Notice2026-19805
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
September 28, 2026
Issuing agencies
Defense Department
Abstract
Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRLs) may 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 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61212-61217]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19805]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
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: Notice of demonstration project.
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SUMMARY: Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRLs) may
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: Implementation of this Federal Register notice (FRN) will begin
no earlier than September 28, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of Defense:
<bullet> Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering, Science and Technology Foundations: Dr. Richard T. LaVoie,
703-545-9457, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42302b212a2330266c366c2e23342d2b27706c212b34022f232b2e6c2f2b2e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9deff4fef5fceff9b3e9b3f1fcebf2f4f8afb3fef4ebddf0fcf4f1b3f0f4f1">[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#137f7a7d77723d793d78617c66673d707a65537b76727f677b3d7e7a7f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f0306010b0e410541041d001a1b410c06192f070a0e031b0741020603">[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#2d7f425e4c41544303674243485e006f545f496d585e034c4b03404441"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c99ba6baa8a5b0a7e783a6a7acbae48bb0bbad89bcbae7a8afe7a4a0a5">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms. Amy Balmaz, 540-653-
8598, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ca8ba7b3e49ee488aba6a7abb0e4a9a3bc8aa7aba3a6e4a7a3a6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="56173b2f78027814373a3b372c78353f20163b373f3a783b3f3a">[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#014c60736d6e76642f536862696c6e6f652f6268774160736c782f6c686d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="703d11021c1f07155e221913181d1f1e145e1319063011021d095e1d191c">[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#e5b6868a91918c80cba7cbb68d8481978c868ecb868c93a58497889ccb888c89"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e2b1818d96968b87cca0ccb18a8386908b8189cc818b94a283908f9bcc8f8b8e">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center:
Ms. Pota Kripotos, 973-724-9165, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c6c53485d12774e554c5348534f125f554a7c5d4e514512515550"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84d4ebf0e5aacff6edf4ebf0ebf7aae7edf2c4e5f6e9fdaae9ede8">[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#f2b19a809b81869d829a9780dca1dca6939a939c978bdc919b84b293809f8bdc9f9b9e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c380abb1aab0b7acb3aba6b1ed90ed97a2aba2ada6baeda0aab583a2b1aebaedaeaaaf">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and
Missile Center: Mr. Justin Page, 256-755-1698,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#264c5355524f48084208564741431208454f506647544b5f084b4f4a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eb819e989f8285c58fc59b8a8c8edfc588829dab8a998692c5868287">[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#d585b4a1a7bcb6bcb4fb99fb9ebba0b6beb0acfbb6bca395b4a7b8acfbb8bcb9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bdbeafff9e2e8e2eaa5c7a5c0e5fee8e0eef2a5e8e2fdcbeaf9e6f2a5e6e2e7">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command--Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center: Mr. Gregory Peck, 520-674-6820,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#93f4e1f6f4fce1eabdf2bde3f6f0f8a2a5bdf0fae5d3f2e1feeabdfefaff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d3a2f383a322f24733c732d383e366c6b733e342b1d3c2f302473303431">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle
Systems Center: Ms. Erin Stein, 586-459-8362,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2560574c4b0b480b5651404c4b0b464c53654457485c0b484c49"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abeed9c2c585c685d8dfcec2c585c8c2ddebcad9c6d285c6c2c7">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center:
Ms. Sarah Palmer, 508-206-3421, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0152607360692f432f51606d6c64732f6268774160736c782f6c686d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="02516370636a2c402c52636e6f67702c616b744263706f7b2c6f6b6e">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Communications-Electronics Command Software Engineering
Center: Ms. Teresa Manganaro, 443-861-8149,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6e2d3c4d3c5d798f798fbd7d8d1d7d8d7c4d998d5dfc0f6d7c4dbcf98dbdfda"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99cdfcebfceaf8b7d8b7d4f8f7fef8f7f8ebf6b7faf0efd9f8ebf4e0b7f4f0f5">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center: Dr. Lucy Priddy,
601-634-2282, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c20190f15423c423c1e050808152c191f0d0f09420d1e011542010500"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d31081e04532d532d0f141919043d080e1c1e18531c0f100453101411">[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="eaa683848e8bc4a0c4a198859f9ec489839caa828f8b869e82c4878386">[email protected]</a>.
<bullet> Technical Center, Space and Missile Defense Command: Dr.
Chad Marshall, 256-955-5697, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#14577c75703a5e3a597566677c7578783a777d62547566796d3a797d78"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e1d363f3a701470133f2c2d363f3232703d37281e3f2c332770333732">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Navy:
<bullet> Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Aircraft
Division: Mr. Dustin Kirby, 760-608-9248,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#03477670776a6d2d682d686a71617a2d606a754376702d6d62757a2d6e6a6f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32764741465b5c1c591c595b40504b1c515b447247411c5c53444b1c5f5b5e">[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#7b301e17170255375536120f18131e17174a4d5518120d3b0e0855151a0d0255161217"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcf7d9d0d0c592f092f1d5c8dfd4d9d0d08d8a92dfd5cafcc9cf92d2ddcac592d1d5d0">[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#cf8ea3a6bcbcaee1a2e1a3a0bfaab5fbe1aca6b98fbabce1a1aeb9b6e1a2a6a3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c988a5a0babaa8e7a4e7a5a6b9acb3fde7aaa0bf89bcbae7a7a8bfb0e7a4a0a5">[email protected]</span></a>.
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific: Ms. Sharmeka
Speights, 619-553-6282, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd9ea5acbfa0a8a6ace3a0e3bebda8a4aaa5b9bee3aea4bb8db8bee3a3acbbb4e3a0a4a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adfec5ccdfc0c8c6cc83c083deddc8c4cac5d9de83cec4dbedd8de83c3ccdbd483c0c4c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center: Dr. Jill Phan, 301-319-
7645, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#400a292c2c6e036e1028212e6e232936002d21292c6e2d292c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="115b787d7d3f523f4179707f3f727867517c70787d3f7c787d">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory: Ms. Annemarie Slattery, 771-
216-7577, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d5c535358505c4f54581350134e515c4949584f44135e544b7d484e13535c4b4413505451"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e8e7e7ece4e8fbe0eca7e4a7fae5e8fdfdecfbf0a7eae0ffc9fcfaa7e7e8fff0a7e4e0e5">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers: Ms. Emily
Grauwiler, 301-312-1185, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe9b93979287d08cd0998c9f8b8997929b8cd09d9788be8b8dd0909f8887d0939792"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e2878f8b8e9bcc90cc85908397958b8e8790cc818b94a29791cc8c83949bcc8f8b8e">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Office of Naval Research: Mr. Damien Raphael, 703-696-
0383, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a2f2836333429743e74283b2a323b3f367439332c1a2f2974343b2c2374373336"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a1f1806030419440e44180b1a020b0f064409031c2a1f1944040b1c1344070306">[email protected]</span></a>.
Marine Corps:
<bullet> Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity: Ms. Lissa
Henriksen, 760-587-6893, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4824213b3b296624292427262c2d083d3b252b66252124"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="204c495353410e4c414c4f4e44456055534d430e4d494c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Through the USD(R&E), the Secretary of Defense exercises the
authorities granted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 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
[[Page 61213]]
<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 Corps 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. Summary of Comments
On January 9, 2026, the DoD published a notice (91 FR 985-990)
concerning a new flexibility, SBTM, for a 30-day public comment period.
The public comment period ended on February 9, 2026. Three comments
were received and are addressed as follows.
Comment: One commenter expressed concern over the requirement that
SBTMs typically report to an SES or an SES equivalent-level position
and stated that it could pose a conflict with Navy regulations that
direct a comptroller to report to the head of the activity, who may or
may not be an SES or equivalent.
Response: No changes were made to the notice based on this comment.
The FRN language was intentionally crafted to reflect the significant
variety in reporting structures across STRLs and their Components. In
recognition of these differences in organizational frameworks and
externally imposed grade-level restrictions, the FRN specifies that
SBTMs ``typically'' report to an SES or SES equivalent-level position.
This provides flexibility rather than imposing a rigid requirement for
SES-level reporting.
Comment: One commenter expressed several concerns about the
creation of SBTM positions:
1. Exceeds DoD's statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. 4121.
2. Is inconsistent with the requirement that STRL projects be
``generally similar'' to the China Lake demonstration project.
3. Circumvents established statutory frameworks for senior federal
positions.
4. Lacks the reasoned analysis required under the Administrative
Procedure Act.
5. Lacks adequate safeguards.
6. Poses substantial risks to the integrity and mission of STRLs.
Response: No changes were made to the notice based on these
comments. While 10 U.S.C. 4121 designates STRLs, 5 U.S.C. 4703 is the
authorizing statute for demonstration projects. The notice waives all
necessary statutory requirements in title 5 U.S.C. and title 5 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) sections to implement the SBTM authority. The
phrase ``generally similar'' in 10 U.S.C. 4121, as it relates to the
China Lake model, is language Congress intentionally left flexible. It
does not mean ``identical,'' nor does it require STRLs to replicate
China Lake feature-for-feature. The SBTM authority does not establish a
new category of executive positions. These positions are not classified
as SES or equivalent and will be classified appropriately under the
STRLs' delegated classification authority. Regarding safeguards and
risks to the integrity of the STRL missions, Congress directed
oversight of the STRL demonstration projects to the Secretary of
Defense, through the USD(R&E), who follows the evaluation and review
requirements in 5 U.S.C. 4703.
Comment: One commenter stated the notice should specify that SBTMs
will be classified into the appropriate career track/path for business
and technical/professional positions.
Response: Two sentences were changed to clarify the appropriate
career track/path for SBTMs. The second to last sentence of the last
paragraph in Section 3.I.A. and Section 3.II.A.2.(b) are modified to
clarify that SBTMs will be classified under the appropriate career
track/path for business and technical/professional positions.
3. 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 GS and contain characteristics of SES and Senior Level
(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 administrative 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 in the business and
technical/professional career track. This notice implements the SBTM
authority.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain title 5 U.S.C. and title 5 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:
[[Page 61214]]
(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 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 employees 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 adaptation.
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 modify the existing career track for
business and technical/professional positions to accommodate the SBTM
category and broadband level. Specific details will be included in STRL
IOPs.
3. Designated Classification Officials for SBTM Positions
STRL directors 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) have 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 STRL
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,
[[Page 61215]]
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.
(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 the employee is 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' IOP.
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
a permanent SBTM position at a later date; (2) have 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 STRL 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 its respective IOP.
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) the 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 IOP.
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 its IOP 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. 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, (for example, for 2024 $213,000; the calculation is rounded
up to the next thousand). 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
in compliance with the provisions of this FRN and any 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) Science and Technology
Workforce Office.
Appendix A: Required Waivers to Laws and Regulations
[[Page 61216]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Qualified Scientific and Professional the extent necessary to
Personnel. Waive to allow scientific or allow flexible term
professional positions for this appointments as described
authority. in this FRN.
5 U.S.C. 3324--Appointments to Positions 5 CFR part 330, section
Classified Above GS-15; Waived in 330.707(h): Exceptions to
entirety. Interagency Career
5 U.S.C. 3304 & 3304a--Waived to the Transition Assistance Plan
extent necessary to allow flexible term (ICTAP) selection
appointments as described in this FRN. priority.--Waived to the
5 U.S.C. 5301--Policy; 5 U.S.C. 5302(8) extent necessary to allow
and (9)--Definitions; 5 U.S.C. 5303-- conversion to permanent
Annual Adjustments to Pay Schedules; 5 positions without clearing
U.S.C. 5304--Locality-based Comparability ICTAP.
Payments; and 5 U.S.C. 5306--Pay Fixed by 5 CFR 335.102(f) Agency
Administrative Action. Waived to the authority to promote,
extent necessary to allow SBTM employees demote, or reassign--Waived
to be treated as GS employees and basic to the extent necessary to
rates of pay under the demonstration allow temporary promotions
project to be treated as scheduled rates as described in this FRN.
of basic pay and to permit SBTM pay not 5 CFR 359.705--Waived to
to exceed EX-IV and locality adjusted allow demonstration project
SBTM rates not to exceed EX--III. rules governing pay
5 U.S.C. 5363--Waived to the extent retention to apply to a
necessary to allow SBTMs to receive pay former SES placed on an
retention as described in this FRN. SBTM position.
5 U.S.C. 5755--Waived to the extent 5 CFR part 531, subpart F
necessary to allow SBTMs to receive Locality-based
supervisory pay differentials as Comparability Payments.--
described in this FRN. Waived to the extent
necessary to allow SBTM
employees to be treated as
GS employees and basic
rates of pay under the SBTM
to be treated as scheduled
annual rates of pay.
5 CFR 536.306(a)--Waived to
the extent necessary to
allow SBTMs to receive pay
retention as described in
this FRN.
5 CFR part 575, subpart D--
Waived to the extent
necessary to allow SBTMs to
receive supervisory pay
differentials as described
in this FRN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and 85 FR 76038.
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
together).
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68936.
Chemical Biological Center.
[[Page 61217]]
Combat Capabilities Development Command-- 66 FR 54872.
Command, Control, Communications, Cyber,
Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 76 FR 12508.
Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
Communications-Electronics Command Software Not published.
Engineering Center.
Combat Capabilities Development Command 74 FR 68448.
Soldier Center.
Defense Health Agency Research & 91 FR 58853.
Development.
Engineer Research and Development Center... 63 FR 14580 amended by 65
FR 32135.
Medical Research and Development Command... 63 FR 10440.
Technical Center, US Army Space and Missile 85 FR 3339.
Defense Command.
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare Centers.. 76 FR 8530.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command 86 FR 14084.
Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare
Center.
Naval Information Warfare Centers, Atlantic 76 FR 1924.
and Pacific.
Naval Medical Research Center.............. Not published.
Naval Research Laboratory.................. 64 FR 33970.
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers.. 62 FR 64050.
Office of Naval Research................... 75 FR 77380.
Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Not published.
Activity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: September 24, 2026.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2026-19805 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P
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