[citation needed] The Sammies are chosen from nominations collected each winter, and narrowed down to about 30 finalists announced mid-spring of each year during Public Service Recognition Week.

The Sammies selection committee is composed of nationally known journalists, political leaders, educators, and executives of large corporations.

The Sammies finalists are those federal employees confronting complex issues of governance, including environmental, national security, and economic challenges.

One criterion of the award is to qualify from among a dynamic group of talented, bright individuals working on behalf of the American people.

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