The administration of the Incentive Award Program is guided by DC Code §1-619 and the regulations established in the District Personnel Manual, Chapter 19. It is the policy of the District of Columbia that high performing employees should be rewarded and recognized for their efforts to benefit the District government.

Any one of the types of incentive awards below may be granted in combination with any one or more of the others. Honorary awards and employee recognition carry their own value and do not need to use limited agency funds to have a positive impact on District employees.

A nomination shall be submitted on DC Form 27B, “Recommendation for Non-Monetary Incentive Award,” to the DCOP Performance Management Unit for filing in the employee’s official personnel file.

Tangible Item Award

This award may be presented by managers and supervisors, who have been delegated this authority by agency heads, to employees who have made a noteworthy contribution. The tangible item(s) presented for a single contribution may not exceed $50. Examples of Tangible Item Awards include mugs, pins, plaques, or gift certificates.

Time-Off Award

This award may be granted by managers and supervisors who have the authority to approve leave, pursuant to DPM Chapter 12, to employees who have exemplified strong job-related performance. Only one Time-Off Award, not exceeding a total of 24 hours of time off, may be granted for any one contribution on the part of an employee.

Distinguished Service Award

This award is the highest District honorary award an employee may receive for performance contributions. An appropriate monetary award may accompany a certificate and pin.

Meritorious Service Award

This award is the second highest District government award to an employee for performance contributions. A Special Act or Service monetary award may accompany a certificate and pin.

Certificates and Pins

These may be used by an agency to recognize outstanding performance, length of service, appreciation for retirees, or exemplary supervisory/managerial accomplishments.

Group Award

These awards may be granted to a team of employees who collectively make a significant contribution to the financial and/or operational success of the District of Columbia, or show superior performance on a team project or task. Group Awards may be honorary or monetary, or both.