As a NICA, it is awarded on behalf of the Director of National Intelligence in recognition for creditable service or contributions to the Intelligence Community (IC) and the United States.

The medal may be awarded to United States government civilian or military personnel, and others on a "very selective basis.

The reverse bears the words, NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, in four lines.

The suspension and service ribbons of the medal is white, 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide.

On both edges of the ribbon is a 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) silver gray stripe with 1⁄32 inch (0.79 mm) white and golden yellow stripes towards the center.