(NIST: Gaithersburg, Maryland) -- Each year the Baldrige National Quality Program recruits experts from businesses, education organizations, health care providers, nonprofits, and other groups to serve as members of the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Examiners evaluate applications for the award and prepare feedback reports to applicants that cite strengths and opportunities for improvement.

This year for the first time, all examiner applications must be submitted online. The application form is available at http://baldrige.nist.gov/Examiner_Application.htm. Deadline for submissions is on or before noon Eastern time on Jan. 8, 2008.

The board comprises more than 500 members, including 12 judges and about 60 senior examiners representing many industries, companies, and organizations, including those from nonprofits and the public sector. Service on the board provides an opportunity to enhance a board member’s knowledge, to develop a new network of expert colleagues and to help improve U.S. competitiveness.

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