Page 83
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


                ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD AGREEMENT
                             FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS



         THIS  AGREEMENT,  made as of the 7th day of  October,  1999 (the "Grant
Date"),  between  NATIONAL  SERVICE  INDUSTRIES,  INC.,  a Delaware  corporation
("NSI"),  and NSI  SERVICES,  L.P.  (GA), a  Subsidiary  of NSI  (together,  the
"Company"), and _____________________________ ("Grantee").

         WHEREAS,  NSI  has  adopted  the  National  Service  Industries,   Inc.
Long-Term Achievement Incentive Plan (the "Plan") in order to provide additional
incentives to certain  officers and key  employees of NSI and its  Subsidiaries;
and

         WHEREAS,  the Committee  responsible for administration of the Plan has
determined  to grant to Grantee an  Aspiration  Achievement  Incentive  Award as
provided herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

         1.       Grant of Aspiration Award.

                  1.1  The  Company  hereby  grants  to  Grantee  an  Aspiration
Achievement  Incentive  Award (the  "Award"),  which has a value  determined  as
provided  in  Section 2 below  based  upon the  performance  of NSI  during  the
Performance  Cycle from September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2002. As provided in the
Plan,  Grantee's  right to  payment of this Award is  dependent  upon  Grantee's
continued  employment in Grantee's  current  position with the Company,  or in a
position with  responsibilities  of  substantially  similar value to the Company
during the Performance  Cycle.  Under certain  circumstances as described below,
Grantee  may be entitled  to receive  payment  for some  portion of the Award if
Grantee's employment terminates prior to the end of the Performance Cycle.

                  1.2 Grantee hereby acknowledges  receipt of a copy of the Plan
and agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions  thereof.  This Agreement
shall be construed in  accordance  with,  and subject to, the  provisions of the
Plan (the provisions of which are hereby  incorporated by reference) and, except
as otherwise  expressly set forth  herein,  the  capitalized  terms used in this
Agreement shall have the same definitions as set forth in the Plan.

         2.       Performance Measure and Performance Levels.

                  The Committee has  established  the  performance  measure (the
"Performance Measure"), and award and performance levels set forth in Appendix A
attached  hereto.  The chart in Appendix A specifies  a  Commitment  performance
level,  at  which  the  Commitment  Level  Award  will be  paid,  an  Aspiration

Page 84
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


performance level, at or above which an Aspiration Level Award will be paid, and
a threshold  performance  level, at which a minimum incentive award will be paid
and below which no award will be paid. For each level of performance at or above
the  threshold  performance  level  through the  Aspiration  performance  level,
Grantee  will  receive  an award  determined  in  accordance  with the chart and
formulae set forth in Appendix A. The terms used in determining  the Performance
Measure are defined in Appendix B.

         3.       Determination of Aspiration Award.

                  3.1 Determination  Notice.  Subject to Section 3.2, as soon as
practical  following the last day of the Performance  Cycle,  the Committee will
determine, in accordance with Section 7(c) of the Plan, the performance level of
NSI with  respect to the  Performance  Measure for the  Performance  Cycle.  The
Committee  may  in  determining  the  performance  level  with  respect  to  the
Performance  Measure adjust NSI's financial results for the Performance Cycle to
exclude the effect of unusual  charges or income items which are  distortive  of
financial  results for the  Performance  Cycle;  provided,  that in  determining
financial  results,  items whose exclusion from  consideration will increase the
performance  level  of NSI  shall  only  have  their  effects  excluded  if they
constitute  "extraordinary items" under generally accepted accounting principles
and all such items  shall be  excluded.  The  Committee  shall  also  adjust the
performance  calculations  to  exclude  the  unanticipated  effect on  financial
results  of  changes  in the  Code,  or  other  tax  laws,  and the  regulations
thereunder.  The Committee shall also exclude from  consideration  the effect on
financial  performance of each of the following events or items where the result
of excluding the particular  event or item is to increase the performance  level
of NSI: (i) an acquisition  or a divestiture  involving more than $10 million in
net worth or $25  million in  business  revenues;  (ii) an equity  restructuring
involving more than $1 million;  (iii) asset impairment  charges  involving more
than  $1  million  and  restructuring  costs  involving  more  than  $1  million
associated  with  facility  closings or reduction  in  employment  levels;  (iv)
changes in accounting  treatment or rules  involving  more than $1 million.  The
Committee may decrease the amount of the Award otherwise  payable to Grantee if,
in the Committee's  view, such adjustment is necessary or desirable,  regardless
of the extent to which the Performance Measure has been achieved.  The Committee
may establish such guidelines and procedures for reducing the amount of an Award
as it deems appropriate.

     The Company  will notify  Grantee (or the  executors or  administrators  of
Grantee's  estate,  if  applicable)  of  the  Committee's   determination   (the
"Determination  Notice"). The Determination Notice shall specify the performance
level of NSI with respect to the Performance  Measure for the Performance  Cycle
and the amount of Award (if any) Grantee will be entitled to receive.

                  3.2  Significant  Corporate  Events.  If, during a Performance
Cycle,  NSI  consummates an acquisition or disposition  that (i) involves assets
whose value equals or exceeds  twenty  percent (20%) of the total value of NSI's

                                                                         Page 85
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


assets,  (ii)  represents a part of the business  whose revenues equal or exceed
twenty percent (20%) of the total of NSI's revenues,  or (iii) causes a material
restructuring of NSI, the following rules shall apply:

     (a)  If the  transaction  is  consummated  during  the  first  year  of the
Performance Cycle, the Performance Cycle and Grantee's outstanding Award will be
terminated  with no payout and a new  Performance  Cycle  containing a new Award
will be started.

     (b)  If  the  transaction  is  consummated  after  the  first  year  of the
Performance Cycle, the Performance Cycle will end and the outstanding Award will
be determined and paid at NSI's actual  performance  level to such date,  taking
into  account  the  adjustments  provided  for in  Section  3.1  above and using
prorated performance levels of the Performance Measure to reflect the portion of
the  Performance  Cycle that had elapsed as of the date of  consummation  of the
acquisition  or  disposition.  Payment  of the  Award  will  be  made as soon as
practical  after it is determined.  A new  Performance  Cycle will be started to
cover the period remaining in the initial  Performance  Cycle or, if that result
is not practical,  the Committee will make an appropriate  adjustment to reflect
the premature termination of the initial Performance Cycle.

     If,  during  a  Performance   Cycle,  NSI  consummates  an  acquisition  or
disposition  that is not covered by the special  provisions of this Section 3.2,
the financial  effects of such  acquisition or  disposition  shall be handled as
provided in Section 3.1.

     Any actions  under this Section 3.2 shall be taken in  accordance  with the
requirements of Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder.


          4.Payment of Aspiration Award.

                  4.1 Unless the Committee  determines otherwise at the time the
Award is paid,  and  except as  otherwise  provided  in the event of a Change in
Control,  the amount Grantee is entitled to receive will be paid as follows: (a)
for a payment level up to and including  twice the Commitment  Level Award,  the
Award will be paid  one-half in cash and one-half in Shares,  payable as soon as
administratively  practicable  following the  determination  of the  performance
level pursuant to Section 3.1 above,  and (b) to the extent the payment level is
more than twice the  Commitment  Level Award,  that portion of the Award will be
paid  one-half in  Restricted  Stock and  one-half in cash,  to be paid out upon
vesting of the  Restricted  Stock as described in Section 4.4 below.  The Shares
and  Restricted  Stock  issued  upon  payment of an Award shall be valued at the
average of the Fair  Market  Value of the  shares for the last ten (10)  trading
days of the Performance  Cycle.  Except in the case of a Change in Control,  the
Committee may, in its discretion, attach restrictions,  terms, and conditions to
the Shares issued as part of the Award.

                  4.2  Prior to  vesting,  the  Restricted  Stock  shall  not be
transferable  by  Grantee by means of sale,  assignment,  exchange,  pledge,  or
otherwise;  provided,  however,  that with NSI's consent  Grantee shall have the

Page 86
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


right to tender for sale or exchange  any such shares in the event of any tender
offer  within the meaning of Section  14(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934. Any attempt to convey any interest in the Restricted Stock in violation of
this  paragraph  shall not be  recognized  by the  Company and shall be null and
void.  Grantee shall otherwise be entitled with respect to the Restricted  Stock
to the rights of a  stockholder  of NSI,  including the right to vote the shares
and receive  dividends  and any other  distributions  declared  on NSI's  stock.
Grantee's rights with respect to the Restricted  Stock shall remain  forfeitable
at all times prior to the dates on which such rights become vested, as set forth
in Section 4.4 below.

                  4.3 The stock  certificate(s)  evidencing the Restricted Stock
shall be registered on NSI's books in the name of Grantee as soon as practicable
following  the  Determination  Notice.  NSI or the Company  may retain  physical
possession  and custody of the  certificate(s)  until vesting of the  Restricted
Stock as set forth in Section  4.4 below,  and the  certificate(s)  shall bear a
legend  referring to the  restrictions  on transfer set forth in this Agreement.
Grantee  shall  sign a power  of  attorney  enabling  the  certificate(s)  to be
transferred to the Company in the event and to the extent the  Restricted  Stock
is forfeited as set forth in Section 4.4 below.  Upon vesting of the  Restricted
Stock as set forth in Section 4.4 below, NSI shall cause a stock certificate for
the  requisite  number  of  shares  to be  delivered  to  Grantee,  free  of any
restrictive legend.

                  4.4 Fifty  percent  (50%) of the  shares of  Restricted  Stock
shall vest one (1) year following the end of the Performance Cycle and the other
fifty  percent  (50%)  shall  vest  two  (2)  years  following  the  end  of the
Performance  Cycle. In the event of Grantee's  termination of employment  within
two (2) years  after the end of the  Performance  Cycle,  by death,  Disability,
Retirement  (termination  at or after age 65), or by the Company  without Cause,
the Restricted Stock, to the extent not already vested, shall vest in full as of
the date of termination. Except as the Committee may otherwise determine, in the
event of Grantee's  termination  of employment  for any other reason,  including
voluntary  termination or termination for Cause,  the Restricted  Stock shall be
forfeited to the extent not already vested and Grantee's rights as a stockholder
with  respect  to  that  forfeited   Restricted   Stock  will  thereupon  cease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Stock will fully vest in the event
of a Change in Control  during  Grantee's  employment.  The cash  portion of the
Award  corresponding to the Restricted Stock will be paid to Grantee when and as
the  Restricted  Stock  vests;  that cash  portion  shall be subject to the same
vesting and  forfeiture  provisions  as are set forth  above for the  Restricted
Stock.

         5.       Termination of Employment.

                  5.1 In General.  Except as provided in Sections  5.2, 5.3, and
5.4  below,  in  the  event  that  Grantee's  employment   terminates  during  a
Performance Cycle, all unearned Aspiration Awards shall be immediately forfeited
by Grantee.

                  5.2  Termination  of Employment Due to Death,  Disability,  or
Retirement.  In the event the  employment  of Grantee is terminated by reason of

                                                                         Page 87
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


death or Disability during a Performance  Cycle,  Grantee shall be entitled to a
prorated payout with respect to the unearned Award. The prorated payout shall be
determined  by the  Committee  based  upon the length of time that  Grantee  was
actively  employed during the  Performance  Cycle relative to the full length of
the Performance Cycle;  provided,  that payment shall only be made to the extent
at the end of the Performance  Cycle the Award would have been earned based upon
the performance  level achieved for the  Performance  Cycle (taking into account
the  adjustment  provisions  and other rules in Section 3 above;  and  provided,
further,  that the performance level used to determine the prorated award cannot
exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the Commitment performance level.

     In the event of Grantee's  Retirement  (on or after age 65), the full Award
shall  continue to be eligible for payout at the end of the  Performance  Cycle,
just as if Grantee had remained  employed for the  remainder of the  Performance
Cycle  (including  if Grantee  dies after  Retirement  but before the end of the
Performance  Cycle).  At the end of the Performance  Cycle,  the Committee shall
make its determination in the same manner as provided in Section 3.

     Payment  of earned  Awards to Grantee  in the event of  termination  due to
death,  Disability,  or Retirement shall be made at the same time payments would
be  made  to  Grantee  if  Grantee  did  not  terminate  employment  during  the
Performance Cycle.


                  5.3  Change  In  Control.  Notwithstanding  anything  in  this
Agreement to the contrary,  if a Change in Control occurs during the Performance
Cycle,  then Grantee's Award shall be determined for the Performance  Cycle then
in  progress  as though  the  Performance  Cycle had ended as of the date of the
Change in Control and the outstanding Award will be paid at the Commitment Level
Award or the actual  performance  level to such date (using,  for such  purpose,
prorated performance levels of the Performance Measure to reflect the portion of
the Performance Cycle that has elapsed as of the date of the Change in Control),
whichever provides the greater payment.  The Award determined in accordance with
the preceding sentence shall be fully vested and payable immediately to Grantee.
The  Committee  shall  determine the amount of the Award under this Section 5.3,
subject to the terms of this  section,  and no downward  adjustment of the Award
which would result in reduction  of the Award by more than fifty  percent  (50%)
shall be  permitted.  The  Award  will be paid in full in cash,  unless  Grantee
elects to receive  one-half of the Award in Shares.  For purposes of determining
the number of Shares to be paid to  Grantee  under this  Section  5.3,  the Fair
Market Value of a Share shall be determined by taking the average  closing price
per share for the last twenty (20) trading days prior to the commencement of the
offer, transaction, or other event which resulted in a Change in Control.

                  5.4   Termination   Without  Cause.  In  the  event  Grantee's
employment  is  terminated  by the Company  without Cause more than one (1) year
after  the  commencement  of the  Performance  Cycle and prior to the end of the
Performance  Cycle,  Grantee shall be entitled to a prorated payout of the Award
based upon the length of time that  Grantee  was  actively  employed  during the

Page 88
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)


Performance  Cycle  relative  to  the  full  length  of the  Performance  Cycle;
provided,  that  payment  shall  be made  only to the  extent  at the end of the
Performance  Cycle the Award would have been earned  based upon the  performance
level achieved during the Performance  Cycle (taking into account the adjustment
provisions and other rules in Section 3 above); and provided,  further, that the
performance level used to determine the prorated award cannot exceed two hundred
percent (200%) of the  Commitment  performance  level.  Payment shall be made to
Grantee at the same time as if Grantee had not terminated  employment during the
Performance Cycle.

         6.       No Right to Continued Employment.


                  Nothing in this  Agreement or the Plan shall be interpreted to
confer upon Grantee any rights with respect to  continuance of employment by the
Company,  nor shall this  Agreement  or the Plan  interfere  in any way with the
right of the Company to terminate Grantee's employment at any time.


         7.       Nonassignment.


                  Grantee shall not have the right to assign, alienate,  pledge,
transfer,  or encumber  any amounts  due Grantee  hereunder,  and any attempt to
assign,  alienate,  pledge,  transfer,  or encumber Grantee's rights or benefits
shall be null and void and not recognized by the Plan or the Company.


         8.       Modification of Agreement.


                  This  Agreement  may  be  modified,   amended,  suspended,  or
terminated,  and any terms or  conditions  may be waived,  but only by a written
instrument executed by the parties hereto.


         9.       Severability; Governing Law.


                  Should any  provision of this  Agreement be held by a court of
competent  jurisdiction  to be  unenforceable  or invalid  for any  reason,  the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by such holding and
shall continue in full force in accordance with their terms.

                  The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of
this  Agreement  shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware  without
giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.


         10.      Successors in Interest.


                  This  Agreement  shall  inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon any successor to the Company.  All obligations imposed upon Grantee and all
rights  granted to the  Company  under  this  Agreement  shall be  binding  upon
Grantee's heirs, executors, and administrators.

                                                                         Page 89
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)



         11.      Resolution of Disputes.


                  Any dispute or  disagreement  which may arise  under,  or as a
result  of,  or in any way  relate  to,  the  interpretation,  construction,  or
application  of  this  Agreement  shall  be  determined  by the  Committee.  Any
determination made hereunder shall be final,  binding, and conclusive on Grantee
and the Company for all purposes.

         12.      Withholding of Taxes.


                  The  Company  shall  have the right to deduct  from any amount
payable under this Agreement,  an amount equal to the federal,  state, and local
income  taxes and other  amounts as may be required  by law to be withheld  (the
"Withholding  Taxes") with respect to any such amount. In satisfaction of all or
part of the Withholding Taxes, Grantee may make a written election, which may be
accepted  or rejected  in the  discretion  of the  Company,  to have  withheld a
portion of the Shares  issuable to him or her  pursuant  to an Award,  having an
aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the Withholding Taxes.


                           NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC.



                           By:__________________________________________________
                              JAMES S. BALLOUN
                              Chairman, President, and
                              Chief Executive Officer



                           NSI SERVICES, L.P. (GA), Subsidiary



                           By:__________________________________________________
                               JAMES S. BALLOUN
                               Chairman, President, and
                               Chief Executive Officer



                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           Name of Grantee:  _____________________


Page 90
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)

                                   Appendix A

              Aspiration Award Program Illustration - FY 2000-2002


Name:        James S. Balloun                              Division:   Corporate
Position:    Chairman, President, & CEO
Salary:      $850,000



                                                                                     

                                                                          Achievement Level
                                                         Threshold           Commitment        Aspiration
FY00-02 Economic Profit (in millions)                        **                  **                 **
Individual AAI Opportunity                               $ 100,000           $ 400,000        $ 2,000,000



Aspiration Award Program Opportunity

The following graph depicts the potential incentive award that would be paid out
at different levels of NSI cumulative  economic profit,  including:  a Threshold
performance level; a Commitment performance level; and an Aspiration performance
level.





                                                    Individual
                                                    Aspiration
Economic Profit                                     Award
                                             

Threshold    **                                     $   100,000

Commitment   **                                     $   400,000

Aspiration   **                                     $ 2,000,000

**  Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                                         Page 91
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)




                     ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD
                                      FOR
                         2000 - 2002 PERFORMANCE PERIOD


                                  NSI CORPORATE



Formula:  Payout as a Percent of Commitment Award = a  x  EP  +  b


Below Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.02885
     b = -0.29808


Above Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.0303
     b = -0.36364


Notes:

     1.   EP = Cumulative Economic Profit for performance period,  which will be
          expressed in millions, rounded to one decimal place.

     2.   Values for "a" and "b" will be rounded to five decimal places.

     3.   Payout percentages will be rounded to a tenth of a percent.

     4.   No award is payable below the Threshold Level EP,  notwithstanding the
          formula set forth above.

     5.   The  maximum  award  payable is 500% of the  Commitment  Level  award,
          notwithstanding the formula set forth above.







Page 92
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)

                                   Appendix A

              Aspiration Award Program Illustration - FY 2000-2002


Name:        Brock A. Hattox                              Division:   Corporate
Position:    Executive Vice President
             & Chief Financial Officer
Salary:      $390,000



                                                                                     

                                                                          Achievement Level
                                                         Threshold           Commitment        Aspiration
FY00-02 Economic Profit (in millions)                        **                  **                 **
Individual AAI Opportunity                               $  46,800          $ 187,200        $   936,000



Aspiration Award Program Opportunity

The following graph depicts the potential incentive award that would be paid out
at different levels of NSI cumulative  economic profit,  including:  a Threshold
performance level; a Commitment performance level; and an Aspiration performance
level.





                                                    Individual
                                                    Aspiration
Economic Profit                                     Award
                                             

Threshold    **                                     $  46,800

Commitment   **                                     $ 187,200

Aspiration   **                                     $ 936,000

**  Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                         Page 93
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)




                     ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD
                                      FOR
                         2000 - 2002 PERFORMANCE PERIOD


                                  NSI CORPORATE



Formula:  Payout as a Percent of Commitment Award = a  x  EP  +  b


Below Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.02885
     b = -0.29808


Above Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.0303
     b = -0.36364


Notes:

     1.   EP = Cumulative Economic Profit for performance period,  which will be
          expressed in millions, rounded to one decimal place.

     2.   Values for "a" and "b" will be rounded to five decimal places.

     3.   Payout percentages will be rounded to a tenth of a percent.

     4.   No award is payable below the Threshold Level EP,  notwithstanding the
          formula set forth above.

     5.   The  maximum  award  payable is 500% of the  Commitment  Level  award,
          notwithstanding the formula set forth above.


Page 94
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)

                                   Appendix A

              Aspiration Award Program Illustration - FY 2000-2002


Name:        David Levy                                    Division:   Corporate
Position:    Executive Vice President, Administration
             & Counsel
Salary:      $375,000



                                                                                     

                                                                          Achievement Level
                                                         Threshold           Commitment        Aspiration
FY00-02 Economic Profit (in millions)                        **                  **                 **
Individual AAI Opportunity                               $  45,000           $ 180,000        $   900,000


Aspiration Award Program Opportunity

The following graph depicts the potential incentive award that would be paid out
at different levels of NSI cumulative  economic profit,  including:  a Threshold
performance level; a Commitment performance level; and an Aspiration performance
level.





                                                    Individual
                                                    Aspiration
Economic Profit                                     Award
                                             

Threshold    **                                     $  45,000

Commitment   **                                     $ 180,000

Aspiration   **                                     $ 900,000

**  Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                         Page 95
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)




                     ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD
                                      FOR
                         2000 - 2002 PERFORMANCE PERIOD


                                  NSI CORPORATE



Formula:  Payout as a Percent of Commitment Award = a  x  EP  +  b


Below Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.02885
     b = -0.29808


Above Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.0303
     b = -0.36364


Notes:

     1.   EP = Cumulative Economic Profit for performance period,  which will be
          expressed in millions, rounded to one decimal place.

     2.   Values for "a" and "b" will be rounded to five decimal places.

     3.   Payout percentages will be rounded to a tenth of a percent.

     4.   No award is payable below the Threshold Level EP,  notwithstanding the
          formula set forth above.

     5.   The  maximum  award  payable is 500% of the  Commitment  Level  award,
          notwithstanding the formula set forth above.


Page 96
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)

                                   Appendix A

              Aspiration Award Program Illustration - FY 2000-2002


Name:        Stewart A. Searle                             Division:   Corporate
Position:    Senior Vice President, Planning & Development
Salary:      $250,000



                                                                                     

                                                                          Achievement Level
                                                         Threshold           Commitment        Aspiration
FY00-02 Economic Profit (in millions)                        **                  **                 **
Individual AAI Opportunity                               $  30,000           $ 120,000        $   600,000



Aspiration Award Program Opportunity

The following graph depicts the potential incentive award that would be paid out
at different levels of NSI cumulative  economic profit,  including:  a Threshold
performance level; a Commitment performance level; and an Aspiration performance
level.





                                                    Individual
                                                    Aspiration
Economic Profit                                     Award
                                             

Threshold    **                                     $  30,000

Commitment   **                                     $ 120,000

Aspiration   **                                     $ 600,000

**  Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                         Page 97
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)




                     ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD
                                      FOR
                         2000 - 2002 PERFORMANCE PERIOD


                                  NSI CORPORATE



Formula:  Payout as a Percent of Commitment Award = a  x  EP  +  b


Below Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.02885
     b = -0.29808


Above Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.0303
     b = -0.36364


Notes:

     1.   EP = Cumulative Economic Profit for performance period,  which will be
          expressed in millions, rounded to one decimal place.

     2.   Values for "a" and "b" will be rounded to five decimal places.

     3.   Payout percentages will be rounded to a tenth of a percent.

     4.   No award is payable below the Threshold Level EP,  notwithstanding the
          formula set forth above.

     5.   The  maximum  award  payable is 500% of the  Commitment  Level  award,
          notwithstanding the formula set forth above.

Page 98
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)

                                   Appendix A

              Aspiration Award Program Illustration - FY 2000-2002


Name:        George H. Gilmore, Jr.                        Division:   Corporate
Position:    Executive Vice President and Group President
Salary:      $450,000



                                                                                     

                                                                          Achievement Level
                                                         Threshold           Commitment        Aspiration
FY00-02 Economic Profit (in millions)                        **                  **                 **
Individual AAI Opportunity                               $  54,000           $ 216,000        $ 1,080,000



Aspiration Award Program Opportunity

The following graph depicts the potential incentive award that would be paid out
at different levels of NSI cumulative  economic profit,  including:  a Threshold
performance level; a Commitment performance level; and an Aspiration performance
level.





                                                    Individual
                                                    Aspiration
Economic Profit                                     Award
                                             

Threshold    **                                     $    54,000

Commitment   **                                     $   216,000

Aspiration   **                                     $ 1,080,000

**  Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                         Page 99
                                                            Exhibit 10(iii)A(40)




                     ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE AWARD
                                      FOR
                         2000 - 2002 PERFORMANCE PERIOD


                                  NSI CORPORATE



Formula:  Payout as a Percent of Commitment Award = a  x  EP  +  b


Below Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.02885
     b = -0.29808


Above Commitment Level EP:
     a =  0.0303
     b = -0.36364


Notes:

     1.   EP = Cumulative Economic Profit for performance period,  which will be
          expressed in millions, rounded to one decimal place.

     2.   Values for "a" and "b" will be rounded to five decimal places.

     3.   Payout percentages will be rounded to a tenth of a percent.

     4.   No award is payable below the Threshold Level EP,  notwithstanding the
          formula set forth above.

     5.   The  maximum  award  payable is 500% of the  Commitment  Level  award,
          notwithstanding the formula set forth above.

Page 100
                                                            EXHIBIT 10(iii)A(40)


                                                   APPENDIX B

                                              ASPIRATION ACHIEVEMENT
                                                  INCENTIVE AWARD
                                                PERFORMANCE MEASURE


                                                       

PERFORMANCE MEASURE                                       DEFINITION


Economic Profit                                           Sum of the annual economic profits for the performance
                                                          cycle.  Annual economic profit shall be determined as
                                                          follows:  Adjusted After-Tax Profits (AATP) minus
                                                          [Average Invested Capital times the Weighted Average
                                                          Cost of Capital (WACC)]


RELATED TERMS                                             DEFINITION


Average Invested Capital                                  Average of the average beginning and ending Invested
                                                          Capital balances each month.

Adjusted After-Tax Profit (AATP)                          Adjusted Pre-Tax Profit minus Book Income Taxes.

Adjusted Pre-Tax Profit (APTP)                            Income before provision for income taxes plus interest
                                                          expense plus implied interest on capitalized operating
                                                          leases.

Book Income Taxes                                         Reported tax rate (determined by dividing
                                                          the provision for income taxes by the
                                                          income before the provision for income
                                                          taxes, as reported in NSI's annual financial
                                                          statements) applied to APTP.

Invested Capital                                          [Total assets plus capitalized operating leases, less
                                                          short and long-term investment in tax benefits] less
                                                          [non-interest bearing liabilities except for self
                                                          insurance reserves and deferred tax credits relating to
                                                          the safe harbor lease].

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)                   Ten percent (10%) will be the WACC for the Performance
                                                          Cycle ending August 31, 2002.