The Project legislative authority for awards is section 10(b)(7): Performance-recognition bonuses shall be awarded in appropriate circumstances (but shall not be considered a part of basic pay).
A performance bonus requires an rating of Contributor or higher, and the decision to give a bonus is made concurrently with the performance rating decision. Therefore, a performance bonus award can only be given with the annual performance rating. Bonuses will be approved by the Pay Pool Manager, from $250 up to the full NIST authority of $10,000. The granting of a bonus must be recorded on NIST-01 together with the performance rating and performance pay increase.
A Special Act or Service Award is an unusual one-time, non-recurring contribution or accomplishment in the public interest, such as a scientific achievement, an act of heroism, or a performance-related accomplishment not specifically covered by the performance plan. This award must be based on tangible or intangible benefits to the Government and can be given during the performance cycle but promptly after the time the contribution occurred. It may be given to an employee or a group of employees. The granting of the award must be recorded on the awards form NIST-012 and must be paid from the authorized bonus pool.
Internal NIST awards, such as time off, cash-in your account, suggestion awards and, Department of Commerce medal awards, and other honorary awards are also granted.