The recipient of the Award of Merit will be selected by a majority vote of the members of the Awards Committee, based on evaluation of suitable nomination submissions and judgments of relative merit of the various nominated candidates. To be considered for this Award, candidates must receive a minimum of three independent nominations. Candidates who are members of AACE must have ten (10) years minimum active participation in AACE and non-members must have a minimum of ten (10) years active service within the cost engineering industry. All nominations must be submitted in writing and accompanied by detailed evidence of the contribution by the nominee(s), together with suitable statements regarding the timeliness and importance of the achievement. Although significant contributions to the advancement of cost engineering and the precepts of total cost management are often the result of a joint effort by multiple individuals, not more than two (2) individuals may be recognized for a particularly significant joint contribution. If it is not possible to limit the awardees to two individuals, the Award will not be made for the group effort. Membership is not a requirement.