Presidential Rank Awards are back

The Presidential Rank Awards are back in 2021, after a one-year hiatus. The awards pay significant cash bonuses to recipients in the Senior Executive Service and individuals in senior level and scientific or professional (SL/ST) positions.

An announcement from the Office of Personnel Management, which administers the awards, said that the resumption represents the Biden administration's "commitment to supporting the federal workforce and recognizing federal employees who serve with distinction."

The program was established by the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act, and there are multiple tiers of awards. Distinguished Rank awardees can receive a cash award amounting to 35% of their base salary. Such recipients cannot comprise more than 1% of the career SES or SL/ST workforce. Winners of the Meritorious Rank awards are eligible for a cash award of 20% of their base salary. No more than 5% of the senior workforce can be recognized with this distinction.

"The Presidential Rank Awards have a rich history of awarding well-deserved individuals in federal career service. We are pleased that the Office of Personnel Management has made it a priority to bring back these distinguished awards to honor our dedicated civil servants in the federal workforce," Ronald Klain, White House chief of staff, said in a statement. "The president looks forward to being part of the selection process and lifting up individuals that consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to public service."

OPM is charged with administering the awards, developing standards for recognition and organizing review boards to examine nominations. The president is responsible for the final selection of recipients.

Nominations are due to OPM by April 9.