1. 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

2. Project of Merit 2012
Coachella Valley APWA Branch
Award Categories (Check All Involved):
 Street and Transportation  Public Facilities and Buildings
Street Improvement Library
Bridge Civic Center
Pedestrian Facility Corporate Facility
Streetscape/Landscape Community Center
Urban Renewal Parks and Recreation Facilities
 Traffic Congestion/Mitigation  Water and Wastewater
Traffic Calming Water and Reclaimed Water System
Signal Improvement/Innovations Sanitary Sewer Treatment and System
Pedestrian Safety Irrigation Water System
Congestion Management Drainage/Flood Protection
Groundwater Recharge
 Public Works Management
Pavement Management  Creative and Innovative
GIS Energy Conservation
Solid Waste Management NPDES Programs
Public Works Website 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.

3. 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).