The Federal Incentive Awards Program celebrated 43 years in 1997. The Program was established by the Government Employee's Incentive Awards Act, Title III of Public Law 793, enacted September 1, 1954. The Department's recognition program is designed to fairly and equitably recognize and reward individuals and groups for excellence in service to USDA's mission. All USDA employees are eligible for most types of recognition. In addition, former employees whose contributions occurred while they were employed with USDA and private citizens who contributed to the mission of USDA or the Federal Government as a whole are eligible to receive recognition.
Private citizens are eligible to receive only nonmonetary recognition.
The Office of Human Resources Management provides ongoing advisory services and leadership, formulates Departmental policy, and training for agencies about the employee recognition program. A policy work group consisting of the Department's Employee Recognition Program Managers and several Employee Recognition Program Coordinators has been established. A policy statement is included in all Departmental guidance encouraging agency coordinators to share information with managers, supervisors, and employees at headquarters and all field locations. In addition a reminder is provided informing agencies that the Department's employee recognition program is designed to fairly and equitably recognize and reward individuals and groups for excellence in service to the Department of Agriculture's mission.