GSFC Incentive Awards Program

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NASA Technology Awards/Incentives
+ Awards won
+ Nomination information

IPP Office Technology Awards
+ Awards won
+ Nomination information

GSFC Awards
+ Awards won
- Nomination information

External Technology Awards
+ Awards won
+ Nomination information

If you would like additional information, nomination procedures, or to nominate a team or individual for awards listed on this site, please contact:

Innovative Partnerships Program
Code 504
phone: (301) 286-5810
email: Innovative Partnerships Program

NOTE: Some downloadable forms require Acrobat Reader software. Download free copy.

The awards program at Goddard Space Flight Center is intended to recognize employees for their job performance, performance exceeding job requirements, and their outstanding contributions to the NASA mission.

These Center-level honor awards and recognition program align with the Center's core values and goals and are linked to employee performance.

+ Incentive Awards and Recognition (GPD 3451.1D)
+ GSFC Cash Awards
+ GSFC On-the-Spot Award
+ Moe I. Schneebaum Memorial Award for Engineering
+ William Nordberg Memorial Award for Earth Science
+ John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for Space Science
+ Excellence in Information Science & Technology (IS&T) Award

+ Annual Awards Calendar and Ceremony Information
+ Award Recipients (NASA Employees Only)

Incentive Awards and Recognition (GPD 3451.1D)
(Copy obtained through the Goddard Directives Management System (GDMS). This GPD includes important information on the Incentive Awards program, including descriptions of awards)

-Nomination Form (Adobe Acrobat Format)

+ Past winners

GSFC Cash Awards

Job Performance: Performance Awards are lump sum cash awards based on a high level of performance of specific duties identified in an employee’s performance plan and reflected in the most recent performance rating. If the last rating of record is "Meets Expectations," additional justification is not required. All GSFC employees, with the exception of Senior Executive Service (SES), are eligible for this award. The "Period of Time Covered" should reflect the performance plan year on which the award is based. Award amounts may not exceed 10 percent of basic pay unless the NASA Administrator approves a higher amount for unusually outstanding performance. Job performance awards are to be submitted only by the supervisor-of-record or higher in the employee’s home organization.
Special Act Awards (Individual): Special Act Awards are lump sum cash awards based on employee actions, which have exceeded job requirements on a one-time occurrence. All GSFC employees are eligible.
Special Act Awards (Group Achievement): Group Achievement Awards are Special Act or Time-Off Awards granted to any group or team of individuals who, through technical and managerial competence, personal dedication, and joint cooperation, have made an outstanding contribution to the Center's mission. All GSFC employees are eligible. Describe the nature of the contribution (what was done, how performance or expectations were exceeded-quality, timeliness, customer service, productivity, innovation, cost savings, overcoming adverse obstacles, etc.) and the results or outcomes produced.
Quality Step Increase: Quality Step Increase (QSI) awards are a step increase in addition to, and apart from, the regular within-grade increases. QSI awards are given for sustained high-quality performance significantly above that expected at the fully successful level in the employee’s position. Only GS/GM employees with a current performance rating of “Meets Expectations,” below Step 10 of his/her grade level, and who have not received a QSI within the past 52 consecutive calendar weeks are eligible. Provide justification demonstrating sustained high performance. Subject to approval of Director of or Staff Office Head.
Time-Off: Time-Off Awards are awards of time off without charge to leave or loss of pay primarily intended to recognize employee(s) contributions of a one-time non-recurring nature. Time-Off Awards can be used alone or in conjunction with monetary awards (Job Performance or Special Act). Time-Off may be granted in amounts of up to 40 hours for a single contribution not to exceed 80 hours during a leave year. All GSFC employees are eligible. Refer to GPD 3451.1 to determine the number of hours appropriate for the contribution.