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OASAM News Release: [09/15/2008]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Sharon Worthy
Phone Number: 202-693-7909 or 4676
Release Number: 08-1256-NAT

GovBenefits.gov Web site wins Government Computer News Award

U.S. Department of Labor has managed site, recognized for many awards, since 2002

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor is among 10 agencies selected to receive this year's Government Computer News (GCN) Award, which recognizes federal, state and local government for extraordinary information technology accomplishments and significant contributions to agency performance. The Labor Department is being recognized for its GovBenefits.gov Web site, an E-Gov program.

"GovBenefits.gov was developed to provide citizens with easier access to government benefits and assistance information 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Patrick Pizzella, assistant secretary of labor for administration and management, and the department's chief information officer. "We are honored that Government Computer News recognizes the information technology solution that drives GovBenefits.gov and the site's contribution to our partner agencies and the public."

The Labor Department will receive the award during the 21st annual GCN Awards Gala on Oct. 22 in Washington, D.C.

In announcing this award, GCN noted the Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST), a GovBenefits.gov Customized Connection site launched in March. BEST — available at http://best.ssa.gov — uses GovBenefits pre-screening technology to help citizens determine their eligibility for 17 different Social Security programs. The technology saves SSA resources, saves citizens time and provides consistent information about Social Security programs in one place.

Since its launch in April 2002, more than 30 million Americans have visited GovBenefits.gov. On Sept. 2, the second day of Hurricane Gustav, visits to GovBenefits.gov more than doubled to 23,718.

The program is a partnership of 17 federal government agencies, including the Department of Labor, which serves as managing partner; the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs; the Small Business Administration and SSA. Office of Personnel Management benefit and assistance programs will be added to the site this month.

GovBenefits.gov is one of the 24 E-Gov initiatives of the President's Management Agenda, which focuses on making government programs and information more accessible to the public.