In addition to awards given by APS, the committee solicits nominations of individuals to be sponsored by APS for awards given by other agencies. For such awards, the committee recommends nominees to the APS Council. When nominees are approved by the council, the committee appoints a nominator who prepares the required documentation, and the nominations are forwarded to the appropriate agency by the president of APS. These awards are as follows:

National Medal of Science
This medal is awarded annually by the president of the United States for outstanding contributions to knowledge in the biological, physical, mathematical, or engineering sciences. More than one individual may be nominated in a given year. All nominees are considered for a period of five years.

Alexander von Humboldt Award
This annual award includes a cash prize of $10,000 for the most significant contribution to American agriculture made or recognized during the previous three years. Recipients are selected by a national committee. APS may sponsor more than one nominee.

Alan T. Waterman Award
Each year, the National Science Foundation recognizes the work of an outstanding research scientist (generally under age 40) in any field of science or engineering by awarding a medal and research grant, not to exceed $50,000 per year, for three years of scientific research or advanced study.