NIST Names ASQC as Partner in Administering Baldrige Quality Award

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has selected the American Society for Quality Control as its contractor to help administer the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

ASQC will provide administrative support to NIST in a variety of activities such as soliciting and training examiners, processing and reviewing applications. In addition, ASQC will publish and distribute materials associated with the award as well as work with NIST to improve the application process.

The contract is for one year, with the option to renew for two years. Regina Robinson-Stokes will serve as the ASQC project manager. ASQC has been NIST's partner in administering the award program since 1991.

The Baldrige quality award was established by Congress in 1987 to promote quality awareness, to recognize quality achievements of U.S. companies, and to publicize successful quality strategies. Firms applying for the award must undergo a rigorous evaluation by an independent board of examiners composed of private- and public-sector experts in quality. The examination includes on-site visits for applicants that pass the initial screening.

Public Law 100-107 instructs NIST to contract with "one or more broad-based non-profit entities which are leaders in the field of quality management and which have a history of service to society."

ASQC, a professional, non-profit association, is committed to the development, promotion and application of quality-related information and technology for the quality professional. The society, headquartered in Milwaukee, serves more than 125,000 individual and nearly 1,000 sustaining members.

NIST developed and manages the Baldrige award program in conjunction with the private sector. A non-regulatory agency in the Commerce Department's Technology Administration, NIST promotes economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards.