Critical Position Pay Authority
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes to amend its regulations governing the critical position pay authority to establish level I of the Executive Schedule as the default maximum critical pay rate, with higher rates subject to written approval by the Director of OPM; eliminate non-statutory caps and approva
| Agency | Personnel Management Office |
|---|---|
| Document type | Proposed Rule |
| Published | 2026-04-24 |
| Summary | The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes to amend its regulations governing the critical position pay authority to establish level I of the Executive Schedule as the default maximum critical pay rate, with higher rates subject to written approval by the Director of OPM; eliminate non-statutory caps and approval criteria; address the use of service agreements; clarify reductions or terminations of critical position pay are not adverse actions or subject to grievance or appeal rights; and clarify the treatment of critical pay rates as basic pay. This proposed rule simplifies and better aligns OPM's regulations with governing law and delegated authority. |
| Document number | 2026-07996 |
| Official record | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/24/2026-07996/critical-position-pay-authority |