Chapter 3 – Personnel, Training, and Employee Relations

31030.3.1.14 Award Time Frames

• Some types of awards can be paid relatively quickly. Others must wait until the first 12 months of net savings or revenue can be calculated. All occur after the evaluator returns the STDStandard Form (DGS). 645A to the MAA indicating that a suggestion has been adopted and an award recommended. Timeframes do not include MAA processing timeframes. All cash awards are considered income and subject to tax.

• Cash Awards

  • The length of the process depends on the amount of the recommended award:

    • $50 to $5,000

      • Up to one year to obtain all required levels of approval within the Department and to request payment through the appropriate personnel office.

    • $5,001 to $50,000

      • Up to four years. An award this size requires:

        • All required levels of approval within the Department.

        • A hearing or multiple hearings by the State Merit Award Board.

        • Sponsorship of a concurrent resolution by the Legislature to authorize payment (coordinated by DPADepartment of Personnel Administration (see CalHR)).

• If the Legislature approves the concurrent resolution:

  • Notification issued by DPADepartment of Personnel Administration (see CalHR) to MAA to request payment.

  • MAA requests payment from the appropriate personnel office.

• One-Time Awards

  • The length of the process depends on the amount of the recommended award. See Cash Awards above.

• Improved Procedures Awards

  • Within one year.

• Improved Safety Award

  • Within one year.