The award is given annually to a Civil Engineering project, not an individual or firm, to recognize the contribution of the many engineers who have worked on the project.  The award is part of the ASCE National OCEA Program.

Selection is based on how the project demonstrates the application of civil engineering skills and its contribution to civil engineering progress and mankind. Judges will consider the following criteria:

1. contribution to the well-being of people and communities,
2. resourcefulness in planning and in the solution of design problems,
3. pioneering use of materials and methods,
4. innovations in construction, and
5. impact on the physical environment, unusual aspects, and aesthetic values.

The project's potential adverse effects will be considered. Entries should look frankly at the project's problems, technical and otherwise.

Eligibility

Projects meeting the following requirements in the calendar year of the award are eligible:

1. Bridges, tunnels, waterway structures, roads (other than toll roads) are eligible only when carrying traffic. The time of dedication or final completion is not important.
2. Toll or similar regional roads may be entered for the year's award when it is 75 percent com-plete. Any portion in use may be eligible on its own merit.
3. Water supply, flood control, and power dams are eligible when ready to take the full design head of water. For power dams, it is not important when power goes on line.
4. Power plants, including nuclear, are eligible when power goes on line.
5. Buildings and structures are eligible when ready for use.
6. Airports and similar large developments are eligible when a structure of feature is opera-tional. However, such structures or features must stand on their own merit in the competition with no consideration given for the overall project. The entire project may be considered for the year's award when it is 75 percent operational in its initial stage.
7. Any portion of a water supply and waste control project may be eligible in its year of completion, but that portion will be considered on its own merits, not as representing the overall project. Where only additional units, similar to those already functional, remain to be completed, the entire project may be considered for the year's award when it is 50 percent operational in its initial stage.
8.   Military projects are eligible for their civil engineering aspects.

The judges will determine eligibility for projects that do not fall within any of the above categories. Ohio Council will give the judges as much latitude as possible in determining eligibility and making their final selection.

No project or component part thereof is reconsidered after receiving an award.

Submittal Guidelines

Do not submit mountains of facts. Sort out the significant facts about the project. Elaborate on those items and identify the unusual or unique aspects of the project. Emphasize key problems and their solutions. Consider all phases of the project: planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Perhaps the project's environment—economic, political, ecological, social, or legal—presented the most difficult challenges and led to the most unique solutions. Avoid highly technical information. Judges are all engineers but come from all civil engineering disciplines and have divers engineering backgrounds.

All entries should include:

1. An official entry form found below.
2. Project description, no longer than 250 words.
3. At least one color photograph of the project. More photos are encouraged. Copies in digital format (.jpg preferred) are also encouraged. Ohio Council may use photographs for publicity including the OCEA web site. Photos will not be returned.
4. Summary describing how the project meets the judging criteria limited to 1000 words.
5. Attach copies of articles from local newspapers and trade journals if available.
6. Include only data and charts that are essential to understanding the project's technical aspects and innovations.
7. Paper only entries must include seven copies. Entries may be submitted on CD or via the Internet in pdf format. The pdf file should not exceed 5 MB if submitted via the Internet. Receipt will be confirmed for Internet submittals. Submit at least one bound paper copy of the entry if submitting on CD or via the Internet.

 Entries

THE DEADLINE FOR THE 2009 AWARD HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 1, 2009

If you have any questions concerning your project's eligibility or how to submit your nomination, send e-mail to the OCEA Chair. Electronic submittals should be submitted to this e-mail address.

The winning project will be announced to the ASCE local sections at the Spring Ohio Council meeting.

Reminders and invitations are mailed to firms on the Ohio Council mailing list.  To add your name to the list, or if you already receive a reminder and need to update your firm's information, email the OCEA Chair.  Include the name of the person who should receive the mailing, your firm name, complete address, and phone number.  Optionally include your fax number, web site address, and email address of the person who should receive notifications.