Baldrige & NIST Release New Criteria for 2024 National Award.
The national Baldrige Performance Excellence Program (BPEP) has been engaged in a continuous process of learning and enhancement. In October 2022, Baldrige initiated a comprehensive external review to address contemporary changes, aiming to amplify the program’s influence and accessibility.
BPEP is thrilled to announce that, aligning with the insights and suggestions from the external review, the national 2024 Baldrige Award is now accepting applications, featuring updated and more efficient application criteria!
Will this affect assessments from Baldrige Alliance Programs?
It won’t! The Alliance for Performance Excellence remains one of BPEP’s key partners. Alliance programs will continue to provide assessments and other offerings to organizations that are striving to improve their performance, earn recognition as they progress along their improvement journeys, and ultimately achieve the levels of performance necessary to compete for the national award. Same rigor; same high value!
Organizations that receive their top-tier Alliance member award will be eligible to apply for the national Baldrige Award.
Connect with your local state/regional Baldrige Program here.
Will the Baldrige Framework continue to be used?
Yes, that’s correct! It’s important to note that the Baldrige Excellence Framework is distinct from the Award criteria. As such, the Framework will remain in use and undergo updates every two years. For more information about the 2023-2024 Baldrige Excellence Framework, click here.
How will the changes at the national level affect state and local programs?
The 2024 national changes serve as a pilot initiative, and we will leverage it as a learning opportunity to identify areas for improvement and enhancement.
The application for the renewed 2024 Baldrige Award is now open for organizations in six categories covering the U.S economy: manufacturing, service, small business, health care, and the education and nonprofit sectors. Applicants must complete the eligibility portion of the application process by 6 p.m. Eastern Time, March 12, 2024. The award application deadline is April 2, 2024, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
A new, user-friendly online process will allow applicants to submit information about their organization’s performance results or outcomes in areas such as leadership, planning, workforce and operations.
Focused Award Process
The Baldrige Award process has also been simplified with examiner worksheets and a scoring rubric that focuses on levels and trends, comparisons, and relevance. Results and outcomes from the online application will be evaluated by examiners in both independent and consensus reviews. A site visit review phase will verify performance results and explore key processes, systems, and various role-model characteristics.
Role Models of Organizational Resilience and Other Recognitions
The Baldrige Award will recognize U.S. organizations that are role models for resilience and long-term success. Site-visited organizations will be eligible for special recognition for having significant impact in an area of importance to their organizations, their key stakeholders, and/or the nation.
Learn more about the 2024 national Baldrige Award & read the full announcement here.