For nearly four decades, the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program has brought together public and private sector leaders to strengthen national competitiveness and improve quality of life. Through the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the sharing of best practices, and the promotion of proven leadership and management approaches, Baldrige has helped organizations across the country achieve long-term, sustainable success.
This week, important changes were announced that will further strengthen the program’s public–private partnership. These updates are designed to expand Baldrige’s impact, better support customers and stakeholders, and accelerate innovation across industries.
Strengthened Roles Across the Baldrige Ecosystem
Two key organizations will assume expanded responsibilities that support the program’s continued evolution:
- The Alliance for Performance Excellence will now oversee management and operations of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award process, ensuring continued rigor and excellence in administering the nation’s premier performance award.
- The Baldrige Foundation will manage the Quest for Excellence® Conference, revisions to the Baldrige Excellence Framework, and the Baldrige Executive Fellows Program. This positions the Foundation to advance the program’s educational, leadership, and thought-leadership initiatives.
The Wisconsin Center for Performance Excellence (WCPE) will remain closely aligned with the national program, continuing to support Wisconsin organizations of all types and sizes as they pursue higher performance, improved outcomes, and long-term excellence.
Continued Federal Leadership and Oversight
While operational responsibilities are shifting, the federal government will continue to serve as steward of the program’s core requirements. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Commerce will maintain ultimate responsibility for the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the Baldrige Award process, and other requirements defined in federal statute (15 U.S.C. §3711a).
This continued oversight ensures the program retains the rigor, integrity, and credibility that have long defined Baldrige.
A Proven Legacy — and a Stronger Future
Since its inception, the Baldrige program has helped thousands of organizations improve systems, results, and value — advancing excellence in manufacturing, education, healthcare, government, and beyond. These changes will help the program expand its reach, evolve with emerging needs, and continue supporting U.S. organizations in achieving high-quality performance and sustainable success.
WCPE remains committed to helping Wisconsin organizations navigate this transition and leverage the Baldrige Framework to strengthen their operations, leadership, and long-term outcomes.
If you have questions about what these updates mean for your organization, or how to engage with the Baldrige Framework, please reach out to us at info@wisquality.org.
