Project of Merit 2012

The Coachella Valley Branch of the Southern California Chapter of APWA seeks to recognize outstanding public works projects or programs completed between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. The Coachella Valley Branch Project of Merit has been established to:

• Recognize outstanding capital improvement projects and public works programs within the Coachella Valley;

• Share good ideas displayed in these projects and programs with the members of the Coachella Valley APWA Branch; and

• Showcase the variety, caliber, quality, nature and breadth of work performed by the agencies and or the consulting partners for projects delivered for the public within the Coachella Valley.

To nominate a project for the Coachella Valley APWA Branch Project of Merit, please submit this form along with the requested information to the Project of Merit Committee at either of the addresses listed below. Upon receipt of this form, a committee member may contact you or the project contacts listed below to discuss this submittal. Name of Project: ______________________________________________________________

Nominator Agency/Company: ____________________________________________________ Nominator Contact: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: (______)________________ Email: ___________________________________ Award Category: ______________________________________________________________ Project Responsible Agency: ____________________________________________________ Agency Project Manager/Contact: ________________________________________________ Phone: (______)________________ Email: ___________________________________ Consultant Project Manager (If applicable): _________________________________________ Phone: (______)________________ Email: ___________________________________ Submit Applications to: Brad Donais Nick Nickerson RBF Consulting NAI Consulting 74130 Country Club Drive, Suite 201 68955 Adelina Road Palm Desert, CA 92253 Cathedral City, CA 62234

Project of Merit 2012 Coachella Valley APWA Branch

Award Categories (Check All Involved): Street and Transportation

Street Improvement Bridge Pedestrian Facility Streetscape/Landscape Urban Renewal

Traffic Congestion/Mitigation Traffic Calming Signal Improvement/Innovations Pedestrian Safety Congestion Management

Public Works Management Pavement Management GIS Solid Waste Management Public Works Website

Public Facilities and Buildings Library Civic Center Corporate Facility Community Center Parks and Recreation Facilities

Water and Wastewater Water and Reclaimed Water System Sanitary Sewer Treatment and System Irrigation Water System Drainage/Flood Protection Groundwater Recharge

Creative and Innovative Energy Conservation NPDES Programs Public Involvement Non-Motorized Plans

Project of Merit Award will be given to those projects that the Committee deems outstanding in any of the above mentioned categories. In any given year, not all categories may have a Project of Merit awarded. Each submittal package should address the following areas to the extent applicable in the supporting project submittal documentation.

Project/Program Description and Goals;

Unique project/program aspects;

Demonstration of meeting the project/program goals;

Positive impacts to the community as a result of the project;

Innovation in use of technology and/or management applications;

Integration of aesthetics and visual appeal;

Safety improvements or enhancements;

Cost effective design solutions;

Challenging environmental considerations;

Community outreach during design and/or construction;

Design and construction completion dates contained within the contracts, and addressing all time extensions;

Original construction contract cost, addressing Change Orders and impact to budget and completion;

Additional considerations to bring to the attention of the review panel.

Project of Merit 2012 Coachella Valley APWA Branch

Selection Criteria: Projects or programs submitted for consideration should be unique or outstanding in one or more of the following areas:

Project Performance: Achieved the project goals; delivered on schedule; demonstrated cost effectiveness; cooperation amongst agencies, consultants and contractor; and public involvement & awareness.

Unique Aspects: Innovative features through the planning and execution of the project/program that sets it apart from other similar projects/programs.

Quality of Life: Results in a positive impact to the community including residents, businesses and visitors; sustainable features and environmentally sensitive solutions; provides a new or improves and existing service to the community.

Eligibility: To be eligible for nomination, a project or program must have been “substantially completed” and available for public or agency use between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. If the project has multiple phases or segments, then “substantially completed” will be construed as that point when the final phase or segment if 90% completed and available for public and/or agency use. There is a maximum of one award per category, per agency, per year. There is no limit to the number of submissions per agency, but each project or program may only be nominated once in a single category. Nomination Process: Nominations must be submitted by an APWA Member or Member Agency, active in the Coachella Valley APWA Branch. Award nomination packets are available at the General Membership Meeting as well as via email from either Brad Donais (bdonais@rbf.com) or Nick Nickerson (nnickerson@naiconsulting.com) upon request. A separate application must be used for each project submittal. Applications will not be returned. Submission Requirements: Each nominator shall submit four (4) color hard copies of the submittal package. The package shall include the Nomination Form, a brief project write-up, program materials and color pictures of the project. Supporting documentation is limited to 2 pages (doubled sided) or 4 pages (singled sided) on 8.5” x 11” paper, exclusive of photographs and the nomination form. The submittal packages shall be sent to either: Brad Donais Nick Nickerson RBF Consulting NAI Consulting 74130 Country Club Drive, Suite 201 68955 Adelina Road Palm Desert, CA 92253 Cathedral City, CA 62234 Deadline for Submittals: All nominations must be received at either of the two addressed listed about by August 3, 2012, by close of business. Award Notification: Successful nominators will be notified before the end of August 2012. Award Presentation: Project of Merit Award winners will be formerly announced at the November APWA General Membership Meeting. Questions: Please call either Brad Donais (760-776-6132) or Nick Nickerson (760-323-5344).