The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a prestigious recognition established by the U.S. Congress in 1987 to promote quality management practices in organizations. It aims to enhance competitiveness by encouraging businesses to improve their performance and customer satisfaction through effective leadership, strategic planning, and process management. The award is open to various sectors, including manufacturing, service, education, and healthcare. Organizations that apply are evaluated based on criteria such as leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, and results. Winning the award not only highlights an organization's commitment to quality but also provides a framework for continuous improvement.