We are providing information about the implementation of our new agency budget structure through myth-busting and sharing facts that help us all learn together.

Myth #8: Because of budget modernization I cannot give a cash award to an individual I don’t supervise. 
 
Fact #8: Although any employee can recommend another employee for an award, under the new regulations, final approval through the e-tracker system resides with the receiving employee’s supervisor. The regulations on employee awards, including who can recommend and approve awards, are set by Human Resources Management and based on Departmental Regulation 4040-430. Detailed information can be found on HRM's website (internal link).

Funding for awards using reimbursable, permanent or trust funds has not changed. Only funding for employee awards using appropriated funds has changed under the new budget structure. When paying for an award using appropriated funds, the salaries and expenses job code assigned to the employee’s official position at the time the work was performed is what will fund the award. This is the same direction as any other salary and expense item, such as travel, training, overtime, etc.

It includes awards given to acknowledge work done for other units. Even though the work performed may have been for another unit, the employee is acting within the scope of their position. Therefore, the home organization’s S&E job code funds this cash award. For official detailers or employees who moved to other positions (e.g., a SF-52 was processed by Human Resource Management staff), the funding for awards should come from the unit the employee was assigned to at the time the work was performed.

It is important that we honor employees’ contributions appropriately throughout the year, both internal and external to a unit. To do so requires purposeful thought by managers as they develop their S&E budget plans for the year.

For more detailed information about current budget operations and FAQs, you can visit FY2021 Appropriated Budget Structure (internal site) or contact your local budget officer.

Budget Myth. vs. Fact: Employee travel expenses.