There are two categories of awards, distinguished and meritorious, with one grouping for SES members and another for senior level/senior scientific or technical employees. Image: Arthimedes/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has asked agencies to submit nominations by February 16 for the annual Presidential Rank Awards for career employees in the SES and equivalent levels.
“A Presidential Rank Award is the one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service; and, accordingly, I am asking you to nominate your most exceptional career executives and senior professionals – those who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the federal government,” OPM director Kiran Ahuja said in a December 27 memo at www.chcoc.gov.
“The individuals who are nominated and chosen for these awards perform valuable services on behalf of the American public and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to public service. We are looking for extraordinary leaders who have made significant contributions in delivering mission critical solutions, providing excellent customer service and providing excellent customer service,” she said.
There are two categories of awards, distinguished and meritorious, with one grouping for SES members and another for senior level/senior scientific or technical employees, commonly called senior professionals. The “distinguished” award, worth 35 percent of base pay, can be granted to no more than 1 percent of an agency’s employees in such positions and the “meritorious” award, worth 20 percent of base pay, to no more than 5 percent.
Agencies, including IG offices, may nominate up to 9 percent of their career SES and SL/ST populations, it said, but agencies “should consider their fiscal conditions and resources needed to meet overall agency mission priorities in determining the number of nominations to submit.”
As in prior years, the memo added that when making nominations, agencies are to take into consideration “any issues relating to personal and professional conduct such as past misconduct or disciplinary actions” and pending investigations that may lead to such findings.
The memo contains guidance and instructions on nominations.
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