SUPERIOR QUALIFICATIONS AND
SPECIAL NEEDS PAY-SETTING AUTHORITY
Description
Agencies may set the rate of basic pay of a newly-appointed employee at a rate above the minimum rate of the appropriate General Schedule (GS) grade because of
- the superior qualifications of the candidate, or
- a special need of the agency for the candidate's services.
Covered Positions
Agencies may use the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority to set the rate of basic pay for an employee newly-appointed to any General Schedule position, including permanent and temporary positions in the competitive or excepted service.
Newly-Appointed Employees
Agencies may use the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority to set the rate of basic pay for an employee upon
- first appointment as a civilian employee of the Federal Government.
- reappointment to a GS position with a 90-day break in service.
(See 5 CFR 531.212(a)(3) for exceptions to the 90-day break in service requirement.)
Required Documentation
Before using the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority, agencies must establish documentation and recordkeeping procedures sufficient to allow reconstruction of the action taken in each case. Documentation must include a description of the
- superior qualifications of the individual or special agency need for the
candidate's services that justifies a higher minimum rate;
- factor(s) and supporting documentation under 5 CFR 531.212(c) that were
used to justify the rate at which the employee's pay is set; and
- reason(s) for authorizing a higher minimum rate instead of or in addition
to a recruitment incentive under 5 CFR part 575, subpart A.
References
- 5 U.S.C. 5333
- 5 CFR 531.212