Are you talking about direct simplex QSOs with no hot spot or DMR repeater used? I would think yes, they are.
The Award general rules state that all QSO’s must originate and be reciprocated by licensed amateur radio operators, each using transmitters operating in established amateur radio frequency bands and identified using the respective callsign of each QSO participant. Transmissions that use a relay or repeater or an Internet link may not be used for credit towards awards. https://www.qrz.com/page/qrz-operating-awards
