((a)) ** .—** The Secretary may establish an awards program for personnel listed in consistent with chapter 45 of title 5, to the extent practicable.
((b)) ** .—** Notwithstanding or any other provision of law, the Secretary may establish a performance awards program consistent with for—
((1)) personnel appointed under for a position that the Secretary has determined is of equivalent rank to a Senior Executive Service position (as such term is defined in ) and is subject to an agency performance management system; and
((2)) personnel appointed under section 7306 or 7401(4) of this title.
((c)) ** .—** Awards under this section may be paid based on criteria established by the Secretary and shall not be considered in calculating the limitation under .
((d)) ** .—** Awards under this section shall not be considered basic pay for any purpose.
((e)) ** .—** The Secretary may prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.