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This program provides for cash or honorary awards to state employees whose suggestions, when implemented, result in substantial savings or improvements in state government operations. The program is administered by the Employee Suggestion Award Board composed of the Commissioner of Finance and Administration, the Commissioner of Personnel, the Commissioner of General Services, the Executive Director of Fiscal Review Committee and one (1) member appointed by the Tennessee State Employees Association.
25.2 Employee Eligibility
Most employees of state government, except elected and appointed officials, are eligible to submit suggestions within the requirements of this program. Those employees ineligible for a monetary award will be eligible for an honorary award at the Board's discretion. Ineligible employees include:
A. Governor's staff, department commissioner or equivalent
B. Assistant or deputy commissioner, assistant to commissioner, major fiscal and administrative policy departmental staff or equivalent
C. Director or division chief including the full line division chief to a statewide program and division chief supervising several line service units or equivalent
D. Assistant to director or division chief, section chief or head of major departmental functions or equivalent
E. Temporary, emergency and contractual employees are ineligible for participation or claim
F. Former state employees, unless retired from the state
G. Persons who are dismissed from state service for cause
H. Commissioned and noncommissioned officers and enlisted personnel in the National Guard and federal employees under the jurisdiction of the Adjutant General
I. Members of state boards or commissions
J. Employees whose duties primarily concern administrative planning, evaluation and research, or whose duties include the making of suggestions, or who are expected as a part of their job, to produce ideas for improvement and act upon them may not submit suggestions related to their duties
K. Employees who are assigned a particular problem to solve or improve that is within the scope of their duties and responsibilities are not eligible for award for any improvement developed as a result of that assignment
L. Employees serving on special committees except quality circles are not eligible for award on suggestions falling within the scope of committee's function
M. Members of agency or state suggestion committees, or personnel assigned to assist and coordinate activities of such committees.
25.3 Suggestion Criteria
All suggestions are eligible for award consideration except those for changes which are under active consideration by those responsible and suggestions which fail to present positive, constructive concepts for improvements. If duplicate suggestions are submitted, the one with the earlier hour and date of receipt shall be considered while the others shall be ineligible. Other ineligible suggestions are those:
A. involving personal grievances
B. recommending increased taxes or license fees
C. recommending a change in the pay or classification of a position or class
D. recommending a study, survey or review with the course of action to be taken in accordance with the findings
E. not proposing a method or way to make an improvement
F. correcting a condition which exists only because established procedure or policy is not being followed
G. resulting from assigned or contracted audits, studies, surveys, reviews or research
H. recommending a change in agency missions, program goals or organizational objectives
I. not improving methods or procedures; not eliminating "bottlenecks", duplication of work; not reducing costs, waste, errors; not increasing production, efficiency, service; not saving lives, time, money
J. suggestions involving forms will be eligible if the suggestion reduces the total number of forms required and such reduction does not conflict with federal regulations.
Contact the Affirmative Action Coordinator at Tennessee Technological University to obtain forms and further instructions for submitting suggestions through this award program.
25.4 Time Limit for Award Consideration
An employee's rights to an award shall be based on employment status at the time the suggestion is submitted. The Employee Suggestion Award Board must be notified that the suggestion was implemented.
25.4.1 Adoption
The employee's right to an award exists if the suggestion is adopted and implemented within two years from the date of receipt, even though the employee may have terminated employment with the state except if terminated for cause.
25.4.2 Non-adoption
The employee's right to an award exists if the agency implements the suggestion within two years of the date of the original notification of non-adoption, even though the employee may have terminated employment with the state except if terminated for cause.
25.4.3 Reconsideration of Non-Adopted Suggestions
Suggestions not adopted and therefore denied awards by the Board may be resubmitted once within a one (1) year period if accompanied by substantial additional information which would add merit to the suggestion. If resubmission results in a second denial, the suggestion shall be deemed permanently denied and may not be resubmitted. Suggestions not resubmitted shall be deemed permanently denied after one (1) year and will not be reconsidered by the Board.
25.5 Payment of Awards
The maximum cash award approved for suggestions submitted after July 1, 1985 is limited to ten (10) percent of the first year's estimated savings or $6,000, whichever is less. Suggestions with a first year's estimated savings of less than $250 and recommended for a cash award will be awarded $25. Any cash awards approved by the Board will be charged against the appropriation item or items to which estimated savings apply.
25.5.1 Awards to Groups
The amount of an award for a suggestion made by a group of employees will be determined on the same basis as a suggestion submitted by an individual. The amount awarded will be divided equally among those employees in the group. Members of the group will be identified by name at the time the suggestion is submitted.
25.5.2 Deceased Employee
If an employee with a right to an award has deceased, the employee's estate will be paid the award.