General provisions

§ 4502. General provisions (a) Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, a cash award under this chapter may not exceed $5,000. (b) When the head of an agency certifies to the Civil Service Commission that the suggestion, invention, superior accomplishment, or other meritorious effort for which the award is proposed is highly exceptional and unusually outstanding, a cash award in excess of $5,000 but not in excess of $25,000 may be granted with the approval of the Commission. (c) A cash award under this chapter is in addition to the regular pay of the recipient. Acceptance of a cash award under this chapter constitutes an agreement that the use by the Government of an idea, method, or device for which the award is made does not form the basis of a further claim of any nature against the Government by the employee, his heirs, or assigns. (d) A cash award to, and expense for the honorary recognition of, an employee may be paid from the fund or appropriation available to the activity primarily benefiting or the various activities benefiting. The head of the agency concerned determines the amount to be paid by each activity for an agency award under section 4503 of this title. The President determines the amount to be paid by each activity for a Presidential award under section 4504 of this title.