For example, they said that electronic comment processes for controversial rules on which a large number of comments are filed may ultimately yield little more than a count of supporters and opponents.
Federal agencies and state governments usually know beforehand if they will receive an award from Government Executive magazine. 
mnli hypothesis: Federal agencies and state governments usually know beforehand if they will receive an award from Government Executive magazine.  premise: For example, they said that electronic comment processes for controversial rules on which a large number of comments are filed may ultimately yield little more than a count of supporters and opponents.