The Department of Homeland Security plans to introduce and expand a series of incentive schemes across DHS headquarters components in an effort to recruit and retain cyber professionals, Federal News Radio reported Tuesday.
Jared Serbu writes Paul Beckman, chief information security officer at DHS’ headquarters, said the department plans to renew the bonus program on an annual basis after it started pilot tests of the initiative within the national protection and programs directorate in 2015.
Beckman told Federal News Radio that the program aims to provide cyber professionals up to 25 percent in additional bonuses based on their positions and certifications achieved.
Serbu reports that the agency’s bonus scheme is in accordance with the recruitment authorities under the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.
Beckman also noted that DHS will work to leverage direct hire authorities for cybersecurity and information technology management jobs as stated in the Office of Personnel Management’s GS-2210 series in order to grow its pool of cyber professionals.
He said he plans to launch a program within DHS that would give job offers to top 5 percent of students who completed cybersecurity-focused programs that universities and colleges offer in the National Capital Region, according to the report.
