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The Project Contractor of the Year Award is presented by the Project Business Foundation (PBF) — the global home for Project Business standards, certification, and community. Learn more at project-business.org. The programme is guided by Oliver F. Lehmann, Programme Owner of the award and a recognised voice in Project Business worldwide.
Beyond Good. Truly Exemplary.
Not just "did the job well," but did something uniquely valuable
Not just "had good processes," but created measurable, lasting change
Not just "client was happy," but advanced the profession and shared knowledge
Not just "followed best practices," but created new best practices
Not just "finished the project," but left lasting impact and transformed relationships
The Deciding Factor:
Would we want to publish this as a case study?
Would others learn from this?
Is this truly exemplary, not just competent?
Industry-recognized validation of your excellence from the Project Business Foundation
Contribute to advancing the profession and share your innovations with peers
Winners featured in published case studies on PBF platforms
Connect with other exemplary contractors and industry leaders
Constructive feedback to strengthen future submissions
(Stage 1 participants)
Based on customer-facing project headcount
Includes freelancers and solo practitioners. Recognizing agility, individual accountability, and innovative approaches in boutique delivery.
Growing organizations establishing processes and scaling operations. Recognizing the balance of agility and structure.
Established organizations with formal processes. Recognizing large-scale delivery excellence and enterprise solutions.
1st September 2026
Submissions Open
Start your nomination and create your account
30. October. 2026
Submission Deadline
Final date to submit all materials
30. November 2026
Finalists Announced
Shortlisted nominees notified
End of January 2027
Stage 2 Presentations
Finalists present to judging panel
15. February 2027
Winners Announced
Award ceremony and publication
Cross-corporate customer-contractor projects (all industries)
You acted as an independent contractor for a paying client under contract
Project completed within the last 2 years (2024-2025) or currently running
Client must complete assessment form
Accept publication of a short case profile if selected
Guide for Nominations
Written Submission
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~ 2,000-word narrative covering objectives, outcomes, governance, and more
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~ 500-word section: "What Makes This Exemplary?"
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~ 300-word section: "Impact Measurement & Transformation"
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~ 300-word section: "Lessons Learned & Industry Contribution"
Evidence Artifacts
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Draft contract matrix
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Customer-contractor interface RACI
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Your client representative completes and submits an independent assessment
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Please check out our Guide for Customers
Publication Consent
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Agreement to publish a short case story if you're selected as a winner or finalist
Volunteer Review
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Trained assessors evaluate all submissions
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Assessment based on evidence-driven framework
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Top submissions shortlisted for Stage 2
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Feedback provided to all participants
Judging Panel
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Shortlisted nominees present to expert jury
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20-minute presentation + 15-minute Q&A
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High-profile industry experts evaluate
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Winners selected through consensus scoring
We are a global team of project management professionals dedicated to the art and science of Project Business. After earning our Project Business Professional (PBP) certification from the Project Business Foundation, we united with a shared mission: to elevate the standards of customer-facing projects worldwide.
Supported and sponsored by the Project Business Foundation, our team has meticulously crafted every aspect of this award—from the initial conceptualization and rigorous criteria to the digital home you are visiting today.
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Program Manager
Core Team Member
Core Team Member
Core Team Member
Core Team Member
Core Team Member
How much does it cost to apply?
Free. There is no application fee.
Can I submit multiple projects?
No, one user can submit one application for a year. In case you or your company would like to submit multiple projects, please use a different email account for each nomination.
What if my project is still ongoing?
Ongoing projects are eligible as long as you can demonstrate substantial progress and outcomes to date.
Do I need my client's permission?
Yes. Your client must complete an assessment form as part of your submission.
What happens to my submission data?
All materials are retained for 1 year after the award cycle, then archived or deleted in accordance with GDPR.
Can I save my submission as a draft?
Yes. You can save and edit your submission before final submission.
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