General Lab Information

BSA Retirement Programs

Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) is committed to offering retirement programs that reflect industry best practices. Numerous investment funds are available to you through financial services company TIAA.

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BSA Retirement Plan

The BSA Retirement Plan—also known as the 401(a) Plan—provides  you with income upon retirement. BSA makes contributions to your Retirement Plan account based on your base salary, but you direct how your account funds are invested and you may change your contribution allocation or rebalance your investments whenever you choose. Enrollment is automatic as eligibility occurs. When you retire, you can receive the accumulated balance in your account in an annuity or in another optional form. You pay no income taxes on your benefit until it is actually paid to you. You may not contribute to this plan, but you have the option to make contributions to the available 401(k) Plan.

What BSA Contributes

When you are enrolled in the Retirement Plan, BSA contributes an amount equal to 9% of your base salary to your account (10% if you were hired before January 1, 2011). For members of the IBEW union, the SCSPA union or the USW union, the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement apply.

Access investment information and take charge of investing your account by logging on to the TIAA website, or contact TIAA at (800) 842-2776.

BSA 401(k) Plan

The 401(k) Plan provides participants with the opportunity to invest up to 75% of their base salary for retirement through pre-tax and/or Roth (post-tax) payroll deductions. Enrollment in the 401(k) Plan is optional. You direct the investment of your account and receive the accumulated balance in your account in an annuity or in another optional form when you retire, terminate employment, or attain age 59½. You can also take loans or hardship distributions if you need to access your savings before you retire as long as you meet the 401(k) Plan's requirements.

How to Enroll

To enroll, go online in Workday. In the Benefits app under "Change," click "Benefits". Select "Benefits Allowed to Change Anytime," as the reason, and enter today's date. Click "Open" when the event prompt pops up. In the 401k box, click "Enroll," and then follow the prompts to elect your contribution. By enrolling online in Workday, you will authorize contributions, as a percent of your Base Salary, to be deducted from your paycheck. To indicate in which funds your 401(k) Plan contributions will be invested and to designate a beneficiary(ies), go online on the TIAA website. If you are unable to enroll online, then contact the Benefits Office.

For details on the Retirement Plan, see the 401(a) Summary Plan Description (PDF).

For details on the 401(k) Plan, see the 401(k) Summary Plan Description (PDF).


Funds available for investment
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) Procedures
Applies to the 401(a) and 401(k) plans.

Enhanced Brokerage Program
Direct your retirement plan contributions among a variety of investment choices beyond the ones offered through your current plan.

Diversification
The importance of diversification during any market, that is relevant today

Roth vs. Pretax Plan Contributions
Which is right for you? Here is some information on the pros and cons.

What are After-Tax Roth Contributions?
Another way to save for your retirement

Understanding Your Fees
Understanding your Administrative fees and Plan Servicing fees.

Save, Manage, Protect Your Retirement
Get your Retirement on Track in 3 steps.

How to set up your TIAA Multi-Factor Authentication

Investment Options, Performance and Fees

Retirement Plan No. 100945, 401(k) Plan No. 100946

Additional 401(k) Information

Update Your 401(k) Information

All Beneficiary changes and Name changes now need to be completed electronically. TIAA is no longer using paper forms for these types of updates.

The participants will need to log into their TIAA personal accounts online. Employees should contact TIAA customer service at 1-800-842-2776 with any questions.

TIAA Customer Service

Visit the TIAA website or call:

(800) 842-2776

One-on-One Counseling

Top 10 reasons to meet with a TIAA consultant

To schedule a session, see the TIAA website or call:

(800) 732-8353