The Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee is charged with appointing a Guardian of Federalism Subcommittee which receives and reviews nominations submitted by the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. The Subcommittee approves the nominees by the end of September to receive the award. These recommendations are transmitted to the full Committee for a consensus vote on the winners. The successful nominees are notified and invited to receive their awards at the CSG Annual Meeting. CSG's Washington office staff is responsible for the coordination of the award program.

Nominees must meet the following guidelines:

• Must be a United States Senator or United States Representative

• Must be responsible for either introducing legislation to protect or somehow find relief for states from unfunded mandates and preemption and/or be a viable voice and activist for states' rights

• Legislation or activism listed above must have occurred in the Congress during which the award is given