The supervisor establishes performance elements and standards in consultation with the executive. Executives serving in noncareer, limited term and limited emergency appointments are ineligible for performance awards. In addition to performance awards, executives are eligible for awards that are monetary, honorary or time-off in nature. The most prestigious recognition afforded a career member of the SES is the Presidential Rank Award. Executives who sustain exceptional accomplishments or performance over a period of at least three years may be nominated for one of two Presidential ranks - Distinguished or Meritorious .
Any excess amount is paid at the start of the next calendar year.
As a supplement to annual performance appraisals, recertification cumulatively reviews a three-year period to determine whether an executive's overall performance demonstrates the standards of excellence expected at this level. The recertification process first occurred in 1991 and continues to take place at three-year intervals. Career senior executives who have been continuously employed in the SES for 156 weeks preceding recertification, including breaks in service of 6 months or less, are subject to its provisions. Recertification provisions call for the supervisor of a SES member to submit to the PRB a recommendation as to whether the executive should be recertified. The recommendation considers factors such as performance ratings, awards and recognition, as well as developmental activities.