Entry must be submitted to the ACEC/MD office, no later than September 15, 2011, and shall include:

1. The 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards Program Preliminary Phase Entry Form  ;
2. One copy of an Executive Summary, not to exceed one page - 8.5" x 11" with 1" side margins; minimum 12pt. type, double spaced, describing the problem, and the solution; and
3. One copy of a Press Release (up to two pages, double spaced) clearly and concisely describing the project and the entrant’s participation in the project, reflecting on factors listed in Item #4 of the ACEC submission requirements. In addition, point out the value of the project to the community, identify the number of people served, cost savings, and etc. No reference to other awards should be included in the submitted materials.

Submitted projects will be evaluated based on the following features:

1. Original or Innovative Application of New or Existing Techniques:

• Does the entry demonstrate the use of a new science or a breakthrough in the general knowledge of engineering?
• Does the entry represent a unique application of new or existing technology, techniques, materials or equipment?

2. Future Value to the Engineering Profession and Perception by the Public:

• Will the entry redefine current engineering thinking?
• Does the entry advance a positive public image of engineering excellence?

3. Social, Economic and Sustainable Design Considerations:

• Do the solutions identified produce secondary benefits of value to the community environment?
• Does the entrant’s approach provide society with social, economic, or sustainable development benefits?
• Does the entrant’s contribution to the project improve the health, safety or welfare of the public or affected environment?

4. Complexity:

• Did the entry successfully address very complex criteria or unique problems?
• Were extraordinary problems of site, location, hazardous conditions, project requirements, or similar elements present?
• Did the entry require the use of out-of-the-ordinary technology or ingenuity for achievement of the project’s goals?

5. Exceeding Client/Owner Needs:

• Did the engineer or entrant successfully engage the client/ owner in the overall project development process?
• Is it an economical and cost-effective solution?
• How did the final cost relate to the original budget estimate?
• How closely does the entrant’s solution meet the total goals of the client/owner?
• Did the entrant meet the client’s time schedule?

Preliminary entries selected by the judges for submission in the final awards program must follow the additional guidelines as specified in the ACEC Engineering Excellence brochure.  Submitting a graphic panel with the final submission is encouraged, although not required.  ACEC/MD showcases these panels at events throughout the year, as additional publicity for our members’ achievements.  Also, the ACEC/MD program will not require the "official notebook".  Firms may organize their entry for the ACEC/MD awards program, when advised, in any format they choose.