DAF Form 2860: Special Act or Service Award Guide 2026 – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 2860, officially titled the Special Act or Service Award, serves as a key certificate and recognition tool for outstanding contributions by civilian employees. Supervisors and commands use it to honor individuals or teams for specific, meritorious acts or services that significantly benefit the Air Force or Space Force mission.
This monetary or honorary award recognizes one-time achievements or short-term efforts beyond normal job duties, distinguishing it from sustained performance awards like performance bonuses.
What Is the Special Act or Service Award (DAF Form 2860)?
The Special Act or Service Award (often abbreviated as SASA) provides a lump-sum cash payment to Department of the Air Force civilian employees for exceptional contributions. These can include:
- Solving a critical problem
- Completing a high-impact project ahead of schedule
- Demonstrating innovation that saves time, money, or resources
- Delivering outstanding service under challenging conditions
The award may pair with DAF Form 2860 as the formal certificate presented to the recipient. For group awards, the total amount can be divided equally or proportionally based on individual contributions.
This award falls under the broader DAF Civilian Recognition Program, governed primarily by DoDI 1400.25, Volume 451 and DAFI 36-1004. It differs from lower-level recognition like the Notable Achievement Award ($25–$500) or higher honorary awards such as the Exceptional Civilian Service Award.
Note: Do not confuse DAF Form 2860 with DD Form 2860 (Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation – CRSC), a completely different form used by military retirees for VA-related benefits.
Who Is Eligible for the DAF Special Act or Service Award?
Eligibility generally covers:
- Current Department of the Air Force civilian employees (including those in the Air Force and Space Force).
- Individuals or teams whose specific act or service demonstrates clear, tangible impact.
Contractors are typically not eligible for monetary awards under this program. Foreign national employees may have specific variations or restrictions depending on local policy.
The award recognizes one-time or short-duration achievements, not routine performance. Nominations should occur promptly—ideally within 30 days of the achievement for smaller related awards.
Award Amounts and Approval Levels
Award amounts vary based on impact and level of approval:
- Lower amounts ($501–$10,000): Often approved at MAJCOM, FOA, DRU, or installation commander level (or equivalent civilian director). Units must identify and certify available funding.
- $10,000–$25,000: Requires Secretary of the Air Force (SAF/AA or AF/DS) approval.
- Over $25,000: Presidential approval (rare).
Units funding the award must secure Resource Manager approval and provide the specific fund cite in the nomination package. The citation is only required when presenting the physical DAF Form 2860 certificate.
Notable Achievement Award (a related lower-tier option) ranges from $25 to $500 and can be approved by the employee’s second-level supervisor for quick recognition of smaller contributions.
How to Nominate Someone for a Special Act or Service Award?
- Prepare the Nomination Package — Submit through the chain of command to the local Incentive Awards Committee or Civilian Personnel Section (CPS). Include a justification detailing the achievement, its impact, and (for monetary awards) the recommended amount.
- Funding Certification — Obtain Resource Manager approval confirming funds availability and the correct fund cite.
- Routing and Approval — The package routes to the appropriate approval authority based on the dollar amount.
- Processing the Award — Upon approval, the Civilian Personnel Section prepares DAF Form 2860 (the certificate). The form is forwarded to the unit for official presentation.
- Documentation — Update the employee’s personnel records. Copies go to the servicing personnel office.
For detailed policy, refer to the latest version of DoDI 1400.25 Volume 451 and DAFI 36-1004, Civilian Recognition Program (December 2023 edition and any subsequent guidance).
How to Download DAF Form 2860
Official blank copies of DAF Form 2860 are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website:
- PDF version: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
- EPUB version: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub
Always verify you are downloading from the official e-Publishing.af.mil site to ensure you have the most current version. Local Civilian Personnel Sections can also provide the form or assist with preparation.
Important: Forms and procedures can be updated. Check the official Air Force e-Publishing site or consult your unit’s HR/Civilian Personnel office for the latest guidance.
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Clearly describe the specific act or service and its measurable impact (e.g., cost savings, mission enhancement, innovation).
- Quantify benefits whenever possible (dollars saved, hours reduced, lives impacted, etc.).
- Submit promptly after the achievement.
- Ensure proper funding coordination early in the process.
- For certificates, include a well-written citation if DAF Form 2860 will be presented.
Why Recognition Programs Matter in the DAF?
Civilian awards like the Special Act or Service Award help attract, retain, and motivate the talented civilian workforce that supports Air Force and Space Force operations worldwide. Timely recognition reinforces a culture of excellence and directly contributes to mission success.
If you are a supervisor, HR professional, or civilian employee seeking to nominate or learn more, start by contacting your local Civilian Personnel Section for command-specific procedures, timelines, and templates.
Official Resources:
- Department of the Air Force e-Publishing (for forms and publications)
- DoDI 1400.25, Volume 451 & DAFI 36-1004
- Your installation Civilian Personnel Office or Incentive Awards Committee
Stay informed by checking e-publishing.af.mil regularly, as policies and forms evolve.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance. Always consult official sources or your servicing HR office for the most current instructions and eligibility details.