COMDTINST 12500.4 — Cybersecurity Employee Retention Incentive Program

COMDTINST 12500.4 governs Coast Guard cybersecurity employee retention incentive policy and procedures for civilian employees.

Search COMDTINST 12500.4

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 12500.4
  • Title: CYBERSECURITY EMPLOYEE RETENTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
  • Date: 10/9/2019
  • Proponent: CG-12

View COMDTINST 12500.4 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses eligibility for cyber designated positions and civilian employees, incentive limits, payment conditions, termination, agreements, and funding. It requires written requests, specified documentation, approval, and tracking for individual and group incentives.

Applies to: This policy applies to appropriated fund permanent civilian employees in cyber designated positions including Senior Level, Scientific or Professional positions, and Senior Executive Service.

Topics covered

  • Cybersecurity retention incentives
  • Cyber designated position eligibility
  • Civilian employee eligibility
  • Incentive payment conditions
  • Aggregate incentive limitation
  • Incentive termination
  • Retention incentive agreements

Questions and answers

What documentation is required for a cybersecurity retention incentive request?

The request must be documented using (1) Cybersecurity Retention Incentive Request, Form CG-5305E, and (2) should include documentation that the employee is likely to leave Federal Service (a written job offer from an employer outside of the Federal government, justification letter from a supervisor, (3) or a component or office-level business case addressing market analysis and/or attrition rates supporting the need to pay a retention incentive, etc.). (paragraph 8)

How long can cybersecurity retention incentive payments continue?

A retention incentive will be paid in biweekly installment payments at the full retention incentive percentage approved for the employee or group for NTE 26 pay periods beginning the first full pay period after approval by Commandant (CG-123) and the date the employee’s Cybersecurity Employee Retention Incentive Agreement is signed by the employee and Coast Guard representative.

What is the aggregate limit on cybersecurity retention incentives?

An employee may not receive an incentive, differential, bonus, award, or similar payment in combination with basic pay which would exceed Level I of the Executive Schedule, as limited by 5 C.F.R. Part 530, Subpart B.

What must happen before a retention incentive is approved?

Before a retention incentive is approved, a Cybersecurity Employee Retention Incentive Agreement must be signed by the employee and a Coast Guard representative.

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