Awards Categories

The APA Federal Planning Division awards categories:

Category 1 – Outstanding Federal Planning Program

For a large‐scale planning program that best represents and incorporates integrated design, innovative problem solving, and an effective planning process. Programs typically include enterprise-level planning initiatives applicable to multiple locations, facilities, installations, or properties.

Examples of previous winning projects in this category: Installation Management Command Lodge Program Definition Reports and DD1391s, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Worldwide Area Development Plans (ADPs) Program, and U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Bavaria Housing Area Development Plans

Category 2 – Outstanding District/Area Development Project

For the planning project that best represents a smaller development area that is a part of a larger federal installation, campus, park, or lands. Plans typically include, but are not limited to, Area Development Plans (ADPs), District Plans, Specific Functional or Operational Plans, Housing Area Plans, Park Unit Plans, Site Plans, etc. Small, single-site, single-mission locations could also be considered for this category.

Examples of previous winning projects in this category: Kadena Industrial Park (Chibana District) Area Development Plan, West Point Clinton District Area Development Plan, and Peterson Air Force Base Triangle Area Development Plan

Category 3 – Facilities Requirements Project

For the planning project that best represents outstanding facility space and requirements planning. Projects typically include, but are not limited to, Facility Space Utilization Plans, Facilities Requirements Documents, Customer Concept Documents, Facility Planning Charrette Reports, etc.

Category 4 – Outstanding Technical Planning Project

For a planning effort demonstrating outstanding technical competence in federal operations. This category is intended for planning studies that do not clearly fit into Categories 1-4 above. Technical plans or studies typically include, but are not limited to enterprise-level strategic basing or siting plans (e.g., new aircraft, vehicles, vessels, or organizations); range/training area or other real estate or real property asset management plans; information management and analysis tools that enhance a planner’s ability to facilitate objective recommendations to inform decision makers; business case and economic impact studies; or site feasibility or other alternative analyses.

Examples of previous winning projects in this category: Naha Military Port Plan, Zion National Park Management Scenario Tool, and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni Stormwater Management Plan

Category 5 – Outstanding Environmental Planning Project

For the environmental project that best meets the criteria. Environmental planning typically includes, but is not limited to, Natural or Cultural Resources Management Plans; Energy, Water, and/or Waste Conservation and Management Plans; Installation Sustainability Plans; National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) planning such as Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) or Environmental Assessments (EAs); Air, Noise, or Water Pollution Management Plans; and site remediation and redevelopment plans.

Examples of previous winning projects in this category: US Air Force F-35A Operational Beddown Air National Guard Environmental Impact Statement, Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center Sustainability Component Plan, and Vegetation Plan Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR)

Category 6 – Outstanding Federal Place of the Year – New Development

Recognition of a Federally owned location that best represents considered forethought into the development of the entire space, structurally, spatially, culturally, environmentally, and sustainably. This category is open to locations which have been completed within the past 10-years.

Category 7 – Outstanding Federal Place of the Year – Historic Development

Recognition of a Federally owned location that best represents considered forethought into the development of the entire space, structurally, spatially, culturally, environmentally, and sustainably which has inspired the generation of similar spaces for future users. This category is open to locations which have been completed prior to 1965.

Category 8 – Outstanding Planner of the Year

This category is open to any FPD member or federal employee who has contributed to federal agency planning in a substantial manner over the past Fiscal Year. This award recognizes effective contributions and leadership within the profession through practice, management, consulting, and promotion of sound planning within the federal sector.

Category 9 – Outstanding Emerging Planner of the Year

This category is open to any FPD member or federal employee, with less than FIVE years’ experience, who has contributed to federal agency planning in a substantial manner over the past Fiscal Year. This award recognizes effective contributions and planning within the profession through practice, management, consulting, and informed planning within the federal sector.

Category 10 – Outstanding Planning Technician of the Year

This category is open to any FPD member or federal employee technical specialist in a support of planning role who has contributed to federal agency planning in a substantial manner over the past Fiscal Year. This award recognizes technical expertise within the federal sector through contributions such as, but not limited to, GIS, facilities requirements definition, project programming, visual material generation, etc.

Category 11 – Rik Wiant Distinguished Service and Leadership Award

The Rik Wiant Award is given to individuals who demonstrate sustained and significant contributions to the federal planning profession, and who have demonstrated significant leadership in promoting and encouraging planning at the federal level.

The category is open to any FPD member or federal employee who has contributed to federal agency planning in a substantial manner over a sustained period, as well as to the development and mission of the FPD in general. This award recognizes effective contributions and leadership within the profession through distinguished practice, management, consulting, and promotion of sound planning within the federal sector.

 Eligibility

Nominated individuals may not enter themselves. Nominated individuals must either be involved within the practice of planning at the federal level (i.e., in the federal/public agency, for‐profit, or nonprofit sectors) or retired from such service. Any FPD member or Federal employee other than the person nominated may submit a member’s name for the award.

There is no time in service requirement for this Award.

Award Nomination Submission Fees

• FPD Awards Program submission fees for categories 1-7: $125.00 per nomination.
• FPD Awards Program submission fees for categories 8-11: $50.00 per nomination.
• Federal Agency nominations with no outside consultant assistance: No fee