Acquisition award applications sought

The Council for Excellence in Government, Government Executive and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy are once again joining forces to recognize and celebrate outstanding federal acquisition results through the Business Solutions in the Public Interest Awards competition.

Entry forms for the 2001 competition are now available, and must be submitted by early February.

The awards honor teams of individuals from across the federal government who have used acquisition as a strategic business tool advancing their agencies' missions. The inaugural awards process this year inspired considerable competition, drawing more than 130 applications. In September, six winners of the awards were honored at a ceremony in Washington.

With a shrinking pool of acquisition experts in government, it has become increasingly important for agency teams to work innovatively, efficiently and with a clear sense of purpose. The awards identify leading examples of trend-setting procurement practices in the new business performance culture. The awards also recognize the importance of partnership between agency staff and leadership in thinking through, planning and managing acquisitions.

To be eligible for Business Solutions in the Public Interest Awards, acquisition efforts must:

• Be administered under the authority of the federal government. Applications must be submitted by the federal agency responsible for the acquisition. Submissions involving a partnership with a private contractor are eligible, but applications must be submitted by the government entity.
• Have been implemented before January 1, 2000 and be at a stage where the strategic significance can be seen and verified.
• Have progressed significantly toward the achievement of their stated goals.

Electronic applications are preferred and must be submitted by 5 p.m. Feb. 16, 2001. Paper applications must be postmarked, faxed or emailed by Friday, Feb. 9, 2001.

Profiles of the 2000 Business Solutions in the Public Interest Award winners can be found in the latest Procurement Preview edition of Government Executive.