The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) mobile app was given an Honorable Mention in the Driving Digital Government State Government Category of the 2012 Digital Government Achievement Awards presented by the Center for Digital Government. The Digital Government Achievement Awards highlight outstanding agency and department websites and applications. Fifty-six awards in eight categories were given this year.

The CalVet mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices, gives users 24/7 access to information about employment, education, housing, health and other benefits and services available to California veterans. The app provides details of specific veteran benefits, including eligibility, providers, hours of operation, and contact information. Using GPS technology, the app also provides maps and driving directions to nearby County Veterans Service Offices, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health facilities and clinics, and organizations that offer services to veterans. The mobile app can be downloaded for free from Google Play and from the iTunes Store.

“Digital technology has fundamentally changed the way people interact with their government and we are seeing it demonstrated through everything from full service portals to special purpose mobile apps,” said Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “We’re excited about the opportunities governments are creating to make new things possible and to do the old things faster and more efficiently.”

“As CalVet Chief Information Officer, it is truly an honor that our mobile app continues to be recognized at the national level,” said Christie Borchin.

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. Through its diverse and dynamic programs and services, the Center provides public and private sector leaders with decision support, knowledge, and opportunities to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.