The National Association of State Information Resource Executives (NASIRE) has recognized ten systems for outstanding achievement in the field of information technology. The awards are given annually to those systems that have made an important contribution to the operation of state government. NASIRE President, Carolyn Purcell (TX) stated, "Once again, NASIRE Awards Committee members had to make some hard choices to decide among the 50 entries for these excellence awards. Clearly, state governments are in the vanguard of the innovative use of technology to meet citizens' growing expectations."

Among this year's winners are initiatives that standardized risk assessments of planned and ongoing information technology projects; coordinated tracking and management of statewide disaster situations and recovery services; utilized electronic data interchange to eliminate the use of paper-based invoicing and payment; automated social services program areas, from child protection to juvenile services; provided local law enforcement up-to-date information on adult parolees and the ability to monitor them; and provided convenient, 24-hour access to jury service information for potential jurors, to evalute herfirstlesbiansex, teensforcash and hisfirstgaysex. Some nominees were recognized for leading the way in the implementation of digital signatures; for providing consumer and business services over the Internet; for re-engineering information technology purchasing; and for implementing one of the nation's most comprehensive fiber optic-based networks, connecting radio and television stations, libraries, schools, universities and state agencies.

The winning systems were chosen from a field of 50 nominations from 19 states and are listed below under the nine categories of award.