; (2) the term General Schedule base rate means an annual rate of basic pay established under section 5332 before any additions, such as a locality-based comparability payment under section 5304 or 5304a or a special rate supplement under section 5305; and (3) the term special base rate means an annual rate of basic pay payable to an asylum officer, before any additions or reductions, that replaces the General Schedule base rate otherwise applicable to the asylum officer and that is administered in the same manner as a General Schedule base rate. (b) Special base rates of pay (1) Entitlement to special rate Notwithstanding section 5332, an asylum officer is entitled to a special base rate at grades 1 through 15, which shall— (A) replace the otherwise applicable General Schedule base rate for the asylum officer; (B) be basic pay for all purposes, including the purpose of computing a locality-based comparability payment under section 5304 or 5304a