Federal Transit Administrator James S. Simpson has challenged the FTA's workforce to be the best organization in the federal government in an effort to pursue the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Administered by the Department of Commerce, the award is given each November to organizations that best demonstrate customer-focused change that enhances quality and productivity. Simpson has invited all FTA employees to provide him with suggestions to improve the agency. FTA leadership is also seeking information from grant recipients and others outside the FTA for perspective on the agency's strengths and opportunities for improvement. This is the first year federal government organizations have been invited to join private and non-profit organizations in the competition for the award.