ALCOAST 185/18 - 2018 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) SECRETARY'S AWARDS CEREMONY REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS

R 171530 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N12451//
ALCOAST 185/18
COMDTNOTE 12451
SUBJ:  2018 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) SECRETARY'S AWARDS CEREMONY
REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS
1. Nominations are being accepted for the 2018 DHS Secretary's Awards Ceremony. The
Secretary will hold the 2018 Secretary's Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 7,
2018, in Washington, D.C. to honor individual and collective achievements across DHS
that occurred during the period of June 2017 through 31 May 2018.
2. Nominations are solicited for the following categories:
   a. Exceptional Service Award (Gold Medal);
   b. Meritorious Service Award (Silver Medal);
   c. Award for Valor;
   d. Award for Exemplary Service;
   e. Award for Excellence;
   f. Unity of Effort Team Award;
   g. Unit Award;
   h. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity Management; and
   i. Award for Volunteer Service.
3. For a description of DHS award categories visit:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-
CG-1/Civilian-Human-Resources-Diversity-and-Leadership-Directorate-CG-12/Civilian-HR
/Awards/DHS-Secretarys-Awards-Program/.
4. You are encouraged to recognize military members and civilian employees not previously
honored with Secretarial awards. These awards are not intended to honor retirees or
contractors. Nominations may not be submitted for individuals/teams whose accomplishments
are pending final action or involve a pending investigation. An individual can only be
nominated for one award (individual or team).
5. Nomination Procedures:
   a. The Nomination Form: Secretarial Awards, DHS Form 3100-1, must be submitted with
each nomination package. The form must be typed using Times New Roman, 12-point font,
and conform to space provided. The Secretarial Awards, DHS Form 3100-1, is accessible at:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1
/Civilian-Human-Resources-Diversity-and-Leadership-Directorate-CG-12/Civilian-HR/Awards/
DHS-Secretarys-Awards-Program/.
   b. Ensure correct spelling, including middle initial and suffix or prefix (if
applicable) of each nominee’s name prior to submitting the nomination.
   c. All nominations must include a short, factual, one-paragraph synopsis for the
nomination (block 6), and a justification that addresses the award criteria (block 7).
Use plain language that is concise and descriptive.
   d. Utilize the Additional Page for listing individuals included in a team nomination,
including the Unit Award and Unity of Effort Team Award, and attach it to the nomination
form. The Additional Page must include a list of members by first name, middle initial,
last name, title, unit, component/office for each submitted team nomination. Team
nominations should be limited to only those who significantly contributed to the project
or investigation. Teams are generally limited to 10-15 members. The Additional Page is
accessible at: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-
Resources-CG-1/Civilian-Human-Resources-Diversity-and-Leadership-Directorate-CG-12/
Civilian-HR/Awards/DHS-Secretarys-Awards-Program/.
   e. Nominations must include name, title, approving official’s signature, and date in
block (9). The last line in block (9) must be left blank for the Commandant’s endorsement.
Ensure the nomination has been cleared and endorsed through the appropriate chain of
command (Coast Guard Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Deputy/Assistant Commandants,
or Directors of Headquarters staff elements) prior to submission. One level of Flag/SES
endorsement must be obtained.
   f. An endorsed Coast Guard Award Recommendation Form CG-1650 must also be submitted
with each nomination. The last line in block (19) must be left blank for Civilian Awards
Review Board Chair endorsement. The Coast Guard Award Recommendation, Form CG-1650 is
accessible at: https://cgportal2.uscg.mil/sites/externaldata/Forms/CG_1650.PDF.
   g. Nominations should not exceed four pages in length, including the 2 page
nomination form, the one page listing of the team members, and the Coast Guard Award
Recommendation, Form CG-1650.
   h. If you nominate an individual outside the Coast Guard a written concurrence from
the head of that individual’s employing component is required.
   i. All nominations should be concise, descriptive, and fully outline achievements
related to the award for which the employee is nominated.
   j. Email endorsed nomination packages to DHSAwardsSubmissions@uscg.mil. The Civilian
Awards Review Board will function as an advisor to the Commandant and review nominations
for approval, and then forward to DHS for final consideration. The Board’s representation
includes both military and civilian members.
6. All nominations must be received by COMDT (CG-124), no later than 08 JUN 2018.
Extensions will not be granted. Incomplete submissions or nominations that exceed four
pages will not be accepted. Nomination packages must be submitted to:
DHSAwardsSumissions@uscg.mil.
7. You are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity by nominating
deserving military members and civilian employees for recognition in the appropriate
award categories above.
8. Nominating commands must be prepared to fund and arrange travel for award recipients
selected to attend the DHS Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on 07 NOV 2018.
Nominating commands are hereby authorized, at your discretion, to fund and issue
invitational and/or permissive travel orders IAW Invitational Travel Authorizations,
COMDTINST 12570.3 (series).
9. Address questions to Ms. Brooke Lawson (206) 220-6976, Brooke.M.Lawson@uscg.mil, and
Ms. Ruth Shields (206) 795-6254, Ruth.M.Shields@uscg.mil.
10. RDML William G. Kelly, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, sends.
11. Internet release authorized.