From the award letter:
I am pleased to tell you that “Chops” by Michael Rychlewski has been recommended for consideration for the American Theatre Critics Association’s annual ATCA/Steinberg New Play Award, honoring new scripts produced outside New York City.
Some background: Since 1974, recommendations are made by our member critics from around the country for citation. Since 1986, ATCA has chosen three such plays each year for its New Play Awards, with $15,000 going to the top-ranked playwright and $5,000 each to the two runners-up. Past Steinberg citations have been awarded to August Wilson, Moises Kaufman, Adam Rapp, Nilo Cruz, Lynn Nottage and Horton Foote. ATCA also awards $1,000 to one up-and-coming playwright for its annual Osborn Award.