments or reappointments of individuals to General Schedule positions above step 1 of the grade based on superior qualifications of the candidate or a special need of the Agency.

Travel and Transportation Expenses for Interviews and/or New Appointments

NASA, at its discretion, may pay the travel or transportation expenses of any individual candidate for a pre-employment interview or pay travel and transportation expenses for a new appointee to the first post of duty. For either payment, a decision made for one vacancy does not require a like decision for any similar future vacancies. Before authorizing any payments, NASA must consider factors such as availability of funds, desirability of conducting interviews, and feasibility of offering a recruiting incentive.

Waiver of Dual Pay for Civil Service Retirees

Normally, whenever Federal retirees are rehired into Federal service, their salary is reduced by the amount of their annuity. However, in very rare instances, the Office of Personnel Management will approve a waiver to permit “dual pay,” enabling the individual to receive the full benefit of both salary and civil service annuity.