NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 3451.1C Effective Date: December 06, 2017 Expiration Date: October 31, 2024

Subject: NASA Awards and Recognition Program

Responsible Office: Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer

Chapter 3. Employee Suggestion Program

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 A suggestion is a constructive proposal that results in savings or an improvement to the Federal Government and/or the Agency. It poses a solution to a problem, a solution to a potential problem, or an opportunity to effect change.

3.1.2 Authorized management officials may grant an employee or group of employees a cash, honorary, informal recognition award, or a TOA in accordance with 5 CFR pt. 451 and this directive on the basis of a suggestion that contributes to the improvement of Government operations or services.

3.2 General Provisions

3.2.1 Suggestions will be submitted in writing in accordance with local procedures. Submissions will identify tangible cost savings, a higher-quality product, or a more efficient and effective work process.

3.2.2 The suggestion will include how the proposal should be implemented and estimated cost savings (including the formula used to estimate the savings) to be realized.

3.2.3 Adopted suggestions demonstrate a process improvement that saves the Government time and/or money and may include:

a. Reduction in the cost of operations or service.

b. Elimination of unnecessary operation or service.

c. Improvement in the quality of operations or service.

d. Development of new tools, equipment, processes, or procedures to accomplish the preceding purposes.

e. Improved employee morale.

3.2.4 Any Government employee or group of employees and contractors may submit a suggestion.

3.2.5 A former Government employee or the estate of a deceased employee may submit a suggestion, provided the suggestion was based on knowledge gained while the individual was a Government employee.

3.2.6 Contractors are ineligible for cash awards. If a team that is recognized for a suggestion includes a contractor, the non-civil servant team member may receive a certificate.

3.2.7 A cash award may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces but only in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Department of Defense.

3.2.8 A suggestion, whether adopted or implemented as submitted, or in part, that directly contributes to the economy or efficiency or directly increases effectiveness of Government operations or services, qualifies for honorary, time-off, or cash recognition awards, depending on the potential savings or profitability of the idea.

3.2.9 A suggestion can be outside the person's job responsibilities or, if within their job responsibilities, so superior that it warrants special recognition.

3.3 Award Amounts and Approval Levels

3.3.1 The amount of the award will be in proportion to the benefits realized by the Government. Approval levels for cash awards are described in Chapter 1 of this directive.

3.3.2 Award amounts can range from $25 to $25,000 in accordance with following chart:

3.4 Suggestion Program Coordinators and Evaluators

3.4.1 Centers will establish local procedures for program administration, including a process for submitting, receiving, and adjudicating suggestions and the identification of roles and responsibilities for program coordinators and evaluators.

3.4.2 Centers are responsible for the coordination and implementation of suggestions approved for adoption within the Center that merit consideration at other Centers or other Federal agencies.

3.4.3 Suggestions approved for adoption with tangible benefits exceeding the amount authorized for payment within a Center will be forwarded to the AA, OHCM for coordination and approval.

DISTRIBUTION:
NODIS

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