NIH External Awards Program

The NIH External Awards Program is defined as the coordination and management of all awards and leadership development programs solicited for by the Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, the Department solicits for 13 awards. The centrally coordinated NIH External Awards Program is managed by the Office of Human Resources and includes the awards listed below.

Questions about the NIH External Awards Program can be directed to Liz Barton. NIH employees may access additional awards information and IC-specific guidelines by contacting their Institutes and Center’s Awards Coordinator.

National Medal of Science

To recognize individuals for outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, and social and behavioral sciences.

Official site: National Medal of Science

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

Available: January - March

Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award

To recognize sustained outstanding leadership and contributions to financial management, and to encourage increased interest, growth, and distinctive leadership in the field of financial management.

Official site: Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award

Sponsor: Association of Government Accountants (AGA)

Available: January

National Medal of Technology and Innovation

To recognize contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and those who made substantial contributions to strengthen the Nation’s technological workforce.

Official site: National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Sponsor: US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Available: January - March

Association of Government Accountants Achievement of the Year Award

To recognize leadership or outstanding achievement in development, implementing, and improving financial management in Government service.

Official site: Association of Government Accountants Achievement of the Year Award

Sponsor: Association of Government Accountants (AGA)

Available: January - February

Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership

To recognize Federal career executives who have demonstrated outstanding executive leadership.

Official site: Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership

Sponsor: American University School of Public Affairs

Available: February

Frank B. Rowlett Awards

To recognize individuals and organizations for one-time or long-term achievement in the improvement of national information systems security, information assurance readiness or defensive information operations.

Official site: Frank B. Rowlett Awards

Sponsor: National Security Agency Central Security Service

Available: August - September

NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Award

To recognize engineers who have contributed to the successful operations of the Federal Government.

Official site: NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Award

Sponsor: National Society of Professional Engineers

Available: September

National Public Service Award

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)To recognize individuals for outstanding contributions in public service on a sustained basis.

Official site: National Public Service Award

Sponsor: American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

Available: October

AMA Outstanding Government Service

To recognize individuals for outstanding endeavors to advance the public health.

Official site: AMA Outstanding Government Service

Sponsor: American Medical Association (AMA)

Available: September - October

Service to America Medals

To recognize federal employees who have shown a strong commitment to public service and demonstrated significant accomplishment within their government field that is innovative, high impact, and meets a critical need for the nation.

Official site: Service to America Medals

Sponsor: Partnership for Public Service (PPS)

Available: September - November

Arthur S. Flemming Awards

To recognize outstanding and meritorious work within the Federal Government in administration, applied science and mathematics and science.

Official site: Arthur S. Flemming Awards

Sponsor: George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy

Available: November

Lasker Awards

To recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in basic or clinical research in diseases that are the main cause of death and disability.

Official site: Lasker Awards

Sponsor: Lasker Foundation

Available: November

HHS Departmental Awards

Recognizes top individual and team performers for exceptional and meritorious achievements that contribute significantly to the Department’s mission and goals.

Official site:

Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Available: November - December

The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards

Honors an all-star team of distinguished federal officials for outstanding achievement in delivering on government's promise to serve the American people. The annual award highlights noteworthy accomplishments across the federal sector in a given year.

Official site: The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards

Sponsor: Government Executive

Available: Varies (Spring)