Civilian Compensation Program

The Civilian Compensation Program is a dedicated line item within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 7: Operational Systems Development. The primary goal of this program is to provide compensation benefits to civilian employees who sustain work-related injuries or occupational diseases while performing their duties at RDT&E facilities. These benefits are administered in accordance with the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), Title 5 U.S.C., Chapter 81, and are managed by the Department of Labor (DOL), which bills the Air Force for the associated costs.

The program's objectives are centered on ensuring timely and adequate financial support for affected employees, thereby fulfilling statutory obligations and maintaining workforce stability. Compensation includes payments for disability due to personal injury or employment-related disease, with the intent to expedite the return of employees to active duty whenever possible.

Funding allocated to this program is considered a mandatory expense for the Air Force, reflecting the importance of compliance with federal requirements. The program is identified by a specific project number, and funding levels are adjusted annually to account for inflation and to ensure continued support for employees in RDT&E occupational series and those working at RDT&E facilities. The program does not include manpower authorizations or costs, and its funding is separate from the civilian pay expenses budgeted in other related program elements.

The program supports the Air Force's broader RDT&E mission by safeguarding the welfare of civilian personnel involved in research, development, testing, and evaluation activities. By providing compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses, the program helps maintain operational readiness and continuity in critical technical and scientific roles. This is particularly important given the specialized nature of RDT&E work, which often involves unique occupational hazards.

The Civilian Compensation Program is not associated with procurement or acquisition activities, and there is no acquisition strategy applicable to this line item. Instead, the focus is on direct compensation and benefits management, with funds used exclusively for payments mandated by FECA. The program's execution is overseen by the Air Force's personnel directorate (AF/A1) at the Pentagon, which is responsible for developing and managing the compensation plan in coordination with the Department of Labor.

In terms of planned accomplishments, the program will continue to provide compensation to eligible employees and implement services aimed at expediting their return to work. This includes ongoing assessment of compensation needs and adjustments to ensure compliance with federal requirements. The program also ensures that RDT&E funds are appropriately allocated for employees in relevant occupational series, supporting both immediate compensation needs and long-term workforce health.