OPM Final Rule Updates Critical Position Pay (CPP) Limits and Approval Process

OPM issued a final rule revising its Critical Position Pay (CPP) regulations, setting Executive Schedule Level I as the default maximum CPP rate and requiring written OPM Director approval for higher rates. The rule removes non-statutory caps and approval criteria, clarifies service agreement use, and states CPP reductions or terminations are not adverse actions and generally not subject to grievance or appeal rights.