Technical Innovation Award

Purpose

To recognize an individual, team, or organization for the development, management, and implementation of a creative idea, program, process, or system that enhances the delivery of public works services to the public. A technical innovation involves materials, design, and equipment such as pinch valves, a carbon fiber reinforced bridge, etc.

Eligibility

Anyone actively involved in the public works profession is eligible. APWA membership is not required.

Selection

The Awards Committee reviews the nominations and selects the award winners.

Criteria

Innovations will be judged on the overall positive effect it has made on the agency, the public, and/or the community relative to the delivery of public works services that are new and creative methods and programs. These may include, but are not limited to, materials, design, or equipment that improves efficiency, disseminates information, or educates the public and/or personnel.

The innovations must be proven cost effective and sustainable. They should not be the result of natural evolution of existing methods, common sense, or good practice, but rather a successful implementation that results in significant achievement.

The innovations must be well-documented and presented in a manner that describes the deficiency and/or challenge and the results of innovation implementation.

Applications should address the following specific criteria, which will be evaluated in the selection process:

• Describe the complexity of the innovation—provide specific information related to the challenge identified and the innovation utilized to address
• Explain the innovation’s positive impact—provide specific information related to the long-term benefits and operational efficiencies realized to public works
• Describe the approach utilized to create the innovation—provide detailed information on the originality and approach utilized to create the technical innovation.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by any public agency or APWA chapter. Submissions are limited to ten pages. The ten pages do not include a letter of introduction from the chapter/nominator.

Deadline

March 4, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time; electronic submittals only. 

Presentation

The award winners are presented with a plaque at the Awards Recognition Ceremony during PWX and are featured in APWA publications.