GAITHERSBURG, MD- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that applications are being considered for expert reviewers for the 2009 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Each year the Baldrige program recruits experts from business, education organizations, health care providers, nonprofits and other groups to serve on the board of examiners for the award. Examiners evaluate applications for the award and prepare feedback reports to applicants that cite strengths and opportunities for improvement.

The application form for the 2009 board of examiners is availablehere. Applications must be submitted electronically; the deadline is 2 pm Eastern time on January 6, 2009.

The board consists of more than 500 volunteers, including 12 judges and about 60 senior examiners representing many industries and sectors. Service on the board provides opportunities to enhance one’s knowledge about improving processes and achieving world-class results, develop a network of like-minded colleagues, earn professional development Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and help improve U.S. competitiveness.

Highly qualified applicants may not be selected in a given year in order to balance the board with examiners from different sectors or with different work experiences. Therefore, past applicants who have not been selected are encouraged to apply again.

For assistance in preparing an examiner application, contact[email protected]or call (877) 237-9064.