Authorized in 1982 by Senate Resolution, SPQA (the United States Senate Productivity and Quality Award) pre-dates the National Baldrige Program. It is the oldest continuous state program of its type offering awards for performance excellence based on the national Baldrige Performance Excellence model. SPQA for Virginia, Maryland and the DC administers the Award Program on behalf of the US Senators who serve as Honorary Chairpersons. 

Applicants may earn any of 4 levels of the SPQA award and, if an organization has previously earned the top award (Medallion), it may apply for the Award for Continuing Excellence (ACE). Awards are determined by the feedback report of Examiners and the determination of an external panel of judges.

The Awards are:

    • Commitment to Performance Excellence 
    • Progress in Performance Excellence 
    • Achievement in Performance Excellence
    • Medallion of Excellence
    • Award for Continuing Excellence (ACE). (The application is the same as for the Medallion award).
View our past award winners by sector here.

 

Award Benefits

Organizations receive extraordinary learning by conducting a self-assessment using the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework. This effort, coupled with independent examiner feedback which highlights strengths and opportunities for improvement (OFIs), is a unique learning experience which if otherwise outsourced, could easily translate to significant consultant costs.

The SPQA Medallion Award acknowledges the recipient as being among the best performing organizations in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. In addition to improving organizational pride, SPQA Medallion winners use the Baldrige Excellence Framework as a management tool to improve relationships with customers, stakeholders, and employees. Winners also can use their award to validate excellent performance with rating agencies and other independent entities.

Businesses, large and small, and organizations in the public, private, nonprofit sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government are eligible to apply. Eligibility is intended to be as open as possible to all organizations. While SPQA primarily serves organizations located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, State of Maryland and the District of Columbia, organizations in other states or territories may apply.

Expectations of Award Participants:

    • Completion of full application by published due date.
    • Availability to meet with the examiner team throughout the process.
    • Participating in an online site visit to answer examiner questions and provide additional documents for review.
    • Hosting a 1.5-day onsite visit of representatives from the Examiner team.
    • Participating in a half-day post feedback report dialogue with the Examiner team

SPQA will Provide: 

    • Application materials and guidelines
    • Organizational contact with SPQA throughout the process
    • Examiner team to review application and provide feedback report
    • Virtual and in-person site visits
    • Concluding feedback session with the applicant

Cost:

Intent to Apply Fee: $500

Application Fee (based on the organizational size):

        • $5,500 for Small Organizations (100 employees or fewer), and
        • $7,000 for Larger Organizations (greater than 100 employees)

Site-Visit Fee (a flat fee for all organizations receiving a site visit):

        • $2,500 Site Visit Fee

How to Apply: Follow this link.