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

Preface

P.1 Purpose

a. The Agency is committed to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Government operations by recognizing and rewarding its employees for results-based performance.

b. This directive establishes the responsibilities and requirements for the Agency's awards program based on individual and group performance results that directly support, enhance, and achieve the Agency's mission and strategic goals. It also emphasizes recognition of cross-functional activities and teamwork across the Agency.

c. The Agency awards vision states that all awards are given:

(1) for the RIGHT CONTRIBUTION... advances the Agency's agenda to align values and performance expectations, provides organizational learning, and strengthens the relationship between employees and management.

(2) to the RIGHT PERSON... when fully deserved, to employees who meet clearly understood criteria and with full explanation of the accomplishment being recognized.

(3) at the RIGHT TIME/EVENT... in an appropriate manner, without undue delay, and of sufficient value to be meaningful.

d. This directive includes instructions for the nomination of employees for external awards sponsored by other Government agencies and private sector organizations.

e. This directive supplements referenced statutes and regulations. Consult your Center Human Resources (HR) for further information and guidance.

P.2 Applicability

a. This directive is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers. This directive applies to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), and other contractors only to the extent specified or referenced in applicable contracts.

b. In this directive, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term "shall." The terms "may" or "can" denote discretionary privilege or permission, "should" denotes a good practice and is recommended, but not required, "will" denotes expected outcome, and "are/is" denotes descriptive material.

c. This directive does not apply to rank awards or performance awards for members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Scientific or Professional (ST) or Senior Level (SL) employees.

d. Any reference to Center Director(s) or Centers includes the Executive Director, Headquarters Operations, and the Executive Director, NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC).

e. In this directive, all document citations are assumed to be the latest version unless otherwise noted.

f. The Office of the Inspector General has statutory independence and may create a separate award and recognition system that more effectively meets its mission requirements.

P.3 Authority

a. Performance Appraisal, 5 U.S.C., chapter 43.

b. Incentive Awards, 5 U.S.C., chapter 45.

c. Additional Step Increases, 5 U.S.C. § 5336.

d. The National Aeronautics and Space Act, 51 U.S.C. § 20113.

P.4 Applicable Documents and Forms

a. Agency Awards, 5 U.S.C. § 4503.

b. Experts and Consultants, 5 CFR, pt. 304.

c. Awards, 5 CFR, pt. 451.

d. Quality Step Increases, 5 CFR, pt. 531, subpart E.

e. NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 3000.1, Human Capital Management.

f. NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 1441.1, NASA Records Management Program Requirements.

g. NPR 3430.1, NASA Employee Performance and Communication System (EPCS).

h. NC 1000.11, NASA Incentive Awards Board.

P.5 Measurement/Verification

a. Centers will periodically evaluate the awards program to ensure compliance and assess trends to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.

b. The Assistant Administrator, Office of Human Capital Management (AA, OHCM) will conduct periodic evaluation activities for compliance and effectiveness.

P.6 Cancellation

NPR 3451.1B, NASA Awards and Recognition Program, dated June 4, 2009.

DISTRIBUTION:
NODIS

This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.