Here is the intra-agency announcement.

SPECIAL PAY REQUEST GRANTED

Effective Pay Period 24 (Official Pay Date – December 21, 2006)

I am pleased to inform you that the USPTO has been successful in securing a 7 percent across-the-board increase to the special pay rate for all patent professionals currently covered by the GS-1220 series. More detailed information will follow soon.

Thank you for your record efforts in 2006. By approving this special pay rate increase, the Office of Personnel Management is affirming the USPTO's view that you and the work you do are critically important to our nation.

Thank you patent managers for championing the issue and the Offices of the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Patents for tirelessly pushing the request through the process. Special thanks as well to Robert Budens and the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA) for their support and cooperation in seeking the special pay rate increase.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jon Dudas