For purposes of this article:
(1) "Base pay increase" means an increase applicable to all permanent state employees who qualify.
(2) "Board" means the Department of Administration.
(3) "Performance increase" means a pay increase applicable to permanent state employees based upon appraisal ratings of.
(a) below performance requirements;
(b) meets performance requirements;
(c) exceeds performance requirements; and
(d) substantially exceeds performance requirements.
(4) "Bonus" pay means a one-time payment for exceptional service and may be paid to employees who have performance ratings of "exceeds" or "substantially exceeds". Employees who have performance ratings of 'meets performance requirements' may be given the bonus pay upon approval of a special request by the agency head. This special request may not be used for agency-wide distribution of bonus pay. This payment is not a part of the employee's base salary and is not earnable compensation for purposes of employer or employee contributions to the respective retirement systems.