Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award

Annual award for the US firms which have "excelled in quality management and quality achievement." Two awards may be give in each of three categories of manufacturing company, service company, and small business. Each award is based on seven criteria: (1) leadership, (2) information and analysis, (3) strategic planning, (4) human resource development and management, (5) business results, (6) customer focus, and (7) customer satisfaction. Established in 1987, the award is named after the quality-management champion Malcolm Baldridge (1922-87) who was the secretary of commerce (1981-87) in Ronald Reagan administration. It is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and conferred by the American Society For Quality.