About the Awards

Established in 2010, the Achievement Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding early to mid-career professionals (GS-13/O-4/E-7 or equivalent and below with the exception of the Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award) in intelligence, homeland and national security as well as the mentors who inspired them.

Each of the six awards, named after William Oliver Baker Award recipients, acknowledge the importance of mentors and inspire early careerists to strive for excellence in the intelligence, homeland security, and national security communities.

Although missions and requirements differ in each of the individual categories, common areas of excellence include: leadership, potential for growth, impact on the profession, mission accomplishment, and emerging professional standing and influence. 

Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award
Open to all public, private and academic elements up to and including GS-15/O-6 and equivalent rank

Sidney D. Drell Science & Technology Award
Open to researchers conducting innovative scientific or technological R&D whose applications have potential to make significant impacts in intelligence, defense, and/or homeland security.

Richard J. Kerr Government Award
Civilian government employees up to/including GS-13 and equivalent rank

Edwin H. Land Industry Award
Contractor/non-government employees

William O. Studeman Military Award
Uniformed military up to/including O-4 and equivalent enlisted rank

John W. Warner Homeland Security Award
First responders and domestic government employees up to and including GS-13 and equivalent rank