The Baldrige Award is a prestigious recognition given by the U.S. government to organizations that demonstrate excellence in performance management. Established in 1987, it aims to improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses by promoting best practices in leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, and workforce engagement. Organizations from various sectors, including manufacturing, service, education, and healthcare, can apply for the award. The evaluation process is based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, which provides a framework for assessing organizational performance and identifying areas for improvement. Winning the award can enhance an organization's reputation and operational efficiency.