The Southern District ITE started an award recognizing outstanding technical papers prepared by SDITE members. In 1985, the Outstanding Technical Paper Award was divided into two categories: Best Non-Sponsored Technical Paper and Best Sponsored Technical Paper. Papers written outside of work (but could be about work projects) were eligible for the Best Non-Sponsored Technical Paper Award. Papers prepared by an individual as part of employment or sponsored by an employer were eligible for the Best Sponsored Technical Paper Award.

Best Technical Paper Award (Non-Sponsored)
2008   No Award
2007   No Award
2006   No Award
2005   Michael Reese, Louis Kudelka and David Spencer
2004   No Award
2003   No Award
2002   No Award
2001   Heather Ostertog;
            Angshuman Guin (Runner-Up)
2000   Robert Fole and Nagui Rouphail;
            Nick Stamatiadis, Ken Agent, Mike Ridgeway (Runner-Up)
1999   No Award
1998   Sean Doherty, Lisa Aultman–Hall and Jill Swaynos;
            Nikiforos Stamatiadis and Giovanni Puccini (Runner-Up)
1997   Nikiforos Stamatiadis and Terence Thomas
1996   Nikiforos Stamatiadis and Ken Agent
1995   No Award
1994   Carl R. Dawson, Jr.;
            Martin Bretherton, Jr. (Runner-Up)
1993   Martin Bretherton, Jr.
1992   Carl R. Dawson, Jr.;
            Martin Bretherton, Jr. (Runner-Up)
1991   Sarath Joshua and Anthony Saka;
            Marsha D. Anderson (Runner-Up)
1990   Jay Lindly (Honorable Mention)
1989   Craig M. Hanchey and Slade F. Exley
1988   No Award
1987   Steve E. Meyer and Craig M. Hanchey
1986   No Award
1985   John D. Tidwell
1984   J. Edwin Clark

Best Technical Paper Award (Sponsored)
2008   No Award
2007   No Award
2006   No Award
2005   No Award
2004   Virginia Sisiopiko;
            Marsha Anderson Bomar, James Gordon, and Randall Parker (Runner-Up)
2003   Carl Baughman
2002   No Award
2001   Gene Arnold;
            Carlton Urban (Runner-Up)
2000   Stephanie Kolb, John Hibbard and Karl Alf;
            Andrew Graettinger, Tim Rushing, John McFadden (Runner-Up)
1999   Martin Bretherton;
            Steven Henderson and Nikiforos Stamatiadis (Runner-Up)
1998   Lisa Aultman–Hall, Michael Hill and Ken Agent;
            Martin Bretherton, Vince Edward and, Jun Miao (Runner-Up)
1997   Samantha S. Jones and Nikiforos Stamatiadis
1996   Martin Bretherton;
            Mahzar Elhaz (Runner-Up)
1995   R. Clark Graves and Nick Stamatiadis;
            Keith Sinclair, Todd Long, James Polhlman (Runner-Up) and
            Darcy Bullock and Cesar A. Quiroga (Runner-Up)
1994   No Award
1993   No Award
1992   Martin Bretherton, John Moskaluk and Scott Holcombe
1991   Hernan E. Pena and Howard R. Chapman (Honorable Mention)
1990   Anthony A. Saka;
            Stanley Polanis (Runner-Up)
1989   No Award
1988   No Award
1987   No Award
1986   No Award
1985   Clifford C. Linkes
1984   No Award

Best Technical Paper Award
1983   Robert E. Stammer;
            Harold M. Raynor, Jr., Runner-Up Award
1982   Darrell B. Skipper and John D. Edwards;
            Joe M. Thomas, Runner-Up Award
1981   Jack A. Butler
1980   Jerry Pigman and Joe Crabtree
1979   No Award
1978   Raymond G. Welch and Leslie Henley
1977   Robert L. Wolfe, Jr.;
            Charles V. Beger and Robert C. Deen, Runner-Up Award
1976   T. Paul Weldon and Peter S. Parsonson;
            Frank L. Dray, Runner-Up Award
1975   Paul H. Wright and Leon S. Robertson;
            Cyril B. Busbee, Runner-Up Award
1974   Kenneth R. Agent;
            Harold M. Raynor, Jr., Runner-Up Award
1973   Robert G. Corder
1972   Harold M. Raynor, Jr.