Notice2026-00277
Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory Personnel Demonstration Project Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Defense Department
Abstract
STRLs will implement Senior Business Technical Manager (SBTM) positions, which are defined as senior business and technical positions comparable to positions classified above the General Schedule (GS)-15 level. SBTMs are senior business and operations leaders within the STRL, serving as primary advisors to the STRL's Commanding Officers and/or members of the Senior Executive Service (SES). SBTMs oversee and operationalize the STRL's business operations, administration, and technology functions. SBTM positions may only be established at authorized STRLs with personnel demonstration projects.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 6 (Friday, January 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 985-990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00277]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
[Docket ID: DOD-2025-OS-0903]
Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory Personnel
Demonstration Project Program
AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
(USD(R&E)), Department of Defense (DoD).
ACTION: This notice provides new authorities to all Science and
Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Demonstration (Demo)
Projects.
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SUMMARY: STRLs will implement Senior Business Technical Manager (SBTM)
positions, which are defined as senior business and technical positions
comparable to positions classified above the General Schedule (GS)-15
level. SBTMs are senior business and operations leaders within the
STRL, serving as primary advisors to the STRL's Commanding Officers
and/or members of the Senior Executive Service (SES). SBTMs oversee and
operationalize the STRL's business operations, administration, and
technology functions. SBTM positions may only be established at
authorized STRLs with personnel demonstration projects.
DATES: This proposal may not be implemented until a 30-day comment
period is provided, comments addressed, and a final Federal Register
notice published. To be considered, written comments must be submitted
on or before February 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and
title, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Director of
Administration and Management, Privacy, Civil Liberties, and
Transparency Directorate, Regulatory Division, 4800 Mark Center Drive,
Mailbox #24, Suite 05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency
name, docket number and title for this Federal Register document. The
general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the
public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the
internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> as they are received without
change, including any personal identifiers or contact information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of Defense:
<bullet> Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering, Science and Technology Foundations: Dr. Jagadeesh
Pamulapati, 571-372-6372, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2369424442474646504b0d73424e564f425342574a0d404a55634e424a4f0d4e4a4f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="155f747274717070667d3b4574786079746574617c3b767c635578747c793b787c79">[email protected]</span></a>.
Defense Health Agency:
<bullet> Defense Health Agency Research and Development: Ms. Lyn
Krout, 301-619-7276, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c404542484d024602475e435958024f455a6c44494d40584402414540"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dab6b3b4bebbf4b0f4b1a8b5afaef4b9b3ac9ab2bfbbb6aeb2f4b7b3b6">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Air Force:
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd,
937-656-9747, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24764b5745485d4a0a6e4b4a415709665d56406451570a45420a494d48"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3f1ccd0c2cfdacd8de9cccdc6d08ee1dad1c7e3d6d08dc2c58dcecacf">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms. Amy Balmaz, 540-653-
8598, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6a78b9fc8b2c8a4878a8b879cc8858f90a68b878f8ac88b8f8a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adecc0d483f983efccc1c0ccd783cec4dbedc0ccc4c183c0c4c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Army:
<bullet> Transformation and Training Command: Ms. Marlowe Richmond,
571-588-1219, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b466a7967647c6e25596268636664656f2568627d4b6a79667225666267"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e537f6c7271697b304c777d767371707a307d77685e7f6c736730737772">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences: Dr. Scott Shadrick, 254-288-3800,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#efbc8c809b9b868ac1adc1bc878e8b9d868c84c18c8699af8e9d8296c1828683"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0655656972726f63284428556e6762746f656d28656f704667746b7f286b6f6a">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center:
Ms. Pota Kripotos, 973-724-9165, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#70201f04115e3b0219001f041f035e1319063011021d095e1d191c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a0a352e3b741128332a352e35297439332c1a3b28372374373336">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research
Laboratory: Mr. Christopher Tahaney, 410-845-7834,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d695bea4bfa5a2b9a6beb3a4f885f882b7beb7b8b3aff8b5bfa096b7a4bbaff8bbbfba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86c5eef4eff5f2e9f6eee3f4a8d5a8d2e7eee7e8e3ffa8e5eff0c6e7f4ebffa8ebefea">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and
Missile Center: Mr. Justin Page, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87edf2f4f3eee9a9e3a9f7e6e0e2b3a9e4eef1c7e6f5eafea9eaeeeb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="610b141215080f4f054f11000604554f0208172100130c184f0c080d">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical
Biological Center: Ms. Patricia Knuckey, 410-417-2343,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c494a5b0b6ada7ada5ea88ea8faab1a7afa1bdeaa7adb284a5b6a9bdeaa9ada8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92c2f3e6e0fbf1fbf3bcdebcd9fce7f1f9f7ebbcf1fbe4d2f3e0ffebbcfffbfe">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command--Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center: Mr. Gregory Peck, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8aedf8efede5f8f3a4eba4faefe9e1bbbca4e9e3fccaebf8e7f3a4e7e3e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="385f4a5d5f574a41165916485d5b53090e165b514e78594a554116555154">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 986]]
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle
Systems Center: Ms. Erin Stein, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f0b582999ede9dde838495999ede939986b091829d89de9d999c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5613243f38783b782522333f3878353f201637243b2f783b3f3a">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center:
Ms. Sarah Palmer, 508-206-3421, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b487a697a733559354b7a77767e693578726d5b7a69766235767277"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8ebd9cad9d096fa96e8d9d4d5ddca96dbd1cef8d9cad5c196d5d1d4">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Communications--Electronics Command Software Engineering
Center: Ms. Teresa Manganaro, 443-861-8149,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1e5d4c3d4c2d09ff09ffcd0dfd6d0dfd0c3de9fd2d8c7f1d0c3dcc89fdcd8dd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6e2d3c4d3c5d798f798fbd7d8d1d7d8d7c4d998d5dfc0f6d7c4dbcf98dbdfda">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center: Dr. Lucy Priddy,
601-634-2282, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fab68f9983d4aad4aa88939e9e83ba8f899b999fd49b889783d4979396"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b477e6872255b255b79626f6f724b7e786a686e256a79667225666267">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Medical Research and Development Command: Ms. Linda Krout,
301-619-7276, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f1336313b3e711571142d302a2b713c36291f373a3e332b3771323633">[email protected]</a>.
<bullet> Technical Center, Space and Missile Defense Command: Dr.
Chad Marshall, 256-955-5697, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ecaf848d88c2a6c2a18d9e9f848d8080c28f859aac8d9e8195c2818580"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="47042f2623690d690a2635342f262b2b69242e310726352a3e692a2e2b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Navy:
<bullet> Marine Corp Tactical Systems Support Activity: Ms. Lissa
Henriksen, 760-587-6893, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c60455f5f4d02604d40434248496c595f414f02414540"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8cc0e5ffffeda2c0ede0e3e2e8e9ccf9ffe1efa2e1e5e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Aircraft
Division: Mr. Dustin Kirby, 760-608-9248,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fcbfafcfbe6e1a1e4a1e4e6fdedf6a1ece6f9cffafca1e1eef9f6a1e2e6e3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="47033234332e29692c692c2e35253e69242e31073234692926313e692a2e2b">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center: Ms. Kelly Mitchell, 564-226-0476,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#703b151c1c095e3c5e3d19041318151c1c41465e1319063005035e1e1106095e1d191c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d69db3babaaff89af89bbfa2b5beb3babae7e0f8b5bfa096a3a5f8b8b7a0aff8bbbfba">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers:
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic: Ms. Alissa Lopez,
843-218-3871, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6f7dadfc5c5d798db98dad9c6d3cc8298d5dfc0f6c3c598d8d7c0cf98dbdfda"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06476a6f757567286b286a6976637c3228656f70467375286867707f286b6f6a">[email protected]</span></a>.
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific: Ms. Sharmeka
Speights, 619-553-6282, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83d0ebe2f1eee6e8e2adeeadf0f3e6eae4ebf7f0ade0eaf5c3f6f0adede2f5faadeeeaef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9ead1d8cbd4dcd2d897d497cac9dcd0ded1cdca97dad0cff9ccca97d7d8cfc097d4d0d5">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center: Dr. Jill Phan, 301-319-
7645, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b113237377518750b333a357538322d1b363a323775363237"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="115b787d7d3f523f4179707f3f727867517c70787d3f7c787d">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory: Ms. Jennifer Hartman, 771-216-
7567, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd97989393949b988fd391d3959c8f89909c93c9d39e948bbd888ed3939c8b84d3909491"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6309060d0d0a0506114d0f4d0b0211170e020d574d000a152316104d0d02151a4d0e0a0f">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers: Ms. Emily
Grauwiler, 301-312-1185, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c9aca4a0a5b0e7bbe7aebba8bcbea0a5acbbe7aaa0bf89bcbae7a7a8bfb0e7a4a0a5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88ede5e1e4f1a6faa6effae9fdffe1e4edfaa6ebe1fec8fdfba6e6e9fef1a6e5e1e4">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Office of Naval Research: Mr. Damien Raphael, 703-696-
0383, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7c2c5dbded9c499d399c5d6c7dfd6d2db99d4dec1f7c2c499d9d6c1ce99dadedb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="deabacb2b7b0adf0baf0acbfaeb6bfbbb2f0bdb7a89eabadf0b0bfa8a7f0b3b7b2">[email protected]</span></a>.
Marine Corps:
<bullet> Marine Corp Tactical Systems Support Activity: Ms. Lissa
Henriksen, 760-587-6893, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e22273d3d2f60222f2221202a2b0e3b3d232d60232722">[email protected]</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Through the USD(R&E), the Secretary of Defense exercises the
authorities granted to the Office of Personnel Management under title 5
of United States Code (U.S.C.) section 4703 to conduct personnel
demonstration projects at DoD laboratories designated as STRLs. All
STRLs authorized pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4121(a) and (b) may use the
provisions described in this FRN. STRLs implementing these
flexibilities must have an approved personnel demonstration project
plan published in an FRN. Each STRL will establish internal operating
procedures (IOPs) as appropriate.
The 24 current STRLs are:
<bullet> Defense Health Agency Research and Development
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center
<bullet> Transformation and Training Command
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research
Laboratory
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command--Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems
Center
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center
<bullet> Communications--Electronics Command Software Engineering
Center
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center
<bullet> Medical Research and Development Command
<bullet> Technical Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
<bullet> Marine Corp Tactical Systems Support Activity
<bullet> Naval Air Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers, Atlantic and Pacific
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Office of Naval Research
2. Overview
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
This FRN grants a new authority to establish SBTM positions, above
the GS-15 level, for STRL senior business administration, operations,
and technology functions that support and enable the laboratories'
research and development missions. A strong business and operations
support framework and staff are essential to ensuring the STRLs are
prepared and able to advance military technology and capability in
accordance with the National Defense Strategy.
The SBTM category encompasses positions that would exceed the GS-15
classification criteria of the General Schedule and contain
characteristics of SES and Senior Leader (SL).
The SL classification designation would not be appropriate because
SBTM positions may direct the work of an organizational unit; be held
accountable for the success of one or more specific programs; monitor
the progress toward organizational goals and objectives and
periodically evaluate and make appropriate adjustments to such goals;
supervise the work of employees other than personal assistants; or
otherwise exercise important policy-development and implementation, or
other executive level functions. SES classification designation would
also not be appropriate because SBTMs do not exercise the full scope of
managerial authority and impact required of SES positions. The SBTMs
establish a separate pay band level or career track. This notice
implements the SBTM authority.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain 5 U.S.C. and title 5, Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) provisions are required only to the extent
that these statutory and regulatory provisions limit or are
inconsistent with the actions authorized under this demonstration
project.
Appendix A lists waivers needed to enact authorities described in
this FRN. Nothing in this plan is intended to preclude the
demonstration project from adopting or incorporating any law or
regulation enacted, adopted, or amended after the effective date of
this FRN.
C. Expected Benefits
The SBTM authority is expected to:
(1) Allow proper classification of positions that are engaged in
operationalizing laboratory management functions, recognizing the
exceptionally high level of expertise required to oversee enterprise-
wide business and technical operations, such as financial management,
information technology and information assurance, contract
[[Page 987]]
management, facilities and infrastructure management, and human capital
management.
(2) Attract, retain, and appropriately compensate highly qualified
business and technology professionals with significant experience and
expertise managing the supporting business elements of highly complex
and technology-focused organizations.
(3) Provide the opportunity for career development and expand the
pool of experienced, prominent business and technical candidates
meeting the levels of proficiency and leadership essential for enabling
the operation of world-class DoD laboratories.
II. Personnel System Changes
All current STRL demonstration project plans are hereby amended to
add the following:
A. Description and Implementation of SBTM Positions
1. Authorized Positions
The number of authorized SBTM positions in each STRL shall not
exceed one percent of the number of civilian and military positions
employed at such laboratory, inclusive of positions both within and
outside the STRL's personnel demonstration project, which are filled as
of the close of the preceding fiscal year. If one percent of authorized
positions does not equate to a whole number, the STRL shall round down
to the next lower number; however, each STRL shall be authorized at
least one SBTM position regardless of the number of positions employed
at such laboratory. Though the authorized number of SBTM positions may
increase or decrease as the overall civilian and military workforce
increases or decreases, no SBTM employee will have their classification
as a SBTM changed or their pay reduced, because the size of the STRL's
civilian and military workforce has decreased. In such circumstances,
an STRL may temporarily exceed its new SBTM authorized number until
attrition occurs.
2. Position Classification
(a) Position Requirements
At a minimum, all SBTM positions require senior manager up to
executive level knowledge, skills, and abilities in competencies
related to STRL business and operations of highly complex technical
organizations or business units. SBTMs have a crucial role in driving
strategic direction, supporting research and development in defense
planning, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of
integrity and innovation to achieve sustainable success. Incumbents
will typically possess extensive knowledge and experience in one or
more business or technical requirements below or another area
determined by the STRL director:
<bullet> Implementing and managing major policies and programs and
advising senior officials on programs such as human capital,
contracting, financial management, operations, facility management, or
environmental policy and their impact on research programs.
<bullet> Managing defense acquisition policy and familiarity with
policies concerning contracting for services.
<bullet> Managing information technology, including policy
formulation and technical expertise across all aspects of information
management at the STRL, with a special focus on creating visionary
plans for future mission and business information systems.
<bullet> Managing defense cyber competencies that support science
and technology initiatives to contribute to the development of cyber
resilient transformation and readiness technologies.
Examples of other requirements may include strategic and
operational leadership, configuration management, quality assurance,
stakeholder engagement, laboratory governance, leadership development,
strategic partnership, regulatory compliance, crisis management, and
innovation and adaption.
SBTMs typically report to an SES or an SES equivalent-level
position. Since all SBTM positions will typically be administrative
supervisors, they may be eligible for a supervisory pay differential at
the discretion of the STRL director.
(b) Pay Bands/Career Track
This FRN authorizes STRLs to either establish a separate or modify
an existing pay band or career track level(s) to accommodate the SBTM
category. Specific details regarding SBTM pay band or career track
levels will be included in STRL IOPs.
3. Designated Classification Officials for SBTM Positions
STRL directors, or their designees, are designated as the
classification officials for SBTM positions. Each STRL's IOP will
provide specific details on each STRL's classification process,
control, and management of these positions.
4. Staffing and Recruitment
(a) Positions may be filled on a temporary, flexible term, or
permanent basis utilizing appropriate internal or external competitive
recruitment procedures, direct hire authority, or through accretion-of-
duties promotions. Positions may also be filled temporarily using
noncompetitive procedures (e.g., detail and temporary promotions).
(b) In addition to permanent appointments, the following
appointment types may be used:
(1) Flexible-Length and Renewable Term Appointments
This appointment authority may be used to fill SBTM positions for a
period of more than one year but not more than five years. The flexible
term appointment may be made for a period up to five years, and the
STRL director may extend the appointment in up to five-year increments.
Prior to extending a term appointment, management will determine if the
work or services continue to be temporary in nature, or if they should
be made permanent. Candidates selected from outside the Federal
government may be hired using the flexible term appointment authority
and may be eligible for extension or conversion to career or career-
conditional appointment if services are deemed permanent. To be
converted, the employee must: (1) have been notified in writing at the
time of the initial appointment of the possibility for conversion to a
permanent SBTM position at a later date; (2) served a minimum of one
year of continuous service; and (3) have at least a fully successful or
equivalent SBTM performance rating applicable to the STRLs
demonstration project. Additionally, to be eligible for conversion,
when positions being filled using the flexible term appointment
authority are announced, whether via competitive or merit promotion
procedures, the vacancy announcement must contain a statement notifying
applicants that the position may be eligible for extension or
conversion to a permanent appointment. The probationary or trial period
specified in each STRL's FRN in Appendix B will apply to individuals
appointed under the Flexible Term Appointment. Personnel appointed
under the Flexible-Length and Renewable Term authority described in
this section shall be provided with benefits comparable to those
provided to status or permanent employees at the STRL concerned,
including professional development opportunities, eligibility for all
awards programs, and designation as ``status applicants'' for the
purposes of eligibility for positions in the Federal service.
[[Page 988]]
(2) Flexible Temporary Promotions
STRLs may use flexible temporary promotions to SBTM positions for
not more than five years, with the ability to extend in five-year
increments for candidates who are current Federal employees. Prior to
extending a temporary promotion, management will determine if the work
or services continue to be temporary in nature or should be made
permanent. If not extended or made permanent, the employee will return
to a position for which they are qualified that is the same grade as
previously held before the assignment. Upon termination of temporary
promotion, pay will be set in accordance with the STRLs' IOPs.
Candidates may be eligible for conversion to a permanent SBTM position
if the position requirements are deemed permanent by the STRL director.
To be converted, the employee must: (1) have been notified in writing
at the time of the initial action of the possibility for conversion to
permanent SBTM position at a later date; (2) served a minimum of one
year of continuous service in the temporary assignment; and (3) have at
least a fully successful or equivalent SBTM performance rating
applicable to the STRLs demonstration project.
(c) STRL directors have the discretion to select the recruitment
and staffing method most appropriate based on the specialized position
requirements and available candidate pool. Each STRL will further
describe recruitment and staffing methodologies in their respective
IOPs.
STRLs must establish recruitment and staffing methodologies that
include:
(1) An internal process that incorporates an impartial, rigorous,
and demanding assessment of candidates to evaluate the breadth of their
expertise;
(2) an external recruitment process which incorporates an
impartial, rigorous, and demanding assessment of candidates to evaluate
the breadth of their expertise; or
(3) creation of panels to assist in filling positions or other
comparable recruitment or staffing mechanisms.
5. Basic Pay Range
The minimum basic pay for SBTM positions is 115 percent of the
minimum rate of basic pay for GS-15. Maximum SBTM basic pay with
locality pay is limited to Executive Level III (EX-III), and maximum
salary without locality pay may not exceed EX-IV.
6. Performance Management
Each STRL will determine the appropriate performance or
contribution management system, non-SES/SL/ST or SES/SL/ST program, to
be used to evaluate an SBTM employee's performance or contribution. The
selected method will be documented in each STRL's IOPs.
7. Pay Retention
Pay retention may be provided to SBTM members under criteria
established by each STRL if they are impacted by a reduction in force,
work realignment, or other planned management action that would
necessitate moving the incumbent to a position in a lower pay band
within the STRL. Pay retention may also be provided under criteria
established by each STRL when an SES/ST/SL employee is placed in a SBTM
position as a result of a reduction in force or other management
action. Grade retention is not authorized for SBTM positions.
8. SBTM Supervisory Pay Differential
A supervisory pay differential may be used by STRL directors to
provide an incentive to appropriately compensate SBTM personnel. This
pay differential is a pay incentive that may range up to 5 percent of
basic pay (excludes locality pay) for SBTM personnel. It is paid on a
pay period basis and must be reviewed annually. This pay differential
is not included as part of basic pay for any purpose. Criteria to be
considered in determining the amount of the pay differential are:
(a) needs of the organization;
(b) budgetary constraints;
(c) years and quality of related experience;
(d) relevant training;
(e) performance appraisals;
(f) experience as a supervisor or manager;
(g) organizational level of the position; and
(h) impact on the organization.
The pay differential may be terminated or reduced at the discretion
of the STRL director based on legitimate business reasons; however, the
pay differential must be terminated if the employee is removed from a
position for which a pay differential is approved, regardless of cause.
Each STRL will document in their IOPs the method used for determining
payment, reduction, or discontinuation of the pay differential. All
personnel actions involving a supervisory pay differential will require
a statement signed by the employee acknowledging that the pay
differential may be terminated or reduced at the discretion of the STRL
director or his or her designee. The termination or reduction of the
pay differential is not an adverse action and is not subject to appeal.
The total pay (including locality pay) may not exceed the midpoint
between the maximum rate of basic pay of EX-III and the maximum rate of
basic pay of EX-II, (e.g., $213,000; (calculation is rounded up to the
next thousand) for calendar year 2024). SBTM employees are subject to
the aggregate limitation on pay pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5307 and 5 CFR
subpart 530.203.
9. SBTM Program Oversight
The program shall be managed and administered by the STRL director
or their designee in compliance with the provisions of this FRN and
IOPs developed by each STRL.
10. Evaluation
Procedures for evaluating this authority will be incorporated into
the STRL personnel demonstration project evaluation process conducted
by the STRLs in conjunction with the USD(R&E) Defense Research
Enterprise Office.
Appendix A: Required Waivers to Laws and Regulations
[[Page 989]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title 5, Code of Federal
Title 5, United States Code Regulations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 U.S.C. 3104--Employment of Specially 5 CFR part 316--Waived to the
Qualified Scientific and Professional extent necessary to allow
Personnel. Waive to allow scientific flexible term appointments as
or professional positions for this described in this Federal
authority. Register Notice.
5 U.S.C. 3324--Appointments to 5 CFR part 330, section
Positions Classified Above GS-15; 330.707(h): Exceptions to
Waived in entirety. Interagency Career Transition
5 U.S.C. 3304 & 3304a--Waived to the Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
extent necessary to allow flexible selection priority.--Waived to
term appointments as described in this the extent necessary to allow
Federal Register Notice. conversion to permanent
5 U.S.C. 5301--Policy; 5 U.S.C. 5302(8) positions without clearing
and (9)--Definitions; 5 U.S.C. 5303-- ICTAP.
Annual Adjustments to Pay Schedules; 5 5 CFR 335.102(f) Agency
U.S.C. 5304--Locality-based authority to promote, demote,
Comparability Payments; and 5 U.S.C. or reassign--Waived to the
5306--Pay Fixed by Administrative extent necessary to allow
Action. Waived to the extent necessary temporary promotions as
to allow SBTM employees to be treated described in this Federal
as GS employees and basic rates of pay Register Notice.
under the demonstration project to be 5 CFR 359.705--Waived to allow
treated as scheduled rates of basic demonstration project rules
pay and to permit SBTM pay not to governing pay retention to
exceed EX-IV and locality adjusted apply to a former SES placed
SBTM rates not to exceed EX--III. on an SBTM position.
5 U.S.C. 5363--Waived to the extent 5 CFR part 531, subpart F
necessary to allow SBTMs to receive Locality-based Comparability
pay retention as described in this Payments.--Waived to the
Federal Register Notice. extent necessary to allow SBTM
5 U.S.C. 5755--Waived to the extent employees to be treated as GS
necessary to allow SBTMs to receive employees and basic rates of
supervisory pay differentials as pay under the SBTM to be
described in this Federal Register treated as scheduled annual
Notice. rates of pay.
5 CFR 536.306(a)--Waived to the
extent necessary to allow
SBTMs to receive pay retention
as described in this Federal
Register Notice.
5 CFR part 575, subpart D--
Waived to the extent necessary
to allow SBTMs to receive
supervisory pay differentials
as described in this Federal
Register Notice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix B: Authorized STRLs and Federal Register Notices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRL Federal Register notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Force Research Laboratory.......... 61 FR 60400 amended by 75 FR
53076.
Joint Warfare Analysis Center.......... 85 FR 29414.
Transformation and Training Command.... 89 FR 13548.
Army Research Institute for Behavioral 85 FR 76038.
and Social Sciences.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 76 FR 3744.
Armaments Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 63 FR 10680.
Army Research Laboratory.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 62 FR 34906 and 62 FR 34876
Aviation and Missile Center. amended by 65 FR 53142
(Aviation Research,
Development, and Engineering
Center and Aviation and
Missile Research, Development
and Engineering Center
merged).
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68936.
Chemical Biological Center.
Combat Capabilities Development 66 FR 54872.
Command--Command, Control,
Communications, Cyber, Intelligence,
Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 76 FR 12508.
Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68448.
Soldier Center.
Engineer Research and Development 63 FR 14580 amended by 65 FR
Center. 32135.
Medical Research and Development 63 FR 10440.
Command.
Technical Center, US Army Space and 85 FR 3339.
Missile Defense Command.
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare 76 FR 8530.
Centers.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command 86 FR 14084.
Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare
Center.
Naval Information Warfare Centers, 76 FR 1924.
Atlantic and Pacific.
Naval Research Laboratory.............. 64 FR 33970.
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare 62 FR 64050.
Centers.
Office of Naval Research............... 75 FR 77380.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 990]]
Dated: January 7, 2026.
Stephanie J. Bost,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2026-00277 Filed 1-8-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P
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