Awards are discretionary.
They should be used to motivate, recognize, and reward eligible personnel linking demonstra- ble accomplishments or contributions to the organization's goals and objectives with receipt of an award. To achieve their purpose, awards should be given as close as possible to the act or event being recognized and should be commensurate with the value of the employee's contribution or accomplishment. Awards may be monetary or non-monetary. Establish honorary and informal recognition awards Ensure that the activity awards program does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or disability Funding Levels Awards are budgeted for at the echelon 1 and 2 levels. The minimum funding level is 1.5 percent of aggregate base salaries of covered employees as of 1 October of each year.