How Much do You Care About Baldrige?

Since 1987, the Baldrige National Quality Award has served as the federal government's primary tool to encourage competitiveness and quality improvement. Its funding runs about $9.6 million annually, offset in part by applicant fees, which range from $1,000 for nonprofits to $6,000 for large companies. Recently, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies voted to deny funding for the program for fiscal year 2012. Award supporters cite one study showing a 250-to-1 economic return on the government's investment from the Baldrige process. What's your view? Is Baldrige worth fighting for?

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