(a) DHS-CS employees. In alignment with the compensation strategy in § 158.601 and the performance management program described in § 158.802 of this part, the Department may provide recognition under §§ 158.631 through 158.634, on a periodic or ad hoc basis, to a DHS-CS employee based on the employee's mission impact. In providing such recognition, the Department may also consider mission-related requirements and strategic talent priorities.

(b) Prospective employees. In alignment with the compensation strategy in § 158.601, the Department may offer, and provide upon appointment, recognition payments under § 158.632(b) and recognition time-off under § 158.633(b), on a periodic or ad hoc basis, to an individual selected for employment in the DHS-CS based on:

(1) The individual's CTMS qualifications determined under the assessment program described in § 158.520;

(2) The individual's anticipated mission impact;

(3) Mission-related requirements; and

(4) Strategic talent priorities.

(c) Eligibility. The Department determines eligibility for recognition under this section, §§ 158.631 through 158.634, and CTMS policy implementing this section. The Department may defer providing recognition to a DHS-CS employee under this part if the Department is in the process of determining whether the employee's performance is unacceptable, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 4301(3), or whether the employee has engaged in misconduct. If the Department determines a DHS-CS employee's performance is unacceptable, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 4301(3), or the employee receives an unacceptable rating of record under § 158.804, or the Department determines the employee has engaged in misconduct, the employee is ineligible to receive recognition under this part.

(d) Policy. CTMS policy implementing this section addresses:

(1) Eligibility criteria;

(2) Requirements for documenting the reason and basis for recognition provided to a DHS-CS employee;

(3) Appropriate levels of review and approval for providing recognition;

(4) Any limitations on the total number, frequency, or amount of recognition a DHS-CS employee may receive within any specific time period;

(5) Any service agreement requirements; and

(6) Processes for evaluating the effectiveness of recognition in supporting the purpose of CTMS described in § 158.101, the purpose of the DHS-CS described in § 158.202, and the operationalization of the compensation strategy described in § 158.601.

(e) Advisory appointees. Recognition under this part for a DHS-CS advisory appointee is subject to additional requirements and restrictions in subpart J of this part.