1. The Employer and the Union agree that substantial benefits will occur through energetic sponsorship and maintenance of an awards program and that awards will be distributed in a fair and equitable manner. The Awards and Recognition Program is designed to encourage all Employees to share actively in improving Government operations; enhancing productivity and creativity; and achieving personal job satisfaction through providing timely recognition to those whose job performance and adopted ideas benefit the government and are substantially above normal job requirements.
2. The Program shall be administered in accordance with appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and Agency guidance, and the provisions of this Agreement. The Employer will provide the Union with a copy of the current agency Guidance.
3. The Employer will provide an annual list of awards presented to bargaining unit Employees which will include organizational location, series, grade, and type of award.
4. When an Employee performs exceptionally and receives an award, the award will be processed promptly and a congratulatory letter, or award certificate will accompany the award.
5. The Awards and Recognition Program allows for the acknowledgment of contributions that lead to achievement of organizational, team, or individual results through the use of monetary awards, non-monetary recognition, and honor awards.
a) Monetary awards are cash awards (e.g., On-the-Spot Awards, Special Thanks for Achieving Results (STAR), Quality Step Increases, Continuous Improvement Incentives) which may be granted to recognize an individual or team for achieving organizational results; providing quality customer service; displaying exemplary behavior, dedication, innovation, and/or team cooperation; fostering partnerships; promoting diversity; ensuring safety in the work place; or for sustained exceptional performance.
b) Non-monetary Recognition and Informal Honors (e.g., Time-Off Recognition, Non- monetary Recognition of nominal and significant value, informal honors, Length-of- Service Recognition) may be granted to Employees to recognize superior accomplishment of regularly assigned duties; exceptional achievement of project goals; noteworthy accomplishments over a sustained period; or specific contributions to the organization's mission.
c) Honor Awards (e.g., Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, Unit Award for Excellence of Service, Superior Service, Heroic Act Honors) are the most prestigious recognition that may be granted for career accomplishments, exceptional support of the Department/Bureau mission, or for heroism.