; OPM approval (i) Determination of necessary amount In determining the necessary amount of an allowance under subparagraph (A), the Commissioner shall consider the factors considered by the Director under regulations implementing section 5942. (ii) OPM approval The Commissioner may not pay an allowance under subparagraph (A) unless the Director approves the amount of the allowance. (f) Improving CBP hiring and retention (1) Education of CBP hiring officials Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hiring and Retention Act of 2017 , and in conjunction with the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, the Commissioner shall develop and implement a strategy to improve education regarding hiring and human resources flexibilities (including hiring and human resources flexibilities for locations in rural or remote areas) for all employees, serving in agency headquarters or field offices, who are involved in the recruitment, hiring, assessment, or selection of candidates for locations in a rural or remote area, as well as the retention of current employees. (2) Elements Elements of the strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Developing or updating training and educational materials on hiring and human resources flexibilities for employees who are involved in the recruitment, hiring, assessment, or selection of candidates, as well as the retention of current employees. (B) Regular training sessions for personnel who are critical to filling open positions in rural or remote areas. (C) The development of pilot programs or other programs, as appropriate, to address identified hiring challenges in rural or remote areas. (D) Developing and enhancing strategic recruiting efforts through relationships with local colleges and universities, veterans transition and employment centers, and job placement program in regions that could assist in filling positions in rural or remote areas. (E) Examination of existing agency programs