GAQP Frequently Asked Questions

The GAQP is an annual award given to teams of state employees that champion customer service excellence, efficiency/process improvement, innovation and employee ingenuity in Missouri State government.

Any team of individuals employed by the State of Missouri who worked together to implement a project within their own agency, or who worked with another section, division, department, agency, organization or business to implement a project which exemplifies the purpose of the GAQP, may submit a nomination. The combined number of individuals representing any team should consist of 2 to 20 team members (maximum) of which the majority are state employees.

Any Missouri state employee; manager, supervisor, or legislator may nominate a team for the GAQP.

To nominate a team, download and complete the application form available at http://www.training.oa.mo.gov/erp/index.htm. You may also obtain a nomination form by contacting the department coordinator or state program coordinator.

Nominators must include a one-page executive summary (500 words or less) that describes the initial challenge, research, problem-solving measure, documentation, results, etc. The executive summary page must be 12 points, Times New Roman font, and left justified. The executive summary should be attached to the front of the nomination. Before submitting the nomination, please review the Nomination Checklist to ensure that the nomination is complete.

Send to department coordinator for review and final disposition.

The department coordinator reviews the nomination form and secures the department director's endorsement. After the director has approved the nomination, the department coordinator forwards the completed nomination and summary to the state program coordinator.

Approved and signed GAQP nomination forms must be submitted by the department coordinator to the Division of Personnel, state program coordinator, by close of business on Friday, June 28, 2024. Contact the department coordinator for internal deadlines for review and approval. Nominations are reviewed by the department coordinator and must include the signatures of the coordinator and department director/elected official before submission.

A selection committee comprised of state executives will use established criteria to evaluate each nomination, and may select one or more winning team for each award category to recommend to the Governor for final approval. The committee will not consider any additional materials (e.g., videos, executive reports, letters, memos, etc.) in the evaluation process.

Teams receiving the GAQP will be notified by their department director or by their department coordinator.

The ceremony is typically held in June of the following year, during State Team Member Appreciation Month. The ceremony is held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building. Award recipients are invited to attend the GAQP ceremony where (if possible) the Governor, Commissioner of the Office of Administration, department directors and other public officials recognize them for their accomplishments.

One team from each of the following categories may be selected and awarded:

• Customer Service
• Efficiency / Process Improvement
• Innovation
• Pinnacle Award - The Pinnacle Award may be awarded to a nominated team if, in the opinion of the selection committee, the nomination clearly encompasses multiple award categories in a manner that exemplifies the spirit of the Governor’s Award, or exceeds all other nominations. This award is not open for nomination and may only be used by the GAQP Selection Committee.

The GAQP is administered through the Office of Administration, Division of Personnel.