&EPA
Awards Handbook
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Employee Participation and
Communication Division
Office of Human Resources Management
August 1988
\y.
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Introduction
This Handbook provides general
information for employees and
supervisors about the Agency
incentive awards program. It is
designed to give you an overview
and quick reference guide to the
many types of awards that are
available within EPA. More detailed
information is contained in the EPA
Awards Manual (Manual 3130).
The objective of the EPA Awards
program is to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of operations by
encouraging full use of employee
skills and ideas. As an employee,
you can reap two-fold benefits from
the program—-in better government
as a taxpayer, and rewards and
recognition as a participant. If you
are a supervisor, you have a special
stake and special responsibilites in
the program. By making proper use
of the many and varied awards
described in. this Handbook, you
can motivate your workgroup to
greater productivity and
demonstrate your effectiveness as
an improvement-minded and
cost-conscious leader.
The Handbook is organized into
chapters, each one devoted to a
separate awards category. After
reading the Handbook, if you have
an unanswered question about
awards you should contact the
local awards coordinator in your
servicing personnel office.
Contents
Introduction
1. Monetary Awards 1
2. Honor Awards 3
3. Career Service Recognition 6
4. Suggestion Awards 6
5. Non-EPA Awards 8
6. Awards for Public Health Service
Commissioned Officers 27
7. Senior Executive Service Awards ..29
8. Local Awards and Other Forms
of Recognition 29
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Chapter 1
Monetary Awards
Monetary awards can be in the form
of lump-sum cash or an increase in
basic per annum salary (e.g.,
Quality Step Increase).
PMRS Performance Awards
A PMRS (Performance Management
and Recognition System) award is a
performance-based cash award
granted for significant
accomplishments related to an
employee’s performance agreement.
PMRS awards are granted in the
October-December time-frame in
concert with annual performance
appraisals. Only employees covered
by the PMRS system (i.e., GM’s) are
eligible for PMRS awards. They can
be granted an award of up to 10% of
base salary.
The Excellence in Management
(E.M.) award is granted annually on
a very selective basis to certain
PMRS employees. To be eligible for
consideration, a PMRS employee
must have received an overall
performance rating of outstanding
and have the highest award
percentage for their grade level at.
the Office Director/Regional
Administrator pool level. E.M.
award nominations are reviewed by
the Agency Awards Board and
approved by the Administrator. It is
possible for an E.M. awardee to
receive a combined total (PMRS +
E.M. Award) of as much as 20% of
base pay.
Excellence in Management
Award
1
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Sustained Superior
Performance Award
An SSP award is for General
Schedule (GS) employees. It is a
lump-sum cash award given to
recognize high quality performance
which exceeds performance
standards. The amount of the
award is determined according to a
percentage of bask per annum
salary. SSP’s are granted during the
October-December time-frame in
conjunction with annual
performance appraisals, but they
can also be granted at other times
during the year. The sum of all SSP
awards granted and any
within-grade and/or quality step
increase received by the employee
during the previous 12 months can
not exceed 20% of base pay.
Quality Step Increase
A QSI may be granted to a
permanent General Schedule
employee. It is an additional
within-grade increase given for
sustained high quality performance
which is expected to continue in the
future. An employee may receive
only one QSI in any 52 week
period. To be eligible for a QSI,
current performance must be at an
overall level of outstanding. Like
the other performance awards
discussed in this chapter, QSI’s are
usually recommended for
employees immediately following
their annual performance appraisal
in the Fall, but they can also be
recommended at other times during
the year (e.g., mid-year review). An
employee does not start a new
wailing period to meet requirements
for a regular within-grade increase,
but if the QSI puts him!her into the
fourth or seventh step, the waiting
period is extended by 52 weeks
because of the longer waiting
periods required by the pay
schedule.
Special Act or Service Award
The monetary awards discussed so
far in this chapter are all designed
for individuals, and are closely
linked to how employees perform in
relation to the tasks contained in
their performance agreements. The
Special Act or Service award is
somewhat different. Its primary
purpose is to reward employees for
special one-time achievements of a
non-recurring nature.... tasks that
are beyond or outside the scope of
their normal duties. The award is
based on the tangible and/or
intangible benefits accruing from
the special act or service. Unlike the
performance awards discussed
above, a Special Act award can also
be granted to a group of employees.
Individuals or &°‘w can be
nominated for an SA award at any
time during the year. Both PMRS
and General Schedule employees
may receive Special Act or Service
awards.
2
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Chapter 2
Honor Awards
The EPA Honor Awards described
in this chapter are designed to
bestow a special honor and official
recognition for exceptional
individual or group achievements.
An EPA Honor Award represents
the highest form of employee
recognition and should only be
granted for service or
accomplishments of major
significance to the Agency’s
mission. Any EPA employee may
be nominated for an Agency honor
award.
Nomination Procedures
Nominations for the Gold Medal,
Silver Medal, Administrator’s
Award for Excellence and the Trudy
A. Speciner Award are solicited
once a year , usually in September.
Nominations are reviewed by the
Agency Awards Board and
approved by the Administrator. The
Administrator presents these
awards at the EPA Annual
Ceremony in December.
Nominations for the
Distinguished Career Award may be
submitted at any time during the
year. This award is also approved
by the Administrator. The Agency
Bronze Medal can be granted by the
Deputy Administrator, Assistant or
Associate Administrators, the
General Counsel, Regional
Administrators or the Inspector
General. Bronze Medals may also be
awarded at any time during the
year.
3
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Gold Medal for Exceptional
Service
This is EPA’s highest honor award
and can be granted to an individual
or a group. It is given on a highly
selective basis for distinguished
service of major significance to
environmental improvement and to
public service. Recipients should
have demonstrated outstanding
abilities in devising and
implementing major Agency
programs or shown special skills
and achievements in managerial
excellence.
Silver Medal for Superior
Service
This award ranks second among
EPA’s honor awards and can be
used to recognize an individual or a
group for highly meritorious service
to the mission of environmental
protection or for excellence in
supervision and leadership.
Bronze Medal for
Commendable Service
This is the third highest honor
award given by the Agency. It can
be granted to an individual or
group for significant service or
achievements in support of the
Agency’s mission or for
demonstration of outstanding
accomplishments in supervision and
leadership.
Administrator’s Award for
Excellence
This award is used to honor an
employee in a clerical,
administrative or technical support
position (usually GS-1 through
CS-b) who has made an exceptional
or outstanding contribution that
deserves Agency-wide recognition.
Trudy A. Speciner Award
This award is designed to honor a
non-supervisory professional
employee at the GS/GM-13 level or
below for outstanding contributions
showing unusual analytical ability,
creativity and judgment.
Achievements must have
significantly advanced the cause of
environmental protection.
Distinguished Career Award
This is a special gold medal award
to recognize the cumulative
achievements of an employee who
has demonstrated exceptionally
distinguished service throughout
their employment in EPA and the
Federal service. The employee’s
accomplishments should have had
significant impact on a major
organizational segment or a major
program area of EPA. It is usually
presented to an employee upon
retirement or separation from EPA.
4
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A. James Barnes Award for
Exemplary Leadership in
Human Resource
Management
This is a special plaque presented at
the EPA Annual Honor Awards
Ceremony to recognize an
individual whose efforts and
examples have significantly
advanced human resource
management in the Agency. It was
established in 1986 and is named in
honor of Deputy Administrator Jim
Barnes. His leadership, commitment
and dedication to the conviction
that the people of EPA are its
greatest resource were instrumental
in establishing an exemplary human
resource program throughout the
Agency.
Relationship to other
Awards
Receiving an Agency Honor Award
does not preclude the nomination of
an employee for a non-Agency
award or the granting of a cash
award based on the same
contribution.
S
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Chapter 3
Career Service Recognition
Length of Service and Retirement
Certificates are available for
employees to recognize significant
milestones in their careers with the
Federal Government. Length of
Service awards are based on total
Federal service, including civilian
and all active honorable military
service. Lapel pins and certificates
are available from servicing
personnel offices for presentation at
the completion of ten, twenty,
Chapter 4
Suggestion Awards
thirty or forty years of service. An
EPA plaque is also available to
honor completion of thirty or forty
years of service.
The EPA Suggestion program is an
organized system for soliciting
constructive ideas that will benefit
the Agency and reward the
suggester. It provides a means for
employees to demonstrate initiative
and creativity beyond normal job
requirements and to receive cash
awards for doing so. All employees
are eligible to participate in the
suggestion program. The program is
administered by designated awards
coordinators in servicing personnel
offices.
Who Can Get a Suggestion
Award?
• An individual
• A group
• A former employee, or the estate
of a decreased employee, provided
the suggestion was submitted while
the person was a Government
employee.
6
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For What?
An adopted suggestion, whether
adopted as submitted or in part,
that directly contributes to economy
or efficiency, or directly increases
effectiveness of Government
operations.
Under What Conditions?
The suggestion:
• Must be outside the suggester’s
job responsibilities or, if within
them, so superior that it warrants
special recognition.
• Must be submitted in writing
either before adoption or within 6
months after the idea was
implemented.
• Must not concern employee
services or benefits, working
conditions or housekeeping.
How Much?
An award for an adopted
suggestion could be anywhere from
$25 to $35,000. Like Special Act or
Service awards, the amount of the
award is based on the benefits
realized by the Government. Up to
$10,000 can be approved by the
Administrator of EPA. Awards up
to $25,000 can be granted with
Office of Personnel Management
approval, and awards as high as
$35,000 can be granted with the
approval of the President.
Steps Toward A Suggestion
Award
• Employee submits suggestion to
supervisor or local suggestion
coordinator. (EPA form 3 130-2 is
available for use.)
• Receipt of suggestion is
acknowledged.
• Suggestion evaluated by
supervisor or evaluator designated
by program coordinator.
• Benefits established.
• Suggestion implemented or
commitment to implement is made
by benefitting organization
• Award determined.
• Employee notified.
• Award presented.
Key Role of Supervisors
Supervisors and management
officials have an important influence
on the success or failure of the
Agency suggestion program. A
successful program requires their
support and commitment in a
number of ways, such as
encouraging and helping employees
to submit suggestions and
evaluating suggestions promptly
when required.
7
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Chapter 5
There are a number of other
Government awards and external
awards sponsored by private
organizations that provide
additional means of rewarding
employees for achievements often
deserving wider recognition than
can be provided by the EPA awards
program. These outside awards may
be in addition to Agency cash or
honor awards. Complete
information about each award is
forwarded to program offices as
invitations to submit candidates are
received throughout the year.
Outside award nominations are
forwarded to sponsors through the
EPA Awards Program Officer.
This chapter contains a chart
(Exhibit 1) of regularly recurring
non-EPA awards (arranged by
category) in which the Agency
usually participates. Exhibit 2 is a
calendar of the outside awards
which should be useful to
supervisors and management
officials in planning for these
awards throughout the year.
Non-EPA Awards
8
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Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AL((JT VE LEAuE HIP
Roger W. Jones
Award for
Executive
Leadership
Presidential
Rank Awards
To recognize career ex-
ecutives who have
demonstrated out-
standing leadership.
To recognize prolonged,
high quality accomplish-
ment by career
members of the Senior
Executive Service.
Federal Career
Executives
Career Senior Ex-
ecutives. (A nominee
must have demonstrated
(a) sustained ac-
complishment for
Meritorious Executive,
and (b) sustained ex-
traordinary accomplish-
ment for Distinguished
Executive.)
a Superior leadership which
has resulted in outstanding
organizational achieve-
ments.
sA strong commitment to
the effective continuity of
government by successfully
fostering the development
of managers and executives
for career service.
SCareer achievements that
are recognized throughout
the agency or are acknow-
ledged on a national or
international level.
•Specific achievement of
significant cost reduction
or cost avoidance; and
ISucceasful use of human
resources as evident
through high workforce
productivity and/or effective
development and recogni-
tion of subordinates, and
achievement of equal
opportunity goals.
.
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE -
January
April
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Executive of tho Year To recognize extraor- Career executives in • Leadership of an organ iza- August
Award dinary achievement in Federal, state or local tion which produced a
executive management government, major innovative achieve-
and leadership in ment in high quality public
Federal, state, and local service.
governments. •Leadership of an organiza-
tion during a period where
service to the public was
significantly improved in
the areas of efficiency,
economy and effectiveness.
S Extraordinary results of a
particularly sensitive and
difficult executive
assignment.
Executive Excellence To recognize career Career SES members S Executive Achievement September
Awards senior executives who and equivalent (e.g., Award - outstanding leader-
have made significant GS-1 6/18 and other ship and achievement which
contributions to improv- peer groups). has significantly improved
ing efficiency, effec- efficiency and effectiveness
tiveness and produc- of a Federal program.
tivity in the Federal •Distinguished Executive
Government. Service Award - demonstra-
tion of sustained outstand-
ing performance and dedi-
cation to the public service
throughout hisfher
federal service career.
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Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Donald L. Scantlebury To recognize senior Federal, state and local Sustained, high quality January
Award financial management government employees leadership in financial
executives who, through who are senior financial management over the
outstanding and con- management executives. years considering:
tinuous leadership in • Measurable improve-
financial management, ments in financial
have been principally
management tech-
responsible for signifi- nology or methodology
cant economies, efficien- resulting from the
cies and improvements nominee’s
in Federal, state, or local accomplishments.
government.
• The extent to which
the improvements
would have been im-
possible without the
nominee’s involvement.
• Originality of nominee’s
accomplishments.
• The impact of the
nominee’s accomplish-
ments on governmenta’
financial management
policies and practices.
• The extent of long-
term or lasting
benefit of the nominee’s
accomplishments.
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Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
FiNANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
Association of Govern-
ment Accountants
Achievement of the
Year Award
Association of Govern-
ment Accountants
Distinguished Leader-
ship Award
To accord recognition
for leadership or
outstanding achieve-
ment In developing, im-
plementing, and improv-
ing financial manage-
ment in government
service.
To formally recognize
government employees
who have demonstrated
sustained outstanding
leadership and notable
contribution to financial
management, and to en-
courage increased in-
terest, growth, develop-
ment and distinctive
leadership in the field of
financial management.
Any individual employed
in government service at
the time the work being
recognized was perform-
ed. Nominees need not
be a member of the
Association of Govern-
ment Accountants.
Employees of Govern-
ment at the time the
award is conferred.
Nominees do not have
to be a member of the
Association of Govern-
ment Accountants.
The award generally will
be limited to accomplish-
ments relating to improved
management and control
techniques in the immedi-
ate preceding calendar
year. Examples are:
• developed and in-
itiated comprehensive
system for the overall
audit of major pro-
gram activities, and
• developed or imple-
mented a comprehensive
financial management
training program.
Outstanding leadership
must have been sustain-
ed over a period of
years and demonstrated
both on the job and by
significant contribution
to the profession. Factors
to be considered are:
• innovative thinking
• Notable authorship
• Creative research
• Exceptional efficiency, and
• Marked initiative.
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
April
April
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Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
Department of the
Treasury Award for
Distinction in Cash
Management
PERSONNEL
ADMINISTRATION
John E. Fogarty Award
To encourage and
recognize excellence in
endeavors directly
associated with the col-
lection of Federal
government funds, cash
position management,
and optimum use of ex-
cess Federal govern-
ment funds.
To honor an outstanding
public agency employee
for contributing to the
hiring of disabled people
in the agency in which
he or she is employed.
Any individual in an Ex-
ecutive Branch depart-
ment or agency.
An official or worker who
has contributed toward
employment of the dis-
abled people in his or her
agency- Federal, state,
county, municipal, judiciary,
or public college or school
by developing or in-
stituting policies or pro-
cedures or by finding
suitable jobs for disabled
people.
• Accomplishment of
assigned cash manage-
ment programs in a
clearly exceptional manner.
• Development of new
cash management
techniques.
• Accomplishment of
Presidential or Treasury
objectives.
• Extraordinary support of
Treasury initiatives.
Nominee must have
contributed towards
employment of the
disabled in his or her
agency-Federal, state,
county, municipal,
judiciary, or public col-
iege or school-by finding
suitable jobs for disabled
people in his or her
agency.
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’ i
DUE
DATE
October
January
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
PERSONNEL
ADMINISTRATION
Mary D. Pinkard
Leader in Federal
Equity Award
To recognize Federal
women who have ad-
vanced the cause of
equity in the Federal
government at personal
and professional risk to
themselves and who
provide a positive role
model for other women.
To recognize Federal
employees in the per-
sonnel administration
career field for singular
accomplishments and to
encourage greater
achievement among all
Federal employees in
the personnel ad-
ministration field.
Any individual, organiza-
tion, agency, or agency
component may
nominate any Federal
employee or immediate
past employee. The
award may be given to
more than one person
each year.
Any Federal employee
in the personnel ad-
ministration career field.
Individual must have
made significant con-
tributions on a continu-
ing basis over those
who have advanced a
cause of equity by a
single action.
A specific contribution
in the broad field of per-
sonnel administration,
for which the nominee
is personally responsible.
The contribution must
have culminated during
the calendar year for
which the award is
given.
Highly effective personal
career development, ex-
ecutive or technical ability,
and exemplary performance
not based solely on the
specific contribution.
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE•
- a
a
All Star Team Award
April
July
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Arthur S. Flemming
Awards
To recognize those who
have performed outstand-
ing and meritorious
work for the Federal
government; to attract
outstanding persons to
the Federal government;
to encourage high stan-
dards of performance in
the Federal service; and
to enhance appreciation
of our form of
government.
To recognize outstanding
service in administration
and notable contribution
to the efficiency and
quality of public service.
Any career Federal
employee of the Ex-
ecutive Branch of the
U.S. Government who is
under the age of 40 and
who has or will have a
total of 36 months of
government service by
the end of the calendar
year in which the
nomination was
submitted.
Federal career employee
who has not reached
his/her 37th birthday by
December 31 of the
year in which the
nomination was
submitted.
Administrative nominees
should have exceptional
ability in administration
in any field, such as per-
sonnel, labor or law.
Scientific nominees should
have demonstrated excep-
tional ability and perfor-
mance in their field. In
both categories, a
nominee also should
have participated in
community activities for
the enhancement of the
community atiarge.
Work performance of the
employee over a considerable
period of time in either a
line or staff position must
demonstrate unusual
competence and interest
in any area of public ad-
ministration; endowment
for leadership in the develop-
ment of programs; creativity
and resourcefulness; close
adherence to the basic prin-
ciples of enlightened public
service; and integrity and
dedication to duty.
AWARD
SPONSOR’S
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
DUE
DATE -
( ‘I
William A. Jump Award
January
February
-------
PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
Public Service Awards
Program
To pay tribute to public
service organizations
whose achievements ex-
hibit the highest Stan-
dard of dedication, ex-
cellence and
accomplishment
To recognize and honor
outstanding contribu-
tions made by Federal
civilian and military per-
sonnel; to help counter
the negative views and
erroneous criticism of
government commonly
voiced today; and to en-
courage initiative and
excellence In perfor-
mance by government
employees.
Entire government ad-
ministration community.
One nomination will be
accepted from In-
dividuals, government
units, professional
groups, the business
community, non-profit
organizations and educa-
tional groups.
All Federal government
civilian and military
employees.
Nominees should have
caused the accomplish-
ment of significant pro-
grams or projects which
have increased cost ef-
fectiveness or improved
productivity and service
to the American public.
Unusual efforts or
leadership in solving
problems at local, na-
tional, or international
levels; outstanding
scientific, technical or
administrative
achievements; superior
service to public such
as the improvement of
efficiency including
simplification of govern-
ment regulations; and
high personal integrity
and moral character and
courage in dealing with
difficult or sensitive
problems.
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
Excailbur Award
April
August
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
Common Cause Public Ser-
vice Achievement Award
Congressional Award for
Exemplary Service to the
Public
To pay trIbute to public
service practitioners whose
careers exhibit the highest
standard of excellence, dedica-
tion ano accomplishment.
To underscore the need to
have creative and highly
skilled individuals as
managers of complex and
demanding government
functions.
To recognize those in-
dividuals who have made
an outstanding contribution
to the public interest in the
areas of government per-
formance and integrity.
To recognize and publicize
exemplary and courteous
service to the public; to en-
courage a concerned and
responsive attitude toward
the public; and to
underscore the interest of
the President and the Con-
gress in the Importance of
courtesy throughout
government.
Public practitioners (local,
state and Federal govern-
ment, international and
non-profit organizations)
who currently work or who
have spent the primary
part of their careers work-
ing in the public service.
Public servants, citizen ac-
tivists, elected officials at
all levels of government,
reporters, or other citizens.
All Federal government
employees both civilian
and military.
Outstanding contribution
on a sustained basis.
Responsibility for ac-
complishing or causing to
be accomplished significant
programs or projects within
his/her area of responsibility,
to the ultimate benefit of
the general public.
The award recognizes any
citizen who by force of im-
agination, initiative, and
perseverance has made an
outstanding contribution to
the public interest in the
areas of government per-
formance and integrity.
The nominee must have
demonstrated a degree of
courtesy in dealing with
the public that clearly ex-
ceeds normal expectations
and the contributions being
recognized must have been
in connection with a
Federal program or
function.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
NatIonal Public Service
Awards
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
November
December
As
Announced
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIB iL iTY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL
Women in Science and
Engineering (WISE) Award
Information Resource
Management Awards
To recognize a special
scientific or technical con-
tribution or a specific con-
tribution that has facilitated
the advancement of
women in science and
engineering.
To recognize Federal
government employees
who have made significant
contributions in the infor-
mation resource manage-
ment field. Awards will be
granted in three categories
with a fourth optional
category.
Women scientists or
engineers employed in the
Federal government in
either a civilian or non-
civilian capacity.
Federal government
employees who have made
significant contributions in
the information resources
management field during
the year.
The nominee must have
made a substantial scientific
or technical contribution or
a special contribution that
has facilitated the advance-
ment of women in science
and engineering.
Executive Excellence
• sustained contribution over
a period of years in a
senior managerial or leader-
ship role;
• significant professional
achievement in the Federal
information resources
management field.
Technical Excellence
• innovative uses of informa-
tion technology.
Management/Ad ministrative
Excellence
• noteworthy achievements
in operational project
management.
Special Achievement
• (Optional)
00
February
April
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
SCIENTIEIC/ TECHNICAL
National Medal of
Science Award
GEICO Public Service
Awards
To recognize outstand-
ing contributions in the
physical, biological,
mathematical, engineer-
ing or social and
behavioral sciences.
To publicly recognize
four Federal employees
and one retiree for their
special achievements
and contributions to the
public good.
Must be a citizen or
other national of the
United States.
All career civil service
employees
• The total impact of an
individual’s work on the
present state of physical,
mathematical, engineering
or social and behavioral
sciences is to be the
principal criterion.
• In addition, achievements
of an unusually significant
nature will be considered
and judged in relation to
the potential effects of
such achievements on the
development of scien-
tific thought.
The recipients are judged
principally on their contri-
butions to the public good,
and the extent to which
they served as an inspira-
tion to others, thereby
bringing credit to the
Federal service and them-
selves. Awards will be
made in the areas of:
• Fire Prevention/Safety
• Traffic Safety/Accident
Prevention
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Alcoholism
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
‘C
June
September
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
.
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL
l .)
0
Alan T. Waterman
Award
GENERAL
Federal Engineer of the
Year Award
To recognize an outstan-
ding young scientist in
the forefront of science.
To honor outstanding
engineers in the Federal
government.
U.S. citizen, 35 years of
age or younger, and not
more than 5 years
beyond receipt of Ph.D.
Both Federal civilian and
military engineers arid
recent retirees.
Nominees should have
completed sufficient
scientific or engineering
research to have
demonstrated, through
personal accomplish-
rnenta, outstanding
capability and ex-
ceptional promise for
significant future
achievement. In addi-
tion, nominees should
exhibit quality, innova-
tion, and potential for
discovery in research.
Winner is selected on
the basis of educational
and collegiate
achievements; profes-
sIonal and technical
society activIties; civic
and humanitarian ac-
tMtles ; awards or
honors received;
registration of continu-
Ing competence during
the last 3 years; and
engIneering achievement..
December
January
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
Outstanding Handicapped
Federal Employee
of the Year
To gIve public recogni-
tion to career lawyers
who have performed
outstanding work to
stimulate the interest of
the public and the legal
profession in the diver-
sified opportunities and
responsibilities of career
lawyers; and to en-
courage a high standard
of performance by
career lawyers.
To recognize and
publicize the versatility,
value and wide range of
Federal job duties being
performed by persons
with physical and men-
tal disabilities.
Any civilian or milItary
career attorney
employed In the District
of Columbia by the U.S.
Government or by the
Government of the
District of Columbia.
Accomplishment must
have occurred pursuant
to appointment by the
President and confirma-
tion by the Senate, or
while serving in a
judicial or quasijudicial
capacity.
Physically or mentally
disabled persons.
(1) General
accomplIshments-
outstanding legal ability,
scholarship, and perform-
ance over a sustained
period even though the
specific accomplishments
are not related, or
(2) specific ac-
complishments which
constitute a contribution
to the development of
public law. The ac-
complishments of the
nominee should be
reasonably related in
time to the year
preceding the
nomination.
Exceptional job perform-
ance in spite of severely
limiting disabling factors-
physical or mental, and
community involvement.
Ten co- winners are
selected each year.
GENERAL
JustIce Tom C. Clerk
Award
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
( ‘a
April
June
-------
Presidential Manage-
ment Improvement
Awards
To recognize exemplary
work and accomplishments
by environmental
engineers in the Federal
Service.
To encourage and
recognize Federal
civilian and military per-
sonnel for their ideas
and other achievements
beyond job re-
quirements that result in
significant benefits to
the government.
Federal civilian and
military environmental
engineers.
All civilian and military
personnel. (lndividua s,
small working groups,
teams or task forces.)
This recognition will be
in addition to honorary
and/or monetary awards
granted by the agency.
Accomplishment of a
tangible, substantial and
significant achievement
or sustained leadership
of outstanding caliber
related to improving the
environment.
There are two categories
for these awards:
a. Presidential Manage-
ment Improvement
Awards will be granted
for those achievements
that have most improv-
ed government opera-
tions and services to the
public. Such contribu-
tions must have verified
tangible benefits of
$250,000 or higher.
b. Presidential Letters of
Commendation will be
authorized for sugges-
tions, inventions or
special achievements
beyond job requirements
that have resulted in
tangible benefits to the
govern ment of $250,000
or more.
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
GENERAL
Federal Environmental
Engineer Award
AWARD
PURPOSE
EUGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
September
As
Announced
-------
Exhibit 1: List of Outside Awards by Category
GENERAL
Younger Federal Lawyer
Award
To encourage younger
Federal lawyers
throughout the nation
and overseas to attain
high standards of pro-
fessional achievement
and to accord public
recognition for outstan-
ding performance.
Any civilian or military
attorney who is
employed by the U.S.
Government, and has
not reached his/her 36th
birthday by the date of
award presentation.
Must have three con-
tinuous years of govern-
ment service as an
attorney.
Professional
Achievements- outstand-
ing legal ability and
performance over a sus-
tained period, or specific
accomplishment
resulting in significant
benefit to the Federal
government, the legal
profession, and to the
development of public
law.
Professional and Com-
munity Responsibility - a
nominee may also be
qualified because of a
significant contribution
to the legal profession
and/or community not
necessarily required by
the nominee’s govern-
ment position.
AWARD
PURPOSE
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
SPONSOR’S
DUE
DATE
July
-------
Exhthit 2: OutsIde Awards Calendar
--
Month Due to Sponsor
AWARDS JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
ROGER W, JONES AWARD FOR
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
*
-
--
PRESIDENTIAL RANK AWARDS
*
—
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
A WARD
*
EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE
AWARDS
*
DONALD L. SCANTLEBURY
AWARD
*
ASSOCIATION 0FGOVERNMENT -
ACCOUNTANTS ACHIEVEMENT
OF THE YEAR AWARD
*
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTANTS DISTINGUISHED
LEADERSHIP AWARD
*
DEPARTMENT OF THE
TREASURY AWARD FOR
DISTINCTION IN CASH
MANAGEMENT
*
JOHN E. FOGARTY AWARD
*
MARY 0. PINKARD LEADER IN
FEDERAL EQUITY AWARD
*
-------
Exhibit 2: Outside Awards Calendar
Month Due to Sponsor
AWARDS - JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
ALL STAR TEAM AWARDS
*
ARTHUR S. FLEMMING AWARD
*
WILLIAM A. JUMP AWARD
*
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
PROGRAM
*
EXCALIBUR AWARD
*
NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE
AWARDS
*
COMMON CAUSE PUBLIC SEA-
VICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
*
CONGRESSIONAL AWARD FOR
EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE
PUBLIC
(AS ANNOUNCED)
WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING (WISE) AWARD
*
FORMATION RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT AWARD
*
-------
Exhibit 2: Outside Awards Calendar
Month Due to Sponsor
AWARDS JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
NATIONAL MEDAL OF SCIENCE *
AWARD
GEI CO PUBUC SERVICE
AWARDS
*
ALAN T. WATERMAN AWARD
*
FEDERAL ENGINEER OF THE
YEAR AWARD
JUSTICE TOM C. CLARK AWARD
-
*
-
OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OF THE
YEAR AWARD
*
FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEER AWARD
*
PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT
IMPROVEMENT AWARDS
(AS ANNOUNCED)
YOUNGER FEDERAL LAWYER
AWARD
*
-------
Chapter 6
Awards for Public Health Service
Commissioned Officers
PHS Commissioned Officers
assigned to EPA may be recognized
for their contributions and
accomplishments through the Public
Health Service Commissioned
Officers’ Recognition Program. The
P1-IS program consists of honor
awards, unit group awards and
service awards. All must be
approved by the Public Health
Service. Commissioned Officers
may also receive EPA Honor
Awards and non-EPA awards.
Nominations for all PHS awards
listed in this chapter should be
submitted through management
channels to the EPA Awards
Program Officer at Headquarters.
Nominations must have the
endorsement of the Assistant
Administrator, Associate
Administrator, the General Counsel,
Regional Administrator or the
Inspector General, and the
Administrator. Nominations may be
submitted at any time during the
year. The EPA Awards Program
Officer will forward the nomination
to the Public Health Service.
Honor Awards
There are six honor awards used to
recognize commissioned officers.
The first five listed below consist of
a medal, ribbon bar, miniature
medal with ribbon, lapel device and
a certificate. The PHS Citation
consists of a ribbon bar and a
certificate.
• Distinguished Service Medal -
This is the highest award given to a
PHS Commissioned Officer and
represents an exceedingly high level
of achievement.
• Meritorious Service Medal - This
award is for outstanding service and
accomplishments in technical areas
or high quality and initiative in
leadership. It is the second highest
PHS award.
• Outstanding Service Medal - This
third highest P1-IS award is for
outstanding continuous leadership
and service to EPA.
• Commendation Medal - This
medal recognizes sustained high
quality work in scientific,
administrative or professional fields.
27
-------
Service Awards
• Achievement Medal - This medal
is awarded in recognition of
noteworthy accomplishments of
officers at the rank of 04 and below
in the performance of duty.
• PHS Citation - This award
recognizes noteworthy contributions
and sustained above-average
performance of duties.
Unit Awards
There are two unit awards, the
Outstanding Unit Citation and the
Unit Commendation, each
consisting of a ribbon bar and
certificate. These awards would be
rare in EPA. However, it is possible
that some organizational units
comprised almost totally of
commissioned officers might be
eligible. Questions about eligibility
and appropriate use of these awards
should be referred to the EPA
Awards Program Officer in advance
of any formal nomination.
There are four service awards, each
consisting of a ribbon bar and
certificate.
• Hazardous Duty Award - To be
eligible for this award, the officer
must have served in a position
requiring frequent risk to his/her
safety for a minimum of 180 days.
• Special Assignment Award -
Officers must have been detailed to
special program initiatives of other
Federal or state agencies or to other
organizations for a minimum of 30
days.
• Foreign Duty Award - This is for
service outside the continental
United States for at least 30
consecutive days or 90
nonconsecutive days in a foreign
post while on temporary or
permanent assignment.
• Isolated Hardship Award -
Service must be for a minimum of
180 consecutive days in an area
designated as being isolated,
remote, insular or a hardship duty
assignment.
A Hazardous Duty assignment.
28
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Chapter 7
Senior Executive Service Awards
Career members of the Senior
Executive Service are eligible for
bonuses of up to 20% of base pay
for extraordinary performance
during the year. In addition, they
may be nominated for two types of
Presidential Rank awards and
accompanying stipends granted
annually by the President to
recognize prolonged, high quality
accomplishments. The two awards
are (1) Meritorious Executive—for
sustained accomplishment which
Chapter 8
includes a lump sum payment of
$10,000 and (2) Distinguished
Executive—for sustained
extraordinary accomplishment
which includes a payment of
$20,000.
Both Career and Non-Career SES
members are eligible for special act or
service awards, suggestion awards,
EPA Honor awards and non-EPA
awards.
Local Awards and Other Forms of
Recognition
A number of EPA components have
developed special “local” awards
(either monetary or non-monetary)
to fit a particular purpose. For
example, the Office of Research and
Development has a special
“Scientific Achievement” awards
program. Other organizations have
awards such as “Employee of the
Month t ’ or “Employee of the
Quarter-”
In addition, organizations should
consider the almost limitless variety
of informal types of recognition that
can be used to reward employees.
Below are a few of the more
common incentives that have
proved to be meaningful to many
employees and can motivate and
sustain high levels of
accomplishment.
• Citations
• Letters of
Appreciation/Commendation
• Special certificates/plaques, etc.
• Newsletter articles, bulletin-
board notices, etc.
• Opportunity for special
assignments or extra training.
29
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