The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a defined contribution retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services. It is similar to the 401(k) plan found in the private sector. TSP is sponsored by the U.S. government, specifically by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), and is available to federal civilian employees, members of the uniformed services, and certain employees of state and local governments. Therefore, TSP is not an employer-sponsored retirement plan in the traditional sense, as it is sponsored by the U.S. government rather than a specific employer. However, it does function similarly to an employer-sponsored retirement plan in terms of its purpose and structure.