The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) Engineering Excellence

Awards (EEA) program annually recognizes consulting engineering firms for projects that demonstrate

an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement and value. Although the ACEC Illinois

EEA program generally follows entry guidelines established for the ACEC National EEA program,

ACEC Illinois’ rules are different; therefore, please review ACEC Illinois Official Rules thoroughly.

Projects being entered must be substantially completed and ready for use from November 1, 2018 –

October 31, 2020.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 29, 2020 Deadline to submit online required material

November 12, 2020 Virtual EEA Prescreening with EEA Committee

November 19, 2020 Virtual EEA Judging

ENTRY FEES

ACEC Illinois Member Firm: $550 (by October 29, 2020)

Non-member Firm: $1000 (by October 29, 2020)

*ACEC Illinois members are considered members if their 2020-2021 dues have been paid prior to

October 29, 2020. Please contact info@acecil.org with questions.*

(Note: Each entered project requires a separate entry fee. Each entry fee is non-refundable and

nontransferable, regardless of whether entry material is submitted for a project.)

ELIGIBILITY

Any Illinois engineering or surveying firm is eligible to enter the EEA program, regardless of whether the

firm is an ACEC Illinois member. Projects entered into the ACEC Illinois competition may have been

executed anywhere in the world; however, to be eligible, at least 50 percent of the project work

must have been done by the entering firm’s Illinois office. Construction of projects entered into the

2021 competition must have been substantially completed and ready for use between November 1, 2018 - October 31, 2020. Noncompliance with the Official Rules may disqualify an entry. ACEC Illinois

will not be responsible for any damages to or loss of entered materials. The ACEC Illinois Awards

Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility for all entries. Entries must meet the judges’

rating guidelines found in the Official Rules.

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

All submissions are considered ACEC-IL Award Winners (Honors, Special Achievement or Merit

Awards). The panel of judges will select all awards at their discretion. A Lincoln’s Grand Conceptor

Award will be selected from the Honor Award winners. The Lincoln’s Grand Conceptor Award will be

announced at the Gala as the top ACEC-IL winner selected by the judges, whose decisions on all

2021 Engineering Excellence Awards

Official Rules

awards are final. This award recognizes an engineering achievement which demonstrates a high

degree of merit, is original and innovative, adds future value to the engineering profession & public

perception, has economic & sustainable design considerations, demonstrates complexity and

exceeds owner/client needs. Awards will be presented to the clients/owners and entering firms

submitting the winning entries.

14 -Judges Choice Awards, 1 winner from each category

1 –Outstanding Graphics Award, one overall winner chosen from all submittals by the judges

JUDGING

Entries are judged for overall engineering excellence based on work performed by only the entering

engineering firm and according to the rating guidelines listed. For the state competition, as well as

the national competition, each project is judged and rated on its own merit, regardless of what the

national category classification is for the project. Each year, a diverse panel of judges is convened

and typically consists of leadership of allied organizations, public and private sector, industry

professionals, educational, and media personnel. Each of these distinguished judges evaluates

entries using a standard rating process to determine award winners. The Illinois judging is based on

review of all the contents submitted.

RATING GUIDELINES

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 developmentbenefits?- Does the entrant’s contribution to the project improve the health, safety or welfare of the publicor 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, orsimilar elements present?- Does the entry require the use of out-of-the-ordinary technology or ingenuity for achievement ofproject’s goals?

5. EXCEEDING OWNER NEEDS:- Did the engineer or entrant successfully engage the client/owner in the overall projectdevelopment process?- Is it an economical and cost effective solution?- How did final cost relate to 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?

DELIVERABLES

Once your firm decides to enter the ACEC Illinois 2021 EEA competition, you will prepare the submittal

material. The following section describes, in detail, the main parts.

Electronic Project Display

- Each firm will have one slide that will be display your project.

- Please view the PowerPoint Project Display for your submission.

Also note, DO NOT make any changes to Font’s or Size of Text Boxes. Insert ONE project image in

middle of screen and size to fit between black lines. Please keep file size under 2 MG.

*Note: this will need to be submitted as a PowerPoint file and included in the PDF submittal as a one

page.

PDF Submittal Material:

- The following provides details of the text that is required to be submitted. The following content

order is the order that must be followed for your submission.

*Look to the end for a full layout.

*NOTE: no QR Codes or embedded links are permitted in any portion of the award submittal. Judges

may not seek any additional information or conduct research; therefore, only the information

submitted is used in judging process.

Executive Summary (one-page max)

- This is the overview of project. Describe the problem and solution; project title and entry category

must appear at the top of the page.

- Specifications: 8.5” x 11”, 1” side margins; single-spaced text; 12 pt. minimum size font

Project Description (Up to three pages)

Tell the story of the project. Address items a, b, c and d as listed below; project title, entry category,

and page number must appear at the top of each page. Entrants may use text, photos, graphics, or

charts as needed.

Specifications: 8.5” x 11”; 1” side margins; single-spaced text; minimum 12 pt. font size

Text must include:

a. Role of entrant’s firm in the project

b. Role of other consultants participating in the project

c. Entrant’s contribution to the project (i.e., address each of the five areas under

“Rating Guideline Definitions” section)

d. Total project budgeted cost, total project actual cost, entrant’s portion of the

budgeted cost, entrant’s portion of the actual cost, scheduled and actual dates of

completion

e. Closing summary of project in layman’s terms about why this project is worthy

of special recognition (minimum 100 words, maximum 500). Explain all

factors that comprise the project’s uniqueness and complexity, such as

innovative engineering, challenges faced and overall social impact.

*Remember: Please do not leave unanswered questions for the judges (e.g., “Why did you go over

budget?”, “What happened to the waste stream that the project produced?”) in your project

description.

RESOURCE MATERIAL

List of Key Participants & Clients (one-page)

- A one-page PDF list of key participants and clients involved in the project. Include 1” side margins

and use minimum 12 pt. font size.

- Include key participants and clients name, physical mailing address, firm/organization name and e-

mail address for each. Include contractors, subcontractors, other engineering firms, architects and

other designers.

Client Letter (one-page max)

- Letter addressed to ACEC Illinois on client letterhead describing the relationship of the client/owner

and entrant in the development of the project and how it exceeded the client/owner’s needs.

Photos, Captions & Graphics (6 pages)

Six different photos or graphics (one image per page) with captions describing the subject matter.

Captions must be listed below the image.

*Make sure to submit the photo release form that allows ACEC Illinois to use for electronic and

print material. Photo release must be signed by firm and client. Include any credit that must be

used (i.e. – Photo Credit to Lincoln Smith, Unfound Door).

*Photo Release forms should be uploaded to the EEA dropbox , not connected to the project PDF

Submittal Process:

- Your entire project needs to be submitted as one PDF to the Dropbox- PDF should be titled the Project Name as appears on the Entry Form

- The only other file submitted will be the electronic display board as a PowerPoint

*this is also included in the PDF as the PowerPoint will not be viewed by the judges.

Overall Layout:

Page 1 – Cover

Page 2 – Entry Form

Page 3 – Executive Summary

Page 4, 5, 6 – Project Description

Page 7 – Key Participants & Clients

Page 8 – Client Letter

Page 9 – Electronic Project Display

Page 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 – Photos with Captions

PROJECT CATEGORIES CATEGORY A: Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering Services Non-design services, projects not involving the preparation of construction documents consisting of but not limited to the following types of projects: New Products, Materials and TechnologiesExpert TestimonyBasic Research and StudiesComputer/Software TechnologyTechnical PapersPublic Outreach / InvolvementWater ConservationSecurity PlansProject Feasibility Studies/Economic RiskValue EngineeringNEPA Documents

CATEGORY B: Building/Technology SystemsMechanical/Electrical / PlumbingComputer/TechnologyCommunicationsAcousticsSoftware SystemsSustainability or Carbon NeutralityEfficiency Certification Standards, e.g. LEED Energy Efficiency (New and Retrofit)Secure Facilities (military, research, correctional)

CATEGORY C: Structural SystemsFoundationsTunnelsBuildingsSeismic DesignTowersBridgesStadiums

CATEGORY D: Surveying and Mapping TechnologyGeometrics, ALTA, Land Title and Rights SurveysControl, GPS, Monitoring, or Construction SurveyingSurvey Mapping, GIS/LIS, Photogrammetry

CATEGORY E: EnvironmentalHazardous WasteSolid WasteRestoration/Reclamation/RemediationAir QualityNoiseRecyclingWaste Pond ManagementCarbon Sequestration and TradingMitigation

CATEGORY F: Waste and Storm WaterWastewater Collection/Treatment and DisposalResiduals Management and ReuseGraywater SystemsCSOsMine TailingsAgriculturalStorm Water ManagementErosion Control

CATEGORY G: Water ResourcesHydraulics, HydrologySurface and Groundwater Supply DevelopmentTreatmentTransmission, Distribution and StorageWatershed ManagementWater Use ReductionFlood Risk ManagementClimate AdaptationCoastal and Eco-System RestorationLocks/Dams/Water Control StructuresIrrigationCATEGORY H: TransportationHighwaysRailAirportsMarine/PortsPublic TransitIntermodal FacilitiesCATEGORY I: Special ProjectsSafety and SecurityCorrosion Protection / Cathodic ProtectionProgram and Construction ManagementLand DevelopmentTrenchless Technologies/Directional BoringRecreational FacilitiesSubsurface EngineeringConstruction Engineering and Inspection

CATEGORY J: Small Projects Total project construction budget does not exceed $2.5 million. At the entrant’s discretion, except for entries in Category A, projects under $2.5 million are not limited to this category.

CATEGORY K: Energy Transmission and DistributionPower GenerationRenewable EnergyCogenerationEnergy Storage TechnologiesEnergy Use Reduction ProgramsDemand Side Management

CATEGORY L: Industrial and Manufacturing Processes & FacilitiesPetrochemicalBiotechManufacturingHeavy IndustryIndustrial WasteMaterials HandlingMining, Metallurgy and Mineralogy

2

CATEGORY M: Innovative & Effective Use of Construction Materials- Innovatice or new to the industry- Lower Life cycle costs- Sustainable- Experimental feature implementation- Repurposing of alternate materials- New construction techonoly CATEGORY N: Public Engagement and Communciations- Stakeholder Engagement- Public Input and Communication- Paid Media (traditional, digital and social)- Social Media- Earned Media- Communications Technology and Innovatoin

American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois 5221 South Sixth Street Road, Suite 120 ♦ Springfield, IL 62703 ♦ (217) 529-7430 ♦ bethany@acecil.org

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES OF ILLINOIS ANNUAL ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

2021 OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Deadline to submit is Thursday, October 29, 2020.

ABOUT THE PROJECTProject Name 50 charactersProject LocationCity/State

Judge this entry in the following category (check one): A. Studies, Research and Consulting E. Environmental I. Special ProjectsB. Building/Technology Systems F. Waste and Storm Water J. Small ProjectsC. Structural Systems G. Water Resources K. EnergyD. Surveying & Mapping Technology H. Transportation L. Industrial and Manufacturing Processes and Facilities

Costs - Categories A & D (if applicable) Costs - All Other Categories Costs - All Other Categories

Completion/Use Dates Actual date must be prior to 10/31/20

Budgeted and/or Actual Costs (SEE NOTE BELOW)

Total Project Construction Costs

Entrant's Portionof Total Project Construction Costs

Scheduled Budgeted $ Budgeted $ Budgeted $

Actual Actual $ Actual $ Actual $

FIRM(S) SUBMITTING THE PROJECT No firm descriptions please. Use full business name(s). TYPE NAME AS IT WILL APPEAR ON PLAQUE

Entering Firm(s)

Date

PROJECT OWNER(S) AUTHORIZATION I believe the work of the engineer meets the intended uses and expectations for the project and hereby grant permission to enter this project in the ACEC

Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards competition. I authorize publication of its outstanding features, unique aspects and innovations, including photographs. I confirm that the project was completed and ready for use between November 1, 2018 and October 31, 2020.

Project Owner(s) (Entity)

Representative’s Name Title

City/State

Signature

POC Cell POC Email

I hereby authorize submission of this project into the ACEC-Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards competition.

Title

Firm Submittal Point of Contact (POC)

POC Phone

FIRM AUTHORIZATION Entering firm Senior Executive/Principal

Signature

NOTE: With the exception of Category A and D projects, costs reflected above are always construction costs and are NOT engineering fees. If your firm was reponsible for the entire engineering design of the project, then the Entrant's Portion of Total Project Construction Costs Budgeted amount and the Entrant's Portion of the Total Project Construction Costs Actual amount will be the same as the Total Project Construction Costs Budgeted amount and Total Project Construction Costs Actual amount.

If your firm was not responsible for the entire engineering design of the project, then the Entrant's Portion of the Total Project Construction Costs Budgeted amount and the Entrant's Portion of the Total Project Construction Costs Actual amount should be the part of total project construction cost your firm was responsible for. (i.e. A mechanical engineering firm was responsible for $12M of a total project budget of $40M. $12M is the Entrant's Portion of the Total Project Budget. $40M is the Total Project Budget.)

*electronic signatures are accepted

Construction MaterialsN. Public Engagement & Communications

M. Innovative & Effective use of

PHOTO RELEASE FORM

Project Name:

Firm:

I hereby grant ACEC-Illinois permission to use photos submitted with our 2021Engineering Excellence Awards project, photos taken of us throughout the

Engineering Excellence Awards, video tapes, and audio recordings for

promotion, underwriting, public relations and general programming uses either

with or without reference the project and firm.

Date:

Signature:

Printed Name: