Award Background Information

Microsoft Government Solutions Award Government to Citizen

First Annual Microsoft Government Solution Recognition Awards

With government becoming more efficient and delivering superior citizen services every day, success in IT deserves to be highlighted and shared now more than ever. To acknowledge the great work our customers are doing across the country, Microsoft is kicking off its first-ever Solution Recognition Awards contest, whose winners will be recognized during the Microsoft Government CIO Summit in Redmond, Wash., January 14-15.

To ensure a balanced selection process – not to mention an expert eye – Microsoft will work with Government Technology's Public CIO Magazine to determine the winners. Award winners will be selected based on their use of Microsoft technology in whole or in part, and will be honored in front of their peers on Jan. 15 at the CIO Summit. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing those innovative IT initiatives that either helps government more effectively perform its mission or provide cost-effective citizen services.

Eligibility:
Any Federal or State & Local government organization or agency may enter. We are encouraging eligible winners to attend the luncheon awards ceremony on Jan. 15, or day 2 of the CIO Summit, in Building 33.

Judges:
A broad-based representative panel of judges will review applications and selects winners.

Awards will be granted for developing and/or implementing technology solutions with demonstrated results, improved service to community, cost savings, and improved effectiveness and management.

Special consideration is given to entries that are transferable to other communities and that demonstrate vision and resourcefulness.

Two solutions winners will be awarded per category for a total of eight awards. However, there is no limit to the number of submissions a government entity may enter. In the event a category does not receive a submission worthy of a solutions award, none will be given.

Four Award Categories:

• Best Government Productivity Solution
  Applications providing innovative, timesaving, cost-effective transactions with government, citizens, and/or businesses. Applications may also focus on convenience and streamlining the process of exchanging information. Examples include solutions for the mobile worker who is able to access information faster and more effectively for improved action and decision making.
  Other examples may include: automation of procurement, registration, licensing and permitting as well.
  

• Best Government to Government Solution
  E-initiatives aiming to enhancing government-to-government interaction, transactions, and/or services. Examples of G2G include multi-state, multi-agency, state-to-local government, state-to-federal government, integrated justice systems, and state-to-employee programs projects that have produced significant efficiencies and/or improved service.

• Best Government to Citizen Solution
  E-initiatives aiming to enhance government-to-government or government-to-citizen interaction, transactions, and/or services. Examples of G2C include unemployment compensation, welfare benefits, licensing, vehicle registration, justice/safety programs, insurance, retirement programs, environmental service, tax collections, etc.

• Best Innovation in Government
  For unique uses of current technology or application of leading-edge technology. Examples include a customer kiosk information delivery system, multimedia and distance learning applications, technologies enabling rehabilitation, geographic information systems, artificial intelligence systems, PDA and wireless-related technologies.

The Winners:
Awards will be presented at the Microsoft Government CIO Summit on January 14-15. Winners will be featured on the Microsoft government web site 1 week after the event
Award presentation on site, with a plaque
Will pursue press coverage of awards winners or their applications.