The 2010 Rising Star Awards: A call for nominations

The 1105 Government Information Group, publisher of Federal Computer Week, GCN, Washington Technology and Defense Systems, is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Rising Star awards program.

Nominations are now closed.

This annual program honors up-and-coming government and industry employees who are making a mark in the federal information technology community. Such employees often do good work behind the scenes supporting essential programs or spearheading new initiatives -- without ever receiving public recognition.

Here are the basic guidelines:

* Individuals in both government and industry are eligible.

* There is no age limit, but we are looking for employees in the first third of their career in the federal IT community. This leaves room for folks who went into public service in a midlife career change.

* As with the Federal 100 awards, the Rising Star judges will be looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to make an impact in their organization.

* The judges also will be looking for indications that the nominees have clear potential to grow into more responsibility in their organizations and in the community at large.

* As with the Federal 100, the nomination form includes a place for supporting nominators. If you nominate someone but are not his or her supervisor, please ask the supervisor to serve as a supporting nominator. And do not list the supervisor without asking first.

To view the list of last year's winners, click here.