New award categories are now available in eTracker to align with  Departmental Regulation 4040-430, the new award regulation.

New Award Categories

• Monetary achievement awards have replaced performance, extra effort and spot awards. 
• Time off achievement awards have replaced time off awards.

More Important Award information

• Measurable and non-measurable tables (internal link) have been updated. 
• Measurable benefit scale will automatically calculate award amount based on anticipated savings.
• A completed/signed AD 287-2 form is a required for monetary/time off awards.
• A completed/signed AD 3115 form is required for quality step increases.
• Please remember to include a justification for the award.
• Non-monetary awards will continue to be processed based on local unit protocols.

What You Need to Do

Please continue to use eTracker to submit monetary and time off awards.  
The new award regulations highly encourage supervisors to recognize employees throughout the year and not wait until the end of the fiscal year.

Please remember to include a justification for the award.

For additional awards information, please visit the HRM award website (internal link).

 Help is available

 Open an HR Help case:

 Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2

• Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
• Self-Service: ConnectHR, then click HR Help
• For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.