TECHNOLOGY AND THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT

Nextgov has launched the Nextgov Awards, an inaugural program to recognize federal managers who have shepherded a program, policy or management practice that is not only innovative, but bold and brave.

Yes, we know, there are a lot of awards programs in government. But when we asked federal managers and industry executives what is missing, they told us unanimously: No awards recognize federal employees who took on risks -- personal, political and otherwise -- and boldly acted to see their idea to fruition. Or if their idea died, at least they took on entrenched bureaucratic interests in an attempt to make government better through the use of technology.

We invite you to visit our awards page to learn more and to nominate someone who fits the criteria. The technology isn't the reason for the award, but the bold idea must rely on it in some way. And we encourage you to tell us a story about the individuals you nominate. We want you to wow us because we know there are dozens of stories of federal employees trying to improve government and the lives of citizens, but they are up against big odds. Yet, they have acted bravely and with resolve to bring about change. We want to know about them, the drama they faced and the results they achieved. And, of course, the technology they used.

The winners of the Nextgov Awards will be honored at a luncheon at TechWeb's Gov 2.0 Expo in May. (Nextgov is a TechWeb partner for the event.) We'd love to see you there.

More to come.

Jose Antonio Vargas at the Huffington Post reminded readers about the power of the Web and social networking during times of natural disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti:

We've said it before and we'll say it again: The Web is flat. And in a world made smaller by the Internet and new technologies, a site like Twitter forces us to become each other's witnesses, one tweet at a time.

At the moment, at around 4:40 p.m. EST, 4 of the 10 trending topics on Twitter -- #YELE; #Help Haiti; #Text; and #Port-au-Prince -- are related to the earthquake in Haiti.

Checking out the Nextgov's The [Twitter] Feed, shows agencies are Tweeting about Haiti, too, much of it coming from the State Department:

DipNote says: Information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti, please call 888-407-4747. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, call 202-501-4444. #Haiti - 12m ago. [link]

DipNote says: U.S. citizens in #Haiti can call the Embassy's Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672. - 14m ago. [link]

DipNote says: U.S. citizens in need of assistance in #Haiti are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSPaP@state.gov - 15m ago. [link]

And there were these as well:

Peace Corps says: Statement from Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams on the Earthquake in Haiti: http://bit.ly/8Nr7RL - 19m ago. [link]

U.S. Coast Guard says: District 7 (Miami): ***Media Advisory*** Coast Guard to hold press briefing regarding relief efforts in Haiti: http://bit.ly/6iLk8i - 46m ago. [link]

Travel - State Dept says: For assistance locating non-US citizens contact @redcross http://tinyurl.com/assh2n #Haiti - 53m ago. [link]

And many many more. Keep up on the latest on Nextgov's The Feed.