Our mail includes often-asked questions.
Answer: As defined in the Handbook, a retention standard describes the level of performance necessary to be retained in a job (i.e., the standard written for performance one level above the Unacceptable level). In appraisal programs where a Minimally Successful or equivalent level exists for appraising elements, the retention standard is the Minimally Successful or equivalent standard. In appraisal programs that do not have a Minimally Successful or equivalent level available, the retention standard is the Fully Successful standard.
The Merit Systems Protection Board and the courts have held that an agency must ensure that retention standards:
Question: Can an employee receive two awards for the same accomplishment or contribution?
Answer: Yes, under certain circumstances. In the Federal Government, awards may take four forms: cash awards, time off awards, honorary awards, and informal recognition awards. You may use any combination of award forms to reward a specific contribution. For example, an employee might receive both a certificate and a check as recognition for a single contribution. However, the overall value of the award in its combined forms should not exceed the value to the organization of the contribution recognized. Thus, the award should be commensurate with the contribution of the employee.
The same principle applies whether you are combining award forms or granting two awards of the same form for a single contribution. For example, an employee might receive two awards in the form of cash for a single contribution when, upon evaluating the contribution recognized, the organization realizes the value of the contribution is greater than the original award granted. However, the total value of both awards should not exceed the value of the contribution recognized.
Originally published Spring 2001