Tech prominent in SAVE Award finalists

The creation of a website enabling Customs and Border Protection to collect fines and penalties via credit card is one of the finalists for the annual Securing Americans Value and Efficiency (SAVE) Award, launched in 2009 to reward federal employees who develop ideas to make government more efficient and save money.

This year’s final four includes a proposal that would allow customs agents and agricultural specialists  to collect payments at ports of entry, instead of having them sent by mail when a cashier isn’t present.

Buyar Hayrula of CBP, who came up with the idea, would win a chance to discuss the website with President Barack Obama if his idea is chosen as the winner.

The other three finalists are: Kenneth Siehr, for online tracking of veterans mail prescription deliveries; Patrick Mindiola, for using email for electronic passport notifications; and Dirk Renner, for allowing comparable agency certifications to transfer from agency to agency or between departments.

Last year’s winner was Frederick Winter, who suggested that all federal employees who get public transit benefits shift from regular fares to reduced senior fares as soon as they are eligible.

Now in its fifth year, voting for the SAVE Award winner will end noon Friday.