The Director’s Award is intended to recognize superior performance or special efforts significantly beyond the regular duty requirements, and directly related to fulfilling the NIH mission. Nominations are to be submitted for one of the four specific categories according to the nature of the act, service or work performance. There are four employee categories for the NIH Director's Award, each with specific eligibility and nomination criteria, as outlined below.

Category 1 - Scientific/Medical

Eligibility

• All NIH employees or group of employees in the scientific/medical professions.

Criteria

• Unusual display of leadership which promoted the advancement of the understanding or application of scientific phenomena, processes, or problems.
• Unusual achievement in the application of scientific principles and methods to improve the efficiency or extend the benefits of the NIH.
• Discovery or invention of a new principle, process, or device or a scientific nature that resulted in substantial benefits.
• Unusual competence, compassion, or heroism in an emergency situation at the NIH.
• Sustained and excellent performance in carrying out a difficult task.
• Outstanding contribution to a special committee or task force dealing with NIH-wide policies, procedures, or operations.
• Skill and leadership in science.

Category 2 - Technical/Clerical/Support

Eligibility

• All NIH employees or groups of employees in grades GS-1 through GS-9, and Wage Grade equivalent.

Criteria

• Outstanding efforts in applying technical or clerical support skills to accomplish NIH mission.
• Exceptional initiative in carrying out activities to improve NIH program operations or to benefit the NIH environment.
• Unusual competence, compassion, or heroism in an emergency situation at NIH.
• Sustained and excellent performance in carrying out a difficult task.

Category 3 - Administrative

Eligibility

• All NIH employees or group of employees not covered by Categories A nor Category B.

Criteria

• Exceptional initiative or leadership in carrying out activities to improve NIH program operations or to benefit the NIH environment.
• Development and improvement of methods, procedures, or equipment that resulted in substantial benefits to the NIH or Government.
• Unusual competence, compassion, or heroism in an emergency situation at NIH.
• Sustained and excellent performance in carrying out a difficult task.
• Outstanding contribution to a special committee or task force dealing with NIH-wide policies, procedures, or operations.
• Notable competence and resourcefulness in improving the administrative management of the NIH.
• Skill and leadership in administration.

Category 4 - Mentoring

Eligibility

• All NIH employees who mentor others

Criteria

• Demonstrates effective people skills -- effectively communicating and actively listening; resolving conflicts and giving appropriate feedback.
• Valuing and taking pride in NIH and its work; understanding its mission, vision, and values and supporting its initiatives.
• Exhibiting patience and willingness to spend and provide adequate time serving in the role of mentor.
• Serving as a role model -- teaching and demonstrating high standards of performance, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Motivating and inspiring the mentee to do better--through encouraging feedback and challenging his/her potential.
• Providing visibility through securing challenging projects and assignment for the mentee, and by discussing his/her accomplishments with others.