​Frequently Asked Questions

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE?

All current, permanent Commonwealth employees are eligible to be nominated. Each nominee must have been a full- or part-time Commonwealth employee and actively performed the duties described in the nomination during the previous calendar year.

WHAT WILL NOMINEES RECEIVE?

All nominated employees selected for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence will receive a commendation from the Governor informing them of their selection. 

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED?

• The service, achievement, or accomplishment must have significant impact on the general public.
• The service, achievement, or accomplishment must have significantly enhanced the image, prestige, or effectiveness of the Commonwealth.
• The development of commonwealth policy or improved methods or procedures has resulted in significant increased productivity, efficiency, or service to the Commonwealth.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE NOMINATION?

Nominations should contain a complete description of the program, process, technique, operation, or accomplishment for which the nomination application is based and answer the following as applicable to the category:

• Description of what has been done and for whom.
• Description of why the approach or achievement was identified or selected for consideration of an award.
• Description of how the accomplishment was achieved.
• If applicable, description of how the approach was funded.
• Identify the challenges, barriers, or obstacles encountered and how they were overcome.
• Description of why the program(s) or project(s) is unique or innovative.
• Description of what benefits resulted from the effort.  (To the extent possible, success stories should be included)
• Description of any measurable monetary or non-monetary benefits or results, including dollars saved, costs prevented, or revenue generated, that can be used to quantify success.
  

DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE NOMINATION IN ONE SESSION?

No! Employees submitting nominations are now able to save their nominations and finish them later. Pending nominations will be displayed upon entering the nomination site. Note: employees will not be able to view or modify nominations after they have been submitted as complete.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Complete the Governor’s Awards of Excellence Online Nomination Form.  Attach all supporting documentation that can substantiate the reasons for nomination (e.g., letters of commendation or appreciation, description of work projects, press releases, verification of savings, etc.)

• A VPN connection or access to a computer at a C​ommonwealth worksite is required to access the online nomination form. 
• Nominators are strongly encouraged to access the online form using the Chrome web browser.