RecruitmentIncentive Checklist

Your agency has a recruitment incentive plan consistent with 5 CFR575.107.

The candidate is eligible to receive a recruitmentincentive.

  • This will be the candidate’s first appointment as a civilian employee ofthe Federal Government; OR the candidate had a break in service of at least 90days (certain exceptionsapply).
  • The position is in a pay system authorized to receive a recruitmentincentive under 5 CFR 575.103 or
  • The position is not excluded from receiving a recruitment incentive under 5CFR 575.104.

Determine anddocument:

  • The basis for determining the position is likely to be difficult to fill based onthe factors in 5 CFR 575.106, such as OPM-approved direct hire authority for theposition;
  • The recruitment incentive amount and basis for that amount (not to exceed25% of annual rate of basic pay multiplied by number of years in the serviceperiod);
  • The length of the required service period (from 6 months to 4 years);and
  • The timing of the recruitment incentive payments (initial lump sum,installments, final lump sum, orcombination).

An authorized agency official approves the recruitment incentive before thecandidate enters onduty.

The service agreement includes the items required by 5 CFR575.110.

The employee signs the serviceagreement.

Recruitment Incentive Payment Limit WaiverChecklist

A request to OPM to waive the normal recruitment incentive payment limitation must include the information in the checklist below:

Information on the job candidate or candidates and the position or group of positionsthe waiver wouldcover.

A description of the critical agency need the proposed recruitment incentivewould address.

The basis for determining that the position is likely to be difficult to fill using thefactors in 5 CFR575.106(b).

The proposed recruitment incentive payment amount and a justification for thatamount.

The timing and method of making the proposed recruitment incentivepayments.

The length of the required serviceperiod.

Any other information pertinent to the case athand.