Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives (3Rs) are compensation flexibilities available to help Federal agencies recruit and retain a world-class workforce. The 3Rs are administered under 5 U.S.C. 5753 and 5754 and 5 CFR part 575, subparts A, B, and C. While groups of positions known or expected to be difficult to fill may be targeted as candidates to receive bonuses, any determination to pay a bonus must be made on an individual basis. Any recruitment or relocation bonus must be approved prior to the employee's entrance on duty or relocation.
Recruitment
The USCG may pay a recruitment bonus of up to 25 percent of basic pay to an employee newly appointed without a definite time limitation, provided there is a written determination that, absent such a bonus, difficulty would be encountered in filling the position.
Relocation
The USCG may pay a relocation bonus of up to 25 percent of basic pay to an employee who is appointed without a break in service and without time limitation to a position in a different commuting area or who is serving under an appointment without time limitation and whose duty station is changed permanently or temporarily to a different commuting area. A relocation bonus may be offered only to a current employee, and only with the provision that there is a written determination, that, absent such a bonus, difficulty would be encountered in filling the position. Service agreements will apply.
Retention Allowance
The USCG may pay a retention allowance of up to 25 percent of basic pay to a current employee if the unusually high or unique qualifications of the employee or a special need of the Coast Guard for the employee's services makes it essential to retain the employee, and the Coast Guard determines the employee would be likely to leave Federal service for any reason in the absence of a retention allowance. Service agreements and conditions of allowance receipt may apply.
Please contact your servicing HR Specialist for additional guidance regarding Commandant Instruction 12500.2 Civilian Recruitment, Relocation and Retention Incentives.