DPA - Benefits - Superior Accomplishment Awards

The Merit Award Program is also responsible for the administration of the Superior Accomplishment Awards. One award is for performance resulting in exceptional contribution to improving State government; another award is for Sustained Superior Accomplishment over a two year period. These awards are excellent tools for recognizing teams as well as individuals. Many State agencies have been using the Superior Accomplishment Awards to enhance their employees’ morale. The Merit Award staff meets with agency Merit Award Administrators and provides them with extensive guidance about ways to use these incentive awards to benefit employees as well as the agency. Nominations for these awards must be submitted on a Std. 278 - Superior Accomplishment Gift or Cash Award Recommendation.

In terms of specific areas of accomplishment, they may include the following topics:

An important contribution to science, research or development.

An unequaled personal effort in overcoming unusual difficulties or obstacles in the completion of a major project or task with substantial benefits to the State.

Completion of a major project or task in a significantly shorter period of time with substantial benefits to the State.

The Superior Accomplishment Award

This award is for performance by an individual or team of employees, which results in an exceptional contribution to improving state government.

For a silver award, an individual or team may receive an engraved walnut plaque or a certificate, and/or cash or gift award. The awards are from $25 to $250 per individual or team. Departments have the option of providing cash or equivalent gift awards. A gold award consists of an engraved walnut plaque and a cash or gift award from $50 to $500 per individual or team. The maximum amount allowable for this award is $500. It would be rare that a group of individuals would receive a gold award, as this award is of such prominent degree that it merits recognition of the highest order.

The Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award

This award is for the sustained act of superior job performance over a two-year period, resulting in an exceptional contribution to the efficiency of state government.

The following parameters establish the maximum number of nominations for an award which can be made by participating departments:

Employee Population

Maximum Annual Awards

100

1

200

2

300

3

The maximum standard is one nomination per 100 employees. Departments may nominate fewer individuals.

At the discretion of the agency, the award consists of a framed certificate and/or gift or cash award of a minimum of $25 up to a maximum of $250 per individual or team. The agency is responsible for the design, purchase, and printing of certificates.