Recruitment, Relocation, & Retention Incentives Plan

This bulletin amends the Department of Commerce's policy on recruitment, relocation, and retention ("3Rs") incentives. Under this new guidance, operating units can obtain approval from Commerce's own OHRM Director — without OPM sign-off — for recruitment and relocation incentives above the standard 25 percent of annual basic pay, up to 50 percent per year of a service agreement. OPM waivers are required only for retention incentives above 25 percent (individual) or 10 percent (group). To receive relocation and retention incentives, employees must have a rating of at least Level 3 ("Fully Successful"), while political appointees, non-career SES, and Schedule C employees are generally ineligible. Notably, employees in Schedule Policy/Career positions are eligible for incentives only under pre-existing service agreements — effectively closing new 3Rs incentives to positions moved into the new category.