Public Service Awards
Purpose
GEICO was founded in 1936 to serve the insurance needs of federal employees. Even though GEICO now also services the general public, GEICO has maintained its relationship with federal employees, recognizing the special qualities of these individuals.
Throughout this long-standing association, GEICO has observed the many accomplishments of federal employees. These employees are making tremendous differences in the quality and efficiency of services and are responsible for the success of many scientific, medical and technical programs.
All too frequently, the public does not learn of the accomplishments of federal workers. This lack of recognition is unfortunate because there are many career civil service employees who consistently excel in the performance of their duties. In the case of a select few, their dedication to professionalism has resulted in especially noteworthy accomplishments exemplifying the highest level of service to the public.
In 1980, The GEICO Public Service Awards were established to emphasize GEICO's belief that the contributions of many hardworking, talented federal employees are deserving of special acclaim. GEICO Philanthropic Foundation sponsors and grants the awards.
It is also recognized that upon retirement many federal employees continue to be involved in worthwhile activities in the private sector through a new career and/or by volunteer work.
To acknowledge the work of this very important element of our society, GEICO Philanthropic Foundation will recognize one retired federal employee who has made outstanding achievements in one of the four fields of endeavor, in addition to the four active federal employees who are honored.
The Awards
A $2,500 cash award with an all expense paid trip to Washington DC for the winner and spouse, and a commemorative plaque will be presented to four active federal employees for their special achievements and contribution to the public good.
One award will be made to each of the four active federal employees for outstanding achievements in one of the following areas:
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Award
- The federal employee nominated for this category should be making (or have made) significant contributions to the prevention of substance or alcohol abuse and/or in the education and enlightenment of the public in this area. The work may be all or part of their occupation, or as a result of volunteer efforts.
Fire Prevention and Safety Award
- The federal employee nominated for this category should be making (or have made) significant contributions in the prevention of fires and its hazards and/or in the education and enlightenment of the public in this area. The work may be all or part of their occupation, or as a result of volunteer efforts.
Physical Rehabilitation Award
- The federal employee nominated for this category should be making (or have made) significant contributions to the rehabilitation of persons affected by physical limitations as a result of accident or birth and/or in the education and enlightenment of the public in this area. The work may be all or part of their occupation, or as a result of volunteer efforts.
Traffic Safety and Accident Prevention Award
- The federal employee nominated for this category should be making (or have made) significant contributions to vehicular and pedestrian safety and/or in the education and enlightenment of the public in this area. The work may be all or part of their occupation, or as a result of volunteer efforts.
In addition, one retired federal employee will be honored for contributions made since retirement in one of the four fields.
Eligibility
All career civil service employees are eligible, including employees of the library of Congress, the General Accounting Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capital, the Government Printing Office, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Smithsonian Institution, the Botanic Garden, and the Office of Homeland Security.
Through established nomination and selection procedures for incentive awards, each federal department, independent agency or office in the Executive Branch should identify employees who have provided outstanding service to the public or otherwise contributed noteworthy achievements in the fields recognized by the GEICO Public Service Awards.
Nominees will be judged principally on the impact of their work related, or non-work related, contributions and the extent to which they have served as an inspiration to others and brought credit to the federal service. For each employee entered for consideration, the respective organization should prepare the following supportive material:
- Name, title, grade, organization, address including zip code, phone number, email address, and a brief biographical sketch to include education, employment history and family;
- Description of the specific achievement or service which would qualify the employee for the award;
- Name, phone number, and email address, of the individual to contact for further information;
- Cover letter from the department or agency head or designee endorsing the nomination;
- It is not necessary for agencies, groups, or organizations, to pre-screen nominations they may receive. Committees are in place to facilitate this task. Please forward all submitted nominations to the nomination's committee.
- Group nominations are not eligible.
- This material should be submitted in one package, two to three pages per nomination, and forwarded to:
GEICO Public Service Awards
Federal Department
Nomination Committee (Federal Program)
One GEICO Plaza
Washington DC 20076
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING NOMINATIONS IS JANUARY 31.
Retirees
Eligibility for this special award is as follows:
- Only retired civilian federal employees on a federal retiree annuity may be nominated;
- The work done to merit consideration must have been accomplished since retirement from the federal service;
- The retiree's nomination should fall within one of the four categories of awards, as outlined in "The Awards" section
- Nominations must be submitted by January 31.
GEICO Public Service Awards
Federal Department
Nomination Committee (Federal Program)
One GEICO Plaza
Washington DC 20076
- Nominations may be made by NARFE chapters or persons who have knowledge of the retiree's specific achievements. However, neither the nominator(s) or the nominee is required to be a member of NARFE;
- Each nomination should be submitted in one package, two to three pages in length, and must include:
- Name, address, phone number, email address and biographical sketch of nominee, including education, employment history, grade and job title at retirement, and date of retirement from the federal service; Description of the specific achievement or service which would qualify the retiree for the award.
- Name, address, phone number, and email address of two individuals who can validate the accomplishments.
- Name and phone number of an individual to contact for further information.
- The work done to merit consideration must have been in one of the four fields of the award.
