R 192012Z DEC 19
MARADMIN 708/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC I//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION FOR THE MARINE CORPS ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION (MCAF) INFORMATION AWARDS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2019//
REF/A/MARADMIN 645/19 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2020 MCAF INFORMATION AWARDS DINNER.  REF/B/ IS DCIO 1650.2 THE MARINE CORPS ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION ANNUAL INFORMATION AWARDS. REF/C/MARADMIN 052/19 OFFICIAL MILITARY PERSONNEL FILE PHOTOGRAPH GUIDANCE.//
POC/MISTY N. COOK/MAJ/DC I ADMIN OFFICER/EMAIL: MISTY.COOK(AT)USMC.MIL/TEL: 703-693-8691//
POC/PATRICK J. MURPHY/CAPT/DC I STAFF OFFICER/EMAIL: PATRICK.J.MURPHY@USMC.MIL/TEL: 703-692-4701//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  This MARADMIN solicits awards nominations throughout the Marine Corps information community for CY 2019, and announces the convening of the Deputy Commandant for Information awards selection board.  The MCAF awards are administered by the Deputy Commandant for Information and consist of 15 individual awards, 3 unit/organization awards, and 1 individual or team award for the information communities comprised of Intelligence, C4, Cyber, Psychological Operations, Communication Strategy, Space, Electronic Warfare, and Civil Affairs.  The Deputy Commandant for Information will convene a board of senior field grade officers, senior enlisted Marines, and civilian Marines as appropriate on 18 February 2020 to review nominations for final selections and select award winners.
2.  Nomination packages must be submitted to the DC I Front Office NLT 10 February 2020.  Commands listed in enclosure (1) of reference (b) will accept nomination packages from their subordinate commands and conduct a board to select and forward the best qualified packages based on the quantities outlined for each award category.  Each nomination package will be endorsed by the commanding general of the MARFOR as listed in enclosure (1) of reference (b).  All units not listed in enclosure (1) of reference (b) may submit nominations directly to DC I via the first General Officer in their chain of command.
3.  The Information Awards are listed below:
3.a.  The General Alfred M. Gray Award.
3.a.1.  Nominees must be Marine Corps Captains.  The target MOS is 0602, however; an officer with any MOS serving in an MOS 0602 billet is eligible.
3.a.2.  Captains selected to the grade of Major are eligible for this award provided the nominee is not promoted during the award nomination period (from initial recommendation to official award notification).
3.a.3.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as officers who exemplify outstanding leadership within the communications field;
3.a.4.  Clearly perform the functions of a commander, S-6 staff officer, or officer working in another MOS 0602 billet by providing efficient, effective, and timely communications support to tactical, training, and/or garrison operations;
3.a.5.  Exhibit superior knowledge and understanding of communications and data systems employment in support of command and control to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.a.6.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the officer’s unit.
3.b.  The James Hamilton Information Technology (IT) Management Civilian Marine of the Year Award.
3.b.1.  Eligible personnel must be employed as a Federal Government civilian employee in pay grades WG/GS 07-15, or NSPS equivalent pay bands serving within a Marine Corps activity.  Non-appropriated fund and pilot pay band employees are eligible. 
3.b.2.  An individual must hold one of the following occupational series/occupational codes:  0390, Telecommunications Processing, 0391 Telecommunications, 0392 General Telecommunications, 0394 Communications Clerical, 0850 Electrical Engineering, 0854 Computer Engineering, 0855 Electronics Engineering, 1410 Librarian, 1411 Library Technician, 1412 Technical Information Services, 1550 Computer Science, 2203 Computer Operator, 2204 Computer Technician, 2210 Information Technology Management, or 2501 General Wire Communications Equipment Installation and Maintenance.
3.b.3.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors and contemporaries as an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership and/or has provided significant technological innovations within the IT field, and;
3.b.4.  Exemplify the Marine Corps Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment.
3.c.  The PFC Herbert A. Littleton Enlisted Communications Awards.
3.c.1.  Staff Noncommissioned Officer Award for Operational Communications Excellence.  Nominees must be a Marine SNCO serving in an MOS 06XX billet within the OPFOR, SE, or Marine Corps Reserve during the period of eligibility and performing operational communications/IT duties.  An SNCO with a non-communications MOS but serving in a communications billet is eligible.
3.c.2.  Noncommissioned Officer Award for Operational Communications Excellence.  Nominees must be a Marine NCO serving in an MOS 06xx billet and performing operational communications/IT duties.  An NCO with a non-communications MOS but serving in a communications billet is eligible.
3.c.3.  Staff Noncommissioned Officer Award for Electronics Maintenance Excellence.  Nominees must be an SNCO on active duty serving in an electronic maintenance (MOS 28XX) billet and performing electronics maintenance duties.  An SNCO with a non-communications/maintenance MOS but serving in an electronics maintenance (MOS 28XX) billet is eligible.
3.c.4.  Noncommissioned Officer Award for Electronics Maintenance Excellence.  Nominees must be an NCO serving in an electronic maintenance (MOS 28xx) billet and performing electronics maintenance duties.  An NCO with a non-communications/maintenance MOS but serving in an electronics maintenance billet is eligible.
3.c.5.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as a Marine who exemplifies excellence and outstanding leadership within the relevant communications/IT field;
3.c.6.  Clearly and effectively provide the unit and commander with exceptionally efficient, effective, and timely communications/IT support for tactical, training, and/or garrison operations to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.c.7.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the Marine’s unit.
3.d.  The LtCol Michael D. Kuszewski Marine Corps Intelligence Officer of the Year Award.
3.d.1.  Nominees must be Marine officers, MOS 02XX or 26XX, serving in an intelligence billet.
3.d.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as officers who exemplify outstanding leadership within the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISRE);
3.d.3.  Exhibit superior knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the intelligence process, to include analysis, intelligence systems, associated data and communications systems, and other enabling mechanisms employed in support of the MCISRE to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.d.4.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the officer’s unit.
3.e.  The John J. Guenther Marine Corps Intelligence Civilian of the Year Award.
3.e.1.  All civilian intelligence personnel serving within the MCISRE are eligible for this award.
3.e.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors and contemporaries as an individual who exemplifies outstanding professionalism and leadership within the MCISRE and;
3.e.3.  Exemplify the Marine Corps Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
3.f.  The MGySgt Samuel C. Plott Marine Corps Intelligence Staff Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award.
3.f.1.  Nominees must be a Marine SNCO, MOS 02XX or 26XX, serving in an intelligence billet.
3.f.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as SNCOs who exemplify outstanding leadership within the MCISRE;
3.f.3.  Clearly and effectively provide the unit and the Commander with exceptional intelligence support in tactical, training, and/or garrison operations to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.f.4.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the Marine’s unit.
3.g.  The MSgt Charles C. Arndt Marine Corps Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award.
3.g.1.  Nominees must be a Marine NCO, MOS 02XX or 26XX, serving in an intelligence billet.
3.g.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as NCOs who exemplify outstanding leadership within the MCISRE;
3.g.3.  Clearly and effectively provide the unit and the Commander with exceptional intelligence support in tactical, training, and/or garrison operations to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.g.4.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the Marine’s unit.
3.h.  The LCpl James E. Swain Marine Corps Intelligence Enlisted Marine of the Year Award.
3.h.1.  Nominees must be an enlisted Marine non-NCO, MOS 02XX or 26XX, serving in an intelligence billet.
3.h.2.  Nominees will be recognized by leaders and peers as Marines who exemplify outstanding leadership within the MCISRE;
3.h.3.  Clearly and effectively provide the unit and the Commander with exceptional intelligence support in tactical, training, and/or garrison operations to a degree seldom achieved by others, and;
3.h.4.  Exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps and loyalty within the Marine’s unit.
3.i.  The Operations in the Information Environment Officer of the Year Award.
3.i.1.  Nominees must be Marine officers serving in an OIE billet (PSYOPS, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations, Space Operations, EMS Operations, or Civil Affairs).
3.i.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership within the OIE community, and;
3.i.3.  Exhibit superior knowledge and understanding of the seven functions of OIE, to include: the C2 Enterprise; providing IE battlespace awareness; attacking and exploiting networks, systems, and information; informing domestic and international audiences; influencing foreign target audiences; deceiving adversary audiences; and controlling information capabilities, resources, and activities.
3.i.4.  Nominations should note any unique accomplishments or circumstances that further distinguish the individual, such as combat operations, global competition, or the implementation of new/unique techniques or technologies that advance one of the seven functions of OIE.
3.j.  The Operations in the Information Environment Civilian of the Year Award.
3.j.1.  Nominees must be employed as a Federal Government civilian employee in pay grades WG/GS 07-15, or NSPS equivalent pay bands serving in an OIE billet.
3.j.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership within the OIE community, and;
3.j.3.  Exhibits superior knowledge and understanding of the seven functions of OIE, to include: the C2 Enterprise; providing IE battlespace awareness; attacking and exploiting networks, systems, and information; informing domestic and international audiences; influencing foreign target audiences; deceiving adversary audiences; and controlling information capabilities, resources, and activities.
3.j.4.  Nominations should note any unique accomplishments or circumstances that further distinguish the individual, such as combat operations, global competition, or the implementation of new or unique techniques or technologies that advance one of the seven functions of OIE.
3.k.  The Operations in the Information Environment Enlisted Marine of the Year Award.
3.k.1.  Nominees must be enlisted Marines serving in an OIE billet (PSYOPS, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations (17XX and 26XX only), Space Operations, EMS Operations, or Civil Affairs).
3.k.2.  Nominees will be recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership within the OIE community, and;
3.k.3.  Exhibit superior knowledge and understanding of the seven functions of OIE, to include: the C2 Enterprise; providing IE battlespace awareness; attacking and exploiting networks, systems, and information; informing domestic and international audiences; influencing foreign target audiences; deceiving adversary audiences; and controlling information capabilities, resources, and activities.
3.k.4.  Nominations should note any unique accomplishments or circumstances that further distinguish the individual, such as combat operations, global competition, or the implementation of new or unique techniques or technologies that advance one of the seven functions of OIE.
3.l.  The LtCol Kevin M. Shea Memorial Unit of the Year Award.
3.l.1.  Nominated units/organizations must have gone above and beyond what is typically expected of similar units/organizations in the performance of their duties, and/or exhibit proficiencies that are seldom achieved by similar units/organizations.
3.l.2.  Nominations should note any unique environments or circumstances that further distinguish the unit/organization accomplishments, such as combat operations or the implementation of new or unique techniques or technologies that advance C4 functions within the Marine Corps.
3.l.3.  Nominated units/organizations can be any communications battalion, squadron, company, platoon, detachment, branch, etc., within the OPFOR, SE, or Marine Corps Reserve.
3.l.4.  The primary duties of the unit or organization must be communications or information technology according to its mission statement.
3.l.5.  Nominees will be recognized by supported unit commanders or adjacent units as the unit that exemplifies outstanding C4 support, performance in its duties, contributions to C4, and mission accomplishment;
3.l.6.  Advances C4 concepts, doctrine, technology, or procedures, demonstrating continual resourcefulness and responsiveness while supporting the warfighter in a tactical, operational, or strategic environment, and;
3.l.7.  The unit/organization must exhibit a high level of esprit de corps and personnel/equipment readiness.
3.m.  The Intelligence Unit of the Year Award.
3.m.1.  Nominees will be recognized by supported unit commanders or adjacent units as the unit that exemplifies outstanding intelligence support, performance of its duties, contributions to the MCISRE, and mission accomplishment.
3.m.2.  Nominated units/organizations must have gone above and beyond what is typically expected of similar units/organizations in the performance of their duties, and/or exhibit proficiencies that are seldom achieved by similar units/organizations.
3.m.3.  Nominated units must be in the Marine Corps Intelligence Enterprise and their primary mission must be intelligence according to their mission statement and/or function.
3.m.4.  Nominations should note any unique environments or circumstances that further distinguish the unit/organization accomplishments, such as combat operations or the implementation of new or unique techniques or technologies that advance intelligence functions within the Marine Corps.
3.n.  The Operations in the Information Environment Unit of the Year Award.
3.n.1.  Nominees must be recognized by higher headquarters, supported unit commanders, or adjacent units as the unit that exemplifies outstanding support to OIE, performance of its duties, contributions to the OIE, and mission accomplishment.
3.n.2.  Nominated units/organizations must have gone above and beyond what is typically expected of similar units or organizations while in the performance of their duties.  The unit/organization must exhibit proficiencies that are seldom achieved by similar units/organizations.
3.n.3.  The nominated unit’s primary mission must include one of the OIE areas (PSYOPS, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations, Space Operations, EMS Operations, or Civil Affairs) according to their mission statement and/or function.
3.n.4.  Nominations should note any unique environments or circumstances that further distinguish the unit/organization accomplishments, such as combat operations, global competition, or the implementation of new or unique techniques or technologies that advance one of the seven functions of OIE.
3.o.  The Marine Corps Information Environment Enterprise (MCIEE) Technical Leadership Award.
3.o.1.  Nominees may be any individual Marine or civilian directly or indirectly supporting the MCIEE.
3.o.2.  Nominees will be evaluated on the scope and impact of technical leadership abilities, with specific attention to the measurable improvement(s) generated by the action.  Technical leadership impact must be qualitative in nature and be directly linked to MCIEE functions; examples include driving technological advancement, development of resource-saving solutions, implementation of process efficiencies, advancements in doctrine and concepts of support, and/or other actions of leadership that have greatly contributed to advancing OIE.
3.o.3.  Nominations must describe the leadership method/process, along with the specific outcome(s) achieved.
3.o.4.  Nominations should also note any unique environments or circumstances that further distinguish the individual’s accomplishments, such as distinguished performance in combat operations or the application of new/unique techniques or technologies that could be used to advance MCIEE concepts and employment within the Marine Corps.
3.o.5.  Nominees may be from any organization supporting the MCIEE.
3.p.  The Marine Corps Information Environment Enterprise Innovation Award.
3.p.1.  Nominees may be any individual Marine, civilian, team, or unit directly or indirectly supporting the MCIEE.
3.p.2.  Nominees will be evaluated on the scope and impact of their innovation, with specific attention to the measurable improvement generated by the action.  Potential areas of innovation include (but are not limited to):  Doctrine, organization, training, materiel, technology, management, and leadership.  Measurable improvement may be quantitative and/or qualitative, but must be directly linked to MCIEE functions;  examples include efficiencies in time and resources, achievements in integration of OIE-related capabilities, and enhanced effectiveness in OIE.
3.p.3.  Nominations must describe the innovation method/process, along with the specific outcome(s) achieved.
3.p.4.  Nominations should further note any unique environments or circumstances that distinguish the nominee’s accomplishments, such as distinguished performance in combat operations or global competition.
4.  Eligibility Period and Status.
4.a.  The period of service eligible for consideration of these awards is 01 JAN 2019 through 31 DEC 2019 (CY 2019).
4.b.  Marine Corps nominees must have been serving on active duty in the OPFOR, SE, or Marine Corps Reserve during the calendar year specified.  Activated Reservists from the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR), Active Reserve (AR), or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) are eligible for these awards based upon any active duty service occurring throughout the calendar year specified.
4.c.  Previous individual award recipients are ineligible for consideration of the same award.
5.  Nomination Package Requirements.
5.a.  Summary of action (SOA) write-ups will be no more than two pages and biographies are limited to a single page.
5.b.  An official photograph taken in accordance with reference (c) is required for Active duty/reserve Marine Corps personnel.
5.c.  For civilian award nominees, letters of recommendation may also be submitted as part of the nomination package.
5.d.  Unit awards must include a recommendation from the supported unit/organization commander.
5.e.  Classified SOAs may be submitted at the classification level required to adequately describe the activity, but award citations must be unclassified.
5.f.  Unit award nominations should originate at the next higher echelon of command above the unit recommended for the award.  Under no circumstances should units submit nominations via multiple chains of command.
5.g.  Enclosure (2) of reference (b) contains a format example for both the individual and unit nomination package type.
6.  Submitting Nomination Packages.
6.a.  DC I will process the nomination packages.  Packages may be submitted by mail or email, however; email is the preferred method of nomination submission.  Packages submitted by email must be sent to the “HQMC_DCI_AWARDS” organizational mailbox (HQMC_DCI_Awards@usmc.mil).
6.b.  Electronically submitted nomination packages must be in the “pdf” format.  High quality official photos should be submitted with the package as a separate “jpg” file.  Ensure the entire package is legible after scanning.
6.c.  Packages sent via traditional mail must allow two additional weeks for delivery due to Pentagon security screening requirements.  Deputy Commandant for Information mailing address:  Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Information (Attn:  DC I) 3000 Marine Corps Pentagon, RM 4E530 Washington DC 20350-3000.
7.  Nomination Limits by Command, per reference (b) enclosure (1).
7.a.  MARFORPAC’s nomination limit is three nominees per award.
7.b.  MARFORCOM’s nomination limit is two nominees per award.
7.c.  MARFORRES’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.d.  MARFORCYBER’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.e.  MARFORSOC’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.f.  MARCENT’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.g.  MARFORNORTH’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.h.  MARFORSOUTH’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.i.  MARFOREUR/AF’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.j.  MARCORSYSCOM’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.k.  TECOM’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.l.  LOGCOM’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
7.m.  MCICOM’s nomination limit is one nominee per award.
8.  Notification.  Award winners will be notified via MARADMIN NLT 10 March 2020.
9.  Presentation.  The Information awards will be presented during the MCAF Information Awards Dinner on 23 April 2020 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
10.  Additional information, including access to the reference (b) materials can be found at:  https:(slash)(slash)eis.usmc.mil/sites/dci/DC%20I_MCAFAward_InfoBoard
11.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force (MCTF).  Ensure widest dissemination of this MARADMIN.  Please direct all questions to POCs identified in this MARADMIN.
12.  Release authorized by LtGen L. E. Reynolds, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding, Deputy Commandant for Information.//