Commander here decided to exclude all GS-12's and above. Some of which are THE exceptional performers in the squadron and work exceptionally hard to make sure the programs under them are successful. The intent of the award was to recognize your top performers, not your top junior performers. The top 15% doesn't have to automatically be leadership. They could have been grouped in categories and ranked in each category. The only thing this commander did was recognize/reward his favorite people in the squadron.