3 R's Incentives

Federal regulation provides that new appointments shall be made at the minimum rate of the appropriate grade.  However, DON compensation policy provides considerable discretionary authority for the Commands to offer additional compensation flexibilities to support employee recruitment and retention efforts. These flexibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentives (3 R's)
• Advanced-in-Hire Pay Setting Authority (Superior Qualifications & Special Needs)
• Student Loan Repayment Program (not currently established for NPS)  

The 3 R's are compensation flexibilities available to help Federal agencies recruit and retain a world-class workforce.  HR specialists must ensure sufficient written justification is provided to support the basis for the use of any incentive and that the incentive meets all statutory and regulatory requirements in addition to DoD, DON, and Command Policies. The 3 R's are administered under 5 U.S.C. 5753 and 5754 and 5 CFR part 575, subparts A, B, and C.

To initiate a request for any type of 3 R's incentive, please contact your servicing HR Specialist.

For additional information on 3 R's, visit the OCHR Portal Compensation page HERE (CAC required - select your e-mail certificate) or the OPM Pay & Leave page HERE.