FAQs

How do I submit a nomination?

The nomination deadline is November 29, 2024. The 2025 finalists will be announced in early May during Public Service Recognition Week.

I can’t access the online nomination form. What do I do?

Download the Word version of the form which you can email back to us once it’s completed.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone can submit a nomination—federal employee or not, friend or family member, supervisor or employee, but you need to be familiar with the nominee’s work and accomplishments.  

Can I nominate myself?

No, but you can ask someone else to nominate you.

Can I nominate a team?

Yes! We accept nominations for teams of any size but ask that you designate a team leader and up to two additional named team members who will represent the entire team at recognition events, in media coverage and published materials. 

Who is eligible for the Service to America Medals?

All career civilian federal employees of the executive branch of the U.S. government are eligible. 

For special employee categories, we often ask the following to determine eligibility: “Is the employee covered by or eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Federal Employees Health Benefits programs, or similar agency retirement and health programs?”

Are Foreign Service employees eligible?

Yes, Foreign Service employees are eligible.

Are government contractors eligible?

U.S. Personal Services Contractors are eligible, but private-sector employees are not. All contractors may be part of a team nomination led by a civilian federal employee.  

Are military personnel eligible?

Active-duty military personnel are not eligible but may be part of a team led by a civilian federal employee. 

Non-combat uniformed services, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service, are eligible.

Are foreign nationals eligible?

Foreign nationals are not eligible but may be part of a team led by a civilian federal employee. 

Are former federal employees who recently retired or passed away eligible?

No, we do not accept posthumous nominations or nominations for retired federal employees.

Our goal is to publicly recognize current federal employees and their achievements on behalf of the American people. Nominees must be active federal employees at the time the nomination is submitted. 

May I nominate the same person or team for multiple nominations?

No. We also strongly encourage you to tailor the accomplishment description to justify why the nominee should be recognized in the selected category. However, we can reassign nominations to a better medal category, if we feel it’s a better fit elsewhere.

Is there a limit to the number of nominations a particular nominator or agency may submit?

No. The more, the merrier! We especially encourage nominators and agencies to nominate federal employees of different social identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, neurologic or physical ability, background, experiences) to celebrate and honor how they serve the public.  

Does the Partnership for Public Service require agency approval of nominations?

No. While some agencies or divisions may conduct an internal review process, we do not require advance sign-off by a particular office. However, we request that each nomination includes the nominee’s supervisor or higher-level official as a nominator or reference so we may verify that the nomination is endorsed and/or supported by the agency. 

Who chooses the finalists and winners?

The finalists are determined by the Partnership for Public Service staff following a careful review of the nominations and vetting of the potential finalists, including interviews with the potential finalists, their nominators, references and additional sources. 

The winners are determined by the Partnership based on the votes submitted by a Selection Committee consisting of national leaders representing government, business, entertainment, media and the nonprofit/foundation communities. 

What recognition do nominees receive if not selected as a finalist?

Most nominees appreciate learning that a supervisor or colleague has recognized their hard work and achievements and took the time to submit a nomination. The Partnership for Public Service will send a congratulatory letter to each nominee to say thank you for their service. In addition, we are always looking for opportunities to showcase nominees in other Partnership programs or media coverage about government service. 

I just submitted a nomination! When can I expect to hear from you?

Nominators, nominees and submitters (if applicable) will receive emails by the end of April letting them know the status of the nomination. 

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

For additional information, contact Catherine Wilson at sammies@ourpublicservice.org.