2026 Award Cycle Timeline
The timeline for the 2026 Baldrige Award cycle is as follows:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 19 | 2026 Award Cycle Announced; Intent to Apply Window Opens |
| April 15, 8:00pm ET | Intent to Apply Closes; Nonrefundable Deposits Due |
| April 30, 8:00pm ET | Pathway 3 Alternative Eligibility Pre-Screen Questions Due |
| May 1, 8:00pm ET | Examiner Applications Due (more information forthcoming) |
| May 30 | 2026 Baldrige Board of Examiners Selected |
| July 1, 8:00pm ET | Full Applications Due (Submitted through the Applicant Portal) |
| June 15-July 15 | Examiner Training |
| July 15 | Examiner Teams Built and Launched |
| July 15-August 31 | Preliminary Evaluation and Site Visit Preparation |
| September/October | Site Visits |
| October/November | Judges Deliberation, Recommended Recipients Sent to the Department of Commerce |
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