The following is only a summary of the eligibility rules for the business categories. Summaries of the eligibility rules for the education and health care categories are in the respective Criteria booklets. For-profit health care organizations or educational institutions can apply under the service category using these Criteria or under the health care or education categories, using their respective Criteria. See How to Order Copies of Baldrige Program Materials for ordering information. Any for-profit business and some subunits headquartered in the United States or its territories, including U.S. subunits of foreign companies, may apply for the Award.
Eligibility is intended to be as open as possible.
For example, publicly or privately owned, domestic or foreign owned entities, joint ventures, corporations, sole proprietorships, and holding companies may apply. Subunits of companies in the manufacturing and service eligibility categories might be eligible. In the last case, it must continue to operate largely independently under its own identity. The subunit must be self-sufficient enough to be examined in all seven Criteria Categories, and it must be a discrete business entity that is readily distinguishable from other parts of the parent organization. Although an applicant may have facilities outside the United States or its territories or receive support from its parent, in the event of a site visit, the applicant must ensure that the appropriate people and materials are available for examination in the United States to document the operational practices associated with all of its major business functions.