It is presented at the discretion of the Secretary of State in recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs.

[1][better source needed] The award is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in Foreign Affairs Manual is met.

The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary of State.

However, officials at assistant secretary or higher level who wish to recommend an individual for this award may do so by submitting a memorandum of justification, cleared by the Director General, to the Executive Secretary of the Department.

Upon authorization, members of the U.S. military may wear the medal and ribbon in the appropriate order of precedence as a U.S. non-military personal decoration.